Chapter 32

Lillian

The door remained open as I stepped into the hallway, but it provided little light. I could barely see in front of me, so I placed my hand on the wall to follow the turns of the hall.

After a few minutes, maybe longer, I was in total darkness, relying only on touch to keep me from running into the wall. I was thankful this was a straight shot to where I needed to be.

I ran Nicholas's instructions through my head as I carried on. The grenade had been an unexpected surprise, but I was thankful they'd been hunting for ways to help me, and I hoped it would last long enough for me to get out of the cave with the treasure. I had no idea how I would take on a fucking dragon—particularly one named ‘destroyer of enemies'. No way he got that name by happy coincidence.

A soft glow came into view, and I picked up my pace. I could feel the ground under my feet tremble. The booming sounds that accompanied the tremors told me I was hearing Aridam's footsteps.

Holy fucking shit . He had to be ginormous to be making this kind of ruckus.

I slowed, unsure how close I was to this beast, not wanting to get too close to him yet. As I approached the dragon's room, the light got brighter and the shaking stronger. Once my hands reached a corner of the wall, I stopped and pulled the grenade from my backpack, clinging to it like a lifeline.

The heavy, earthquake-inducing footsteps halted, the ground stilling.

I held my breath. Could he hear me? Did he know I was coming?

I couldn't move, fearing what might happen if he discovered me lurking inside the corridor. Panic filled my veins as I was blasted with thoughts of what it would be like if he did find me, the terror I would feel as he gave me an agonizing death of being burned or eaten.

Fuck me . I needed to calm myself down before I pissed my pants.

The stomping hadn't started back up again, and that worried me. Was he waiting for me at the end of the hall? Mouth open wide and ready to eat me?

A thundering, angry roar filled the cave, and I took the chance to peek around the corner, the loud noise hiding my movements.

I saw the exit…

And one gigantic, black, scaly foot with terrifying blood-stained claws. Each of his toes had to be as big as I was, if not bigger. I'd never seen anything so enormous, almost not believing my own eyes.

I tucked myself back around the corner, pressing my back against the wall, and took a few slow, quiet breaths. The grenade in my hand felt heavy, and I looked at it as I gave myself a silent pep talk. I reminded myself of all the shit I'd already survived and that I'd been training for this, practicing day and night. Not only that, but I reminded myself of the smug look on the face of the man who'd orchestrated this whole thing, so cocky, so certain I'd perish during this trial. Then, I reminded myself of his sons, the men who'd saved me and given me a life I wanted to keep enjoying.

I held the grenade close to my chest, taking one more second to prepare myself before leaning around the corner, pulling out the pin, and throwing it as hard as I could. I didn't stick around to watch where it landed or even if it made it all the way down the hall.

My hands came over my ears as protection, and I waited for a boom or explosion, but nothing happened. Instead, the floor quaked as the dragon moved around again, and then there was one big tremor before a whoosh of air ripped through the hall.

I stilled, waiting for more movement or sound, but it was quiet. All I could hear was the dragon's deep, slow, steady breathing. Aridam was out.

It didn't matter that he was fast asleep; he was the most terrifying thing I'd ever laid eyes on. The picture of a Hell Dragon Keir had shown me did not do this beast justice. Seeing him printed onto a small page made him much less intimidating, but looking at him now, I wasn't sure his frightening aura could have been captured on a piece of paper anyway.

He was fucking gargantuan. He had to be the size of four two-story houses, at least. His head and tail were curled toward his body as he slept. Along with being enormous, he was menacing-looking, even in his sleep. Some of his blood-stained teeth were peeking out from below his lips.

I stepped toward the door to my left, no more than forty feet away, keeping my back to the wall and my eyes on Aridam. My eyes drifted up to the ceiling painted in a bright blue glow, and it seemed to sway like it was a living, breathing thing. It provided enough light to see everything, something I was beyond grateful for.

I studied the room, spotting the grenade that had traveled an impressive distance onto the floor near the dragon, still spewing dark pink smoke. The space was smaller than I would have thought a dragon his size would need. He had plenty of room to move around, and it was clear he'd been kept fed, considering the bones scattered around, but there was no way he could fly in here. For a second, I felt sorry for him, but then he stirred, his giant head shifting as he let out a breath, and I almost shit myself.

I froze and waited for him to stop moving, and once it was quiet again, I proceeded to step very carefully down the wall and into the treasure room.

The ‘treasure room' was like a catch-all space for expensive, beautiful things. There were gold coins everywhere, piled up and spilling all over the floor. Intricately designed rugs and tapestries filled the walls and hung from the ceiling. Ornate boxes were stacked about, some tossed or shoved into the piles of coins. Various trinkets, dishes, crowns, and jewels were scattered among lots of other treasures.

It was as if someone threw it all in here and walked away.

I took my backpack off my shoulders and went to work, sifting through the valuables for the coins and jewels. As I filled the bag, I'd stop and hold it up, bouncing it around to get a good feel for the weight. I'd add more or take some out then repeat the process.

I wasn't sure how much time had passed. Sweat formed on my forehead as I questioned myself over and over. This was nothing like practice. This was actual life or death, and that would be determined by whether I could do this… perfectly.

Clink. Clink.

My attention was pulled from my trial when I heard rustling somewhere in the room, coins hitting the stone floor. The scuffling continued, getting louder.

The only warning of danger I had was the fierce howl that bounced off the walls. I stood up quickly, dropping my bag on the floor and spilling its contents. I peeled the pockets on my thighs open and released my daggers, holding one in each hand and positioning myself for defense.

I'd sparred with Keir hundreds of times. I could do this. I could defend myself. I'd already proven myself capable.

I scanned the room carefully, looking for any indication of where the sounds were coming from, where my attacker might be lurking. I saw nothing, but the back of the room was darker than night, since the only light I had was the glowing substance on the ceiling that barely crawled into the treasure room, only lighting the front section. No telling how far back the room went nor how many prized possessions this cave truly held.

Clank .

The sounds came from the right of me, and I jerked in its direction, eyes scouring the darkness for whoever was there. I could see the outline of something, or someone, but it was moving strangely.

Whatever it was lunged at me, exposing itself to the light. I brought my daggers up to deflect the sword the green, bumpy-skinned creature swung at me. It was totally naked, a shriveled-up appendage between his legs, and totally unbothered by his lack of clothing. His hair was spindly, falling out of his head. He was hunched over, his legs bent more than I would think comfortable. He looked like a lower-level demon, but much more decrepit looking than the others I'd encountered.

"Stop!" I screamed, hoping he would quit attacking me long enough to allow me a chance to explain myself. Maybe he'd understand and just let me leave with what I needed.

He didn't relent, though, continuing to push down against my daggers with his sword. My arms were starting to shake, but I wouldn't give up. I pushed back with all my might, hoping to create distance between us.

Schwing .

He snarled, spit flying at me as he pulled his blade from my daggers. He lifted his sword with both arms, exposing his chest. I slashed with all my might, my blades cutting across his skin with ease, splitting it open in two thick red lines.

Blood flung into my face as I put my daggers up once again to stop the sword headed straight for my face.

" Please! Let me explain!" I pleaded as we pushed against each other, vying for the upper hand in this duel.

"Aaargh!" he roared.

He headbutted me, causing blood to gush from my nose, the pain making my eyes water and my ears ring. I stumbled back, wiping the blood with the back of my hand. My heart pounded loudly in my head as I focused on controlling my breathing.

"Please. If you'd just let me explain!"

He growled and ran at me, sword rising, ready to deliver a killing blow.

Whoosh .

He swung.

Clang .

I blocked.

I pleaded with him.

Whoosh .

He swung again.

Clang .

I blocked again.

I pleaded again.

We continued our dance of swinging and blocking and pleading, but no matter what I did, I could never get ahead of him. I was always the one blocking, defending. I was losing, unable to keep up with his swings. They were becoming faster, more erratic, harder to predict.

He swung and swung, forcing my steps backward, toward the dragon's room.

Fuck .

If we made it in there, this would surely wake Aridam up. I could kiss my life goodbye. It would be over. I'd never see them again. My princes. My saviors. The loves of my life.

My daggers were crossed, the demon's sword meeting them where they intersected. He stared at me, his harsh, neon-orange eyes narrowing, as if he could smite me with a single look.

"Please…" I cried, tears spilling down my face.

He knew. He knew I was tired, that I was faltering. He knew I was the weaker of us. He knew I was done for, so he pushed against me with all his might.

I couldn't stay standing. I wasn't built for this. I wasn't ready for this sort of battle.

I fell backward, landing on my ass with a hmph , losing one of my daggers in the fall, the blade clattering away from me. I lifted my single dagger high, ready to put up one last fight.

He tilted his head at me, watching me sob.

I pinched my eyes closed for a split second, feeling all the fear, panic, rage, and defeat. It bubbled in my chest, filling my veins with a new, unknown energy.

A scream erupted from my throat, so strong, so monstrous, I wouldn't have been surprised if it had shredded my vocal cords.

When I opened my eyes, the room seemed much brighter than before.

The demon looked stunned, almost like he was trying to decide whether to be scared. I stood up, arms spread to my sides, and yelled, "Come on!" at my opponent.

He just stood there, head tilted. "You're human…" his voice rasped, as though it hadn't been used in a hundred years. "But… You're not human…"

I sucked in a breath of shock at his words. Now, I was confused.

He stood tall. "Who sent you?" He took a step toward me. "Who sent you?" he said more aggressively when I didn't answer.

"Satan."

"Impossible."

He took another step, and I put my hands out in front of me. "Look. I'm just a human. I came here with the princes. Their father, Satan, found me and said I could complete these trials of his, and if I completed them, then I would become a demon. I wouldn't have to die." I choked back a sob. "But he wants me to die, right? So, this was my first trial. I had to come up here and bring back exactly 666 ounces of jewels and coins back to him." I threw my arms up defeatedly as I sighed. "I just wanted to beat him."

I looked away, not wanting my adversary to see my useless tears falling down my bloody cheeks. I sniffled, using the back of my hand to wipe the mixture of moisture from my face.

"You're her," he stated plainly.

"Excuse me?" I looked back at him, sure I'd heard him wrong.

"You're her. The one we've been waiting for."

What the fuck? His explanation gave me nothing. I was still just as confused.

"I'm sorry? I don't understand."

He tossed his sword to the side. "You're going to save us all." He grabbed my bag from the floor. "That fucking bastard put me down here and hasn't opened the door since. I can't wait to see the look on his fucking face when he finds out I survived and helped you with his stupid trial." He crouched to the floor and started filling my bag with jewels and coins. "666, right?" I nodded, still dazed at the turn of events. "Here." He handed me my bag.

I bounced it in my hands, feeling its weight. It felt like it could have been right, not that I'd know for sure until it was weighed.

"It's 666 exactly."

"How do I know that? Why would you help me?"

"You ask too many questions, human. I've been down here a long time. I've had nothing but these trinkets to keep me company. If you don't believe me, I can try and find the scale, but I have no idea how long it'll take me to locate it, and we don't have time to waste."

I considered my options for a moment and shook the bag in my hands again. It felt right, plus there was no telling how much longer we had until Aridam woke up and caught us in his cave. I didn't have options .

"Fine, but I have more questions." I swung the backpack over my arms, and the weight hit my back, making me grunt.

Fuck, it was heavy.

"No time. Let's get you out of here before Aridam wakes up." He grabbed my arm, his hand firm and cold on my skin.

I stayed planted firmly in place. "What do you mean I'm not human? And the part about me saving you?"

He considered me for a moment before saying, "You are a human vessel with demon essence within you. I've only seen it once before.You have no idea how to control it, do you?" I shook my head. "That was clear. When you lost it there, one eye was ice blue, the other fire red." He bent down and picked up his sword. "You've bonded with a couple of demons, haven't you? One who wields ice and one who wields fire?"

I inhaled sharply. He knew so much, and everything that came out of his mouth created more questions.

"It fits you, girl, the power, but you've got to get a hold of it. If the king found out…" He trailed off and shook his head. "Look, we don't have time now, but I can explain everything once we are out of this. You have to make it out of here alive. The fate of Hell depends on it."

I let him pull me to the door, despite having a bazillion more questions, where he peeked out. He put his other hand up to his mouth, laying a finger against his lips, telling me to be quiet as I followed him out the door. Aridam was still asleep.

We walked silently, backs to the wall, as we made our way to the tunnel that would lead us outside.

I kept my eyes trained on our way out, my heart lifting as we got closer and closer, but I should have been looking at Aridam. The demon was leading us out; I should have been watching out for us. By the time I heard the whoosh of the dragon's head lifting, it was too fucking late.

Aridam blinked, and I saw the orange of his iris. The daze of whatever had been in that grenade was wearing off.

" Run !" the demon screamed at me, pulling my arm and throwing me at the door.

"Come with me!" I yelled back.

We were maybe five feet from the door. We could make a run for it. No way the dragon could fit in there. We just had to run our asses off.

"It's too late, girl." He pushed me. "Get out. Save Hell."

That was all he said before running in the other direction, waving his sword in the air and grabbing the dragon's attention.

The cave shook with his roar as the dragon stood, each foot stomping firmly on the ground. Aridam was pissed .

I couldn't move at first, my eyes following the stranger who was willingly sacrificing himself for me—to save me.

"RUN!" he yelled again.

The dragon's tail whipped around, swiping across the wall and knocking stones to the floor as he looked at the demon threatening him with a sword. He roared again, making the cave shake.

Once the ground quieted, it was like the calm before the storm. Everything was still. Everything was silent.

"FUCKING RUN!"

The dragon's head reared back, his mouth opening wide. My body filled with the most stomach-dropping fear I'd ever felt in my life. The energy I'd felt in the other room filled my body again, and I knew exactly how to use it this time.

I turned and ran like hell for the hallway, the treasure in my backpack clinking around and weighing me down, nearly overshooting it as I slid on my feet. I scrambled past the threshold, pumping my arms and legs as fast as I possibly could. The hallway wasn't as dark with the help of the twins' essences flowing through me.

No matter how far away I got, though, I couldn't escape the screams of the demon burning alive.

I allowed myself a single look back, only to see the hall glowing in various hues of orange and yellow.

Aridam's fire had reached the halls.

I pushed even harder, running with all my might. The air around me began to heat up. My chest was getting tighter as it struggled to pull in the fresh air I needed, my legs hurting from the full-on sprint they'd been subjected to. My back was sore from the coins and jewels bashing against it, and my body was tired from its weight.

The air burned my lungs and seared my skin, flames licking at my heels.

Just as I was about to be overtaken by the fire, I spotted the door leading outside. The guard had left it open!

I could see the outline of the guard figure standing in the doorway. I began screaming hysterically, hoping to catch his attention and warn him of the danger headed his way.

"You've got to move!" I screeched.

I could see him now, but he wasn't moving. Why the fuck wasn't he moving?

"MOVE!" I yelled as I got closer.

The flames appeared on both sides of me, overtaking my space, and while I was hot, I wasn't burning. The guard's eyes widened, fear freezing him in place.

I dove out the door past him, and the flames followed, overtaking the guard in its fiery clutches. He screamed as his skin burned and shriveled, writhing on the ground, suffering an awful death.

My body began to sway. I looked around, but it was impossible to focus on anything. I was seeing doubles—triples of everything.

Movement caught my eye. Nicholas. Darkness surrounded his face before covering it altogether.

"Lilly!" I heard from somewhere far away.