Page 97 of Thanatos' Craving

His jet-black hair, disheveled and wild, cascaded haphazardly across his forehead. He trembled uncontrollably, his words stumbling out incoherently, as they unceremoniously dumped him onto the hard floor before Hades’ imposing desk.

“Was that really necessary?” Ember wiped the tears away from her face after witnessing the touching moments with her son's new communication skills.

“Your Majesty, our apologies.” the demon guards bowed and pulled Andriel to standing.

“I don’t know my crime. I’m sorry for what I did. I swear I didn’t mean it!” Andriel cried out and bowed toward the desk. “Please, spare me!”

Hades curled his lip in disgust and rounded the desk. “I have little patience for whining, Andriel, and my time is lacking, so you best tell the truth.”

Andriel’s body crumpled to the cold ground, his desperate crawl away from Hades mirroring his fear. An electric energy filled the room, pulsating and thrumming against my chest, sending shivers down my spine. I instinctively leaned back, the weight of Thanatos’ presence pressing against me. His ebony wings enfolded me, their feathers whispering like the faint rustle of leaves. His breath brushed against my ear, a chilling yet comforting caress.

“It’s alright, just a little longer.”

“I swear, I will tell you everything,” Andriel pleaded.

“Uriel?” Hades looked to his son first, however, and Lucifer gritted his teeth with a reluctant nod.

Hades held his hand out, and Uriel’s face lit up when she came to help Hades.

“Yes, Lord Hades?” She saluted him.

“Just Hades is fine, Uriel,” he drawled.

“But we are working,” she whispered. “It’s more professional.”

Hades sighed. “Sure, whatever you think.”

“Lord Hades, how may I assist you?” Uriel bowed.

“Make sure this demon is telling the truth. If not, then we will have Lucifer make him tell the truth.”

Andriel gazed over at Lucifer, who is smiling wickedly. A wet spot appears between his legs.

Ew.

“Why are you in contact with the strip club, Fuzzy Bunnies?” Hades ground out. “Why was your name on documents in that filthy club?”

Andriel’s mouth hung open, his fangs piercing his lip when he speaks. “A strip club? I know nothing about a strip club!”

Uriel nods. “He’s telling the truth, Lord Hades.”

Hades growled, his commanding presence captivating the room. “Then why the fuck was your name there? Your name, Andriel Demon, was on a pile of papers with human requirements. Like you were fucking picking out a human to take home.”

Andriel shook his head, his tail that I didn’t notice before dropped into his hands and he held it like a lifeline.

“W-what? N-no I gave nothing to a strip club! I went to a supernatural matchmaking agency. That’s the only place I’ve put my name on human paper. Usually they match you with someone that you just spend time with until you find your mate, but she promised she can actually find your mate. She said she would help me if I paid!”

Hades whipped his head to Ember, and she shook her head, a confused look upon her face.

I asked Thanatos, "I thought Ember was the only one who knows which soul is matched to who?"

“She is, other than Selene, who is currently gone right now. So why, Andriel, did you believe some random stranger?” Thanatos snapped.

Andriel swallowed, his breath panting. “I’m desperate. We all are. We know we can’t bother Ember. We are too fearful. I just wanted hope. I wanted help to find my other half. There was a rumor about this woman on Earth that claimed she has helped many. There were even testimonials. Her workers even said she matched them.”

“Lies,” Lucifer snarled. “They’re lies. No one can know anyone’s fated mate besides my mother. You have fallen victim to a scam.

Adriel shook his head. “Understand I was desperate. I’m tired of being alone.”

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