by M. M. Kin
“Fear not, love. I have not forgotten about you.” He let go of himself and approached her. Her bindings opened down the front, revealing her chest, stomach, and womanhood, though the rest of her remained wrapped. She wiggled around, her hair cascading from her head down her shoulders and back like a thick waterfall of deep auburn waves, and he smiled as he twirled a lock of her hair between his fingers.
She wiggled furiously, her arousal evident by the sweet musk that emanated from her private area. She gazed at him imploringly, her eyes flush with heat and desire.
She made a lovely captive, bound the way she was, displayed for his eyes alone. Oh gods, he wanted her so badly. He wanted to ravish every inch of her and have her scream his name. He wanted her to take him, to be on top of him, to make him hers as much as she was his. Patience. She needs to beg for it. She needs to understand how much she needs you. A strong hand lifted, trailing its fingers along her exposed inner thigh. She rolled her hips forward.
“You enjoy this,” he observed as he stroked her outer lips, causing her to tremble. “Despite your protests... you like the struggle. You like being helpless to the pleasures I give you.” Hades was no sadist, but he did enjoy seeing his consort defenseless, open to the pleasures he enjoyed giving her. She groaned against her binds, arching when she felt a finger wiggle inside. She was so aroused that her juices had seeped down her inner thighs, signifying that she was ready for the next step in their game.
The binds holding her spread-eagle relaxed, letting her legs drop so that they simply hung from her hips. Only when her legs came to full rest did they firm up again, providing her lower half support and comfort.
Hades pressed his body against hers, the head of his erection nudging against her inner thighs before sliding between them, the slickness of their mutual arousal aiding this cause. He felt her stiffen in surprise, and he shook his head reassuringly.
“You will see. Have no worry.” With this, he gently thrust his hips forward, snugly nestling himself between her thighs. Even here her flesh was warm, and he wiggled against her, making it clear that he was not going to penetrate her. The tip of his cock peered out from the back between her legs, and he thrust several times with a slow, relaxed pace. Her eyes widened in understanding, and she nodded slowly. In response, she squeezed her thighs together, and he groaned softly in delight.
She twisted her pelvis, pressing down against him as he increased his pace, whimpers bursting forth from behind her muzzle as one of his hands cupped her face.
Even as her impending climax was vividly apparent to Hades, he simply continued, pushing deep through the hot slickness that her thighs offered, gazing at her intently as she finally achieved her release, grinding herself against him. He felt her spasm atop the length of his manhood and increased his pace, feeling her squirm against him happily.
He groaned her name as he came, coating her inner thighs with his essence as he thrust several more times.
Finally, he pulled back with a quiet grunt of satisfaction. Her head lolled to one side as she hung against her binds.
“How about I let you down, hmm?” he asked gently. She nodded, and he drew forward, reaching out with his arms to wrap them around her middle, one hand on her rear end. Once he had her secure in his grip, the shadows slid away, letting her slump against him as she wrapped her arms around his neck loosely. Even though she was no longer gagged, she remained mute with apparent contentment, resting her head on his shoulder as he rubbed her back.
Chapter XXXI
o0o
The time of harvest drew near. Demeter had always delighted in the fall since it meant that her largest bounty was gathered by mortals, the amber waves of grain a sign of her blessing. She also enjoyed the way the leaves changed color, filling Hellas with a lush palette of everything from rich green to tawny gold and scarlet rust to the deep ocher and browns of the earth itself. Oftentimes she would take her daughter for walks around the island so they could enjoy the beauty of autumn.
This time around, she took no joy in the changing season as she searched for her lost child. However carefully everyone searched, the girl remained missing. Though the nymphs had reported long ago that Kora was to be found nowhere within the confines of Nature, she would not give up. And Hermes – the god that nobody was supposed to be able to keep a secret from – was just as baffled as anybody else.
The Harvest Goddess would not admit it, but she privately enjoyed the mystified expression on his face when he reported to her even as she felt sad and frustrated at his lack of results. It was such a welcome change from his usual mischievous or knowing expressions, and she saw his aid as penance for the chain of events she was certain he was responsible for.
Demeter was becoming frantic. So far, only Zeus and Hermes knew that Kora was missing, and she was loath to involve the other gods in her affairs. She dreaded the prospect of petitioning the other gods for help. Doubtless the more capricious ones like Aphrodite would laugh at her for being unable to keep track of one child, but certainly, there would be others who would hasten to her aid. Artemis was the protector of virgin girls. Athene was brilliant and probably could come up with a plan or deduction that would help her find her daughter. Hephaistos had a good heart. Poseidon might have a bit of a temper – well, that was an understatement – but he was capable of great kindness. Hera could use her limited clairvoyance to deduce Kora's location. When the gods pulled together – a rare occurrence throughout the long centuries – they could accomplish a great deal.
It was a bitter pill to swallow, Demeter had to acknowledge that she might need to take her search a step further.
As the days shortened, the nights grew cooler, and Demeter pulled the cowl of her heavy cloak over her head, the thick black wool insulating her against a brisk wind. She chewed on her lip, pondering what she would say to Zeus. How best to word her request? Zeus would know the search was unfruitful since Hermes also had to report to him.
She was so lost in her thoughts that she did not notice the way the night thickened, seeming to overtake everything as she walked along the path that bordered a grassy meadow. But she became instantly alert as she felt the presence of another person – no, a god – further down the path. She looked up to see a shadowy, cloaked figure, barely visible against the backdrop of night.
Hekate rarely showed herself on the surface world, so she was a goddess that Demeter was not able to instantly recognize.
“Greetings, Bountiful One,” the shadowed figure called out in a surprisingly friendly tone. The gods who had encountered her said that she spoke in a low and mysterious voice, often portending doom or misfortune leading from the errors that men made.
“Good evening to you, Hekate,” Demeter replied after a moment of collecting herself from the surprise that Hekate's presence and voice gave her.
“I know you are wondering why I am here, so I will not bore you with small talk. You and your daughter have been wronged, and I am here to help you set things right.” Her tone sounded helpful, even caring.
Demeter stared at Hekate for several moments, her pulse quickening. Could it be? Was her search finally at an end?
“That is the best news I have heard since my daughter disappeared!”
“I thought you might feel that way. I can only imagine the fear you must feel over her safety. You have spared none of your magic or effort in your search. Your nights have been sleepless.”
Demeter felt her hands tremble slightly as she balled them into fists. If Kora was hurt in any way...
“Where is she?”
“She is unhurt, but she, and you, have been wronged. I now know the one responsible for this grave injustice. But I do ask one thing of you.”
“Yes?”
“Do not tell him who told you. He does not deserve to know where you got your information, and I take personal risk for sharing it..”
“You have my word. Who is it? Tell me!” Though Demeter tried to remain collected, she could not hide the earnestness in her
tone.
“Zeus.”
The Earth-Goddess staggered back. Zeus? Zeus knew? But... what? How?
“But... when I asked him... and he knows that Hermes and I are searching... he sent Hermes to help me!”
“He sent his son as a distraction. He is too afraid to tell you the truth. Ask him.”
“How could he...” Demeter felt a painful knot twist through her stomach as she thought of the long days and nights searching, racked with worry, imagining her precious little daughter in the clutches of someone who would abuse and violate her...
“This is Zeus we are talking about," Hekate replied matter-of-factly. Demeter blinked and collected herself, ready to pepper the mysterious goddess with a barrage of new questions. How did Hekate know? Could she relay a message to Kora? Would she...?
When Demeter was about to ask her next questions, the Goddess of the Crossroads was nowhere to be seen. She was almost certain she had imagined it but was brought back to reality by her heart pounding against her chest, her hands shaking from shock.
o0o
Hekate's path took her across the Styx. She did not need Kharon's aid to traverse the realms any more than Hades did, but as always, she asked the Styx permission, to show respect. All she felt was a brief flash of cold before she was home.
She had spent the last few days thinking about what she could do regarding the situation with Demeter and Persephone. She actually thought about taking Persephone to the surface world herself, but the wrath of Hades was to be reckoned with, and a battle between Demeter and her elder brother could only end badly.
She could tell Hera, and let the Queen of the Gods go into a rage against her husband. How often had Hera been wronged by her husband? But in this case... no, it wasn't quite the right time for Hera to become involved, especially when it really was her sister's problem.
However tempted Hekate was to confront Zeus himself and lay a few curses on him, this was not her fight. She would not rob Demeter of the pleasure of confronting the scurrilous deity. Let Zeus be confronted with the consequences of his own stupidity by someone who was a direct victim of said thoughtlessness.
o0o
Mount Olympus was quiet, illuminated by the moon and the ornate lamps that Hephaistos and the Cyclopes had wrought. The bubbling and splashing sounds that came from the fountains and streams scattered around the mountain were almost inaudible, providing a soothing backdrop to the pleasant climate of this haven of the gods.
Demeter strode forward, taking long steps along the walkways that led to the private domiciles of various gods. She did not waver or slow down any time she had to take a turn or climb up a set of steps. The gates to Zeus's domicile opened before she had to lift a hand, such was the power of the wrath that radiated from her. The doors to his palace slammed open to admit her, and she lashed out at various decorations in the grand hall, marble statues of the mighty King of the Gods shattering as they fell prey to the concussive force of her power, and the ornate urns following a similar fate. The mosaic of frolicking nymphs that adorned one wall started to lose its tiles, various stones exploding and snapping out from their fixtures, and the wall hangings started to smoke and catch fire as Demeter stalked towards the carved doors of Zeus's bedchamber.
o0o
The heavy oak door tore itself from its hinges, landing on the marble floor with a deafening thud. Having heard the destruction in the hall, Zeus was already sitting up, prepared to fight. He hadn't been expecting a real problem – perhaps Ares drunk again – but as soon as he eyed his sister's livid countenance, he paled.
The nymph that had been in his bed found herself shoved out of it by an unseen force, scrambling across the floor as she tried to orient herself. She did not need to be told to leave and rushed out of the room without a thought to her discarded clothing.
“You!” Demeter roared. Zeus could actually feel the heat rolling off her body, and scrambled to remedy the situation.
“Sister dearest...”
“Don't try that shit on me!” In the blink of an eye, she was at the foot of his bed, and she tore the blankets from the bed, leaving him naked. Unlike his lovers, Demeter stared at his nude form with open disdain.
“Try what? I was sleeping and then you barge in-”
“Tell me where Kora is!”
“I... what?” he asked, feigning confusion. He had just been woken up, so it was easy enough to accomplish.
“You lumpen jackass! I should have known it was you from the beginning!” She drove her fist down, splintering the thick footboard before she rammed her fist into the post at the left corner of the bed, sending chunks of wood spraying along the bed and floor before the post fell over like a tree that had just been chopped down.
“Sister! Collect yourself! You cannot barge into my home and destroy my possessions!”
This only provoked her further, and she hefted the post over her shoulder, swinging it down on the bed before he realized what she was doing. He gave out a roar of pain when the wood made contact with his stomach, knocking the breath out of his lungs and driving him into the thick woolen mat.
He lay there, unable to breathe as he stared ahead dazedly. He flopped his arms for a moment before starting to lift the post off his body, thankful for the fact that he was not mortal, otherwise his chest would have been literally flattened. A determined woman kept it down, climbing on top of him and straddling the oaken pillar, staring down at him.
“Get off me!” he managed to gasp out, feeling his Gift respond to the danger he was in as he felt the static in the air around him crackle.
“Don't you dare.” She reached down, grabbing a good chunk of hair on top of his head and curling her fingers, causing him to wince in pain under her grip. “Now... tell me where in Hades Kora is. Or I will castrate you right here and now.”
There was no doubt in Zeus's mind that she would make good on her threat if provoked. After all, look at what she had done to Ares!
“Please... She's safe! I swear!”
“That is not what I was asking.” Her voice was level, but her cheeks were still flushed with indignation, and he did not like the dangerous glint in her eyes.
“It is hard... to breathe. And talk. I will tell you, I swear! Just... ah! Let me breathe, for Gaea's sake?”
“You will remain right where you are,” she growled. He nodded.
Demeter stared down at him for a moment before climbing off him, but she remained ever alert, apparently ready to pounce should he try to flee. Wisely, he remained where he was amidst the splinters that littered the bed.
“How could you do this to me? You know how much I love my daughter! She is all I have, and you took her away from me!” She reached out to grab his hair again.
“Now, there is no need for that, please...” Zeus batted at her hand, but she only strengthened her grip.
“Talk,” she warned.
“She is in the Underworld,” he admitted. He winced, expecting her to abuse him again in some way. To his relief, she simply stared at him, her jaw slack.
o0o
Underworld? No wonder nobody could find her! Even her most powerful magic had no effect in the Underworld! But... what was Kora doing there? What was her beloved child doing in the land of the dead? What possible reason could there be to keep Kora in such a dismal place? And Zeus had known! What part did he have in this?
“Why is she there? In that horrible place? Why would you put her there?”
“I... I did not put her there, I swear. It was Hades.”
“... Hades?” Disbelief flashed across her face as she tried to comprehend the situation. Hades had taken Kora to the Underworld, and for whatever reason, Zeus had been privy to it. What was going on?
“He wanted a bride.”
Disbelief was quickly replaced by a fresh surge of fury, and Zeus yelled as his head was roughly yanked in several directions.
“I want her back! Right now!”
“He asked for my blessing, I gave it. Demeter, please
be reasonable...”
“You gave away my daughter!” Her cheeks bore their indignant flush even more than before, unsightly red blotches flaring on her cheeks.
“Gave... no, no, no!” Zeus raised his hands, “None of this was my idea! Hades demanded her. He told me he wanted her. And only her. What could I do?”
“Say no,” came the deadpan reply.
“To Hades?” Zeus asked incredulously.
“Yes!” Demeter snapped, barely biting back her anger. Was her brother really this dense?
“If it were any other god, I would have said no. But Hades...” He shook his head, “He is different. His realm has changed him, you know that. Him coming to me? It was a mere formality. He would have taken Kora with or without my blessing. He did not even have to come to me.” Zeus sighed heavily and stared up at her pleadingly.
“You knew of this all along. It did not occur to you to warn me after Hades left Olympus? Did you expect me to not notice that Kora was missing!”
“It is not my fault that Hades chose to not notify you of his... decision.”
“That is all you can say?” Demeter growled. Zeus was considered the mightiest of gods, but as those closest to him knew, he could be quite a coward at rare moments. Said god looked down, his expression downcast, knowing full well that his excuse was a weak one at best.
“Get off that stupid ass of yours and order Hades to release Kora!”
“Demeter, please calm down. Hades is not a cruel god, and he assured me that she would be taken care of. Certainly, he is a better choice of a groom than Ares. Think about it, she's the Queen of the Underworld! Not bad for our daughter, eh?"
“You spineless-”
“You know Hades as well as I do. Do you honestly think that he would abuse Kora?”
