CHAPTER 214: ALLY

The initial surprise of seeing such an astonishingly beautiful woman in the room quickly turned into shock as Hades heard his mother speak.

"What?!" he blurted out, disbelief flickering in his eyes.

Kaelith chuckled softly, her tone almost teasing. "I mean to say, I’m assigning Kaya as your dragon partner. She can transform and carry you great distances in a short time. Not to mention, she possesses one of the three *Celestial Physiques*."

Hades’ eyes widened even more.

Celestial Physiques were incredibly rare — bodies that granted defense stronger than any armor and near-immunity to magic. Moreover, those blessed with such a physique continuously grew stronger as long as they remained close to the element they were attuned to.

Take Ava, for example — the maid who served in the castle. She had a Bronze Celestial Physique, one that enhanced her martial prowess. And because she was blessed by the Moon Goddess, her growth skyrocketed whenever she trained beneath the full moon’s glow. There are several more benefits like instant regeneration until she is bathed by the silver glow of the moon.

And here, another being with such a special and unique physique stood before him.

Still, Hades couldn’t help but wonder — how did his mother always find such rare and extraordinary people?

First Ava, and now this woman...

He turned to Kaya, who had remained perfectly silent since entering the room.

Stepping closer, Hades introduced himself gently, "I’m Hades. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kaya."

The girl gave a graceful bow but said nothing. Her cold, unreadable expression urged him to ask, "Kaya... are you serving me out of your own will?"

Kaelith’s posture stiffened at that question.

Kaya slowly lifted her head, and for the first time, Hades heard her voice — calm and distant. "I owe my life to Lady Supreme. She ordered me to serve you. So now, I am at your disposal."

Hades’ eyes narrowed. He glanced toward his mother.

Kaelith let out a quiet sigh before speaking. "Kaya, go outside and wait for him."

The dragoness bowed again, wordlessly obeying as she left the room.

When the door closed behind her, Hades turned back. "Mother... you know I don’t want people around me out of obligation. We’ve talked about this."

He had chosen Averis himself — not because of her power, but because she wanted to serve him. Kaelith had offered him many capable soldiers, yet Hades only desired someone who truly wished to stay by his side. Not from duty — but from choice.

Kaelith walked closer and took his hand in hers. "Son... you need to understand something."

Her voice was soft, yet firm — a mother’s warmth wrapped in painful truth. "People like Averis or Marilyn aren’t easy to find. Not because they don’t exist... but because you haven’t achieved anything that makes others want to follow you yet."

Her words stung, not Hades but the lady herself felt hurt saying that.

He knew she didn’t mean it cruelly, that’s why Hades’s expression didn’t shift. Kaelith’s own heart ached as she said it. She was the proudest mother alive, but she also knew that in the eyes of the world, her son had yet to make his mark.

She continued, "If you never let people get close to you... if you never show them your strength or your heart, how will you ever find allies?"

Her gaze softened as she went on. "That girl outside — she swore loyalty to me because I saved her when no one else would. She sees me as someone strong, someone who can stand against injustice. And though she knows I helped her because I saw value in her, she still chose to devote herself to me."

Kaelith rested her hand gently on Hades’ shoulder. "Now imagine this, my son — how loyal would she become to a man who’s truly kind? Someone who protects others without seeking reward, who uses his strength selflessly? If she were to see that side of you..."

She smiled faintly. "Then her loyalty would no longer belong to me — it would belong to you."

Hades let out a slow sigh, his voice quiet and uncertain. "Do you really believe I’m that great, Mother?"

Kaelith’s eyes softened, her lips curving into a warm, knowing smile. "Of course you are, my son. And not just because you’re mine." She paused, her tone carrying the weight of conviction. "I’ve met countless people in my life — heroes, warriors, kings — and I know greatness when I see it. You, Hades... are someone destined to be both admired and feared."

She reached out, gently cupping his cheek, her thumb brushing against his skin like a blessing. "So now," she said tenderly, "take Kaya with you. Let her see the man she’s been entrusted to serve. I’m certain that before long, she’ll thank me for giving her that chance."

Hades exhaled again, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Alright, I understand." He nodded with quiet resolve. "I’ll trust your judgment, Ma."

Kaelith’s expression softened further, pride gleaming in her crimson eyes. She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Have a safe journey, my son."

For a moment, neither spoke — only the gentle hum of the wind filled the silence between them. Then Hades turned toward the door, his heart a little heavier, yet steadier than before.

°°°°°°°

Averis kept stealing glances at the girl walking a step behind them. Her head was slightly lowered, her steps quiet and measured — almost too quiet. The air around her carried a faint chill, a silence that felt deliberate.

Finally, Averis couldn’t restrain her curiosity any longer. "Young Master," she began softly.

Hades looked over his shoulder. "She is Kaya — the one who’ll be taking us to Torseque."

Averis blinked in surprise. "Is she... your new maid?"

Hades shrugged lightly. "That’s not decided yet. If Kaya wants to serve me by the end of this trip, then yes, she’ll stay. Otherwise, she’ll be free to choose her own path."

At those words, Kaya’s violet eyes flickered faintly, a subtle spark glinting in their depths as she glanced up for the first time.

Averis frowned. She didn’t like that look — that *hesitation*. To her, it felt almost insulting that someone would waver at the thought of serving the most benevolent master she knew.

"I could have taken you to Torseque myself, my Lord..." Averis murmured, her voice low and slightly wounded. Her shoulders sagged as she spoke.

Hades gave her a soft smile. "You’re fast in the air, Averis, but you’re not built for long-distance transport." His tone was gentle, understanding. "I didn’t want to overburden you."

The violet-haired dragoness lowered her gaze, a faint blush warming her cheeks. "I see..." she whispered shyly. But after a short pause, she glanced toward Kaya again and muttered, "But... can she actually carry us? She looks so... fragile."

Truth be told, Hades shared that same thought. Kaya’s figure was slender, her shoulders narrow — she looked more like a porcelain doll than a being capable of flight.

Yet the girl in question gave no response. No glance, no shift, no flicker of irritation.

And soon, they would realise their mistake.

"Whoa..."

Before them hovered a creature that defied all ordinary notions of majesty — a wingless dragon, her long, serpentine body gliding through the air as if the world itself bowed to her will.

Her scales shimmered like polished ivory, each one catching light in a way that birthed a faint golden radiance around her entire form.

Streams of vibrant colors — sapphire blue, deep crimson, emerald green, and amethyst — danced and swirled around her body like living ribbons of light, bending with every subtle movement she made.

They pulsed in rhythm, as if drawn to her heartbeat, illuminating the air with an ethereal glow.

Her violet eyes burned fiercely, twin storms of divine intensity that could silence even the boldest hearts.

They held both wisdom and wrath — the gaze of a being who had seen centuries pass and could command mountains to tremble.

Though she bore no wings, she floated effortlessly, her body weaving through the air with graceful, unearthly fluidity.

Her mere presence pressed upon the world like a great tide — overwhelming, regal, and ancient — as if the air itself recognized her as something beyond mortal comprehension.

Averis and Hades could only stare in shock as the dragon floated high above the ground, her presence filling the air.

It looked down, and for a moment, Hades flinched, his body tense as he got ready to battle.

But then, her head lowered as she slowly descended back to the ground.

Hades took a deep breath before telling Averis, "Shall we go?"

The violette gave a slow nod as she followed her master and climbed the dragon.

Her scales weren’t uncomfortable and sitting on her felt they were traveling on cloud, so effortless.

Soon, they all soared high, traveling towards the elven territory.

°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading. Please leave a review if you have been enjoying the story so far. You have to do it.