Out of Excuses Aphrodite (The Goddess Chronicles Book 8)

by S. E. Babin

  “What does that mean exactly?”

  Hecate flipped another pancake. “It means that right now Hades is reliving his worst experiences and poor choices in vivid technicolor and on a continuous loop.” She put one pancake on a plate and deftly poured more batter in the pan. “Knowing Hades he will valiantly fight trying to change his choices which only makes the loop stronger. The only way to save him is to enter his thoughts and convince him to make the same choices before.”

  “Enter his thoughts? How in the world will I do that?”

  Clotho reached into her shirt pocket and pulled out something.

  “A dagger?”

  She nodded and handed it to me only to go fishing in her shirt pocket again. This time was a small packet of powder. Instant revulsion hit me and I scooted away.

  “Controlling powder,” she said. “It will allow you to seize control for just long enough to slip into his thoughts. The rest I cannot help you with.” Her gaze met mine. “This powder was extremely difficult to get. If you lose it, I cannot get any more.”

  “Why are you doing this?” I whispered.

  Her answer made my heart hurt. “Regardless of one’s position or power, friendship and love are the two only things that really matter. I have both for you, Abby. I want to see you happy and whole. I’m not sure this will do it, but it’s a good start. It’s the only help I can give you. The rest will have to be you.” She smiled sadly. “I just hope you survive it.” She placed the packet in my hand and stood.

  “The rest of my sisters are still shaking off the influence of God. Avoid them. Hecate only had one necklace to spare. I plan to stay away until at least tomorrow.”

  I nodded. “Good to know.”

  She placed a kiss upon the top of my head. “When you get back, we need to talk about future living arrangements.”

  I nodded. I knew this was coming.

  “May the God’s swiftest winds be at your back and may their blessings light your path with courage and hope.”

  She lifted a hand in farewell and disappeared.

  Hecate flipped another pancakes. “You run with an interesting crowd, daughter of mine.”

  Chapter 30

  My mother’s slang game might not be strong, but her pancakes were on point. Plus she conjured up some real maple syrup. A part of me was very weepy about this bonding moment, another was weirded out. I’d grown up never knowing the love of a parent. Hell, I’d never even known what pancakes were until I was well past ancient. What kind of life did someone have when they didn’t know about the deliciousness of breakfast?

  Hecate watched as I shoveled the last bite into my mouth.

  “I wish you wouldn’t do this,” she said to me.

  “I wish I didn’t have to.”

  Sadness crossed her face. “Technically you don’t have to.”

  I paused with my coffee mug halfway to my mouth.

  She held up a hand. “I’m just saying, what good will this be if neither of you come back? Then I will have lost a son-in-law, a daughter I’ve just found, and a grandchild I never had the fortune to know.”

  My lower lip wobbled. I hadn’t thought about it like that. “I have to bring him home.”

  Silvery tears shimmered in her eyes. “I know. I just wish there was an easier way.”

  I set my mug down. “I wish that every single time I get involved in something ridiculous.”

  “Maybe the ridiculousness will tone down soon.”

  We both laughed.

  “Yes,” she said with a sigh. “I know how that sounds. We can always hope.”

  I reached over and grabbed her hand. “I can’t wait until my kid pees on you.”

  She snorted. “Me neither.”

  We sat like that for awhile before I gathered up my nerve to head back to Olympus to see Keto. It was now or never. Before I left the kitchen, my mother pressed a small necklace in my hand. At the end of the necklace was a small bottle filled with a dark blue fluid. “Do not take this off. If you do, you will have to pass through the veil like everyone else. Even I am not powerful enough to overcome that magic.”

  What to pack when there was the strong possibility of dying? I had all of my clothes spread out on the bed and none of them pleased me. Frilly tops, strappy sandals, capri pants...all the things that shouldn’t be worn when you had no idea what you were walking into. I thought about how I wanted to look and seconds later it popped into existence next to my other unusable wardrobe.

  A pair of sturdy dark wash jeans, a long-sleeved black t-shirt, a puffer vest and a pair of black work boots lay in front of me. I dressed quickly, glamoured my hair into a dark brown and tucked it underneath a black ball cap. Comfortable and practical, it should do the trick.

  Unless everything in Paradise was white. Then I’d have to change quickly.

  I frowned. Nerves. I had serious nerves. I was always conscious about my wardrobe but never had I gone to the point of putting every single thing I owned on the bed. I was also procrastinating wildly. I sighed and dressed as quickly as I could. I slipped out of the Underworld without alerting my mother. She’d be angry about it, but I’d be back in no time. Saying goodbye would only drag out my inevitable decision. I was going to get my husband back.

  Keto was up and dressed by the time I had returned. He was walking around a little better and had even managed a shave. I knocked on the open door and stepped in.

  “You’re looking refreshed.”

  He ran a hand over his face. “And you look like you’re well prepared for a camping trip.”

  I frowned. “Too much?”

  Keto shrugged. “You never can tell. The atmosphere there is constantly changing.”

  “What do you mean, changing?”

  Keto shrugged. “One morning it can be sunny and bright. The next dark and gloomy. Another day could be a summer’s day on the lake, the next a day at the carnival. It depends on God and his moods.”

  “But isn’t this supposed to be Paradise?” I asked.

  His smile was grim. “Yes, but everyone always forgets to ask whose Paradise it is. It certainly isn’t ours.”

  I slid into the chair beside his bed. I was disturbed. “So what about all the souls who pass through there?”

  His gaze lifted and met mine. “Do you really want to know this?”

  I nodded. I didn’t know much about Christian theology, but I knew that people who passed into Paradise reunited with their loved ones and lived in peace and happiness.

  “It’s a bureaucracy.”

  I frowned. “Excuse me?”

  “It’s like an organization. It has to be kept running. The souls who pass through there all have jobs.”

  I stared at him, dumbfounded. “Are you kidding me? So it’s like being on Earth with a 9-5 job except this time you’re immortal?”

  He chuckled but it wasn’t all that amused. “Sort of. Granted, they are reunited with their loved ones and they do have peace there, but it’s not all frolicking in fields and eating grapes.”

  “Dang,” I whispered. “Should someone tell the humans?”

  His eyes widened. “No. Indeed not. Then they’ll be trying to get into the Underworld and that’s much worse.”

  I gaped at him. “How do you know?” I didn’t even know and I was married to the guy who runs the whole thing.

  Keto sat down on the bed. “I’ve heard, I guess. I’ve never been there.”

  “So you’re just assuming?”

  He nodded.

  “Huh. I don’t actually know what happens there. I’ve never been down to that level.”

  Keto shook his head, an amused smile on his face. “Why am I not surprised?”

  “I love Hades, Keto. I can’t believe that he’s torturing souls all day.”

  “I’m sure that’s why he has minions.”

  I glared at him. “And I hope he doesn’t have minions down there torturing anyone either.”

  “This is something you should ask him soon,” he said.

&
nbsp; “That’s the reason I’m here.” I showed off the necklace my mother had given me. “I don’t know how it works, but she said as long as I’m wearing this, I should be able to pass through without any issues.”

  He leaned over and peered at it. “Seems innocent enough. If Hecate says it will work, then we have to trust her word.” He paused. “Does anyone else know you’re back?”

  I shook my head. “I didn’t want to be talked out of this. I left without even saying goodbye to my mother.”

  Keto’s face sobered. “It’s very possible you won’t come back from this, Abby. This is your last opportunity to back out of it.”

  I stood. “I’m not leaving without my husband. And I’m not leaving without your skystone.”

  A pained expression crossed his face. “I can live like this, Abby, but I cannot live with your death on my conscience.”

  I waved his concerns away. “If I don’t do this now, I will not do it. Show me the way and at least let me try.”

  “You should consider taking someone.”

  “I will not drag anyone else into this.”

  Keto didn’t look pleased, but he nodded. “I didn’t expect you to say anything different.” He stood and shrugged on a lightweight coat. “Come. I cannot fly, but I called in a favor. He will take you to the gate. After that you will be on your own.”

  While I was curious about who he’d called in the favor from, it was enough for me that he was even considering it. He’d already made an enemy of God. This would take it straight over the edge into a declaration of war. I snorted to myself. Like that would matter. God didn’t seem too terribly concerned about us winning this thing, but he had no idea how crafty and resourceful the Olympians could be.

  Especially me when I was angry.

  Magic swirled around us as I transported Keto and I outside of the castle to minimize anyone seeing us. Seconds later, Raphael appeared in front of us looking a little woozy.

  “Sorry,” I said to him. “You’re coming with me.”

  Raphael wasn’t much of a talker. He blinked and stood stock still.

  “Where to?” I asked Keto.

  He pulled a map out of his jacket.

  “A map? Seriously?”

  He gave me the hairy eyeball. “I drew it from memory. My memories of Heaven and Paradise fade the longer I live without my wings. I knew if I wanted to help you, I’d have to write the things down I remembered before they faded away forever.”

  I inhaled sharply. “I’m so sorry, Keto. My mouth. It’s a curse.”

  “I knew this about you thousands of years ago, yet here I am. Do not fret.”

  He held out his arm and I took it. With my other hand, I gripped Raphael’s wrist. Keto showed me the map and pointed to a specific place on it. A place I’d never seen nor heard of.

  “Well, here goes nothing,” I said.

  Keto stayed silent as we blinked away.

  The outside of Paradise was surprisingly green. Lush, verdant fields and ancient oak trees graced the forest we’d landed in. But I saw no gate. No guardian. Nothing but trees and forest.

  “Uh, Keto? Are you sure we’re in the right place.”

  ‘Wait,” he said, a grim note in his voice.

  Gabriel stepped out, frowning at the three of us.

  “Brother.” He acknowledged Raphael first.

  Raphael merely clutched the stuffed puppy I’d given him a little while ago and said nothing.

  “Keto.”

  My friend nodded. “I appreciate this.”

  The archangel’s face soured. “Appreciate nothing. I owed you a boon and you called it in. I will do this and no more. From this moment on, my debt is paid, daemon.”

  Keto’s eyes shuttered. “Very well, archangel.” The way they used each other’s titles sounded like they were both trying to rinse something filthy out of their mouths.

  “When the gates are opened and she steps in, there is nothing anyone can do.”

  He turned to me. “The odds of you making it out of this alive are slim to none. He will know as soon as you step through.” He eyed Keto. “And he will know someone close has betrayed him. Do not think you can understand the full brunt of his power, goddess. It is...ancient. Awe inspiring. Deadly.”

  “I need to get my husband.”

  His ancient eyes betrayed nothing. “Then your husband has selected both a foolhardy and extraordinarily brave partner.”

  That was both an insult and a compliment...maybe?

  Keto stepped up beside me. “This is your last chance to back out.”

  Gabriel answered for me. “She has already decided, daemon. She will see this thing through.” His eyes glittered. “Perhaps I have misjudged the sheer stupidity of the immortals.”

  “No, just Abby.”

  I socked Keto in the arm. “Raphael, are you ready to come with me?”

  Gabriel’s eyes widened. “You cannot.”

  “I can, and I will,” I told him sweetly. “I’m assuming the reason he can’t open the door is because you feel he is dangerous. Are his prophecies so frightening, Gabriel, that you can’t trust your own brother?”

  I could see the redness of the anger creeping up his neck. “You will kill him if you take him with you. His mind cannot withstand the veil.” Gabriel stared, his gaze beseeching. “Please. I beg of you. He has too many secrets.”

  That was interesting. “You keep secrets from your God?”

  His gaze shuttered. “Everyone has secrets. If Raphael passes through the veil, it will destroy him.” He shifted. “Do this for me and I will owe you a boon.”

  He said the magic words, but I held out a little longer to make him uncomfortable. As angels go, Gabriel didn’t seem all that bad, but I was a cynic and knew he could probably turn at the drop of a hat.

  “Very well,” I said. “ A boon of my choosing and time for the release of your brother.” I knew hanging on to him was a good idea.

  “Agreed,” Gabriel snapped. He motioned for Raphael to come to his side, but the angel shook his head stubbornly.

  “Abby,” he said. “Stay.”

  Gabriel’s mouth thinned. “Brother, you cannot pass through. Stay with me.”

  Raphael shook his head violently. “Stay. Wait for Abby.”

  He was a downright magpie today.

  I touched his arm lightly. “You can wait.” I looked at Gabriel. “Then when I come back, you must go with Gabriel.”

  Raphael did not look pleased, but he didn’t shake his head anymore. “Wait.”

  I nodded. “Wait.”

  Gabriel stepped forward to unlock the gate. “I’d wish you well, goddess, but I wouldn’t really mean it.”

  I huffed a laugh. “I hope you get hit by a truck on the way back.”

  A smile peeked from the side of his mouth. “A lofty yet impossible goal, my dear.”

  “Nothing is impossible, Gabriel, just improbable.”

  The lock clicked open. Blinding light poured through the forest completely concealing the three men who were just right next to me.

  “Oh,” I gasped.

  “Good luck, Abby,” Keto whispered.

  I stepped into the light.

  Chapter 31

  Oppressive magic pressed in on all sides making me feel like my entire body was in a vise. The necklace my mother had given me warmed against my skin. I squeezed my eyes shut but the light was so bright it didn’t really matter. Bending down, I tucked my head in between my knees and took a few deep breaths.

  Voices swirled around me.

  “You must do this or you will forever be cursed to live out your days with Hephaestus in the Underworld.”

  “Do not test me, Aphrodite, or your life will be forfeit.”

  Threat after threat flowed through my head until the frustration of all of it made me want to scream. I’d been living under Zeus’ shadow for so long that I was never able to live my life until recently. For my entire life I’d felt like I wasn’t free. In truth, I’d been a prisoner without
shackles. Never free to make my own choices until the cause of my troubles was killed.

  I breathed through the memories pouring through my head. The battle with Eris, the short-lived attraction to Typhon. Getting to know Hades, the accident with Artie, the brief love affair with Hermes.

  Paradise was digging at my memories but so far was unable to delve through my secrets.

  My mother’s necklace was working.

  I stood and slowly opened my eyes. Nothingness surrounded me. Only bright light. I squinted against it and took a few hesitant steps. The only thing I could do was move forward and try not to deviate from my path. If this path wasn’t the right one then I would deal with it later. The only thing I wanted in my head was the thought that I would make it out of this. Alive and with my husband at my side.

  I kept walking. In my peripheral vision, shadowy figures reached out for me.

  I kept walking.

  The screams of the people I had killed or hurt echoed in my head. I couldn’t help but think about how much worse this could have been had my mother not given me this necklace.

  I don’t know how much time had passed, but the voices never stopped and the shadows never ceased. It was becoming unbearable and I’d taken to muttering stop it at no one and everyone in particular.

  “Abby!”

  I kept walking.

  The voice was eerily familiar and sounded like it was in excruciating pain, but I didn’t slow my pace.

  “Abby!”

  My steps slowed a bit. This sounded...different.

  “Abby…” the voice trailed off.

  ‘“Hermes?” I whispered.

  “Help.”

  Crap and double crap. This was typical of basically every story ever. Girl wanders off selected path and gets eaten by monsters because she’s stupid. But, he sounded real. More real than any of the other voices I’d heard today.

  I kept slowing down. “If you get me killed, I’m going to come back and haunt you. And I’m going to haunt you at your worst times like when you’re making out with someone or in the shower.”

  “Typical,” the voice of Hermes said with a pained laugh.

  “Why aren’t you yak farming?”