บท 19: The Underworld pt.2
Shirei reappeared in Kore's garden. Every corner of the place was immersed in a white glow, as if purity itself had become the landscape. In the heart of the garden, a spiral staircase ascended sinuously, its whiteness interrupted only by the shimmering breeze of petals suspended in the air.
Flowers of all kinds adorned the garden, a multitude of colors dancing together like a floral symphony. Each one seemed to emit its own light, a chromatic spell that enveloped the environment. It was a sacred place, an enchanted abode dedicated to Kore, whose body lay in the modest mausoleum a few meters from the boy. He had asked Dalia for explanations and had discovered that the mortal buried there had been Cragar's first love, who had then welcomed her spirit into his palace. The boy had wondered why he hadn't simply resurrected her but had never dared to ask his father that question.
After a moment of admiration, he headed towards his room. However, the moment he opened the trapdoor, he sensed a hidden presence. A careful look revealed a thin and mysterious figure, immersed in the shadows of a corner.
Shirei initially pretended not to notice him and continued towards the exit, curious to find out what he intended to do.
Now with one hand on the doorknob, he stopped and asked, "Who are you?"
"I thought you wouldn't notice," commented the boy as he came out into the open.
The young man carried with him a magnetic air. He had silvery eyes, as bright as the moon on a starry night, which introduced a dreamlike and mysterious atmosphere. However, their brightness was offset by a dark soul, which Shirei could sense, easily given the nature of her divine parent.
His black hair, straight and flowing, fell to hide part of his eyes, bringing anyone who looked at him back to cruel reality. The intense darkness of the hair created a fascinating contrast with the silvery glow of the eyes, creating a feeling of duality, as if the young man was a bridge between their world and a dream. He wore classic black skinny jeans, which suited his figure perfectly. The light pink sweatshirt he paired with jeans was unexpected, adding a pop of color that broke up his apparent darkness. The black leather jacket, worn nonchalantly, perfectly brought back the initial idea.
Despite his probable young age, the boy seemed to bring with him an experience that went beyond the years he had lived. Shirei mentally put himself on guard, convinced that he was facing an enemy. His presence had transformed from a dreamlike vision into a nightmare. Cragar's son had already begun to suspect that he knew who he was.
"You were wrong, now answer the question."
"My name is Salix, I don't have a surname. My mother is the goddess of sleep."
The purple-eyed demigod's suspicion had just been confirmed.
"You are the son of Tefine who was at the beach cabin."
Yes, I've been looking for you for some time now, 'Shirei'," he pronounced that name with a strange tone, almost disgust.
Salix watched Cragar's son for some sign but the violet-eyed demigod remained completely still.
With a sigh, he sat down on Dalia's bed. "Time is running out, I suspect Aena already knows I'm there."
"What do you want from me?"
"At your place?" The boy shook his head, "Nothing."
Shirei absolutely couldn't deactivate his state of alert, his instincts told him to maintain maximum attention. On the outside he still appeared perfectly calm but the aura of his interlocutor worried him. It felt strangely familiar but he was sure he hadn't known any mortal with that kind of pressure. He eyed the silver-eyed youth warily. The aura that surrounded him was like a dream vision that transformed into a powerful presence.
Cragar's son could sense that something more complex was hidden behind that appearance. Adding the information he had obtained to what he saw, the demigod began to connect the pieces that led to a frightening truth.
"They sent me here to recover an important comrade and cause damage..." Salix continued, looking for his answer, "Initially I thought it was all a farce but you seem to have really lost your memory."
"You know who I am."
"I knew who you were," he admitted with a grimace, "And I have to say it, I'm very disappointed to see who you've become."
Shirei opened his right hand with the intention of recalling his weapon from the Interworld, but the son of Tefine stopped him with a gesture.
"Don't do it, I'm not going to fight. I just wanted to make sure the rumors were true."
Saying this, he approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder before passing him. Salix reached the door and looked back at the demigod before walking out, his silver eyes glowing evilly.
"It was a pleasure for me to see you again, see you soon."
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