RAVENNA PIERCE

Chapter 9

Xorax carried Ravenna through the winding corridors of the underworld, her limp form sagging against his chest. He strode through the dark passageways with ease, his demonic senses guiding him through the darkness.

Finally, they arrived at Xorax's private space, a dimly lit cavern deep within the underworld. Xorax laid Ravenna down on a raised dais.

He had never really dealt with humans before, at least not in a non-culinary capacity. As a demon, his diet consisted mainly of souls and human flesh, and he had no idea what Ravenna might eat.

He rummaged through his stores, searching for something, anything, that might sustain her. But all he could find were jars of preserved human flesh that were more likely to harm her than help.

Xorax's confusion deepened as he stared down at Ravenna. What did humans eat, anyway? He had never really thought about it before.

He muttered to himself, frustration growing. How was he supposed to care for and feed this mortal Ravenna? He was a demon, not a nursemaid!

his eyes scanning her pale face. She needed water and fast. He knew just the place to get it, but food he was so unsure about.

He strode out of making his way through, his footsteps echoing off. He passed by the shadowy forms of other demons, who watched him with curious eyes.

Finally, he emerged onto the banks of the River Styx, its bright clean waters flowing sluggishly. Xorax knelt down at the river's edge, dipping his hand into the icy cold water

As he cupped his hands to scoop up some water into a small leather bottle made out of animal skin which he brought along with him, Charon, the ferryman of the dead, looked up from his boat. "Xorax, what brings you to the Styx?" he asked

Xorax stood up, the water dripping from his hands. "I need water for a mortal,".. "he replied,"

Charon's eyes narrowed. "Ah, the human girl master refused to throw into the lake of fire after she took her own life in the human world, Master still refuses to condemn her alongside the other damned souls. I've heard rumors also about how nice you've been with her ever since she came to the underworld that's really not so much like you . What's your business with her, Xorax?"

Xorax's expression remained neutral. "Azazel's business, not mine, i still wonder why he hasn't condemned her soul to the damned yet, neither does he even have any specific reasons for doing such,none that i know of actually or maybe he does pity her and want to keep her around. I'm just following orders,Charon."

Charon nodded, seeming to accept Xorax's explanation. "Be careful, Xorax, Azazel's whims can be... unpredictable."

Xorax nodded as he stood up, the water dripping from his hands. He turned to Charon with a curious expression. "Charon, have you seen the Queen of the Underworld, I haven't seen her since I got here ?" he asked, his voice low.

Charon's eyes flicked towards the entrance to her cave. Ah, yes... she's busy with the new souls, preparing them for judgment."

Xorax's eyebrows rose. "New souls, you say? I hadn't heard."

Charon nodded, his voice taking on a slightly ominous tone. "Yes, a large batch of them arrived recently. The Queen is busy ensuring they're prepared for their punishment."

"I see," he said finally, his voice neutral. "Well, I have to rush back."

With that, Xorax turned and made his way back, the water clutched in his hands.

He returned to Ravenna's side and gently lifted her head, holding the small leather bottle of water to her lips.

"Drink," he urged, his voice soft and encouraging.

Ravenna's eyes flickered open, and she gazed up at Xorax. She took a tentative sip of the water, and then another, her throat working as she swallowed.

The water refreshed Ravenna's weary body as she slowly regained her strength. With each sip, the color returned to her cheeks, and a glimmer of life sparkled in her eyes.

As she drank, xorax couldn't help but feel a sense of protectiveness towards Ravenna. He had always been surrounded by darkness and cruelty, but there was something about her that had stirred a strange tenderness within him towards her.

"I'll be back," Xorax said softly, his voice gentle. "I have to go find something for you to eat."

Ravenna's eyes flickered open at the mention of food she was so hungry. she gazed up at Xorax, but she said nothing, merely nodding weakly before closing her eyes again.

Xorax watched her for a moment, ensuring she was comfortable before turning and striding out.

He made his way back to Azazel's throne room.

When he arrived, Azazel looked up from the mortal soul he was tormenting, a look of satisfaction on his face.

"My lord!".."xorax called out."

"Ah, Xorax," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "What brings you here again? Don't tell me you're having trouble with the mortal."

Xorax bowed his head,

"My lord, I must admit that I am unsure what to feed her. As a demon, my diet consists of souls and human flesh. I have no knowledge of what mortals eat."

Azazel's eyes gleamed. "Ah, yes. The intricacies of human sustenance. Very well, Xorax. He said, summoning a nearby demon, "Xorvath,". My loyal servant," he said, his voice dripping with amusement. "I have a task for you."

Xorvath, a hulking demon with razor-sharp horns and scales, bowed his head.

"My lord, I am at your service."

"I want you to go out and find a suitable animal for a mortal dinner. Something plump and juicy, preferably, you know what i am talking about. And then, I want you to roast it to perfection."

Xorvath's face split into a gruesome grin. "As you wish, my lord. I will bring back the finest meat for the mortal."

Azazel nodded, his expression satisfied. "See that you do, Xorvath."

With a bow, Xorvath turned and disappeared into the shadows.

Azazel turned back to Xorax, a sly smile still playing on his lips. "You see how easy it is, Xorax?" he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You don't need to be so... perplexed. Feeding a mortal isn't exactly a complex task."

Xorax knew Azazel was mocking him, and he didn't appreciate it.

"Of course, my lord," Xorax replied, his voice smooth. "I simply wanted to ensure that Ravenna ate a meal fit for mortals."

Azazel chuckled, the sound low and menacing. "Oh, I'm sure you did, Xorax. I'm sure you did."

"Well, now that we have Ravenna's meal taken care of, I suggest you await the return of Xorvath

"Yes, my lord," Xorax replied, bowing his head.

Azazel nodded, his smile growing wider. "Excellent.

"You may go, Xorax. As you can see, I have more... pressing matters to attend to."

Xorax bowed his head, "Yes, my lord," he replied, turning to leave.

As he departed, Azazel's attention turned back to the mortal soul he had been tormenting before Xorax's interruption. The soul, a pitiful mortal wretch, cowered in fear as Azazel's tormented.

"Ah, yes... where were we?" Azazel said, his voice dripping with sadistic pleasure.