Moon Touched

141 Release Him pov

Those responsible for protecting the sleeping wolves had gathered in the packhouse kitchen. They were exhausted and starving. Eurybia and Gammy were making everyone's breakfast while the group of protectors waited on the warrior's report and for the last of their group to appear. The fact that Gaia and Rhea had not joined them was a worry. The two women had been watching over Demon, but he was not doing well. Just as Gammy set a plate of pancakes on the counter, an ear-piercing scream was heard from the upper level.

Hyperion shuttered at the scream, "I don't think young Demon will make it through."

"The others have been resting peacefully for almost 24 hours now. What is wrong, and why is he still suffering? None of the others who were not full werewolves suffer like he is." Zeus asked quietly not to disturb his mate, who had fallen asleep with her head on the countertop.

Cronos muttered in response, "I think it has something to do with what he already is." Resting his elbows on the counter and steepling his fingers, he continued, "Demon is a true-born demon of the underworld. He was not sent there for punishment; he was born of the darkness that belongs to one of the most horrifying of places. The place of his birth does not want to let him go. Demon is not strong enough to fight it."

"Can't anyone do something to help him? Leo will be devastated if the Demon does not survive." Evelynn sniffled as Cronos wiped the tears from her cheeks. "We all will," she added.

Gaia appeared and babbled: "Zeus, go and find that nitwit of a brother of yours. Bring him here immediately! Poor Sir Demon cannot take anymore. His heart will give out if he suffers much more."

"I am here, grandmother," Hades said while making himself visible to everyone. Smirking, he walked forward and kissed Gaia on her cheek. "What do you need from this nitwit grandson of yours, grandmother?"

"Release him, Hades. Do not let him be tortured just to amuse yourself. Give him peace and a chance at life."Gaia told him. She knew better than to order him to do so. Demon belongs to Hades.

Hades stood staring down at his grandmother and bent, pressing his forehead against hers. "Demon has always been too caring to be in my world, born of it or not. I sent him here, hoping he would find a place amongst these wolves my cousins love so much. I knew he would not kill the youngling. He is too soft-hearted, but now I worry he is too soft-hearted for this world."

​Cronos stood next to his son. "Release him, Hades, now. The boy loves him and trusts him as his protector. The demon has shown he is a demon of valor and deserves a chance to live in the light instead of all darkness." When Hades straightened his frame, he made to argue, but Cronos cut him off, "You can keep an eye on your demon and ensure he is happy if that is really your concern. You wanted him to find a place here with your cousins. He has done so, and we are here to help him if he stumbles. Release him, son, before it is too late."

Sighing, Hades decided to cooperate, for they were right. His little demon had found a place amongst these wolves in this realm. His little demon wanted to be a wolf, but he would be a hybrid, which worried Hades the most. What did that mean? Would he be more wolf than demon or vice versa? Would he sire more hybrids? If so, would they be able to visit or make the underworld their home? What would all of this mean for his domain? Has anyone stopped to think of that? No, they make plans and move forward, calling it a prophecy. No, this is his grandmother meddling to create something bigger and better than his cousins did. Those stupid girls will girls and their mates will see it as a great prophecy rewarding them for something or other. They are imbeciles the way they are led by the lady mother, Gaia.

Moreover, he will ensure the underworld gates are hidden and guarded closely. "Very well, Father, take me to him." He spun and followed his father without another word to anyone else in the room.

"That boy is so much like Cronos when he was younger. Hopefully, he will learn compassion with age." Crius informed the room.

"Cronos is still trying to figure it out. He has improved, but he is still very abrupt with others." Hera spoke, startling everyone else.

"I thought you were asleep, my love," Hyperion said, kissing her forehead and hugging her.

She chuckled, "Who could sleep with all the screaming up there and all the talking down here?" Yawning, she finished, "I hope the demon's suffering stops soon. Hades is a good boy. He is just misunderstood by the king of the underworld stuff and all. He will do the right thing."

The warrior's report was delivered, and the protectors finished their meal. Afterward, they returned to their assigned wolves and settled to rest and wait.

Meanwhile, in Sir Demon's room, Hades sat in the chair beside his demon lying in the bed. The demon's body was going through some change. His bones were breaking, shifting around, and reforming into something spectacular. The wolf lying on the bed was something to behold. He was a wolf, but yet he wasn't. The wolf had human-like qualities. The fur that had sprouted all over his body was the blackest color of black Hades had ever seen. His fur was even darker than Katia's wolf. It was eerie seeing a human-like wolf lying on the bed. Demon started rolling back and forth while he was whining.

Rhea told Hades, "The pain is starting again."

Nodding, Hades moved to sit on the side of the bed and took hold of the demon's hand. "Demon, open your eyes. Good, now listen to me. It is Master Hades. I give you freedom, Demon. I give you the freedom to live and be that beautiful being you have turned into. Stop fighting the light trying to enter your life. Take hold of it and welcome it into you."

Demon whispered, "What if I am not strong or good enough? What if I cannot live up to what this species is to become?"

Hades whispered to his soft-hearted demon, "You are and can. Grandmother would not have rewarded you with what you most desired if you were not deserving. You have been an exceptional demon in our world. You have always done what you felt was right in a world begging its inhabitants to do the wrong thing. You are not for my world. You belong here with the supernaturals of this realm. They can appreciate and love you where I cannot. Now, let go of the rest of the darkness in you and embrace the light."

Demon closed his eyes once more and did what his maker asked of him one more time. He embraced the light and felt it push the rest of the darkness from him. He felt warmth throughout his body, but most of all, he felt a connection to a group of beings and their love for him. When his body returned to its normal form, there was no pain, and he rested peacefully. As Demon drifted into a healing sleep, he heard the Alpha Luna, "It's about time, Sir Demon. We have been waiting for you. Rest now and heal. Soon, we will all awaken and learn about our new lives."

Gaia and Rhea heaved sighs of relief. Rhea went to her son and hugged him. She had seen the single tear that had slipped down his cheek. What was a Demon to her son? He was more than just a demon born of the underworld; she was certain. Gaia broke through her thoughts when she said, "That was the most long-winded I have ever heard you be, my lord of the underworld."

"You told me to release him. I had to convince him to let go." Hades retorted.

"Well, you could have used emojis instead of being so long-winded," Gaia snapped.

Exasperated, Hades said, Grandmother, that is for texting. No one speaks in emoji."

Rhea realized what her mother was doing, as she had picked up on the fact that Demon also meant something more to Hades. She listened to the rest of the conversation while trying not to laugh.

Gaia frowned at Hades and said, "See, that is a frowny face." Then she held up her thumb and forefingers on each hand, making a heart shape out of them and pushing it at Hades. While doing this, Gaia said, "And now I heart you." Gaia face-palms herself and tells her grandson, "Now I am calling you an idiot." Next, she makes a sad face and tells him she is sad. Gaia continues making different faces or gestures and says, "See, Hades, you can speak in emoji."

Rhea could not hold back and laughed as Hades kissed her and Gaia. He then said, "Grandmother, you are losing it. But I thank you for what you have done, Demon, and for not taking my crap. I love you, mother and grandmother." Then he was gone.