Page 54 of Queen of the Wicked (Afterlife #1)
A s King Bastian followed the stone steps leading into the dungeons he created, a sense of satisfaction festered beneath his skin.
His orders, despite going unaccomplished, had still worked out in his favor.
Guards at the heavy cement door avoided eye contact, thrusting it open to allow him access.
They bowed as he breezed past them without acknowledgement, his nose crinkling when the scent of piss and despair hit his nostrils.
Heavy boots hit the cement floor, bodily fluids seeping into the soles as he migrated the dank cells, ignoring the cries for help from those who threatened his plans for the realms.
His second in command trailed behind him, eyes gleaming at the sound of the wailing humans occupying the cages.
They continued until they reached the end of the hall, another set of guards opening a steel door that led to utter darkness.
There was no light to be found here. No sconces.
No candles. No windows to provide a flicker of what exists outside of the four walls.
“He is not awake yet,” Kael observed with a frown, holding a torch to examine the Lord of Hell’s lifeless body. “How disappointing.”
“Soon enough,” the king mused. “Then we can begin our fun with him.”
Another set of steps approached, causing Bastian to glance over his shoulder.
His brows lifted as the general appeared at his side, bowing at the waist. “Your Majesty,” Elyana murmured.
“I come to offer my apologies. I was unable to perform my duties as requested. The harbinger is more powerful than we originally assumed.”
The king nodded, reveling in the trembling of the general’s limbs. She expected a punishment, but Bastian was feeling rather kind today. “It is unfortunate,” he replied, “but your news of Erebos’s treason ended the decree, and that is a far greater reward than obtaining the harbinger just yet.”
Elyana eyed the Lord of Hell before offering a small smile. “He is powerless now, Your Majesty. Alessia is now at full capacity.”
The king positively buzzed with delight.
“You informed her of the bond, correct?” he asked.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“And you said she is willing to accept it?”
“I believe so, Your Majesty. Yes.”
“Then our plan is still falling into place perfectly.” The king sneered at the lord shackled to the wall, his head lolled to the side as he took in his deathly palor. “ We have what she will undoubtedly come to collect on. It will not be long before she is under our control.”
“He looks seconds from croaking,” Kael observed. “What if he dies before she can?”
“Then that is a risk we must take.”
Elyana kept a hand resting on the hilt of her sword when she said, “Alessia is aware of the amulet but has not made progress to the whereabouts of the gem residing in Hell. We Traveled to Allegra’s, although the witch was not there to provide advice.
The harbinger Traveled back to Hell before I could intercept her. ”
“That is fine. With the decree demolished, we can infiltrate and look for it ourselves.”
“Unless Alessia accepts the mating bond,” Kael retorted. “Then the realm will fall into her ownership, regardless of the decree ending or not. Alessia didn’t commit treason, so the decree would?—”
“I know what the decree states,” The king hissed, causing Kael to cower in response. “She will need a vial of the Lord’s blood to accept the bond, which she does not have. When she comes to retrieve her mate, we will act then. Patience is key in this case.”
“And me?” Elyana hesitantly asked. “What do you require of me now?”
“You will return to Hell,” the king replied. “Alessia trusts you. I need someone infiltrating her inner circle, as it has proven to be successful thus far. ”
Elyana stiffened. “We got into an altercation at Allegra’s, so I am unsure whether or not that trust still exists.
” At the death glare the king cast upon her, she shifted her eyes to the floor.
“But I will attempt to get back in her good graces,” she added in an attempt to save herself from retribution.
“And I will keep you updated on what I learn.”
Casting a final pitying glance at the lord, Bastian nodded stiffly. “See to it that my niece arrives here as quickly as possible. I need him alive to use him as leverage, and his time is certainly ticking.”