Typhon's Revenge

Chapter Forty-One

WIND

Nothing much happened after that uncomfortable breakfast and the one thing I was glad for was that I was feeling stronger and more aware of my surroundings. Noah had seemed very interested in what had happened to me and I didn't know why that question made my insides churn and shiver in disgust. I guessed it had something to do with what had happened to me but I wasn't so sure and I felt even more eager to find out what it had been and at the same time frustrated because there wasn't anything I could do to remember. 

Sighing, I tried to shake the feeling away and focus on acting normal. I was glad Alex was here with me, I might not have remembered her from before the incident, but I felt at ease in her presence and also grateful because she had stayed by my side to help me recover.

Also, I was glad she wasn't like my mom when I was sick. My mother was quite suffocating when her only child was sick, especially if it involved a fever. She'd practically become anxious and even have the doctor on speed-dial just in case. I never judged her or told her to stop being so protective, but sometimes I did wish she could relax. 

Alex was the kind of person that looked out for you but also gave you all of the freedom to do whatever you wanted and if along the way, you started to feel bad, she'd be there to catch you. 

We walked outside into the backyard and I let out a smile as the sun filled me with its warmth. I knew it was artificial, but it was the closest thing we had to the real things. Alex followed me and tried to make a conversation as I sat down at the top of a small hill. 

We talked and got to know each other for what was probably the second time in our lives and we almost didn't realize hours had passed until the sun began to set. Alex looked out on the horizon with an expectant look on her face and I remembered she said the others should be back before the sun set or else, the bridge they'd have to cross would be gone and they'd have to wait for the next day.

"They should be back by now," she whispered without looking at me and I gently reached for her hand.

"They'll be. They're probably just crossing the bridge now," I reassured, but a strange feeling inside of me told me that wasn't the case. Shaking my head, I tried not to listen to that voice in my mind and instead keep the flame of hope lit inside of me. 

But as time passed and the sun had set even more in the distance, there was no sign of them and Alex had stiffened. Worry covered her face and she quickly bolted to her feet and started to lead us back inside. I followed after her, trying to keep up even though my body was slightly numb. 

I didn't know where she was going but I followed her nonetheless. As we walked through the hallway, she looked inside different rooms as if searching for someone. It wasn't until we reached a room close to the throne room that she stopped and I realized why. 

Inside, a meeting had seemed to take place, but the people inside had started to clear out but whomever Alex was looking for was inside. 

Noah was sitting at the table with another, older-looking man wearing a suit. They were talking in low voices and Noah was nodding his head at what the man said. I stiffened since I didn't know if it was the best idea to interrupt them.

But Alex didn't mind and she quickly barged into the room with a determined look on her face. Noah and the older man looked at Alex and were about to speak when Alex shook her head and leaned on the table.

"They aren't back. They were supposed to return before the sun set. Something must have happened, we need to go looking for them. They could be in trouble, or worse," Alex murmured as she kept her eyes on Noah.

Noah stiffened while the older man looked confused and shocked. "What on earth are you talking about?" He asked with a slight British accent.

"I'm talking about Aileen, Andrew, and Mason. They went out to look for the Oneiroi and they didn't return when they were supposed to," Alex murmured through gritted teeth while I stood back, feeling uncomfortable and out of place.

The older man stiffened and his accusing gaze fell on Noah who had a blank expression on his face. But even so, I knew he was worried. At his sides, he had both of his hands clenched into fists and his grip was so tight that his knuckles had started to turn white.

"Noah, why wasn't I informed of this? We all know the princess must not leave this castle without supervision. I swear, that girl is nothing but trouble," the older man murmured in frustration as he placed his hands on his waist and started to pace. "What are we supposed to tell His Majesty? That his only child, the only heir to the Underworld hasn't returned from an adventure?" 

Noah sighed and shook his head as he turned to face the man. "No, Alfred. You need to relax. I'm sure they are alright and if they're not back by lunch tomorrow, I will personally lead a hunt to find them. They probably got help up and didn't have enough time to cross the bridge."

Alfred said something under his breath before his fiery eyes turned to Alex, "we need to hope that is the case because we have had several problems with some of the creatures of the Underworld recently and they wouldn't hesitate to strike at the princess given the chance."

Alex stiffened next to me but she didn't say anything as she thought about what to say next.

"Why don't we talk to Hades? Maybe he can raise the bridge for them to pass over or for us to go looking for them," I suggested in a whisper and all eyes turned to me. 

This time, Noah was the one to shake his head. "It can't be done. While Hades is the ruler of this realm, he's very strict with all the protocols and rules down here. He wouldn't break one of his own rules, not even for his daughter."

I'm not so sure about that, a knowing voice whispered in my mind and it took all the self-control all I had left not to jump out of surprise. The voice in my mind sounded like me and yet, I didn't know where the thought had come from. How could I possibly assume that I knew Hades better than Noah? 

It had to be because of my memories. Maybe it was a sign that they were coming back.

While hope began to fill me, Alfred nodded his head and placed his hands on the table. "We're not going to tell His Majesty anything about this. It would only worry him. We'll speak to him tomorrow if the situation becomes dire. Meanwhile, try to relax and pray that your friends are safe enough to pass the night. Understood?"

Without another word, Alex stormed out of the room and was practically stomping all the way to the dining room. I gave Noah and Alfred an apologetic look as I followed after my friend and almost had the door smashed to my face when she swung it shut.

"This is unbelievable. This is bullshit. And you would think that an almighty God would actually have good staff to make sure they kept him informed. Of course he can raise the bridge and he would do so if it meant getting Aileen back. I don't know what Alfred's or Noah's deal is, but I am not going with it. We are going to find Hades and tell him ourselves," she said in determination as her eyes flared up.

"Do you know where to find him? At this hour I doubt he's at the throne room," I murmured as I looked out one of the large windows and saw the darkness of the forest and the bright reflection of the moon outside. 

Alex sighed and let herself drop on a chair as she slumped forward in defeat. "No, I don't know. Truthfully, I haven't seen him since he welcomed us to the Underworld. He likes to keep to himself and he's a busy man."

I frowned and sat down next to her as I placed a soothing hand on her arm.

"Hey, everything will be okay. Maybe Noah is right and there's no need to worry now until tomorrow afternoon," I said reassuringly and she nodded her head.

"I know, right now the only thing keeping me sane is that I know Mason is alright, and if he's fine then that means Aileen and Andrew are as well. Whatever bond Aileen and Andrew share, or at least used to share, is the same one I share with Mason. So, I am clinging onto that hope," she confessed and I nodded my head.

I wasn't exactly sure of what she was talking about, but I knew it wouldn't do any good to ask her at this moment. She was stressed and worried and I didn't want her to feel even more overwhelmed right now. 

Suddenly, the room of the dining room opened and both Alex and I turned around to see who had come in. 

Noah walked towards us with an uncomfortable expression on his face. He stopped a couple of inches from the table and cleared his throat as he thought about what to say.

"There is something you must know that Alfred doesn't want you to know," he said slowly and Alex and I shared a look. 

"Hades isn't in the Underworld right now. He was called up to the surface, apparently, something dire has happened and they needed him in Olympus urgently. He probably won't be back until later tonight or early tomorrow. That's the reason why we can't go to him because he isn't even here. So let's try to be patient and not lose our heads," he explained as his eyes fell on Alex.

I looked at my friend from the corner of my eyes and saw something that looked like suspicion and confusion flash across her face. I didn't know what she was thinking, but she looked as if she were trying to figure out a puzzle in her mind.

"Thank you for telling us, Noah. Alex is still processing everything and she must be very tired from taking care of me, don't mind her," I said as I tried to divert his attention from Alex.

Noah placed his hands behind his back and nodded his head. "I understand and I must be going. Without Hades in the castle, Alfred's strict protocols intensify. I'll see you tomorrow morning, sleep well."

I smiled at him warmly and waved before he turned away and exited the room. Once he was gone, I turned my attention back to Alex and raised an eyebrow. I was intrigued by whatever she was thinking. 

"Something's happening. I don't think it's a coincidence that just the day Hades leaves the Underworld, Aileen, Andrew and Mason go missing. I think there's something going on and I think we should be prepared. Tonight, let's take watch, just in case. I know you're tired and so am I, but it would do no one any good if neither of us can sleep or worse if we both fall asleep and something bad happens," she whispered as her serious gaze met mine.

Taken aback, I slowly nodded my head. I wasn't sure where Alex's suspicion was coming from, not entirely, but I had come to know that she had good instincts and whenever Alex said something bad was going to happen, it was because it was true. 

A small voice inside of me agreed with her and that only made me feel even more uncomfortable for whatever the future had in store for us.