FRACTURED SOULS OF HELL

chapter 2: Hell's Judgment

Chapter 2: Hell's Judgment

Alawis stood before a grand throne, its black stone gleaming in the dim light. A figure sat upon it, shrouded in shadows.

"Welcome, Alawis," he said, his voice low and commanding. "I am Niel, ruler of this realm."

As he leaned forward, candlelight illuminated his chiseled features and piercing eyes.

"You are a murderer," Niel stated, his tone devoid of emotion.

Alawis's guilt flared, but she stood tall. "I did what I had to do."

Niel's gaze never wavered. "You'll soon understand the true meaning of those words."

He gestured to four figures standing beside the throne.

"Allow me to introduce my Deacons: Khaos, Valtira, Xandros, and Thrakos."

Each Deacon's name seemed to hold a dark, ominous power.

Niel continued, "You, Alawis, are a Middle Sinner – neither good nor evil. The rules are clear: no human may kill another, regardless of reason."

Alawis felt a surge of defiance.

"You chose to take a life," Niel said, his voice firm. "Now, you'll work for me and the Punishers – those who, like you, walk the middle path. Your task: torment and torture the wicked."

Alawis recoiled. "No, I won't."

Niel's smile was cold. "I wasn't asking."

He waved his hand, and Valtira stepped forward.

"Show her to her quarters," Niel commanded.

Khaos bowed. "Yes, my Lord."

With a calm, confident aura, Niel dismissed Alawis. "Valtira, ensure our guest understands her new role."

As Valtira led Alawis away, she glanced back at Niel, his eyes still fixed on her.

As they exited the hall, Alawis's terror subsided, replaced by determination. "I need to escape, but first, I must understand this place."

Her gaze fell upon Valtira, whose flowing hair and emotionless blue eyes made her breathtakingly beautiful. Yet, Alawis sensed an aura that could make the strongest men tremble.

"How does she remain so docile around Niel?" Alawis wondered.

Valtira's voice broke her reverie. "How was it being human? You're fragile, easily broken. How do you survive?"

Alawis hesitated. "Wait, you're not human?"

Valtira's smile hinted at secrets. "What do you think?"

"I think you're not human," Alawis replied. "But what are you, then?"

Valtira whispered, "We're hell demons. And, dear, there are many creatures lurking in the darkness."

Alawis gulped.

Valtira announced, "We've arrived. This will be your quarters."

The lavish room boasted a king-size bed and gloomy, yet elegant, decor.

Alawis raised an eyebrow. "Why is it so big and lavish? Why am I receiving this treatment?"

Valtira's faint smile seemed tinged with something more. "The lord instructed me to care for you."

Alawis sensed a fleeting change in Valtira's expression, leaving her skeptical.

"Thank you," Alawis said, closing the massive door.

As Valtira departed, her thoughts turned inward. "Why is the lord treating this human differently? He even ordered me to behave via telepathy. What's going on? I must consult the others."

With that, Valtira vanished into the shadows.

Alawis leaned against the door, replaying the events. Exhaustion claimed her, and she dozed off.
Here's a polished version:

Valtira reappeared in a dark hall, summoned by Niel. She bowed. "It's done, Lord."

Niel, reclining with wine, exuded elegance and darkness. His raven hair blended with the shadows.

"Good. You may leave," he said, his tone flat.

Valtira bowed. "Forgive me, Lord, but why did you ask me to care for the human?"

"She might hold the answer to my questions," Niel replied, his expression unreadable.

Valtira bowed again. "But what question, Lord? I thought you didn't care."

Niel's dismissal was curt. "You may leave."

Valtira vanished.

Meanwhile, Alawis woke in her lavish room, rubbing her eyes. Despite the absence of sunlight, a moon-like glow illuminated the space. She freshened up and donned a raven-black dress, its design echoing Valtira's style.

As she explored the corridors, Alawis collided with a towering figure.

"Ow!" she cried, rubbing her sore head. "Did I hit a wall or...?"

The figure turned, its calm voice a surprise. "Calm down. If I wanted to harm you, I would have."

Alawis's fear subsided. "What do you want, then?"

The figure smiled serenely. "You'll work for me. Valtira will brief you tomorrow."

As he walked away, Alawis called out, "Hey, wait! I'm not done..."

But he vanished into darkness, leaving her dazed.

Alawis retreated to her room, confusion and fatigue overwhelming her.