Chapter 11

As I followed the girl through the narrow streets, my thoughts swirled in confusion. How could she possibly know who I am? I've never revealed the truth about being a goddess to anyone.

The silence between us was unsettling until she chuckled, the sound echoing faintly in the stillness.

"What's so funny?" I demanded, trying to sound authoritative. My voice, however, was still that of a child, and it only seemed to amuse her more.

"Ah, Lady Death," she said with a smirk, "do you really not recognize one of your own?"

Her words sent a chill down my spine. My own? What was she talking about?

"Who are you?" I asked, narrowing my eyes. "No... you're not human either, are you?"

"Correct!" she replied, her grin widening. "But you'll have to figure out who I am for yourself. I'm not giving you the answer that easily."

Her calm demeanor, even in the presence of a goddess, was unnerving. No one, mortal or otherwise, spoke to me this way. Suspicious, I activated my magical senses to probe her identity.

The moment I sensed her true nature, a smile crept onto my face. "How could I recognize you," I said with a grin, "when you've gone so far as to change your gender?"

At my words, her expression shifted into one of delight. Slowly, her appearance began to change—her features melting and reshaping. Before me stood a figure I hadn't seen in what felt like an eternity.

"Zoth," I said, a familiar warmth flooding my chest.

The man bowed deeply, a smile spreading across his face. "It's an honor to see you alive again, my lady."

"Zoth," I said again, my tone firmer now, "how are you here? And how did you find me?"

He straightened, his tone turning serious. "We don't fully understand it ourselves, Your Majesty. It seems the bond between your soul and Hell was far stronger than its connection to Elmestine. When you arrived in this world, Hell itself followed, synchronized with this realm. Not just me—every resident of Hell is connected to you, and thus to this world."

His explanation hit me hard. Hell was my domain, a subspace tied to my existence. For its inhabitants, it was their entire world. My death must have devastated them, leaving them in a state of limbo.

"I… I'm sorry," I whispered, guilt weighing down my words.

"Your Majesty!" Zoth exclaimed, startled. "Please don't apologize to someone as lowly as me! We are your loyal subjects—your will is our purpose!"

I shook my head. "No. It was my duty to protect Hell, and I failed. The least I can do is apologize."

His face softened, though he still seemed uncomfortable with my words. "Your Majesty, we're just relieved you're alive. When Master Tartarus heard of your death, he was beside himself with despair."

"Tartarus?" I asked, my brows furrowing. "The Warden?"

Zoth nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. Master Tartarus has been searching for a way to reach you ever since your death. He sent me to find you and act as your escort."

He knelt before me, his hand extended. "Your Majesty, if you'll allow me..."

I hesitated for a moment before placing my hand in his. A smile flickered on my lips as I spoke. "Lead the way."

With a faint smile of his own, Zoth took my hand. In a swirl of dark magic, the world around us dissolved, and we reappeared in a realm most would see as a nightmare.

Lava bubbled and boiled across the landscape, the air thick with the acrid scent of molten rock. The towering walls around us glowed with the heat of the molten lava coursing through their veins. At the center of it all stood a massive metal gate, imposing and unyielding.

Beside us, a carriage drawn by a skeletal horse awaited.

Zoth's form shifted once more as he grew horns and revealed his true appearance. He picked me up gently, his movements careful, and placed me on the plush seat of the carriage. Taking the reins, he urged the skeletal horse forward, and we rode toward the gate.

The moment we passed through the gate, the sight of the city beyond took my breath away. The chaos of activity was unlike anything I'd ever seen. Demonic beings rushed back and forth, their movements frenzied.

"What's going on?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Zoth chuckled. "It's nothing to worry about, Your Majesty. The news of your survival has spread, and everyone is preparing to welcome you."

As we progressed, I began to catch snippets of their whispers amidst the noise.

"Is it really her majesty in the carriage?"

"It must be! That magical presence—it could only be her!"

To my surprise, the residents began throwing withered lotus flowers and roses toward the carriage, their sincerity evident. For them, these flowers symbolized reverence and devotion, even though for humans, they were deadly poisonous.

I opened the glass window and waved at the crowd. The moment they saw my face, cheers erupted all around me.

"Everyone's so happy to see you, Your Majesty!" Zoth said, his voice full of pride.

I couldn't help but smile back. "And I'm happy to see them again too."