How I Married KING Of HELL

The Fae Demands

Chapter 34

The night sky stretched endlessly above them as they prepared for the journey to the Fae realm. Emily stood at the edge of the forest, the weight of her recent sacrifice still pressing heavily on her chest. She felt hollow, as though the very essence of her heart had been ripped away. But she knew there was no turning back. She had done what was necessary to protect Aelios.

Cassius walked up beside her, his face set with determination. "The Fae will sense your strength," he said quietly. "They'll know you're serious. But we have to tread carefully—one wrong move, and they could turn on us."

Emily nodded, though her mind still reeled from the events of the night before. The spell had worked, but at what cost? She felt numb, the love she once held for Lucien gone, leaving behind only the remnants of a past she no longer recognized.

Mira joined them, her cloak pulled tightly around her shoulders. "The Fae don't follow mortal rules," she reminded them. "We'll need more than courage. We'll need to offer something valuable—something they can't refuse."

Emily turned to her, her eyes shadowed with exhaustion. "What could we possibly offer them that's worth more than our son's life?"

Mira hesitated, her gaze flicking to the scroll she held. "The Fae are ancient beings, driven by curiosity and desire. They might ask for something unpredictable, but we need to be prepared to give it."

Cassius tightened his grip on his sword. "We'll give them whatever they want if it means keeping Aelios safe. I'm not afraid of them."

Emily wasn't so sure. The Fae were notorious for their cunning and capriciousness, and though they needed their help, she feared the price they might have to pay.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, the air grew colder, the trees taller and darker. Strange whispers filled the air, a language Emily couldn't understand but felt deep in her bones. They were getting close.

Finally, the path opened up into a moonlit clearing. In the center stood a stone circle, glowing faintly with an ethereal light. Emily stepped forward, her heart pounding. This was it—the gateway to the Fae realm.

Mira stepped ahead, holding up the scroll. "We call upon the ancient ones," she said, her voice strong and clear. "We seek your aid in a time of great peril."

For a moment, nothing happened. The air was still, silent. Then, a soft breeze swept through the clearing, carrying with it the scent of wildflowers and magic. The stones began to hum with energy, and out of the shadows stepped a figure, tall and impossibly graceful, with eyes that shimmered like starlight.

"I am Elara, Queen of the Fae," the figure said, her voice like a melody. "You dare to summon us, mortals? What is it you seek?"

Emily swallowed hard, forcing herself to meet the Fae queen's gaze. "We need your help," she said, her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her insides. "The King of Hell is coming for my son, and we cannot fight him alone."

Elara's eyes gleamed with interest. "The King of Hell," she mused, circling slowly around Emily and her companions. "Lucien, yes? A formidable enemy. And you think we would risk our kind for a mortal child?"

Emily's heart raced. This was the moment that would decide everything. "He's more than just a mortal child," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "He's the son of Lucien, but he's also my son. And I would give anything to keep him safe."

Elara stopped, her eyes narrowing. "Anything?" she repeated softly.

Emily nodded, her throat tight. "Yes. Anything."

The Fae queen smiled, a dangerous, knowing smile. "Then let us see if your resolve is as strong as you claim, mortal. There will be a price, and it will not be an easy one to pay. But if you are willing, we will stand against Lucien."

Emily's breath caught. This was the moment she had feared. What price would the Fae demand? And was she truly ready to pay it?

Elara leaned in closer, her voice a whisper in the wind. "You have already sacrificed your heart for your son. Now, we ask for something even more precious."

Emily stared at her, fear gripping her chest. "What do you want?"

The queen's smile widened, her eyes gleaming. "We want your soul."

A shocked silence fell over the clearing. Cassius and Mira exchanged a glance, their faces pale.

"My soul?" Emily whispered, her voice barely audible.

Elara nodded. "You will live, but your soul will belong to us. In return, we will protect your son, and Lucien will never touch him."

Emily's mind raced. Could she do it? Could she give up her soul to save Aelios? The thought of losing herself entirely terrified her, but if it meant her son would be safe...

She closed her eyes, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on her. When she opened them again, her resolve was clear.

"I accept," she said, her voice steady.

Elara's smile grew, and with a wave of her hand, the air around them shimmered with magic. "So it is done," she said softly. "Your soul is ours, and your son is protected."

The Fae queen vanished into the shadows, leaving Emily standing alone in the clearing, her heart heavy with the weight of what she had just given up.

The fight against Lucien wasn't over, but now, they had the power of the Fae behind them. And Emily would do whatever it took to ensure that Aelios would live a life free from his father's dark legacy.

No matter the cost.