chapter 24 the land of hades

The bathwater was scalding, more punishment than comfort, and every scrub of her skin felt like an intentional wound. Calista hissed and winced, the pain reverberating through her battered body. The maids smirked, clearly relishing her suffering.

Biting her lips to suppress her cries, Calista steeled herself. I won't let them see me break, she thought. She swallowed her tears and resolved to endure, clinging to the slim hope of escaping this hellish place.

After what felt like an eternity, the maids finished their task. They forced her into a plain, drab dress and yanked her hair into a tight bun. The style was simple yet cruel, pulling at her scalp with every movement.

"Now follow us," barked Evelyn, the maid with short black hair. Her voice was sharp and commanding. "And if you can't keep up, whatever happens is your own fault." Without waiting for a reply, Evelyn turned and strode into the hallway, the other maids following closely behind.

Calista frowned at the remark but held her tongue. Let's see what happens next, she thought, rolling her eyes in defiance. She focused on observing her surroundings, memorizing every detail of the castle for her eventual escape.

The hallway was imposing, with towering marble walls carved with intricate designs. The opulence might have been beautiful in another setting, but here, it was suffocating, a reminder of the danger lurking behind every corner. Despite the grandeur, an eerie aura clung to the castle, sending shivers down her spine.

Lost in thought, she didn't notice the distance growing between herself and the maids.

"Calista," a woman's voice called softly. It was warm and inviting, almost motherly.

Startled, Calista looked around. The corridor was empty except for the receding figures of the maids. "Who's there?" she called out, but no one answered.

"Calista, come to me," the voice called again, soothing and irresistible.

Her body froze for a moment before moving on its own, as though the voice had taken control. Her eyes grew vacant as she walked in the direction of the sound. "Yes… I'm coming," she murmured, her steps slow and deliberate.

She didn't notice the black vortex ahead, spinning in the air like a wound in reality. Its edges crackled with white energy, pulsing as though alive. By the time she realized, her foot was already hovering above the edge, ready to step in.

Suddenly, a hand gripped her arm and yanked her back with such force that she stumbled. Awareness rushed back to her, and she gasped at the sight before her: the vortex was vast, hungry, and unnatural, its pull strong enough to suck her forward even as someone held her back.

"Calista! Come to me!" The once-gentle voice now screeched, distorted and monstrous. The vortex writhed as though alive, and for a moment, she thought it might leap out to devour her whole.

Strong arms enveloped her, pulling her into an unyielding embrace. Warm hands clamped over her ears, blocking out the voice. The safety of the moment contrasted sharply with the chaos around her.

Her heart pounded as she tilted her head to see who had saved her. The sight that greeted her left her stunned. He was shirtless beneath his black coat, his muscles and six-pack abs glistening faintly in the dim light. Her fingers, as if moving on their own, brushed against his chest.

"Do you like what you see?" came the deep, familiar voice. Her head bobbed in a dazed nod before she snapped back to reality, shaking her head furiously in denial.

Her gaze moved to his face, and recognition hit her like a thunderclap. "King Alexander," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Alexander's eyes narrowed. "You really are a troublemaker, aren't you?" His tone was cold and detached, devoid of humor.

Calista immediately stepped back, her legs shaky and weak. His disheveled hair and the faint trace of lipstick on his cheek didn't escape her notice. She suddenly realized he'd likely been interrupted from… whatever it was he had been doing.

"It wasn't my fault," she muttered under her breath, though she dared not voice it aloud. She fidgeted, avoiding his piercing gaze.

Alexander studied her intently, his thoughts racing. For over a thousand years, the portal to the land of Hades had remained sealed. Why now? And why her? Even with all his power, he had never been able to open it. The goddess who closed the portal had made sure it stayed shut—until now. If the creatures from Hades crossed into the living realm, chaos would reign. Yet, beneath the danger lay an opportunity.

She opened it. Even if just for a moment. Why?

"Who are you?" he asked, his voice low but commanding.

Calista blinked, confused by the question. "I'm Calista, the second daughter of Beta Mateo…" She trailed off as he abruptly raised a hand.

"I know," he said curtly.

"Then why ask?" she shot back, irritation flickering in her eyes.

Alexander took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to incinerate her on the spot. She's more useful alive, he reminded himself.

"Why were you walking toward the portal? Were you asking for death?" he demanded.

"I… I don't know," she stammered. "I heard a voice—a warm voice—and it called to me. I didn't know why, but I had to follow it."

For the briefest moment, an emotion flickered in Alexander's eyes, but it vanished before she could name it.

"Do you know where the portal leads?" she asked hesitantly.

Alexander's expression darkened. "Aren't you getting a little too comfortable with me?" he growled, stepping closer.

"No," she replied hastily, taking a step back.

In a flash, he grabbed her wrist, pulling her close. His breath brushed her ear as he whispered, "Don't push your luck. The maids who let you wander off will be punished, even though it was your fault."

He released her suddenly, and she staggered, barely catching herself. Guilt stabbed at her heart. The maids might have been cruel, but she didn't want anyone harmed because of her.