Vowed to Hades (Romancing the Seas #4)

26. Georgette

GEORGETTE

T he sun hung low in the sky, casting an orange hue over the world as the group approached the ancient pyramids. The air was thick with sand, swirling gently in the warm breeze, carrying with it a sweetness that was almost intoxicating. It was a stark contrast to the lush greenery they had left behind, and Georgette found herself entranced by the desolate beauty of the landscape.

The pyramids loomed before them, their weathered stone surfaces glowing in the dying light of the day, ancient and majestic, as if they had stood there since the beginning of time.

Georgette shielded her eyes from the sun’s glare as she stared up at the massive structures. The Great Pyramid of the Sun dominated the skyline, its sharp angles piercing the sky, while the Pyramid of the Moon stood slightly apart, its shape more subtle, yet equally imposing .

The group exchanged uncertain glances, the enormity of their task weighing heavily on their minds.

The air was filled with a hum of life. Despite the ancient stillness of the pyramids, the place was not devoid of people.

There were travelers scattered about, their forms small and distant against the vastness of the pyramids. Some were gathered near the base of the Pyramid of the Sun, their voices a low murmur as they marveled at the ancient wonder. Others were making their way up the steep steps, tiny figures ascending toward the summit in the final hours of daylight. A few vendors had set up stalls, their goods spread out on colorful blankets, offering trinkets and refreshments to those who passed by. The scent of roasted maize and spiced cocoa wafted through the air, mingling with the sweetness of the sand and the dry heat of the desert.

Children ran about, their laughter echoing against the stone, while their parents watched with a mix of caution and wonder.

Georgette’s heart clenched slightly as she observed them; there was something so innocent about their presence here, so blissfully unaware of the dangers lurking beneath the surface. She envied them, in a way—their simple joy in being near something so ancient and powerful.

A man dressed in simple linen robes caught her eye as he knelt by the base of the Pyramid of the Moon, his hands pressed together in prayer. His face was turned upward, toward the peak of the pyramid, his expression one of deep reverence.

Georgette wondered what he was praying for—safety, perhaps, or wisdom from the gods that once ruled this land. She watched as he rose, his prayer completed, and moved to join a small group that was gathered nearby. They exchanged quiet words before disappearing into the shadow of the pyramid.

As the group moved closer, the hum of activity faded, and the weight of the place settled over them.

The pyramids were not just monuments of stone; they were repositories of ancient power, the echoes of rituals and sacrifices long forgotten by time.

Every step they took felt heavier, as if the very ground beneath them resisted their presence, reminding them that they were trespassers in a place where gods once walked.

Prince Edward was the first to speak, his voice barely more than a whisper. “It’s hard to believe that these stones have witnessed so much… history, so much life.”

Georgette nodded, her eyes never leaving the Pyramid of the Moon. “And now, they witness us.”

Captain Stone, ever the pragmatist, cleared his throat, breaking the spell that had fallen over them. “Which one do we start with?”

Hercules, standing with his arms crossed, surveyed the scene. “The Pyramid of the Moon,” he said decisively. “It’s smaller, less obvious. If something valuable is hidden, it’s more likely to be there.”

Serena nodded; her gaze sharp as she studied the two structures. “And less guarded by those who might mean us harm.”

They approached the Pyramid of the Moon cautiously, weaving through the small groups of people who were still milling about, unaware of the true purpose that had drawn them here.

The chatter of voices and the occasional burst of laughter faded into the background as the group focused on the task at hand. The air grew thicker, the sweetness giving way to something more pungent, more foreboding.

As they reached the base of the pyramid, they found a narrow opening partially concealed by a cluster of stones.

Georgette hesitated, glancing back at the others.

“This looks like it hasn’t been used in centuries,” she remarked, her voice echoing slightly in the confined space.

Captain Stone drew his ax, testing its weight in his hand. “Then let’s be the first in centuries to see what lies within.”

The passageway was narrow and dark, the walls damp and slick with moisture that shouldn’t have existed in such a dry climate. The air was thick with the scent of earth and decay, and the light from their torches flickered uncertainly as they ventured deeper into the pyramid .

The path sloped downward, taking them further away from the world above and deeper into the heart of the ancient structure.

The sound of water reached them first, a distant rumbling that grew louder with every step.

Hercules paused, frowning. “That doesn’t sound right.”

Georgette felt a shiver of unease run down her spine. “What could be making that noise?”

They reached the end of the passageway and found themselves in a large chamber, the walls lined with carvings depicting ancient rituals and gods long forgotten. At the center of the chamber was a pool of water, its surface eerily still despite the rumbling that shook the ground beneath their feet.

Without warning, the water erupted, surging toward them with the force of a raging river.

The chamber filled with the roar of rushing water, and the group scattered, scrambling to find higher ground.

The water rose quickly, lapping at their ankles, then their knees, then their waists. It was a booby trap, designed to drown any who dared to enter.

Captain Stone barked orders, directing them to block the water’s path with whatever they could find.

Serena and Georgette worked frantically, shoving stones into the gaps between the walls and the floor, while Hercules used his strength to hold back the flood.

Ava muttered an incantation, but the magic sputtered and failed, as if the very air around them resisted her power.

Just when it seemed the water would overwhelm them, the ground trembled, and a series of drains appeared in the floor.

The water receded as quickly as it had come, disappearing into the earth below.

The chamber fell silent once more, the only sound their ragged breathing as they tried to comprehend what had just happened.

“That… was too close,” Georgette said, her voice trembling slightly.

Hercules nodded grimly. “This place is full of traps. We need to be more careful.”

They ventured deeper into the crypt; their nerves frayed but their resolve unbroken.

The next chamber was larger, with a high ceiling that disappeared into darkness. At the center stood a coffin, ancient and covered in dust, the air around it heavy with the weight of centuries.

Captain Stone and Prince Edward approached it cautiously, their hands resting on their weapons.

Hercules joined them, and together they heaved open the lid.

The inside was empty.

Georgette’s heart sank as she saw the piece of parchment lying in the coffin, its edges curled with age. She reached for it, her hands trembling, and unfolded it to reveal a few words scrawled in black ink.

“Last warning: Stop now, and no one else will die. ”

Stamped at the bottom was the symbol of two snakes twisted in the shape of an S.

“Loki’s symbol,” Hercules muttered, his voice filled with dread.

The words hung in the air like a curse, and Georgette knew that their journey was far from over.