FRACTURED SOULS OF HELL

chapter 3: Descent into Darkness.

Chapter 3: Descent into Darkness

Alawis woke with a start, her heart racing from the eerie silence. She freshened up, her movements mechanical, as she awaited Valtira's arrival. The knock on the door broke the stillness, and Alawis's pulse quickened.

"Shall we go?" Valtira asked, her voice low and mysterious, as she stood in the doorway. Her piercing blue eyes sparkled in the dim light, and her raven-black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night.

Alawis nodded, her throat dry. Valtira's gaze seemed to bore into her very soul.

As they navigated the stark, grey hall, Valtira pressed a button, and an elevator-like box enveloped them. The descent was lightning-fast, and Alawis's stomach lurched.

"What is this place?" Alawis asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"The Underworld," Valtira replied, her tone matter-of-fact. "Your new workplace."

A ding announced their arrival, and the doors slid open, revealing a realm reminiscent of hell. Doors slammed shut, and screams echoed through the corridors, sending shivers down Alawis's spine.

Rows of cells stretched before them, each containing a soul trapped in eternal torment. Alawis's eyes widened as she took in the horrors:

A man burned alive, his skin charring.

A woman drowned in a sea of her own tears.

A child screamed, forever trapped in a nightmare.

"Where are we?" Alawis asked, her voice trembling.

"Max's cell," Valtira replied, her expression cold. "Your first assignment."

As they stopped before the cell, Alawis saw Max, dazed and broken. He crawled at Valtira's feet, begging for mercy.

"Please, have mercy!"

Valtira's expression twisted in disgust. "When the children begged you..."

Her voice dripped with venom. "You said it was just business, right?"

With a swift kick, Max plummeted into another pit. Valtira's smile was devious. "I guess I'm getting too warm. This should be your new punishment."

Alawis watched, horrified. "What did he do?"

Valtira shrugged. "He sold and murdered children for money. His punishment is endless desire for wealth and food, but it's always just out of reach."

As they turned to leave, Alawis's legs buckled. The screams, the torment, it was too much.

Valtira didn't notice. "You'll ensure Max's punishment continues."

Alawis stumbled, her vision blurring.

When she came to, she was squatting, sweating, and crying. "It's just a bad dream...it's just a bad dream..."

Valtira stood before her, surprise etched on her face. "I thought you were stronger."

Alawis looked up, tears streaming down her face. "I didn't know...I didn't know it would be like this."

Valtira vanished, leaving Alawis shaken.