Chapter 57

As Zoth was busy teaching the heroes, Aleena had her own plans for the day.

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The morning started peacefully, with mama feeding me porridge. The warmth of her presence and the simplicity of the moment brought comfort to my heart.

"How is it, Aleena?" she asked, her voice soft and nurturing.

I raised my hands in delight, grinning from ear to ear. "Yummy!"

Mama's face lit up with a smile, and she continued to feed me.

Despite the calm, the memories of a few days ago—the attack on me and mama—lingered in my mind. It was terrifying, but I was determined not to let such a thing happen again.

After finishing my breakfast, I hurried to my room. "Finished!" I declared, then marched off to wash my hands.

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Once in my bedroom, I hugged my pillow tightly and buried myself under my blanket. Today was my day off—a rare opportunity to relax.

Mama peeked in through the slightly open door, her face glowing with affection. She watched me for a moment before quietly closing the door.

As soon as I was sure she had left, I peeked out from under the blanket. My playful, childish demeanor melted away, replaced by a determined expression far beyond my years.

"I won't let mama get hurt again," I muttered under my breath. "That time, I was too scared. But never again."

I stretched out my hand, summoning a white orb that shimmered faintly. From within the orb, the figure of Tartarus, my loyal Minotaur servant, appeared.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Your Majesty," he greeted with a respectful bow.

Curious about the state of my pocket dimension, I asked, "How's hell doing, Tartarus?"

Tartarus chuckled warmly. "With your grace, we've restored stability, my lady. The trees bear fruit in abundance, the crops thrive, and life flourishes as it once did in Elmestine."

The mention of Elmestine sent a shiver down my spine. My heart raced as memories of the past clawed their way to the surface. I collapsed onto my bed, gasping for air as flashes of everything I had lost surged through me.

Realizing his mistake, Tartarus panicked. "Oh! Forgive this foolish servant, Your Majesty! I have spoken out of turn. Please, I will accept any punishment you deem fit."

"It's fine," I managed to say, finally steadying my breath.

Tartarus sighed in relief, bowing his head again.

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With my composure restored, I turned my attention back to the orb. "What about them?" I asked. "Did you get the information?"

Tartarus hesitated before replying. "We've subjected them to every torment we can devise, but they seem to have been made to forget—or forced to forget—their actions. Your presence may be necessary, my liege."

The assassins who had attacked mama and me were now in hell, their souls subjected to endless torment as we sought the truth.

"Hmph," I muttered. "Then I'm coming."

I stepped out of bed, and a dark portal materialized beside me. Without hesitation, I stepped through.

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The air shifted as I emerged on the other side. Gone was the peaceful serenity of my room, replaced by an oppressive heat and a crimson sky. Lava bubbled and hissed around me, casting an eerie glow over the desolate landscape.

Tartarus stood beside me, bowing deeply. "I greet Her Majesty."

"Raise your head," I said with a smile. "There's no need for such formalities."

Tartarus rose, but my expression darkened as I asked, "Where are the culprits?"

"They're right behind you, my liege," he replied, his tone somber.

I turned, my gaze falling upon the souls of the assassins. They hung from wooden pillars, their spectral forms writhing in agony. Their faces twisted in pain and fear, but to me, it was far from enough.

For any ordinary person, the sight would have been horrifying. But for me, it was merely the beginning.

A wicked grin spread across my face as I stepped closer. The weight of my presence alone made their spectral forms shudder.

"Let the real torture begin," I whispered, my voice dripping with malice.

The crimson skies seemed to darken even further as I raised my hand, ready to uncover the secrets they so desperately clung to. This time, there would be no escape, no mercy. Only the truth—and their ultimate judgment.