Page 24 of How to Accidentally get Trapped in Hell

”I just wanted to get to know you better. It’s not every day you find out you have a niece. Don’t you want to know more about the family? I know all the good secrets,” he says with a wink. “You want to know what your mom was like growing up?”

I have always wondered what she was like before she met my dad. Do we have anything in common besides our looks?

“If you come to my room, I can show you pictures. I’m sure I have some with your grandmother too,” he says

I know I shouldn’t. Belz would not be happy if he found out I went anywhere with either of my uncles. But this could be my chance to see my grandmother and my mom when she was young.“Okay, sure. But I have to be back before dinner. Belz and Zeph want to take me to Styx tonight.”

“Of course. You don’t want to miss that,” he agrees.

He leads me deep into the palace, down hallways I’ve never been before. Just as we get to his door, I hear a bellow echoing through the castle.

“What was that?” I question, looking around as if whatever made that terrifying sound would suddenly appear before us.

“I’m sure it’s nothing. Probably just Dad’s newest torture victim.” He shrugs as he opens the door, gesturing me in.

I don’t think that’s what it was, but I don’t say anything else about it. Anxious to get this over with and back to my guys, I follow him inside. I don’t even have time to take in my surroundings before a hand covers my mouth. I stupidly open my mouth to scream, only succeeding in inhaling more of whatever sweet liquid has saturated the rag. I knew I shouldn’t have come here. This was a fucking trap and I walked right into it.

I sway on my feet, my vision going blurry and my legs getting weak, as my uncles’ villainous laughs echo through my head. My last thought before I pass out is,not a-fucking-gain.I’m really tired of being kidnapped by family members.

When I come to, I’m tied to a chair…again. This time, however, they used thick chains rather than rope. My ankles are bound to the chair legs, my wrists are tied together at the small of my back and a chain wraps tightly around my upper body and the back of the chair. I experimentally move my body only to find there’s no wiggle room at all. Hopefully, my magic can get me out of this like last time, or I’m totally screwed.

“Look who’s awake,” a condescending voice chuckles, ringing in my head, causing it to pulse in pain.

“Gotta be honest, Drox, I’m surprised it worked on her,” Bartleby says, shrugging as I sluggishly turn my head in his direction.

“You know I’ve been perfecting my formula. Every test subject succumbed to the effects of the drug.” He smirks, clearly very proud of his atrocious achievement.

“Why are you doing this? You know my mates are going to kill you, right?” My coughing may shatter any bravado I’m able to muster, but it doesn’t make the facts any less true. Even if they succeed in whatever evil plan they’ve hatched, my menwilleventually kill them both.

“We’ve considered that outcome, though we’re confident things will go our way. And when they do, we’re going to be so powerful no one can stop us,” Droxley gloats.

“And everyone will knowwedid it. No keeping it a secret this time,” Bartleby insists.

My head may still be fuzzy, but something about that niggles at the back of my brain.

“Well, I hope you don’t have the same plan as Marjorkorie, because that didn’t go over so well for her.”Why do I always antagonize my captors?

“That’s what she gets for trying to do it without us. Trust me, we’re going to have a word about that as soon as we get her out of Daddy’s torture chamber,” Droxley assures as if I’m really worried about their relationship.

“Right. So let me guess, you want to bind yourself to me to get access to my powers? That’s kinda gross ya know. We’re still family even if you secretly want to kill me. Family shouldnotmarry family. It’s just common sense,” I snark.

“Demons aren’t quite as picky as your humans,” Bartleby scoffs.

“Besides, it’s just binding our souls and powers, we’re not having sex.” Droxley leers at me, suggesting he wouldn’t be against the idea, and I can’t stop the instant retch that comes with that thought.

“Stop taunting her and get on with the damn ceremony before they realize she’s missing,” Bartleby gripes as he paces in front of a table… A table that has candles and a curved blade that looks eerily like the one my ex-step-mother was planning on using on me. Though I guess they’re planning the same thing… I really need a better family. One not so intent on hurting me.

“But it’s so much more fun when you torment your victims first,” Droxley smirks at me. “Alright, alright. I’m done playing. Let’s get this show on the road. I can’t wait to test out my new powers.”

They both stand in front of the table, lighting candles for whatever ceremony is going to bind us for eternity, and my fight or flight reflex finally starts to kick in as I try to find a way out of the chains. I already know I have no hope of physically escaping them, so I try my magic. Luc says there’s no limit to what I can do, surely I can dispose of some stupid chains.

But when they turn around, a dagger in hand, I’m just as trapped as ever. What the fuck is up with my powers? I must make a face that gives away my attempt to use magic to get free because a cruel, creepy grin spreads across both of their faces.

“I guess Dad’s chains really do work on everyone,” Droxley chortles.

Fuck.

“Don’t worry. This won’t hurt… much,” Bartleby says as he approaches me with the dagger raised.

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