Chapter 33

“I’m really sorry. I’ll talk to you guys again soon.” I told them. Before Taehyung could talk, seeing as he was just about to open his mouth, Irene gently pulled me outside and led me back to the alleyway where the walk was agonizingly slow.
“Hey, I don’t know if you’re worried or overwhelmed about these things concerning your mother and our dad, but I hope you get better. If you need anyone to talk to, just reach out to me. I’ll be keeping an eye on you.” Irene told me when we reached the alleyway.
I chuckled slightly. “Please don’t keep an eye out for me just like dad usually does. I’ll just…call you or something. Through dad.”
She nodded. “Alright, take your time sis. Now, picture out your home and chant the address.
I pictured out my bedroom and chanted the address, fighting the urge to pass out; I was then sucked into the portal. The sudden action had made me unconscious, and I was a sleeping figure when I fell on the soft bed with a slight thud.

***
My father was out of town. It was the perfect opportunity to visit my mother. As I was about to leave, I saw Lilly walking slowly and quietly. Like she was sneaking. She left the house closing the door softly behind her. Curiosity got the better of me. Pulling my hood over my head I followed her from a safe distance. She was heading to the woods. “Why would she go there?” I thought. Staying back, I watched as she cut her hand and then disappeared into a black vortex. For over an hour I waited for her to reappear. I wanted to stay longer but I knew if I did, I would miss my chance to see my mother. I may not get another chance in months.
Quietly I crept through the large castle like house and down into the basement. As I used the key, I had made years ago I let myself in. screams could be heard as soon as I stepped inside the dark and damp basement. A line of prisons lined the walls on both sides. Keeping my eyes straight ahead I walked forward, not looking into the other cages. I couldn’t and I wouldn’t. the last time I had it had taken me days to shed the depression that had descended upon me. Magical creatures trapped. Studied and abused by my father. The guilt ate me alive.
I knew which one was home to my mother. I had been many times. Gripping the iron bars, I softly called, “Mom.” Slowly and hunched over wearing nothing but a brown baggy dress she scuttled to the bars placing her hands over mine. Her hands were cold. Like ice, they bit into my skin. Her face was as pale as snow. Eyes rimmed with black, and hair knotted and matted together. She used to have beautiful blonde-gold locks. Now they were dull and caked in mud and mold.
“Son.” She croaked as if all life had left her.
“I am here mom.” I whispered holding back my tears as my heart shattered into a million pieces.
“It isn’t for you to be here.” She said then began to cough, deep hacking coughs that shook her entire body.
“Mom. Soon I will free you. Just hold on a little longer.” I begged her.
“Beyond the walls there is always light, always fresh air and birdsong. So, keep me here trapped within these walls, my soul is forever free to fly and dream.” She said in a small voice.
“Mom? What do you mean?” I asked fearing she had given up.
“He can take away my freedom. But he can never take away my dreams and hopes. My imagination. Don’t worry about me son.”
Sadness sits an inch below my face, eyes remaining dry, expression impassive. I knows that if I even let a fraction out that the rest will follow, a never-ending torrent of grief. It shouldn’t be this way. Mom shouldn’t be locked away like this.
“Kingsley. Go son. Live your life.” She whispered before returning to the old, ragged blanket on the floor. I stood there for what felt like forever. She didn’t move, nor did she speak again. She may have given up, but I hadn’t and never would. My father would pay for this. One day I would make sure of it.
***
I awoke mid-afternoon. I swallowed, but my throat felt dry. I realized that I haven’t drunk water. Just before I could get out of bed, the events of what happened this morning came rushing back to me like a freight train that it took my breath away.
My mind swirled with so many questions and I was overloaded with different emotions. I wanted to scream and shout. Instead, I buried my face into my pillow.
A knock at my door brought me out of my thoughts and I called “Come in.” Kingsley slowly opened the door before closing it Softly behind him. I watched him with a swarm of butterflies in my stomach as he approached the bed, perching on the end.
“Where did you go last night?” he went straight to the point, and I gulped.
I had no choice but to tell him everything, from my father appearing in the mirror to my visit in hell and newfound siblings. Plus, whom my mother could be. It all came flooding out.
I expected Kingsley to laugh or make fun of me, or comment something horrible about the possible relationship between Lucifer and my mother. Instead, he pulled me in for a hug and I crumbled against his touch, the confused tears escaping my eyes as I let out the heavy weight that was on my shoulders.
“It’s okay. Just let it all out. I’m sure you’re still confused.” He reassured as he rubbed my back soothingly.
“Very,” I replied with a sob.
“How about this,” he began as he gently pulled me back at arms-length and wiped the tears on my cheeks. “Let’s get some sleep, and when we wake up, you can go back to your dad and meet with your siblings again to help you find out the truth. Because I know you too well; you wouldn’t be able to get some rest until you know everything.”
I smiled a little at the truth, and he smiled as well. “But for now, get some rest. I’ll make you a full and heavy breakfast to get you started on your quest for the truth. What do you think of pancakes with whipped cream, bacon, and some avocado toast?” he asked. He was right. I still needed to sleep. I felt tired and weak.
“Sounds perfect, thank you Kingsley.” I thanked him as more tears left my eyes, not because of the Lucifer thing, but because of how lucky I was to have him as my friend. After everything that happened when we first met.
“Now, come on. Lie down with me.” He instructed softly and we got underneath the sheets. At first it felt strange, not in an uncomfortable way. But in an electrifying way. I laid my head on his chest and felt his heartbeat a fast rhythm. I felt safe and at home. Like it was where I belonged.
“Kingsley?” I whispered.
“Yeah,” his voice had taken on a husky tone and my stomach flipped with desire.
“Thank you.” I whispered before blissful sleep pulled me under.