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  “Yuna.” I called.

  “Yes, mistress.”

  “Do you know what the images mean on their chests?”

  Yuna walked over to my side and skimmed down at the tribe, ascending the steps. “The one in red is the alchemist symbol for air; the Aello family, the swift storm clan. The one in gold is the eye of Horus, who is an Egyptian God of the sky, to signify Ocypete’s clan, the swift wings.”

  “What does mine mean?” I inquired, rubbing the emblem on my chest.

  “Mistress, that’s the emblem for Hades. The one true blood to the throne.”

  Yuna points down at my mother, standing in her tall straight, black garment that exposed enough of her curved body as ever. Her cleavage seemed to burst forth from the low v-cut gown, and her hair drawn back into a high ponytail. She at least wore black sandals instead of being barefooted in the presence of her sisters who appeared willing to meet my mother. They snickered, and my mother gracefully gestured for them to enter the castle, wearing her gold necklaces and bangles that clanged with her movements.

  “She wears the coat of arms as a pendant on her necklace.”

  I perceived unmistakably the same symbol hidden within all her necklaces and body jewelry

  “I wonder why my mother only had me and not anymore children.”

  “Being Queen is a lot of responsibility. And she was tough to entertain most occasions because she was conscientious about her companions. It hurt her most when she was the mistress of Hades for the longest time.”

  “Yuna… I’ve never asked before, but do you know who my father is?”

  “Most Harpys keep that secret with great care due to the well-being of their children. The whole idea of the clan is to only mate to conceive a child, nothing else. It’s like a contract made. Harpys are attractive and alluring, so they never have concern, seducing a possible companion. Afterwards, they can judge accordingly based on what will be a powerful mix. So, I have little to tell you, except your mother ventured to the Demon realm of the Underworld a couple of occasions before you were conceived.”

  “So, I might be a Demon. Maybe that’s why I have this hunger like I’m lacking something.”

  “Hunger, mistress?” It puzzled Yuna.

  “Nothing,” I rebutted. “I’m just thinking aloud for the moment.”

  Why would my mother find a mate in the Demon realm? It made sense though for my extraordinary transformation and the yearning I suffered generally, during my maturity. From what I recalled of Luna’s lectures on the enemies we had, Demons were one.

  Most Demons lived off the vitality of others. They need to absorb the life out of their victims to survive. This meant a Demon would have to attach them self to a soul to feed. However, the laws of the universe state that force shall take no one, the host will have to contribute voluntarily. So, by keeping the law, manipulation played a considerable part in collecting a host to provide what a Demon needed, which was negative energy; such as misery, rage, and lust. They would connect themselves based on the appeal or affliction to develop into something powerful enough to not perish.

  The mundane easily matched themselves to a different Demon that preferred specific types of emotions. The most prevalent was lust. Sexual desire invited a sex Demon known as a Succubus or Incubus into their dreams and suggest temptation by creating deception on the emotional and physical desires. The Demon would increase the intensity of the wants until the host was delicious enough to say, ‘Bon Appétit.’

  They would even manipulate the people around to fulfil a temptation of an unsatisfied individual. Like a trap to ensnare them into an unfortunate circumstance to just feed. This created an extending bridge that severed the connection between truth and the Demon’s illusionary world they manipulated to bring upon their demise from the light.

  The bright energy of the ninth heaven would become so diluted and closed-off that the true mind of the victim would be lost, and they forget who they are and the heart that once guided them to a harmonious life. The more disconnected the more likely they were to fall into possession and that’s when life is no longer in the control of the soul, which meant their free will became clouded, and strong desires would consume them. When desires aren't met who could help to have lack, just like the Demon who needs their hunger met.

  This is when the seven deadly sins established itself in the Underworld. They were the energies that certain Demons loved to consume and devise ways for a host to fall into that way of thinking and living, so they could constantly feed and become more powerful. Someone of greed would be given fame and fortune. Others would become overly materialistic and that would consume them.

  Gluttony was the Demon of consumption. Drawn to people who are starving and neglected by society. These Demons thrived on famine.

  Pride, sloth, wrath, envy, were all the energy people expelled from their emotional body, inviting in Demons closer to their hearts to sway and control. It wasn’t breaking universal law with this manipulation among man. That’s why Luna said there are more Demons in the Underworld than any other being. With the growth of the Demon population, Demon lords established hierarchy to maintain control over the horde which sometimes led to the slaughtering of uncontrollable lower level Demons that went rogue against their lord. A king appointed to rule all lords, and they created a council. This led to conflict since other lords wanted to rule and obtain the power to bring forth oblivion.

  Oblivion was a black hole, summoned to consume a world. I didn’t understand why such a being would be granted that kind of power. However, there was a trust to maintain the peace treaty among the Underworld, the mundane, and the other higher dimensional worlds. They made the decree to never go to war with each other and that we would not make the mundane aware of our existence since they were the youngest world made by the higher power.

  Although, Harpys differed from that peace treaty since we had no place among either worlds. We had the same rights to meddle in the affairs of man, swaying the balance based on their innermost desire. However, we were feared by most, because we did not side with anyone, but our own and Hades.

  My mother and her sisters had killed many hordes of Demons, which led the Demon king to swallow his pride and strike a bargain to never enter my mother and her sisters’ territories. They could not meddle in our affairs, meaning our debts and contracted patrons were hands off. If that wasn’t abided, the Demon lords and king would either punish who dared or suffer the consequence of having everyone in his or her kingdom be slaughtered by my family.

  I met my cousins for the first time in the great hall of the throne room. Luna and Yuna walked along my side for my protection. My cousins looked fierce and strong. Bodies cut and lean, but beautiful and curved. They were seductive sirens that appeared as if they had the ability to lure any being into deception. Then I suddenly noticed a familiar girl, but she was much older now. It was the girl I had saved from the lake. She sneered at me with her gray eyes and I recognized the blonde curly locks of hair; wearing the Ocypete insignia. I gasped.

  “What’s the matter, milady?” I heard Yuna’s inner voice enter my mind.

  I whispered in her ear. “She’s the girl from the lake.”

  Luna heard my whisper and found the girl with her eyes, who I was referring to. As she spotted the girl, Luna’s eyes glowed bright red like fire, frightening the girl to fall back behind her sisters.

  My mother sat at the throne, waiting for me to approach her. My two aunts stood beside her, glaring at me intensely with deathly eyes. One had long red hair that represented the swift storm family. The other with short blond hair that signified the swift wing. My mother held a vial of blood in her hand as I knelt before her on one knee.

  “My beautiful, Alphard.” She smiled with content. “Are you ready to become a part of the clan?”

  “Yes, mother,” I answered softly with a slight tremble.

  “There’s nothing to fear my child.” She reached out to touch my face with her tender hands. “It will
be over before you know it.” My mother stood up from her throne. “Thank you for joining me here this evening. Nieces from the swift wing clan and from the swift storm; my dear sisters. Welcome to my daughter's ascension. As you all may come to accept, she is my heir who will succeed me after my reign is over. I'm well aware you all had no intention of allowing my daughter to take her rightful place here on this throne. But I’ve already warned my dear sisters, and they have come to an agreement. Anymore attempts made on my daughter after she has turned will result to an execution of all members associated with the attempt. I don’t wish for my sisters to suffer the loss of their young ones, but after all that has happened since the birth of my only child. I see it only fair I show no mercy to such foolish acts. As tribute my sisters had offered the sacrifice of one of your own. The one who tricked my daughter into almost drowning in a lake will come forth for judgement. I would like to say first… I found that act so low and repulsing it eats me to this day. We do not resort to tricks in this clan to get what we want. This clan, no matter who fights for this throne, shall never resort to trickery for gain. It is a sign of weakness I will not tolerate.”

  Ocypete whispered in my mother’s ear in sadness.

  “CALIPEE COME FORTH.” My mother ordered.

  The hall was still and in silence.

  “SWIFT WING CALIPEE COME FORTH AT ONCE.” My mother ordered again, but with an even louder tone of irritation.

  “CHILDREN,” Ocypete finally spoke. “Bring forth my granddaughter.”

  The clan members pushed Calipee forward and two of her cousins clutched her by the arms. Calipee struggled to fight them off, but her cousins were too strong. They tugged her towards the throne where she was forced to kneel on both knees beside me. I glanced at the fear in her eyes and the anger.

  “Calipee. It’s to my understanding you are fourth generation of your clan.” My mother stood in front of her and formed a black blade in her hand by using her power over dark matter. “Alphard.” She turned to look at me. “Since she was the one that tried to take your life. I’ll give you the choice of what should be done to her.” My mother held the dark blade to her neck. “I will slice her throat right here if it’s what you wish.”

  I gazed upon my cousins in the swift wing clan as I stood up. Their eyes read sadness and worry for Calipee. They didn’t want to see one of their own executed before them. Even Ocypete cast her eyes to the side not wanting to watch what will unfold. Aello had a large grin as if it meant one less family member from the swift wing clan to fight for the throne.

  “Mother… I think killing her is not a suitable punishment for something so long ago.” I gazed upon Calipee. “I believe a more appropriate sentence would be to exile her from her clan to serve under the dark clan for eternity.” Suddenly, I couldn't help but to snicker in pure mockery. “She will serve under me and only me. If something should ever happen, then you can do what you will with her. Pray to the ninth heavens that will never happen.”

  Ocypete expressed relief and could look forward again.

  My mother laughed, and her blade vanished. “It’s settled then. Calipee, you are hereby exiled from your clan the Swift Wing. You will serve my daughter from here on in.” Her voice changed to a softer, yet dastardly tone. “One would only hope if you betray my daughter, I will make your untimely death a slow and painful one.” My mother’s intimidation struck fear in the hearts of everyone in the hall, including her sisters. I’ve never seen my mother so terrifying before in my brief time with her.

  Luna lifted Calipee to her feet; and then dragged her to the side where she kept her close.

  “NOW THE CEREMONY WILL COMMENCE.” My mother ordered while standing in front of me with the vial of blood. Her power cracked the glass, and the blood swayed and mix with her dark matter as it morphed into a small black dagger. The blade glimmered in her hand and my eyes widened with shock.

  “My dear child.” My mother grazed her hand on my chest; searching for my heartbeat. Her fingertips search for the bones to find a gap to my heart. “I’m not going to deceive you about this.” She gazed deep into my eyes. “I want you to take a deep breath.” She pointed the tip of the blade near where she had touched. “This will hurt a lot.”

  My mother thrusted the blade into my chest, piercing my heart. The pain in my flesh was traumatizing as the dagger disintegrated into my body. The blood mixed with my blood as it spread black veins across my chest and up my neck. My breath slipped away from me as the sound of my heartbeat decreased. I fell backwards, unable to remain conscious. The lights in my vision faded until my heart stopped and I went into complete darkness.

  CHAPTER XII

  Kiss of a Half Demon

  IN THE DARKNESS IT WAS COLD. The poison clouded around me like a thick mist in the wind, brushing against my skin. What is my choice? The blood’s energy coursing through my veins as it absorbed into my skin. What do I want more than anything right now? Did I genuinely want this life my mother desired for me? The darkness felt empty within this abyss. Just as my hope drained into the darkness, my heart became warm in my chest. Then all of a sudden, a light within my soul emerged bright out of the darkness as if it shattered the spell cast over me. The warmth of the light surrounded my soul, filling it with hope and love until there was no fear left in my body and I woke up.

  My conscious awoke under the savior of the light and I could open my eyes. The room seemed familiar even though my mind was still not coherent. When my vision cleared and my mind regained awareness once again, I recognized it as my mother’s chamber. I found myself lying in her massive bed, staring at the ceiling mural of nude women with black and red wings. The painting represented the Harpy women united through flight; emerging from a tunnel of darkness that signified our birth. The aroma of Jasmine and Roses filled my senses as I glimpsed at my mother, lying asleep next to me with a certain peaceful expression that reminded me of Amphis.

  I noticed the warmth of her hand over my heart as if she had been concerned for my wellbeing. However, I didn’t understand what happened and why I’m in my mother’s chamber. Did something go wrong with the ritual? Yuna had mentioned nothing about being removed from a ritual ceremony before.

  From the corner of my eye, I saw Luna, leaning against the door of the room. When I moved a pain in my chest prevented me from going further. I glanced down and gently grazed with my fingertips the stab wound that was still open, but not bleeding.

  My mother opened her eyes and looked at me.

  “You’re awake,” she sounded relieved and sat up to get a better view of my wound.

  “It hurts a lot,” I spoke while the pain increased from the soreness.

  “Of course, it does,” She touched around the wound where black veins emerged and disappeared to her touch. “My blade stabbed you and you died.”

  “So that’s how it feels to die.” I gasped as she kept touching the bruises.

  “It’s more like you were in-between death and life.” She replied in a stern soft tone. “The blood absorbed well into your body, which is the reason you could revive before it was too late.”

  “Too late,” I asked in confusion. “Have I turned?”

  “No, unfortunately,” My mother sighed. “You are in a stage of transition. You will not age. However; you haven’t received the full blessing of the darkness to be reborn in your true form.”

  “What happened, exactly?” I didn’t understand what my mother was explaining. Something felt different about how she was reacting with concerned eyes and her insecure tone gave me the sign that the ritual didn’t go as planned.

  Luna approached the edge of the bed. “We saw the blood spread throughout your body as it was supposed to in all ceremonies.” She paused for a moment. “Something else happened we didn't expect. Darkness clouded over you. Everything appeared off about your death. The air became lifeless and cold. For a second, it terrified us all to move. It took shape above you into a grim phantom figure. I had thought the grim reaper appeared before
us; its cloak, gliding in the air fluidly like water. Its head looked straight at your soul that lifted out of your body. It reached out for you.”

  “A phantom?” It reminded me of the thing I saw in the lake that time I got lured in by Calipee. “Tobias,” my mother spoke faintly by accident while entrapped by her thoughts of what happened.

  Luna huffed and shook her head at my mother to not say another word.

  “Who’s Tobias?”

  “No one you need to worry about,” my mother acted like she wanted to avoid the subject.

  “The same phantom you described, Luna, I saw in the lake as I was about to drown. It reached out for me like it was death itself. I wasn’t afraid though. I was secure and at ease with it. It was strange to feel so connected with death. Not something I’ll tell anyone, since meeting one’s own death is not a pleasant experience.”

  My mother had expressed shock along with Luna.

  “That thing almost took you away from me.” My mother sounded upset. “Yuna had to intervene with light magic to cast it aside before it could take your soul. She formed a barrier around you because it kept coming for you. It slammed into the barrier a few times, relentlessly…”

  “Until the blood brought you back.” Luna finished the story. “I carried you up here until you could safely awaken. Yuna has a barrier formed around this room at this moment, just in case something else happens.”

  “I believe what my dear Luna is trying to say is that you’re safe, now you are recovering.” My mother sighed in relief. “I don’t think the thing will be back for you anymore.”

  “I still don’t get it,” I replied in confusion. “What was it, exactly?”

  My mother and Luna were silently, glancing at each other as if they pondered what to say without giving away what they knew about the situation.

  “If you know, you shouldn’t hide the answers from me,” I conveyed, trying to convince them to reply truthfully.