Thanatos: The White Dawn

(44)Ruptured Platinum

'Those men grew up knowing one thing about family and one thing only- it's temporary...'

Ruptured Platinum

I stood in front of the large vault, my back turned to the woman in chains. Alexus looked positively pissed, but I ignored her as best I could.

A group of four guards stood around her, their helmets endowed with hard, snake-like metal and their swords tucked away at their sides. Two held her chains tightly in their grip, making sure there was no possible way for her to break free.

I reaffixed my eyes on Erebus. He walked out from the dark crypt and in his one hand he held up the bag containing the legendary weapon- the Aegis. It was still covered, making sure we didn't accidently risk being turned to stone.

I still couldn't get over his mere presence. Erebus was daunting. I took a step back as he came forward. He noticed, but didn't comment. Instead, his eyes landed on Alexus and narrowed; "You will take care of her, yes?"

I nodded, a shiver running down my neck. There was no doubt in my mind that this man created fear much like he created darkness. Now I understood why they were always linked.

He took my word for it, not bothering with trivial questions. He walked past me and I nearly thought he was going to leave with the Aegis in tow; "Wait-"

Erebus stopped. I shut my mouth, knowing then that I'd overstepped a line. He was never to be given an order, especially from a goddess of only a few days old. I tried to ease my words; "I only meant-"

"Speak to me once you're done." He didn't bother turning to me as he spoke, but instead, just nodded his head to Alexus. She avoided his dark, dark eyes.

I didn't answer him, just walked up to Alexus as Erebus strolled lazily to the end of the room and examined the bag. Alexus' hazel eyes were filled with regret and sorrow as I fiddled with her chains- "Aurora, listen to me. I can help!"

"You've done enough."

"No! Look, if Thanatos finds me here, I'm dead."

I looked up at her, my anger turning my words into a dagger; "So?"

Alexus tried to ignore the sting and carried on, hoping to find some sort of remorse from within me. She pulled at the strings she thought she knew. "I know you're angry. I know you think you hate me, but you don't."

I ignored her as I checked the lock on the chains. Everything was secure. Alexus tried again just as I turned to walk towards Erebus; "Aurora, please listen-"

"Take her to the vault- I'll be back shortly."

The guards nodded and dragged Alexus off towards the large vault that still stood open. I watched as their figures disappeared and the shadows swallowed them.

Erebus stood like a king, watching over the railing at the courtyard. His posture was rigid, as if he had no idea what the word 'rest' even meant. I cleared my throat, but he made no attempt to turn around.