To Hell With Us

Chapter 15

I stepped down into the sweltering chamber closing the door behind me. I walked in with a more angsty feeling but also more determination than before. Step after step I went, hoping to be somehow getting closer to Declan. When my foot let off the last stair my stomach began to feel like it was tied in a knot. The sense of false hope dwelling inside me caused my fingers to shake. Anxiety rushed through my bloodstream like a rowboat on rapids. My heart physically hurt, I was to the point where I didn't care about myself anymore all I wanted to do was save him. The river did not appear this time instead of a dark, straightforward path lit by a single lantern appeared. I dauntlessly walked the passage until I was stopped by an iron door. A small curved handle with a miniature statue of a raven on top laid on the left side of the door. I hauled it open and ran inside before it could shut on me. The room was dark and empty. I tried to get my vision to focus but it was pitch black.

"Declan?" I called out.

"Nephele?" I heard his weak voice response from the corner.

"I'm here baby. I told you I wouldn't leave you. I'm going to get you out."

"Nephele there's no escaping him. I can't put you in any more danger."

"I've got it under control just let me help you," I said making my way over to him.

"Where are you?" I asked.

"I'm over here in the top right corner".

I stumbled around to find him. When I heard his heavy breathing just inches away I knelt down. I felt around and noticed his hands and feet were in chains and his skin was hot and clammy.

"What has he done to you?"

"I've just been locked up in this hot room ever since. I don't know what he has planned next."

"Alright well hang tight I'm going to get you out of these chains."

I looked around and noticed I didn't have anything with me that could cut through the chains. I was considering going back to get bolt cutters when I realized I could freeze them causing them to crack and then break. If I just focused on my wind being ice cold then it would drop the temperature enough, freeing Declan.

"This might get a little icy, sorry"

I sucked in and blew out focusing every thought on my mind to the chilling air. I stopped and breathed after I heard the last chain fall to the ground. Declan shook his limbs then placed his hands on my arms.

"When did you learn to do that?" he asked in shock.

"Pretty cool, huh?" I said dusting off my shoulders.

He let out a small laugh and brought me into an embrace, "That's my Nephele."

The lights flickered on and the sound of slow claps grew louder startling us both.

"Well, well, well she came back for you after all," said a dark, raspy voice.

Declan pushed in front of me trying to be protective.

"Hades if you even lay a hand on her so help me god."

"You'll what? What could you possibly do to stop me," He said pushing Declan up against the wall and holding him there with the power of telekinesis.

He inched closer to me, " And you little girl, well, let's just say you're not going to be anyone's problem."

He attempted to surprise me with an electric volt but I used my power to resist it. Our forces combined, each one trying to overthrow the other. His power began to grow stronger and stronger. I dug my toes into the ground to keep my stance but, it was pushing me back. I was now running out of air and didn't know what else I could do. I started to spin my hands rapidly and sent a powerful tornado at Hades launching him against the wall. Declan fell to the ground as I gathered him in my arms making sure he was okay as Hades' limp body laid on the floor. I stroked Declan's face and pulled him into a tight grip. I sat and breathed in his calming smell knowing we were finally together and nothing could stop us.

"Nephele watch out!"

I turned to see Hades standing above me once again, I squeezed my eyes shut bracing myself for impact. I heard a strong volt of energy then silence but, felt nothing. I opened my eyes and saw Hades dead on the ground and then the twelve Gods, including my mother standing behind me. I breathed heavily as Declan picked me up and kissed me. He squeezed his arms around my waist as tight as he could like he was preparing himself for me being ripped from his arms once more. I felt a tear run down his face and off his lips. He pulled away and pushed my hair behind my ear. He took a deep breath and tried to not show how badly those few seconds terrified him.

"I love you Nephele. I love you more than anything and that will never change. I knew that since the day I met you, you were special. I thought that I would be stuck down here the rest of eternity dreading how I was living but, the moment you came everything was beautiful again. When I saw you lying there not being able to help knowing your life was on the line was hands down the most terrifying thing I've ever witnessed. Now that I know Hades won't be able to harm you and I can openly love you I want to ask you this..." he kneeled down on one knee and revealed a silver ring with a beautiful, black, tear-shaped jewel in the center. "Will you make me the happiest ghost in the underworld and be my wife?"

I stood there in shock from his surprise proposal. I would have never imagined this would have happened when I first met him. He was everything I wanted and more. He was my dream come true to a dream I didn't even know I had.

"What's it going to be?" he said nervously

"Oh sorry! Yes," I said shaking my head as tears rolled down my face.

"Where did you get this ring, it's beautiful."

"I made it out of spray paint can you left down here."

"Aw," said all the Gods in unison

Declan and I chuckled as he placed the ring on my finger. I held up my left hand a showed it to my mom.

"Look, I found a suitor after all."

Everyone laughed in response and we savored this sacred moment thinking it couldn't get any better. Seconds later Kendra ran into the room and gave me a big bear hug.

"You did it, I'm so proud of you, you had the courage to stand up to Hades. I am so excited to finally be able to announce you and Declan as the new rulers of the Underworld."

"Wait, what? Do you have the power to do that?"

Bright white wings sprouted from Kendra's back and a golden essence began to radiate off her.

"As your guardian angel and realm manager, yes, I do."

We stood there in awe as Kendra placed magnificent, spiked crowns on Declan and I's head.

"Now go you two, introduce yourself to your new kingdom."

The grand iron door opened back up and revealed a marvelous throne room. Declan grabbed my hand and we walked together into our future.