Destroy My Life In You-Chapter 125: When Hell Opens

Ravenna had no idea how long she’d been unconscious. When she finally stirred awake, she found herself in a place achingly familiar. It was Alaric’s mansion—the same one they’d lived in a year ago, right after she escaped from the camp. As for how she’d ended up there, she couldn’t say.

With a soft groan, she pushed herself upright from the couch where someone had laid her. Doubt gnawed at her chest. There was no way Liam could have brought her to Alaric’s home—that thought alone seemed absurd. So the only explanation she could cling to was that perhaps Alaric himself had found her. Yet, even that raised questions: why had he left her on the couch instead of in the bedroom? Her guard went up, despite the familiar surroundings.

Slowly, she scanned the spacious living room. It was eerily silent, devoid of any sign of life. Although her body still felt drained and frail, Ravenna managed to collect herself and headed for the stairs. It seemed safer than using the lift if the person who’d brought her there turned out to be an enemy.

She had just reached the first floor when muffled sounds drifted in from outside. She paused briefly, then moved toward a nearby window. Peering out, she felt a sinking disappointment as she caught sight of the two Ashen Sisters. Standing behind them was Liam.

So...it really had been him who brought her here.

The question now pounding in her head was—why?

Ravenna squinted, studying the witches more closely. The two women were chanting incantations, each standing within a large circle traced in white dust. They didn’t pause for even a second, their voices low and fervent, which left Ravenna increasingly anxious. Even if she decided to run, she wouldn’t get far—not with her strength so depleted.

Thus, she opted for her last resort. Sliding down against the wall, she settled on the floor. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and tried to steady her mind. She was attempting to connect to Alaric through their mind-link. She wasn’t sure how far the link could reach, especially since her wolf was weak, but she was determined to use every last drop of her strength wisely.

’Alaric,’ she called out silently in her mind.

Moments passed, but there was no answer. Panic began to drum inside her chest.

’Alaric,’ she tried again, louder this time.

Still, there was no response. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

A metallic taste filled her mouth as blood gushed up her throat. She opened her eyes in shock, wiping the red stains from her lips as despair settled over her shoulders like a cloak.

Then, out of nowhere, she heard a voice.

’Ven, can you hear me?’ It was Alaric.

Ravenna froze, breath caught in her chest, before she managed to whisper back through their link.

’Alaric.’

’Ven, where are you? Are you okay? Did he hurt you? Can you tell me anything you see or hear? Anything...’ His voice was trembling with urgency and fear.

’Calm down first, Alaric. I’m fine...at least for now. They brought me to our old home. Your villa, where we used to live before.’

She waited, but silence stretched between them.

’Alaric? Are you still there?’

’Yes. I heard you. Zander and I are on our way. Don’t worry, okay? I’ll take you home. Our son is waiting for you,’ he said, his voice full of gentle reassurance. Ravenna nodded, forgetting for a moment that he wasn’t physically there.

’Okay...I’ll wait for you,’ she murmured, a single tear slipping down her cheek. Why hadn’t she thought of reaching out to him sooner? Maybe she could have been home by now, safe in his arms.

Still, better late than never. Alaric had promised to bring her home, and she trusted him with her life.

’I...I’ve missed you,’ she heard him say softly.

Ravenna broke into sobs but managed to reply, I’ve missed you so much too. How...how long has it been since they took me away?’

’Two weeks and three days.’

A shiver rippled down Ravenna’s spine. How much worry had she caused everyone? She knew Alaric must have torn the world apart looking for her. He was capable of anything when it came to protecting those he loved.

’I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Alaric,’ she whispered, guilt clawing at her for not being strong enough to protect herself.

’I’m not mad, alright? But I will be if you keep apologizing,’ he answered in a low, gentle voice. She knew he meant every word, and somehow that only made her guilt burn hotter. Part of her wished he would yell at her—tell her it was her fault, that she deserved this. But deep down, Ravenna knew if Alaric ever said that, it would shatter her completely. So she forced her mind to focus on the more pressing matters at hand.

’How long until you get here? I think Liam and the witches are planning something big. Right now, they’re...’ She stood and gazed outside once more. The witches were still chanting, unbroken in their focus. ’...chanting some spell inside a circle.’

’I might have an idea of what they’re trying to do—and it’s nothing good. Did...that bastard say anything? ’ Alaric’s voice was tight with rage.

’Nothing significant...except that he plans to take me somewhere far away from here.’

’Mmh. I know. Don’t worry. I won’t let that happen. We’re almost there, so—’

"Hello, Sunshine," came Liam’s voice suddenly, cutting through the mental connection. "You woke up earlier than I expected."

Ravenna glared down at him from the top of the stairs. She didn’t answer. Right now, she needed to stall for time until Alaric and Zander arrived.

’He’s here. Hurry up,’ she told Alaric quickly and severed the link before Liam could notice anything amiss.

"Sunshine, are you not feeling well?" Liam asked, climbing the stairs toward her.

Ravenna remained silent, clenching her fists.

"No worries. Everything’s ready now, and we can leave."

"Where are you taking me?" she demanded, voice steely.

"You’ll find out soon enough. Now, let’s go," he said, beckoning her.

"Didn’t you say I won’t remember anything anyway? Then why not just tell me?" she snapped, refusing to budge.

Liam sighed and took another step closer, standing right in front of her. He glanced at the window before returning his gaze to her face. "Even if I tell you.... Okay, fine." He paused then continued. "I bet your husband never told you how he gained his immortality. Otherwise, you’d already know why we’re here today. It was right here, in this very place, that he opened the gates of Hellshade. Then he made a deal with Satan, the Prince of Wrath."

Ravenna blinked in disbelief. "What Hellshade? And Satan? Are you out of your mind?"

Liam chuckled darkly. "Hard to believe, isn’t it? But it’s true. Hellshade is a realm between Earth and Hell—a place where demons dwell. So, I thought, if the Vampire King could make a deal with one of the Seven Deadly Sins, why couldn’t I? I sought out Mammon, the Prince of Greed. I’m greedy...for your love. So, I struck a bargain. He helps me bring you to Hellshade, and in exchange, I kill 500 vampires, 500 werewolves, and 500 humans. I finally completed the deal when I killed that royal vampire."

For a moment, Ravenna could only stare at him in shock. Yet his final words eclipsed all else. "What royal vampire?"

But Liam offered no reply.

Ravenna staggered back, her mind a whirlwind. From what she knew, only Alaric, Zander, Finn, and now her son were royal vampires. Alaric had said he and Zander were coming, and he’d mentioned their son was waiting for her. So...only Finn remained.

A disbelieving laugh slipped from her throat as she shook her head. It couldn’t be Finn. How? When? Why Finn? Her mind felt ready to shatter.

Shutting her eyes, she reached out once more through the mind-link.

’Alaric.’

’Yes, I’m here. What’s wrong?’

’Where’s Finn?’ she asked, her entire body trembling.

She waited, praying he’d say Finn was fine. But his silence spoke volumes.

’He killed him, didn’t he?’

’Don’t do anything rash, Ven. We’re almost—’

Ravenna cut off the connection mid-sentence and opened her eyes, which brimmed with unshed tears. Pain coursed through her like a knife.

"You killed Finn."

Liam’s brow furrowed, suspicion flashing in his eyes. "How did you know it was him? I never said his name."

Ravenna trembled, feeling as though the weight of the world was crashing down upon her shoulders. Memories surged through her mind, and before she knew it, her hand was wrapped around Liam’s throat.

"I’ll kill you," she whispered, her voice seething anger. She raised her hand, ready to rip out his heart—when she felt a sharp sting in her neck.

"Shhh...it’s okay, Sunshine," Liam murmured as her vision blurred. "Just sleep. All the bad memories will go away."

Unconsciousness swallowed Ravenna as she collapsed into Liam’s arms. He scooped her up gently and carried her out of the mansion.

AUTHOR’S NOTE

Dear readers, thank you so much for giving this book a chance. I truly appreciate your support.

I wanted to let you know this will be the final Chapter in Ravenna and Alaric’s story. The tale will soon leap forward twenty-two years, shifting focus to Riven Nightveil—Ravenna and Alaric’s son—and Tessa Clarke, a human girl. I hope you’ll continue this journey with me into their world.