RAVENNA PIERCE

Chapter 14

Human world cont'd,

***************************************,

"I will not marry Miranda," Dimitri stated, his voice firm and resolute. "I will not be forced into a union that I do not want. I have the right to choose my own path, my own future."

Natalia's face turned red with rage, her eyes blazing with fury. "You ungrateful child," she spat. "You will do as I say, or you will suffer the consequences."

Dimitri stood, "I am not a child, Mother," he said, his voice calm but firm. "I am a man, and I will make my own decisions. I will not be bullied or coerced into doing something that goes against my will."

"You will marry Miranda, Dimitri. you shall do as i say. You have no say in the matter."

Dimitri's eyes locked onto his mother's, "Mother, please... can't I marry someone else? "Someone from another family? Or choose my own bride?"

Natalia's expression remained unyielding, her voice firm. "No, Dimitri. The arrangement with the pierce family would go on as planned.

"Can't we negotiate with another family?" Dimitri pressed on, his voice laced with frustration.

"Mother, please listen to me," Dimitri pleaded, his tone filled with desperation. "If you force me to marry Miranda, it will only lead to unhappiness for both of us. Can't we at least consider my feelings and find a solution that works for everyone involved?"

If I,cannot marry according to my desires "mother"..."Then perhaps I should renounce my title as the heir to fathers wealth!" ...."Afterall that's all you've been after mom when you discussed the arranged marriage with Ravenna to me without even telling me about it until it was concluded."

Wanting me to get my father's wealth while he is still alive. you used the fact that father promised me half of his wealth if I settled down and had my own family soon. I'm tired of playing pawn to your whims mother!.

You know, mother, I keep blaming myself for the misfortune that happened to Ravenna. she never deserved any of this happening to her.

A flicker of uncertainty crossed Natalia's face as she observed the emotions in Dimitri's eyes.

"Dimitri," she said slowly after what felt like an eternity of silence between them. "I understand your desire for freedom and choice, son.

Natalia could feel tears welling up in her eyes. She had always wanted what she thought was best for Dimitri - a secure future filled with wealth and power.

"I never intended to cause you pain or unhappiness," she whispered through trembling lips."

Dimitri softened at the sight of his mother's vulnerability; empathy replacing frustration within him.

"Mother," Dimitri called out, "I know you have always wanted the best for me, but forcing this marriage upon me will only bring sorrow to both Miranda and me.

Natalia's expression softened, her eyes filling with regret. "Dimitri, I... I apologize," she said, "I realize now that i have indeed gone too far."

Natalia turned to Lucas and Victoria, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "Lucas, Victoria, I apologize for my behavior earlier. I was wrong to have suggested another contract marriage between my son and your daughter. "

Lucas and Victoria exchanged surprised glances before Lucas spoke up. "Natalia, we understand the importance of family, and we also value our children's happiness."

Natalia nodded. "I realize that now.

"Dimitri, you're free to choose your own path to marry whoever you want. I promise to support you."

##############################,

Underworld cont'd:,

**************************,

"Xorax, can I ask you something?"

"Of course, Ravenna. Xorax replied,

What is it?"

"How is Lilith?..."

"Lilith... she's still here, in the underworld."

"Is she okay? I haven't seen her since I was taken away."

"I'm worried about her. Can I see her? Can you take me to her?" Ravenna pleaded.

"I'll see what I can do, Ravenna. But no promises.

But first, let's get you all cleaned up...........

Ravenna emerged from her bath, feeling refreshed. Xorax had provided her with a beautiful maid's uniform, complete with a black dress, a white apron, and a small white cap to cover her hair. The outfit was crisp and starched, She looked every inch like a respectable maid.

She smoothed out her new black dress, her eyes locking onto Xorax as he waited for her by the door. "Are you ready to take me to Lilith now?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Xorax nodded, his expression unreadable, and gestured for her to follow him.

"Shall we?" he asked, gesturing for her to follow him.

Ravenna followed Xorax through the dimly lit hallways, which led to the cell. The air was heavy with an eerie silence, broken only by distant whispers and faint cries of souls being tormented. They walked past countless cells. Finally, they arrived at the cell room where Lilith was.

As they entered the cell room, Ravenna could feel a wave of emotions washing over her. "Ohhh! Lilith, how have you been?"She asked as she looked at Lilith through the rusty iron bars, their eyes meeting again since their separation.

Lilith's face lit up with a smile as she saw Ravenna standing before her. "Ravenna," she said softly, "I never thought I would see you again, i thought you were dead, friend!"

Ravenna reached out to touch Lilith's hand through the bars. "I am alive and well," she whispered, her voice filled with relief.

Just at that moment, Xorax cut in, "Enough now, Ravenna," "We need to leave now," he said urgently, his voice low and warning. "Before Azazel finds out I brought you here to see her........"

Ravenna's had almost forgotten that Xorax was taking a risk by bringing her to the cell to see Lilith.

Lilith's expression turned grim, and she grasped Ravenna's arm. "Take care of yourself, and be care Ravenna," she whispered. "Azazel will not hesitate to punish you if he finds out you were brought here by xorax.

"Goodbye, Lilith."...." I would come see you again if I get the chance to." Ravenna said as she headed out with xorax.

As they walked away from Lilith's cell, Xorax's usual demeanor gave way to an unsettling silence. Ravenna, who had been chattering excitedly about her reunion with Lilith, began to notice Xorax's quiet attitude.

"Xorax, is everything all right?" Ravenna asked, her brow furrowing in concern. "You're not saying a word. What's wrong?"

Xorax's gaze remained fixed on some point ahead, his eyes narrowed in thought. For a moment, as he wondered,

It wasn't just the risk of Azazel's wrath that bothered xorax , but something more subtle.

He remembered glancing at Lilith, his eyes narrowing as he studied her face. There was something familiar about her features, something that tugged at the edges of his memory. But he couldn't quite place it.

Where had he seen that face before?

it can't be possible that I recognize her, but from where.

Lilith was just a prisoner of the underworld.

Xorax's brow furrowed in concentration. He was certain he had never met Lilith before, but he had met her, the feeling of familiarity lingered. It was a nagging sense of déjà vu, one that he couldn't shake off.

Ravenna wondered if he had even heard her question........But then, his eyes flickered back to hers, and he replied in a low, measured tone...

y..yess!, I am listening, Ravenna. He said, trying to get himself under control.

But Lilith's face remained a mystery, a puzzle he couldn't quite solve.........