CHAPTER 194: PATHETIC BEING

Lilith’s eyes fluttered open as she blinked several times, adjusting to the light. She rubbed her eyes sleepily before rolling onto her side and froze when she saw Hades sitting on the couch beside the bed, fully dressed, his eyes fixed intently on her. He offered her a warm smile the moment their gazes met.

"I hope you enjoyed your sleep?" he asked gently.

"Yes, I did," she replied, her voice still thick with sleep. "How long have you been awake?" She propped herself up on one elbow, looking at him curiously.

"Woke up not too long ago," he said, his tone light. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, I am. How about you? Are you okay?"

He nodded, rising from the couch to walk over to the bed. Sitting at the edge, he said, "Actually, I’m feeling very good."

"That’s wonderful." Lilith smiled as she turned to glance at the clock. "What time is it?"

"12:50 p.m.," Hades answered. "Are you hungry?"

She shook her head. "No, I’m not. Did you eat?"

"Not yet. I was waiting for you to wake up. I already asked the cook to prepare something for us," he said casually.

"How thoughtful of you." Lilith reached out and placed a gentle kiss on his wrist. "You’re such a sweetheart."

"Anything for you, my love." He leaned in, brushing his lips against hers in a kiss that quickly deepened. Lilith threaded her fingers through his hair, drawing him closer, their lips exploring each other with rising intensity. Hades caressed her jaw, angling her head to deepen the kiss further.

Lilith responded with equal passion, her body warming at the closeness, her desire building as he pressed into her. She pulled him even closer, wanting to feel every inch of him against her. But just as he leaned forward, something changed.

Hades suddenly pulled away, his jaw clenched tightly, eyes shut as though in pain.

Lilith frowned, concern overtaking her desire. "Are you alright, Hades?" she asked softly.

He didn’t respond. One of his hands moved to his head, fingers gripping his hair tightly as if trying to ground himself. His breathing grew uneven and labored.

"Hades?" she called again, more alarmed now. She reached out to touch his arm. The moment her fingertips met his skin, he gasped sharply, his breath catching in his throat.

His body trembled beneath her touch.

"What’s going on?" she whispered, eyes wide as she pressed her palm gently against his arm. His skin felt unusually cold causing her heart began to race.

It took a few seconds before Hades could compose himself again.

"I... I have to go. I’ll meet you in the dining room in thirty minutes," he said with a strained smile, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

"I..."

"Goodbye, love. I’ll be fine." He leaned in and pressed a kiss to her lips before pulling away and walking out of the room.

Lilith sat up slowly, clutching the blanket over her chest as she stared at the door he had just exited through. Confusion and concern were written all over her face. Something was wrong, she could feel it.

Hades stormed into his chambers and slammed the door behind him. Panting heavily, sweat trickled down his neck. Without hesitation, he ripped off his shirt and stepped in front of the mirror.

Black veins had spread across his chest and shoulders, climbing up his neck and reaching his cheekbone.

Hades staggered back, struggling to breathe. Sharp and blinding pain exploded in his head. Heat rippled through his body like fire searing him from the inside out. He fell to his knees, groaning, one hand clutching his head as steam puffed from his mouth and nose with every exhale.

His trembling fingers touched the shirt he had discarded moments ago and he immediately recoiled as the scent of burning fabric stung his nose. He looked down. The cloth beneath his palm was smoldering, the imprint of his hand scorched into it.

His eyes widened.

The black veins had now crept down to his fingertips.

Another surge of agony tore through his spine, and Hades collapsed further, pressing his forehead to the floor. His body trembled uncontrollably.

Pathetic... Pathetic being.

You can’t even endure the pain.

Look at you, on your knees, groaning like a pitiful, broken creature. You have no idea how to be a king, a master, a god. Worry not, for I shall gladly show you how it’s done... Hades.

The voice was everywhere, inside his mind, behind his eyes, beneath his skin.

Hades gritted his teeth, one eye opening slowly.

He looked at the reflection of himself in the mirror. A twisted version of himself, with glowing red eyes and a menacing smile. It stared back at him like a predator eyeing prey.

"I’m going to kill you," Hades whispered hoarsely, his voice shaking with fury.

The demon laughed echoed through Hades’ skull. The mirror began to tremble violently, its surface rippling like disturbed water. Then, it shattered into a million pieces.

The pressure in his head and body began to subside. Slowly, Hades felt the tight grip of agony loosen, allowing him to breathe properly once more. He let out a deep sigh and rose to his feet, dragging a shaky hand through his damp hair.

This was the third time this week he had experienced such excruciating pain.

He needed to begin the process. Zal was growing stronger by the day, feeding off his every weakness. And Hades knew it hadn’t helped that he had made love to Lilith... that he had confessed his feelings for her.

He should have resisted. Should have fought the pull between them for a little longer. But he hadn’t wanted to anymore. It had been reckless, careless, but his heart could no longer bear the distance.

When it came to Lilith, he had no defenses. No will of his own. She was the calm in his chaos, the light in his dark world. And he knew that his choices came with consequences.

Sighing again, he crossed the room to his wardrobe and pulled out a clean shirt. Time was slipping away, and they could afford no further delays. By evening, Lilith would begin the process of breaking the curse.

With his composure gathered, he exited his chambers and headed to the dining room, where Lilith awaited. It was time to tell her of his new plans.