1 (Welcome to Hell.)

Chapter one:

Hades is known by many names in different cultures around the world- the Devil, Lord of the Underworld, and Satan. I have met the real Devil, and no, I am not dead, nor did I sell him my soul. No, I know him by a different name: Dad. My name is Scarlett Hades, and I am the daughter of the god Hades. Lying on my back on the bed, my legs bent, I stare up at the high ceiling above me. I blow air out through my lips, resting my hands flat on my stomach. I listen to the sounds of the house: the guards patrolling, the servants going about their different duties, and Tybalt my pet hound, paddling around the house, trying to find something to eat. I ponder what to do. It's late in the day, and I've run out of ideas. I turn my head to look at the half- finished book on the bedside table, one of the many books my dad bought me. I have been meaning to finish it for a while, so I sit up, pushing my hair out of the way, and I reach for the book. I only halfway get back to the bed with the book, however, before the silence is shattered by a deep, booming voice, and I nearly drop it.

Scarlet Olivia Hades, come to the entrance right now! The angry voice vibrates throughout Hell. I guess my dad decided for me then. I return the book to the bedside table before swinging my legs over the side of the bed and strolling out of my room. I pass servants and guards as I make my way toward the big staircase leading down to the entrance hall. Every servant, all of them souls, bows their heads as I pass. The guards continue with whatever they were doing. I don't get the privilege of everyone bow their heads until I take over for my dad. I step off the grand staircase and find Tybalt meandering down one of the hallways leading into the entrance hall. When he catches sight of me, his big, black head rises. An instant later, his dark mass is bounding towards me. I crouch down to welcome him as he skida to a halt in front of me. I scratch him behind his ear in his favorite spot, running my fingers through his thick fur. He's been in my life since he and I were newborns, and I can't imagine my life without him. I know, cliche, but it's true.

I straighten up, his big red eyes following me, silently asking me what he should do, but also pleading with me to play with him. I put my hands on my hips as I look down at him. Watching him now, you would never know how vicious he can be. I guess we could have one game, I tell him. I clench my hands, pointing my index fingers and thumbs out, forming a makeshift gun. I point my index finger down at Tybalt, his tail wagging side to side in excitement, making me glad that there is nothing valuable in range, a make a sound like a gunshot.

Pow!

At my sound, Tybalt falls to the floor, lying on the floor, his red eyes watching me to see if he did well. I love teaching him this trick when I was younger, I chuckle, bending down to give him another scratch before walking to the front door. With my hand on the hand, I glance back at Tybalt who is now up on all fours looking at me expectantly.

Tybalt stay, I command. He lies down, his head falling on his big paws, his red eyes trained on me. Good boy, I say with a smile. I pull open the heavy door, and I am immediately hit by heat. I've lived here four eighteen years, and it hasn't changed a bit. I love the feeling of opening up the door and being hit by the heat and breathing in the sulfuric smoke. I love the glow and colors of fire pits, and even though it seems weird, I also love the sounds. As expected, this being Hell, the main sound is the souls screaming, but that's what I'm used to and what home sounds like to me. Any different and I would find it strange. As soon as I step onto the hard ground, a servant appears by my side, asking me if there was anything he could do for me, offering to retrieve whatever I want. I think for a moment if I do want anything from him, maybe go and see my dad for me, but dismiss him when I decide to go for a ride. I walk past demons and souls toward the stables. When I arrive at the stables, I nod my head at the guard posted outside the big doors. I step inside, the hay crunching under my boots.

Another servant comes scurrying to my side. How may I help you, ma'am? she asks. I love hearing the different sounds of souls, as they come from all over the Earth, but in the end they all sound similar when they are screaming. The soul before me sounds like she comes from South America.

I would like my horse. Don't bother saddling him. I'll do that, I tell her. I walk to the wall which holds the silver bridle and black saddle for my horse, Drake. I lift them up, feeling glad for my extra strength, and turn back to the middle of the stable.