Underworld

“Are you sure about this?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper as I looked up at Zach. His piercing eyes, always so certain, now held a shadow of something I couldn’t quite place. Doubt? Worry? Whatever it was, it unsettled me.

“I’m sure,” he said firmly, his hand tightening around mine. “You need to understand where I come from. What you’re a part of now.”

We were standing in front of the entrance to a grand, ancient structure. The Underworld was far more vast and complex than I’d ever imagined. Shadows danced in the dim light cast by torches, and the air carried a sense of age and power, as though the very stones beneath our feet were alive with history.

I swallowed hard, trying to steady my nerves. “Then let’s do it.”

Together, we stepped inside. The grand hall was unlike anything I had seen during the feast. There were no warm greetings or laughter this time—only silence and a palpable tension. I felt the weight of countless eyes on us as we walked through the corridor, flanked by imposing figures dressed in dark robes, their faces hidden in shadow.

“Who are they?” I whispered to Zach.

“They’re the Council,” Zach replied in a low voice. “They oversee the balance of power here. My father trusts them, but… I don’t. Be careful around them.”

I nodded, taking his warning seriously. The further we walked, the more oppressive the atmosphere became, as though the very air around us grew heavier with each step. At the end of the corridor, massive double doors stood tall and ominous, carved with intricate symbols I couldn’t begin to understand.

Zach pushed them open with ease, revealing a throne room that took my breath away. High ceilings, dark stone walls, and a throne carved from obsidian. Sitting upon it was Daniel, Zach’s father, looking every bit the king he was—regal, commanding, and intimidating.

But his gaze softened when it landed on Zach. “My son,” Daniel greeted, his voice deep and reverberating through the room. Then his eyes fell on me. “And Vera Luna, your mate.”

I felt a cold chill run down my spine as Daniel’s eyes bore into me, searching for something, though I didn’t know what.

“I’ve brought her here so she can understand,” Zach said, standing tall next to me. “She needs to see everything.”

Daniel rose from his throne, his movements slow and deliberate. His presence was overwhelming, and the room seemed to darken with each step he took. When he reached us, he stood towering over me, his expression unreadable.

“You’ve chosen her, Zachary,” Daniel said, his voice heavy with meaning. “Do you understand what that means?”

Zach’s jaw tightened. “I do.”

“And do you, Vera?” Daniel asked, turning his full attention to me.

I swallowed hard but held his gaze. “I do,” I replied, though my voice lacked the certainty Zach’s had.

Daniel’s lips curved into a faint smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “We shall see.”

With that, he turned and gestured for us to follow him. He led us deeper into the heart of the Underworld, through passages that twisted and turned, the air growing colder and the shadows darker with each step. Eventually, we reached a chamber unlike any other. The walls were lined with ancient relics—swords, shields, and artifacts that pulsed with power. At the center of the room stood a massive stone altar.

“This is where our true strength lies,” Daniel said, his voice echoing through the chamber. “It’s where every king and queen of the Underworld has been crowned for centuries.”

I felt a strange energy in the air, something primal and ancient. My heart raced as I looked at Zach, wondering why he had brought me here.

“Father,” Zach began, his voice steady but cautious, “I brought Vera here not just to show her our history, but to prove our bond.”

Daniel turned to him, one eyebrow raised. “You’re speaking of the Rite?”

“Yes,” Zach replied, his voice resolute. “I want Vera and me to go through it.”

My heart skipped a beat. The Rite? Zach hadn’t mentioned anything about this before. “Zach… what are you talking about?” I asked, my voice trembling with uncertainty.

Zach turned to me, his expression softening. “The Rite is an ancient tradition in the Underworld. It’s a way to solidify our bond—our connection. Once we complete it, no one can question our union.”

I felt a mixture of fear and curiosity stir within me. “What does it involve?”

Zach hesitated, glancing at his father before answering. “It’s a test of our strength. Our commitment to each other. It’s dangerous, but if we succeed, it will prove to everyone that we belong together.”

Dangerous. The word echoed in my mind, but I could see the determination in Zach’s eyes. He believed in this, in us. And despite the fear gnawing at me, I trusted him.

“Okay,” I said, my voice steadier now. “I’ll do it.”

Zach smiled, relief washing over his features. He reached for my hand, squeezing it tightly. “Thank you, Vera. I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.”

Daniel watched us, his expression unreadable. “Very well,” he said, his voice low and commanding. “The Rite will take place tomorrow at dawn. Prepare yourselves.”

With that, he turned and left the chamber, leaving us alone in the presence of the ancient relics.

I looked at Zach, my heart pounding in my chest. “What happens if we fail?”

Zach’s expression darkened slightly. “We won’t. I’ll make sure of it.”

But the uncertainty in his voice was undeniable.