Summoned

Earlier that day:

There was a loud rapping on the door, a young demon calling out, “Mistress Hekate, Mistress Hekate!!”

The succubus threw open the front door of her home, “What in the holy hell, I am not due in yet?”

The young demon flinched, bowing his head, “I apologize Lady Hekate, I was sent on urgent business from the cathedral. Your presence is needed immediately at the Shrine of the Dawn.”

Hekate blinked, “oh it’s you, Nuntius, the Shrine of the Dawn, did something happen in the mortal realm?”

The man glanced up, “I do not know, my lady, I was just instructed to beckon you to please come to the Shrine immediately.”

Hekate growled, “Fine tell father, I will be there immediately. Though next time you dare darken my doorstep you had better know what the hell is going on, or I might not be so forgiving, little nephew.” Spinning with her back to him as she returned to the depths of her home to finish dressing.

As she was heading for the door, Alexis stepped from the bath wrapped only in a towel. Hekate could not help but pause for the briefest of moments to consider what she would like to do with her beautiful daughter right then. Quickly composing herself she offered a smile, “I have to go my little tease, the king has summoned me, I might not be back till late.”

She then marched out of the room and through the front door, before the woman could say anything, after all that could give her pause and right now there was no time for that. If she was needed at the Shrine of the Dawn she knew she would need to be prepared to enter the mortal realm, and this time it was not for a planned sacrifice.

Hekate hurried through the streets, already buzzing as shop keepers were busy preparing to open for the day, and receiving shipments of goods. It took her about twenty minutes to arrive at the Shrine, standing on the streets at the base of its marble steps she looked up as the majestic building.

The twin spirals stretched high into the clouds as the first rays of light of the day danced off the silver plates of tips. The rose granite facade was decorated with an intricate mosaic of demons and humans dancing as the sun peeked over the horizon. At the corners of the building, nymphs holding vases allowed water to cascade away from the structure. Two large oak doors stood to allow entrance for even the greatest of creatures that roamed the Abyss or elsewhere. With stained glass windows on either side showing the founding of Gehenna, and the dawn of this realm of demons.

Sighing softly, Hekate could not help to wonder how many times she had came to this hall connecting the realms. This time though felt different, as if something deep within was cautioning, be careful, you must come back for those you care for and care for you.

The demoness shook off the ominous feeling, she did not have time for such foolish thoughts. After all, she has a duty to her realm and the King. He was trusting her, he had chosen her, was trusting her for this mission, no matter what it is. One thing she did know is that she would not allow herself to dare even consider failing him.

Slowly she marched up the steps and arriving at the massive doors. Taking a deep breath, she braced herself. Then with all the responsibility and trust she had been given by the given by the kingdom, and the weight she willingly carried, she reached out pushing one of the heavy doors open so she may enter. Then with a confidence befitting her station she stepped through, entering the great hall.