halo 'n horns [klance au]

39. Underworld

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Lance

I stood nervously in the doorway, hesitant to knock. I didn't know what would be behind the door, nor did I really want to know. I was terrified and I couldn't get my wings to retract. But I had to do this for Keith. I had to make sure that he was alright and if he was actually serious about taking those damned Trials. I wanted him to know that I would love him no matter what he chose. 

Steeling myself, I knocked twice on the door. This time, thankfully, it didn't have an evil door-knocker like the one that had been in my dream. After a moment, the door swung open silently and I was met with possibly the most intimidating sight I'd ever seen. 

Three thrones stood in the center of the room, a white, grey, and black, the grey being the largest and studded with gleaming obsidian stones in a constellation pattern. The three men who occupied the seats were individually threatening.

 In the white and black seats, an obvious set of twins who I knew had to be Shiro and Kuron, the Gatekeepers. One sat neatly, regarding me with an interested gaze, legs crossed, his head of white hair matching his throne. The other twin, black-haired, lounged in his own seat, looking bored. His legs were thrown over one of the armrests, leaning against the other, and his sultry gaze slid up and down my body with vague boredom.

The grey throne held Mister, who was looking at me with an expression halfway between a glare and a smirk of amusement. I sunk to a kneel, bowing my head respectfully. I heard the black-haired twin giggle mockingly and flushed. Mister spoke up. 

"Hello, little angel. What are you doing in my Kingdom?" His voice was deep and gravely and I couldn't quite place his accent, but I could hear the slight tone of a threat behind his voice nevertheless. I'm sure he didn't want me here just as much as I didn't, but I had a job to do. 

"Hello, your majesty. I'm here to see Keith," I replied, looking up but not standing. Mister's black eyes bore into my own and I couldn't help but flinch. 

"Aren't we all," the king muttered, frowning.

"Pardon?" I asked. I'd assumed that at least Keith's father and brothers would have seen him.

Mister sighed. "Keith is taking the Trials as of now."

I felt my stomach rise to my throat. I was too late- it was up to Keith now. Life or death. 

I rose to my feet, wings shivering. "How long has it been?"

"Long enough," the black-haired twin commented lazily. 

Mister shot a glare at his son. "He should be out soon enough. Are you here to..." he paused, sneering, "escort  him back up to the Midworld?" 

I hesitated. Was I?

"I'm here for Keith to make sure that he's alright. I don't plan on taking him from his home. He can do that when he's ready."

Mister tilted his head to the side. He seemed to accept my answer.

"Well then, will you just stay here until he's done?" 

"I'll wait for as long as it takes," I replied fiercely. 

"And where will you go? Does your mother know you're here?"

I shook my head. Mister sighed, running a hand through his hair and standing up. "Well, I'll show you to Keith's room. You can wait there until he finishes the Trials." He walked down the stairs and passed right by me, breezing into the hallway.