Hades
The chill entered my bones, making every cell and organ prickle with the cold. Wrapping my arms tighter around myself again, I shivered, waiting in the oppressive darkness that seemed capable of swallowing light.
I tried not to open my eyes, scared I would see the faces of the monsters. Cain always checked under my bed for them but never found them. I understood why now—it was because this was where they really were all along.
I swallowed, but it was painful. My throat was dry, my stomach growled. I let myself wonder about food. My tummy had not stopped rumbling. I wanted pie and pudding. My mouth watered thinking of the big platter of food I would get if I passed this test that Dad gave me.
I would sleep in my soft bed again—the floor was too uncomfortable; it made my bones ache. I would play with Nox again. I hoped someone fed him while I was away.
I turned, folding into myself, hoping the pain would go quickly.
Then footfall—and light—filtered through my eyelids.
