Hell's Throne (The Devil's Assistant Series - 5 ) - Unedited

Hell's Throne - Chapter 14

The next few days passed in a strange lull of activity. We had yet to venture in to Tartarus but not for lack of trying. Information was slow in coming. I was stuck somewhere between wanting to get it over and done with, and wishing to never venture into the pits again. The last time I had visited Tartarus had not been a comfortable experience. I still had nightmares about the visions I had endured, dreams of such horrible things that I would never get the stain out of my memory. They felt like they were burnt there forever. I pitied anyone who had a soul dark enough to be sent there for imprisonment.

Still, despite how deflated I felt, I aimed for positivity. The lack of news meant there were more opportunities to spend time with Danny and his new pet. The Pegasus was like an eager puppy. It bounded around the palace with relentless excitement. It would gallop up and down the corridors, snapping playfully at Danny's heels as its little wings flapped excitedly. After far too many old and rare items had almost been obliterated by an errant hoof or wing, the valuables had been removed and stored away until it was safe enough for them to be on display once more.

We had given up on trying to keep the Pegasus secret, the little creature was so loud and so rare there was no possibility of keeping the creature hidden from the underworld. Still, we kept it contained to the palace for now. There was no reason to put the beast in harms away.

"Can we go outside, mummy?" Danny asked for what felt like the millionth time.

Resisting the urge to rub my temples, I shook my head. "Sorry sweetheart. Your friend needs to stay inside. Do you remember what Uncle Castiel told you?"

My son's head dropped. His hair, now at perfect height for the Pegasus, became covered in saliva as the horse-like beast took a sneaky nibble. "He said it's not safe. If he goes outside, someone might try to take him away."

I nodded my head. "I know you don't like it but it's the only way we can keep him safe right now. We'll figure something out. I promise but for now, you need to think of a name for him. He's your companion so you need to give him a name." Placing my hand under my son's chin, I lifted his head up. "You need to think of a good strong name."

Danny nodded his head, his eyes darting to the side to stare at the beast that was currently prancing around his bedroom, snuffling at all the furniture with curiosity.

"Percy." My son decided firmly, his voice ringing loudly through the air. I felt a tingle rush over my skin.

"Percy?" I asked, just to be sure.

The Pegasus listed his head and trotted over, butting my hand before snuggling into my son's side. It looked like the decision was made. "Percy the Pegasus it is."

The black beast snickered, bobbing its head as if nodding. Could it understand us? It wouldn't be the strangest thing to happen in our lives. Strange didn't even begin to cover it.

"Percy's hungry mummy, can we go and get some food."

I ruffled Danny's hair with one hand and gave scratches to the Pegasus was nuzzled into my hand. It was almost as if I had gained another child. The beast demanded a lot of attention but he made Danny happier, caused him to smile more with his eager antics.

"And let me guess, you want to have a picnic in the secret garden?"

"That's such a great idea mummy." Danny piped up, his grin angelic.

I rolled my eyes and pressed my lips together to stop a laugh escaping my lips. "Just for a little while and just into the little garden, we need to keep both you and Percy safe. Okay."