Chapter 2

Everything was peaceful and quiet, which meant everything was in order. Leviathan spins above me and lets out a loud booming sound. The dark passages carry the echo far away, all the way to the outer territory. The souls trembled in fear, hoping that the dark God's attention wasn't on them

My ears picked up the sound Leviathan sent. I shook my head. Somewhere far away a human played with the box. Did it know what it was doing? Probably not, otherwise it would have thrown away the box, or perhaps not.

When I opened the box I knew what I was doing. I had planned every step. Somewhere in the labyrinth he suffered, that stupid Bob. I made him open the box but I didn't regret it. Not at all. I chuckled at the thought. Oh he deserved it…the way he treated me…

I sigh. I still don't remember much. Just him…and Jenny. I took Jenny's place. Sometimes I wonder if it was worth it.

¨ What am I thinking? Of course I did the right thing…¨ I mutter and keep walking. I didn't pay any attention where I was going. I just walked and walked, lost in my thoughts.

Suddenly I heard a scream. I froze and quickly looked around me. Great, I was near them. Too near. The members of the Gash always brought new souls to this area before dragging them to another chamber where they leave the soul to suffer alone.

I quickly turn around and walk away. Of course it was already too late. He had spotted me already.

¨ You are always running away Adele¨ I heard him purr behind me. I slowly turn around and see Xipe Totec standing there with an amused look on his face. I bow my head.

¨ No, not at all. I was just…¨

He narrowed his eyes. ¨ Don't lie to me, Adele¨ he warned me.

¨ Yes, I was just about to leave these quarters as quickly as possible. I was lost in my thoughts and didn't notice where I was going¨ I quickly spoke and moved uneasily.

He chuckled.

¨ I presume it is unnecessary to ask if you want to join us…¨. He shook his head. ¨ When do you give up and truly join us? ¨.

¨ Never¨ I spat and clenched my fists.

¨ I told you already not to use that word…¨ he began but was interrupted by Angelique who emerged from the shadows.

¨ My Lord…¨ she purred and bowed her head. Xipe Totec nodded at her and she turned her gaze to me.

¨ Ah the pretty one…¨ she drawls and walk beside me. I narrowed my eyes and my fingertips touched my knives.

Another scream was heard.

¨ I'm guessing she hasn't touched a single soul yet¨ she mocked. I stayed quiet.

¨ My Lord, don't you see…she is too innocent…too sensitive¨. I turned my head and glared at her.

¨ Don't…¨ I hissed. I knew she was just trying to make me angry so I would attack her. That would give her a reason to hurt me…or kill me.

¨ Aw, did I hurt your feelings? I'm so sssssorry¨ she laughed.

¨ Did you want something Angelique? ¨ Xipe Totec asked her. He sounded slightly irritated.

¨ Mmm…yes actually I did want something…¨ she answered with a husky voice. She walked to Xipe Totec and touched his arm. ¨ I wanted to ask permission to join you when the box is next time opened¨.

¨ That is not my decision alone. You know our God always…¨

¨ Yes, I know but you can ask Leviathan. After all, you are his chosen one…his favorite son¨

His eyes flashed and Angelique knew he was getting angry. She carefully took a step back and bowed her head. Without another word she left. She left me alone with an angry cenobite. I gulp and glance at Xipe Totec. His jaw was tense and he looked angry.

¨ I…I guess I go…¨ I stuttered and slowly walked backwards watching him closely.

He turned his black eyes to me and growled. I stopped and didn't dare to take another step.

¨ I did not give you permission to leave…¨ he growled at me.

I frowned. ¨ But you didn't give her permission…¨

¨ She knew I was really close to kill her. It was the wisest thing…¨ he hissed and stared at the spot where Angelique had been standing.

¨ I really want to…¨

¨ Silence! ¨ he roared. ¨ Not another word or I'll silence you¨. That did the job and I didn't say another word.

¨ Follow me¨ he hissed and turned around. He started to walk towards the screams and I followed him.

He entered a slightly lit room and beckoned me to follow. I had no choice but to follow him into the room. A man was hanging from the wall and he was bleeding badly. The twin cenobites were there and bowed when Xipe Totec entered the room. He nodded towards the door and the twins left.

My eyes widened as I realized his intentions. He couldn't…

¨ What do you see Adele? ¨ he asked and grabbed a hook.

I stood quiet for a while. What did he want me to answer?

¨ Um…a man, a soul…¨ I started but when I saw his disappointed face I quickly gave another answer. An answer I was sure he wanted to hear.

¨ Pain…suffering…fear…¨ I look into the man's eyes…deeper…I see a woman…she died in a car accident…all that pain in the man's heart…so much pain…

I blink and quickly look away. What was that? How could I see that? Memories…impossible.

I glance at Xipe Totec and remember that he is still waiting for a good answer.

¨ um…pleasure? ¨ I ask. I decided to forget what I just saw.

This time Xipe Totec smiled. This had to be the first time he was pleased with me.

¨ Yes…it is our purpose to make him feel…¨ he spoke with his dark voice and touched the man with his hook. ¨ We don't just cause pain and suffering…we make them enjoy it…¨ he turned to me and captured my eyes.

¨ It is our purpose and it is time for you to realize it¨ He took one of my knives and placed it in my hand.

I watched the man. Carefully I walk to the man and raise my knife. But I couldn't…

¨ No¨ I whisper and back away. ¨ I am not like you and I'm proud¨ I said bravely. ¨ I can feel….I can feel and there is nothing you can do about it. And my heart tells me not to touch this man! ¨ I put my knife away and cross my arms.

He looked so disappointed. Quickly his eyes turned even darker and he looked once again angry.

¨ Go and don't show yourself until you are one of us! ¨ he roared and I jumped back.

¨ Go? What do you…¨?

¨ Now!!¨ he roared and hit the wall. With a panicked yelp I run out of the room. I run through many dark passages and I keep running until my feet starts to hurt. I heard Leviathan boom after me but I ignored it. I didn't know where I was going, but I didn't care. The passage got darker and soon I collapse on the floor and try to catch my breath.

It is so silent. I can't even hear Leviathan. I can't sense my father…my God.

I'm alone. I suddenly realize that I have run to the outer territory. The chains hanging from the ceiling were old and dry. Not a single demon or soul was here. Just me…

I feel tears in my eyes. I don't belong there, I don't belong here…where do I belong? I started to cry and hated myself. I don't want to feel, I don't want to cry. Why did Leviathan made me feel? I don't want to feel.

¨ I'm alone…¨ I whisper. I would never be like the other cenobites. He should know it. Why can't they just accept it?

He said I wasn't allowed to come back before I'm one of them. Well, that would never happen, which means I would be alone forever…

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