The Cursed Demon Prince-Chapter 230: Goddess Urga

The bald woman moved suspiciously, almost as if gliding across the ground. Lilith’s eyes remained fixed on her as they made their way down a marble path that eventually led to two golden gates. She couldn’t help but stare in awe at the magnificence of not only the gates but also the castle that loomed ahead.

Before they reached the gate, it automatically opened, granting them entrance. The massive doors of the castle creaked open as they approached.

The bold woman halted abruptly, causing Lilith to do the same. She turned to the woman in confusion. The woman slowly turned around, her sharp eyes scanning Lilith from head to toe before returning to her face, a look of disdain clouding her gaze.

"You cannot go before the goddess looking like... that," she said calmly.

Lilith glanced down at herself, suddenly feeling ashamed of her state, she was covered in dried blood, sweat, and dirt. "I don’t think there’s anything I can do about that," she whispered.

The woman scoffed. "You will need to clean yourself and be presentable."

"But, I...."

"Follow me," the woman interrupted, her tone leaving no room for argument. She turned sharply and walked in the opposite direction, moving faster than before. Lilith followed without question.

The bald woman led her into a room that almost blinded her at the point of entrance with its whiteness, from the walls to the floor, the beddings, and even the curtains.

Two other women, who looked identical to the bald woman though slightly shorter, stood waiting. They were instructed to give Lilith a bath and make her presentable. Before Lilith could speak, the woman turned and walked out, the door closing softly behind her.

The two attendants guided Lilith to a large bath filled with scented water, its fragrance sweet and soothing, though unfamiliar. When she was done, they dressed her in a white sleeveless gown with off-shoulder sleeves, and her hair was braided into a crown adorned with small white flowers.

Though her stomach churned and her heart hammered in her chest at the eerie silence surrounding her, she couldn’t help but admire her reflection in the large mirror beside her. She looked almost ethereal, like a fairy from another realm.

The bald woman returned shortly after. Lilith waited for even a flicker of acknowledgment or approval in her eyes at her transformation but there was none. Just blankness.

"The goddess will have you now," was all she said before turning to leave the room.

Lilith whispered a quiet thank you to the women who had helped her dress, but just as before, their expressions remained blank and unreadable.

She followed the bald woman back through the grand corridors of the castle, her eyes widening at its breathtaking beauty. She was so captivated by the shining halls and towering pillars that she didn’t notice when they stopped in front of another door, this one glowing gold.

"Go in. She awaits you," the woman’s voice broke her trance.

Lilith turned to her, glancing between the glowing door and the woman’s stoic face. "Will you be coming with me?" she asked softly.

"No." The woman’s eyes lowered to Lilith’s chest. "You don’t have much time left, child."

Lilith’s chest suddenly tightened. She had forgotten about the necklace. Looking down, she saw that the glowing liquid inside had sunk lower than halfway. She truly didn’t have much time left.

"Thank you," she whispered, offering a small smile before stepping through the radiant door.

Lilith exhaled deeply as she entered, her eyes darting around to take in her surroundings.

"Welcome, Lilith. Finally, we meet," came a voice, smooth and melodic. "Although, I must admit, I never thought you would make it here in one piece."

Lilith spun around, her eyes widening as they fell upon the woman standing before her. Her mouth parted in awe. The figure was breathtaking, draped in a flowing silver gown that shimmered, skin as smooth and pale as snow, glistening like a diamond under the sunlight. Her features were perfectly sculptured, her long black hair cascading down her back like silk.

It didn’t take a sorcerer to know that the woman before her was the goddess—Urga.

Lilith quickly lowered her head in respect, her neck warming with embarrassment at how long she’d been staring. "Your Majesty, it’s my humble honor to be in your presence."

Urga chuckled softly. "Let’s get straight to business," she said, her voice calm yet commanding. "What is it that brought you all the way from the land of the living?"

The goddess glided toward a chair and gracefully sat, her gaze never leaving Lilith.

Lilith took a step forward. "It is true that I came here with a purpose, and that is concerning Hades. Prince Hades of Valeria."

"How interesting." Urga leaned back in her chair. "I suppose you are here to plead for the life of that bastard."

Lilith cringed at the coarse word from the goddess but said nothing. "I’m here to beg you to remove the curse you placed on the prince."

A sudden burst of laughter filled the hall as Urga placed her hands on the arms of the chair. "Me? Dear, dear, dear, you must be greatly mistaken." The smile on her face slowly faded. "The curse was a punishment agreed upon by the gods to protect the world from destruction. Imagine one person with the powers of both a high demon and an Arnix witch, he would be almost a god himself, and we cannot allow that. Celeste and that demon chose their path, ignoring the very clear consequences of their actions."

"I know that, but it is unfair to have Hades suffer for his parents’ mistake, don’t you think?" Lilith pressed.

Urga’s smile returned, cruel and light. "You cannot guilt me with that, dear Lilith, for I have little care for the bastard. He will serve as a lesson for those foolish enough to go against the will of the gods."

Lilith swallowed, her fists clenching at her sides. "I simply cannot accept that. I shall not leave until I find an ultimatum to save the prince’s life."

"Foolish girl. You will only die if you remain here, and the curse will still not be lifted." Urga rose from the chair. "I have no more interest in speaking with you. I have more important affairs to attend."

Panicking, Lilith dropped to her knees. "Please...please, I know there is something you can do. Rules can be bent. I am begging you to reconsider and free the prince from the curse that has tormented him for years."

Silence stretched for a few seconds before Urga looked down at her. "Such boldness. Tell me, child, why would I bend rules for a bastard and a nobody like you? I care for neither you nor the prince." Her voice grew colder. "So tell me, why should I bend centuries-old rules for you?"

Lilith cowered, tears welling in her eyes as the goddess’ anger simmered. "I... I know I have no right to ask, but I will do anything you want. I will give you anything you desire in exchange for lifting the curse." She swallowed hard. "This may sound foolish, but it means everything to me. I love the prince, and watching him struggle and suffer breaks my heart every time. I made a promise to help him, and I will not back down no matter the consequences."

"You should be careful what you ask for, dear Lilith for it might be your doom." Urga warned.

Lilith lifted her head to meet the goddess, who now stood only a few feet away. "I think it’s too late for that."

Urga’s lips cursed in a dangerous smile. "A soul for a soul. In order for the curse to be lifted, a soul as powerful as that of the bastard must be taken in place of his. Are you truly ready to pay that price for... love?" She spat the last word as if it tasted sour.

Lilith clenched the fabric of her dress, a thousand thoughts racing through her mind, but she could not back down now, not after coming this far. She had to see this through, "Yes. I am ready. I will do anything to save him."

Urga looked down at her, a sinister smile spreading across her lips. "Very well, then. You are truly a foolish girl, Lilith."