Chapter 46 - Alexi

Defeated, Alana looked at the beige floor. Refined white pillars shape curved passageways to the left and right. The wide openings give way to a narrow corridor that runs along the entire hall. At the back of the terracotta-colored wall, the same door arch adorns the left and right, just like the others, finished with a white marble border and two clear pillars. They carve a round tree of life symbol between the two arches, which adorn the back wall. Both are neatly finished with fine details and a graceful rimmed circle. Above each white pillar adorns a silver lantern that burns warmly. Between the Tree of Life symbol is an oak throne. The dark wood is neatly finished. Two steps are in front of the throne. Two curly armrests, a soft red cushion and a crown-shaped top adorn the inviting throne. To the left and right of this wooden chair are two round tables with a silver candlestick. In front of the throne is a heptagonal marble elevation. Despite only extending an inch above the floor, the edge is finished with a warning in a bright white color. On each corner is a medium-high pillar on which the same candlestick is placed. A heavy door behind the narrow passage is dimly lit by the lantern of the last arch.

Slowly he takes his place on the throne... The famous Alexi. His black hair hangs neatly down his neck and gives his oval-shaped face, covered with stubble, a sharp impression. His poisonous green droopy eyes are accentuated by the long narrow scar that runs from his right eye to the corner of his mouth. His angular nose, thin lips, and warm skin tone give him an extraordinary impression. His strong long body is wrapped in a richly finished black blouse. Matching his dark pants and boots

"Ah Alana, finally. The eternal torment of Hate" he laughs. Hate appears from the shadows of the hallway and walks silently through the left arch. He looks suspiciously at Godfrey. "What's wrong with the puppy?" he grumbles. "He never woke up again, My Lord. His neck is broken." Hate rolls his eyes and drags Wolfgang out of Godfrey's arms. He puts his hand over his eyes and mumbles something unintelligible. Then he pushes him towards Albrecht. Albrecht nearly falls over but is helped by Rogue.

just in time. Hate mutters; "Give him ten minutes". "Thank you, My Lord," whispers Godfrey. "Vengeance", shouts Hate and tosses the keys at him. Vengeance nods and walks toward Alana like an imposing figure. Alana shivers as he drags her out of Heinrich's arms. "My Lord, she can't walk," whispers Heinrich. Vengeance rolls his eyes and Alana lifts her legs.

"Vengeance, wouldn't you send her to the medic first?" Alexi interferes. Hate softly nods, whereupon Vengeance smiles and walks out of the room again. "Go to your quarters" growls Hate. "Not you" he continues and stops Godfrey. Godfrey swallows nervously and looks at his brothers. "You're the oldest, aren't you" smiles Hate. "Yes, my Lord," Godfrey stammers nervously. "What did I say about don't disappoint me". "It was my fault my Lord" murmurs Godfrey. "Of course," Hate smiles. "You're the oldest" he mocks. In one swift movement he cuts a bloody gash in Godfrey's chest with his dagger. "Don't disappoint me again" he whispers and gives Godfrey a hard push to the ground. Godfrey moans between his teeth and puts his hand on the wound. Taking a deep breath, he squeezes his eyes shut for a moment and quickly opens them again. "Pussy" laughs Greed and gives him a kick as he walks by. Godfrey scribbles up on his legs, again, staggering. Godfrey moans softly and walks out of the room.

Vengeance carelessly carries Alana down the stairs deep below the castle. The long corridor with thick doors is cold and chilly. Silently, he opens a door and pushes Alana onto the bed in the cell. He closes the door with a loud bang and walks away. Alana sighs and stares aimlessly at the ground. Here she was. After everything, she'd done to prevent this. She closes her eyes gently and lets the tears roll out. She was lost... caught... Alana's disturbing dreams are abruptly ended when a key opens her door, ringing loudly. She looks weakly at the sunlight that shines through the bars of the small window. Silently, Jealousy walks into the cell. Frightened, she cringes, hoping she will avoid his grasp. "Shh" whispers Jealousy and rubs her head. "It's okay. I understand." He gently sits on the bed with her. "Unfortunately, I can't help you, nor can I promise it will be all right, but I understand you're suspicious. But trust me now, I'm not going to hurt you. I'm just taking you to him. If I could, I'd give you my blood so that your pain was gone but unfortunately I have strict orders". Alana winces and stares at the demon in his dark eyes. As if that's better, she thinks reproachfully. And why can't he heal her? Why does he want her to be in pain? Gently, Jealousy lifts Alana and carries her to the end of the chilly hallway. He opens the door and leads her into a spacious cell. A heavy table adorns the spacious room. Four leather loops are attached to the wood. Alana swallows as he places her on the table and fastens her wrists and ankles in loops. Jealousy gives her a softening smile and walks away. Alana shudders when a chilly wind blows through the room. She closes her eyes to the bright light. She abruptly opens her eyes again when someone enters the room. Hate stuffs the last piece of bread in his mouth and licks his fingers. He casts a soft glance at Alana and takes a bowl. He rests his fists on the table in silence. He looks at her deeply and swallows the last piece of food.

Alana cringes as he extends his hand, causing him to stop abruptly. He looks at her and finally pulls a leaf out of her hair. He sighs softly and dabs a cloth in the bowl of water. Still, without a word, he rubs Alana's head wound.

"So, where would you go?" he finally asks. "To... the king" she whispers weakly. Hate smiles at her. "As if he was going to help you" he laughs and tears open her dress. His eyes twinkle as the necklace reflects in the light.

"Make sure he never sees this". "It would change his game". Carefully, he takes the jewel but drops it on the floor when he burns his fingers. Hissing, he stares at the amulet." Where did you get this?" he asks. "I don't know," she stutters. Hate gives her a mean look and pokes her shoulder wound with the point of his dagger. "I really don't know" Alana moans crying. "Katara" she blows as he places his dagger on her shoulder again. "Katara is engraved in it". Hate smiles viciously and releases Alana. "That's impossible," he mocks. She twitches and drops her head against his chest as he picks her up and closes her eyes slowly. "Alana, are you still with me?" he asks. "Alana?" Hate sighs and looks at her concerned. Has he gone too far? Or was it the chain? Anyway, he has to let Alana rest before he can continue. Sighing, he stamps the chain on the ground and walks out of the cell.

Was this it? Was this the end of Alana? Or would the fight continue... Her heart beats slowly... "This can protect you and even extend your life when needed... Do not take this off..."

The end of book I- Hate

Love doesn't stand a chance