The trio reached the heart of the capital—the great house where Peri had grown up, and where her mother was now held prisoner.
Peri's heart thrashed inside her chest. Every step felt heavier than the last, each one echoing her fear. Her lips moved in silent prayer—that her mother was still alive, still breathing.
When they entered, Dolton stopped short. Two soldiers appeared, their spears glinting.
"Come with us," they ordered, leading the three deeper into the house.
Hades felt it—the dark stillness that seeped from behind the grand doors ahead. Something powerful, something rotten waited within. Still, he forced the dread down and stepped forward, his wives close behind.
Inside the hall, a cold voice greeted them.
"Finally," said the man on the throne. "You're here."
Hades had never seen him before, yet he knew. The sharpness in his gaze, the aura of darkness around him—this was no pretender.
"The King of Death," Hades said quietly. "Xelrath Halcrest."
