Cursed By The Moonlight - Chapter 73

Tartarus is the great pit beneath the earth used as a dungeon of suffering and agony and a burial place for the monsters, the Titans, and in later myths, for mortals who perpetrated unpardonable sins. It was also the lowest part of the universe, a separate entity lower than the Underworld.

Some described it as a vast depth, both dreary and damp, and a place of wreckage. The Underworld was the final resting place of mortal sinners, while Tartarus was used for banished monsters and gods alike.

“So how do we get there? Through the river Acheron?” Zion asked.

Azalea nodded.

“There were seven rivers of the Underworld that connected and ran through Tartarus. Acheron was the fastest way from Terra to the Underworld then to Tartarus.” Azalea explained.

Amaris was amazed by Azalea’s knowledge of things. At first glance, she looked like an innocent girl that didn’t know anything, but once you talked to her, she had a vast knowledge about the world.

“How do you know all this?” Zion asked, curiosity piqued.

“I don’t go to school. My parents were explorers. I learned from going to those places.” Azalea said.

“You’ve been to Tartarus?” Maxine asked.

Azalea nodded. Amaris glanced at Zion. She felt like Azalea was hiding something from them. How can a girl like her be able to go to Tartarus? She thought inwardly.

Amaris looked at Azalea and held her hands.

“There’s something you’re not telling us. It’s not easy to go to Tartarus. You said so yourself, and you’ll have to pass through the nine layers of the Underworld. I don’t think your parents brought you there. Azalea, tell us what happened?” Amaris asked.

Azalea stared into Amaris’ eyes and bit her lips. She then sighed before answering her.

“They killed my mother in front of our house, then took my father. I could shift into any earth animal, whether big or small. I could even turn myself into insects. I turned myself into Kitti’s hog-nosed bat and hid inside one of the enemy’s bags. I wanted to save my father, but he was taken to Tartarus, and there’s no way I could get him out there. Everyone thought he was dead, but he was still alive when I left him there. Father gave me his powers and all the knowledge about the child of the moon. He said we were not the most powerful protrea, but we will be your navigator, your map. I know almost everything.” Azalea answered.

“You want to go back to Tartarus to see if your father is still alive, right?” Amaris asked.

Azalea nodded. Amaris understood the kid’s feelings. If there’s a slight chance her father was still alive, he will do the same. She smiled at Azalea and patted her head.

“We will go there and see if he’s still alive.” Amaris said in a gentle voice.

“Thank you, princess!” Azalea exclaimed.

“Call me, Ari. I don’t like to be called a princess.”

Zion and Amaris went to their bedroom to pack their things. They have to travel quickly since Azalea said they have ten days to find the remaining protrea and go to Mirrikh. The remaining five days would be their journey to Tartarus.

Zion suddenly hugged her from behind. She felt happy now that she remembered her love for him.

“Are you sure you want to go to Tartarus?” He asked.

Amaris sighed then turned around to face him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and stared into his eyes.

“I want to see if there’s a chance I could get my body back, and at the same time, if there’s a chance I could give back the life I stole from the real owner of this body, I will do it.” She explained.

Zion nodded and smiled at her.

“I understand. I want to see what you look like, but you know, as long as it’s you, I don’t care about your appearance.” He whispered.

“I know. But I want to be complete so that I can love you completely.” She answered.

“Fine. But for me, you are perfect.” He said before kissing her on the lips.

After they packed their things, they bid farewell to Halia and Azalea’s grandpa. Azalea didn’t want to tell her grandpa about her father. She said she didn’t want him to give false hope. If his father were still alive, she would just surprise her grandpa.

Before leaving, Halia gave Amaris a gift.

“This is a dagger forged in the Shadow Mountains created by the powers of the fairies and the elves. I want you to have this. I know you are a powerful creature yourself, but I hope this will help you someday.”

Halia didn’t explain further, but Amaris was glad that the elder was nice to her.

“Azalea, is it okay if you ride with Zoila? She’s the Alpha’s sister.” Amaris asked.

Azalea nodded then walked towards Zoila, who reached out her hand, seeing the little girl in front of her.

“So, what’s the fastest route to go to the Elven Clan Territory?” Cole asked.

Then they looked at Azalea since she said she would be their map. The girl understood then took something from her bag. Amaris wondered how many things that her bag could carry. She noticed Azalea never put it down.

They were amazed when she sprinkled something into the air then murmured something.

“Ostende mi viam.”

Then two balls of light appeared, showing them where to go.

“Let’s follow them then.” Zion smiled at Azalea. “Good job, kid.”

They started their journey to the Elves’ Territory, Hiborane. The Elven Clan was led by King Rychell, one of the elders of Terra.

Amaris first met him in Levaerun and wondered if he was still doubting her. The Elven King was good-looking and had long white hair and pointed ears.

“Don’t worry about Rychell. He’s a friend of mine and was worried that I just mistook you for someone else. After your first meeting, he asked me if he could meet you in person.” Zion said when he felt her worries.

Amaris suddenly remembered something. She didn’t ask before because she would forget about it the next day. But now, she didn’t need to ask because she remembered what had happened in the past.

“I remember you cheated on me before I died! That’s the reason the Gods caught me because I was running away from you!” She yelled.

Everyone was surprised when she suddenly shifted to her fourth form. Zion was not able to hold on to her. She jumped off the horse, glaring at him was a pair of amber eyes.

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Reader’s Guide:

Ostende mi viam – show me the path