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“You’re enough.” I reiterate. “You’re everything I need right now.”
He doesn’t get a chance to respond as the thud of Orpheus’s military boots crosses the floor to us. My head lowers, staring at his shoes, unable to look at the masked devil who is going to defile me.
“Stand up,” his deep voice growls. The sound is so menacing and predatory that I remain rooted to the bed, unable to move. My entire body quivers and my legs feel like jello.
Crack.His fist shoots out, hitting Chase’s nose so hard his head swings in my direction, blood spraying on my face. It’s visceral on my skin, the iron scent seeping into my nostrils.
“Move, girl. Or I’ll do it again.”
Summoning every bit of strength inside me, I jump to my feet, pulling Chase with me.
I keep my eyes on Orpheus as I whisper to Chase. “I can’t stand him hurting you.”
Orpheus gives me a chilling smile before pulling a heavy chain from around his neck. I grimace as his robe opens, revealing his massive chest, another long silver chain dangling from his neck.
Quickly hooking it around the shackles around our wrists, he grins. “Come, children. Tonight is only the beginning.”
A shiver rolls through my spine as his words penetrate my fear, but I don’t have time to dwell on them. Orpheus spins, dragging us behind him. Our chained ankles strain to keep up, but we know he’ll only drag us behind him if we fall. As I follow behind the demon leading us into hell, I’m certain that after tonight, I’ll never be the same again.
Rosario follows behind, quietly shutting the door. Her long dress swishes behind me as she hurries to catch up.
We are led down the long hallway, our feet gliding over gleaming marble floors. The windows are enormous with heavy crimson drapes covering them. Ornate fixtures strategically placed on the walls hold various size skulls. Red candles flicker, casting eerie shadows on them. Despite the creepiness, the posh surroundings scream of wealth, power, and darkness.
Orpheus drags us down another hallway lined with plush red carpet. This one has crows resting on top of and beside the skulls interspersed with paintings of Orpheus.
My gaze locks on the back of Orpheus’s heavy crimson robe. A long knife is jammed through the top of the skull. Crows surround it, looking smugly satisfied, as though they’ve scavenged all the flesh from it, leaving behind nothing but gleaming white bones.
The chains rattle as Chase raises his shackled hands. “Sorry. Blood is running down my face,” he whispers.
I nod. “It’s fine.”
He wipes it on his hands, then lowers them. I immediately reach over, wrapping my fingers around his bloody hands. His brows raise, shock on his pale face. “You’re getting blood on you.”
“It’ll join the rest,” I whisper, giving him a tense smile. “I’m sure it won’t be the last time,”
Our eyes lock and hold before we have no choice but to let go of each other as we round a corner. A massive, ornate staircase stretches in front of us. Cherry wood gleams beneath the enormous skull chandelier lighting our way.
I’m speechless by the time we reach the bottom.This man must be a billionaire. I’ve never seen anything like this.
The downstairs is furnished in dark cherry wood, with white and black marble floors, crimson rugs, and curtains.
After walking for what feels like forever, Orpheus stops in front of a heavy metal door. A sense of foreboding cuts through me so deeply that it infiltrates my bone marrow.
With each step leading me further into hell, the cold, stale air penetrates my lacy white dress, making me shiver. The flickering flames of the candles that line the stone walls below barely illuminate the narrow steps.
I follow behind Chase, my nerves frayed. Rosario’s heels lightly tap against the steps as she follows us. I’m comforted by her being behind me. Maybe it’s because this seems like some hellish dungeon, haunted by the souls of those here before us.
Once I reach the bottom step, murmured chants reach my ears. I look up, my body stilling as I spot the four blue hooded figures flanking the walls. They wear masks similar to Orpheus except the horns that stick out from beneath the hood are shorter than his.
“Rex tenebrarum, the king of darkness,” the cult chants, bowing to Orpheus. He nods at them as he continues forward, his long robe flaring out behind him. The thud of Orpheus’s combat boots against the floor is menacing, making my heartbeat so fast I feel weak.
My heart leaps into my throat as Chase and I approach the bulky figures of the cult members. They flank both sides of us, lining the halls. Goosebumps cover my skin as I shrink beneath the weight of their heavy, carnivorous gazes behind the masks as I pass them. Chase throws me a look over his shoulder and as soon as the pathway widens, I move closer, pressing my body against his, seeking his steadfast warmth and comfort. He remains silent, offering no words of wisdom as we dutifully follow Orpheus.
Rosario remains close behind us, and I hear the cult members murmur ‘tenebris domina’ as she passes them.
Nervousness overwhelms me as we silently follow behind Orpheus, Rosario on our heels, and the creepy cult members behind her. I dare a look over my shoulder, my mouth dry as I see them carrying lit torches.
“What did they call Orpheus and Rosario?” I whisper to Chase.
