The River of Hades was far more haunting than the River Styx, after all, the River of Hades was made from the blood of the dead souls that have reached the Underworld. Black streaks of essence made purely from the evilness of the soul tainting the deep red liquid.
White wisps of air rolled over the floor towards the River of Hades almost consistently like the rolls of fog on the coldest of winter mornings.
"They are the new souls entering and being cleansed, Alpha," Lord Hades explained not even peering over his shoulder at the confused Alpha.
"They won't hurt you when you are with us," a soft voice said with such gentleness that Ryder was unsure if he had actually heard the voice or not.
"Cleansed?"
"When they enter the River of Hades, the evil from their soul will be diminished and only the civilised, good part of them will remain. During this process, the blood from their body from the Land of the Living is transferred into this River," Lord Hades further informed Ryder of the horrifying process of a soul entering the Underworld. The god motioned for his wife to come to his side with a small nod of the head and a soft smile that barely graced his lips.
Complying with immediate obedience, Persephone handed her husband the glass timer that looked nothing more than an ancient egg timer that should belong in a widow's kitchen. It was small and appeared very frail with tiny frames of wood held together by a makeshift-rope of straw. Lord Hades held it up, the glass shinning slightly against the soft flames of the harsh Underworld.
"One small thing yet so much power," Lord Hades spoke quietly, almost mesmerised himself at the small timer in his palm, "it has the power to do much good in your world, but in the wrong hands, that power becomes toxic and devastating. Do you understand what I am saying to you, Alpha?"
Lord Hades turned to face Ryder with inspecting eyes, his whole demeanour suddenly changing from a relaxed yet slightly taunting one to a demeanour of seriousness and coldness.
"I understand that Damien mustn't get his hands on the timer or certain devastation will arise," Ryder spoke lowly to the god suddenly feeling uncomfortable in his presence.
"There is a lesson to be acquired in what I just said, Ryder. Some use their knowledge, weapons or resources for good and others, they use them for destruction. What you need to remember is to not fear the resource themselves, but you must fear the person in possession of the weapon."
"Why are you telling me this Lord Hades?"
"Fay is not murdering out of free will. No. Your sweet Fay is being controlled by her illness. If you were wise you would lock her up until she is recovered," Hades warned.
"DON'T YOU DARE SAY THAT ABOUT MY MATE! I WILL NOT LOCK HER UP LIKE SOME COMMON CRIMINAL- SHE IS A LUNA AND SHALL BE TREATED AS SUCH!"
"I never made claim that she was a common criminal, Alpha, I merely informed you that she is under the control of her illness. She will kill again, don't you think that she will feel guilty enough with the blood that covers her hands? Lock her up Alpha, even if it is in your room. Lock her up for her own good," Hades warns dangerously calm before he turns his attention back to the River of Hades.
Dropping to his knees, Hades cupped one hand and allowed blood to fill his hand, there he placed the timer into his hand filled of blood. A strange bubbling began to simmer in the glass chambers of the timer where the black essence of the River of Hades began to swirl in the glass, the red liquid bubbled and the stench of the blood gave off the scent of flesh burning forcing Ryder to narrow his nostrils and gag at the smell.
Ancient words echoed off of the walls of the Underworld almost like a lullaby sung by the Sirens.
"You may not wish to listen, brave Alpha, Alpha of Force," Persephone advised.
But Ryder couldn't stop listening to the god singing these enchanting spells.
His voice so divine within this ritual that it was as though golden threads mixed with diamonds spun a thread which sounded from Lord Hades' mouth. Ryder's mouth became dry like a dog's bone and his palms leaked sweat from every crevice. Erratically beating, Ryder's heart beat so loudly within his chest that he could hear his blood pulsing through his arteries and an uncomfortable sinking feeling set deep within the pit of the Alpha's stomach.
"Cover your ears, Alpha," Persephone whispered one last time before Ryder finally squeezed his eyes shut tight and clamping his palms over his ears as hard as he could to block out the enticing spell that had almost had him completely under his spell.
After just mere minutes, the pleasurable torture came to an end. Almost pure silence pierced the atmosphere save the lapping of water slamming against the shore. The god arose from his position on the bank, and in his hand he now held a golden timer in place of the small, frail timer which was encrusted with many riches that even Ryder had never laid eyes upon before.
"The timer is disguised in case it loses its way. Nobody would think a powerful weapon to look so pathetic. I present this to you, Alpha Ryder, in great trust that you will use this for good to save your mate. Do not betray a god's trust- it will not bode well for you," Hades warned.
"Of course my Lord," Ryder bowed.
"Now you must leave the Underworld, this is no place for a mortal life. Kharon will be awaiting your arrival at the dock. Remember your vow to him, to us. You WILL kill Damien and you MUST destroy the timer or may the Moon Goddess save you all."
"Thank you, my Lord. I am most grateful and I know my mate will be forever thankful for your kindness in assisting us. May I ask one last question before I leave?" Ryder asked taking the timer in his hands an inspecting it with such fascination.
"Of course."
"My mate, Fay, will she be damned to the Underworld when she... when her time comes," Ryder sighed, grimacing at the thought of his sweet angel dying.
"When she is cured I will grant her a pardon of her misdemeanours and sins that were committed under these circumstances- however, if she murders in cold blood after the pardon... Well, her Fate will be the same as everyone else."
"Thank you my Lord, that is a very generous offer of you."
"It is not her fault what she has become, Alpha, my only intent is to punish the true evils of the world- not the innocent victims of an illness. Now go, cure your mate and kill Damien before he can do more harm in the mortal realms," and with that Hades and Persephone vanished right before Ryder's very eyes leaving him to ponder on what had been said.
Fat could be saved and she would have a good after life even after she had murdered because of what she had become. This wasn't her fault.
~~~~
Author's Note
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Alpha's Tragedy (ONGOING)
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-Jade ❤️💕
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Alpha's Insanity
Werewolf"If it isn't my little Fay," her Master derided smirking sinisterly at her through the cell bars. ********** After being taken at the age of 7, Fay is trapped by a pack of rogues with the leader desperate for her to become the perfect, courteous and...
