Dark Desires (Dark Romance Boxed Set)

by Cerys du Lys

  “In a fit of anger, I dug up the stick and threw it into the fire.” Althaia lowered her head, her voice choked and low. “I tried to take it back…” The woman showed Persephone her hands, blistered and blackened by the fire. “But it was too late…my son was already dead.”

  “That explains your son’s death.” Persephone nodded. “But yours?”

  “I couldn’t live with my guilt or my grief.” Althaia’s voice wavered. “I took my own life.”

  Persephone’s eyes went to the younger woman. “And you?”

  “I took my own life, as well.” Cleopatra spoke for the first time, her small voice pained and hoarse. “I couldn’t live without my Meleager.” She turned and buried her face against the older woman’s shoulder, sobbing again.

  “Do you not want revenge against your mother-in-law?” Persephone inquired. Cleopatra raised her tear-stained cheeks, her eyes wide. “She is the one who took your husband from you.”

  “No, of course not!” The young woman gave her a startled look. “I understand her pain. She lost two brothers. Yes, I know what it is like to lose someone you love and feel that helpless, hopeless rage…but what good is it to injure someone already so troubled herself?”

  Althaia kissed her daughter-in-law’s cheek. “You are wise, child. I am such an old fool.”

  Persephone looked between the two women, considering. “Althaia, you made a hasty, unwise decision in your overly emotional state, and I am sorry for it, as are you. But Cleopatra, you have ended this cycle of vengeance, and for that I am glad, and you will thus be spared the fires of Tartarus.”

  The two women hugged and sobbed again, this time for joy. Persephone held up her hand, shaking her head. “However…you will not swim in the Pool of Lethe. You will forever remember your loved ones, and what part you played in this mortal drama.”

  “Thank you, Queen Persephone!” Althaia touched her forehead to the top of Persephone’s bare foot. “You are most merciful.”

  Cleopatra did the same, tenderly kissing the side of Persephone’s slim ankle. On a whim, the blonde goddess leaned down and whispered into the shade’s ear, “The good news is you’re going to Asphodel, and you will remember your husband, Meleager…he is there.” The woman’s eyes brightened as she stood, smiling for the first time.

  “Go!” Persephone waved them off. “To the fields of Asphodel with you!”

  Both of them turned and fled toward Hecate, bypassing the Pool of Lethe. Persephone glanced at Aidon, who looked so proud he might have popped a button on his vest—if he wore one.

  “Perfect.” He touched the tip of her nose with his finger. “Inside and out.”

  Thanatos approached their thrones and knelt before Persephone, bowing his head low. “My queen.” No hint of sarcasm remained in his voice as he lifted his eyes to hers. “I apologize. You are more than worthy.”

  “Thank you.” She smiled and touched his hand. “Now get up, ‘Great God of Death,’ I know you must have work to do. We have more shades down here lately than we can count!”

  He laughed, delighted, giving her a wink as he stood. “As you wish!” He gave Aidon and Tisi a wave and disappeared—literally, just disappeared!

  “I didn’t know he could do that!” Persephone gasped, her eyes wide.

  Aidon chuckled. “Death can sneak up on you at any time.”

  “Speaking of apologies…” Persephone looked over to where the two women she had sent to Asphodel passed Hecate’s hooded form. “There’s someone I have to speak to. Would you excuse me?”

  Aidon frowned. “Be careful.”

  She didn’t reply as she made her way across the Chamber of Judgment. Hecate had put her torch up on the wall and headed now toward the exit. Where is she going? Persephone hurried to catch up.

  “Hecate!” Persephone called after the goddess, running in bare feet over the rocky surface to catch up to her. They hadn’t spoken since that day by the Styx, and by the time Persephone caught up to her, they were on the banks of the river once again. She put her hand on Hecate’s arm, out of breath, as Charon pulled his skiff to shore. “Where are you rushing off to?”

  She never knew which of Hecate’s faces she would see—young maiden, matronly mother, or old crone. The triple goddess pushed her hood back, and Persephone saw the wrinkled face of an old witch, with wise, bright eyes. The old woman inclined her head and smiled warmly. “I promised Zeus I’d run a quick errand for him. I’ll be back before you know it, my queen.”

  “Will I ever grow used to that title?” Persephone laughed. “Hecate, dearest, I wanted to apologize for the other day.”

  The old woman waved her mottled hand. “Pish! Is that what you ran down here for? Think nothing of it.”

  Persephone shook her head. “No, really. I shouldn’t have said such things to you. And Demeter is my mother, she deserves to know what happened. I will tell her where I am…soon. I promise.”

  Hecate eyed the young goddess. “It is well, then. She grieves piteously for you now.”

  Persephone felt tears welling up in her eyes. “Thank you for telling me.”

  Hecate kissed a tear on Persephone’s cheek. “You are welcome, my queen. And you well deserve the title, so you’d best get used to it.”

  More tears fell from Persephone’s eyes and she hugged the old woman tightly. “You are pure sweetness, Hecate.”

  The old woman snorted. “The shades I guide to Tartarus do not think so.” But her face blushed a rosy pink and she faded slightly out of Persephone’s vision as they parted, like she always did when anxious or embarrassed.

  “It’s a useful skill, becoming invisible,” Persephone observed with a smile as the old woman became solid again. “Thanatos just blinked out of here, too!”

  “It can be.” Hecate cackled as she stepped onto the skiff while a boatload of shades shuffled off, calling, “Your husband certainly loves the helmet Hephaestus made for him!”

  Waving, Persephone remembered that day in the meadow, when Aidon had used his helmet to conceal himself from her. How often does he use it? she wondered with a frown.

  Her mind didn’t have time to linger on the thought. Behind her, a voice that didn’t belong to her husband spoke much too close to her ear for comfort. “I told you I would have you.” A memory flashed across her mind at the sound and she whirled around, coming face-to-face with the man.

  Chapter Ten

  “Pirithous?”

  Had she really forgotten? How long had it been since that day in the woods? It was the day Aidon had come for her, the day her innocence was lost forever. She had never expected to see this man again, and yet here he was, his eyes raking over her nude form. His gaze made her long for covering like she rarely did down here. How is this possible?

  “What are you doing here?”

  “I came to make you my bride.” His grin widened, his eyes blazing with triumph. Behind him stood another man, who watched with a quiet frown on his face. Persephone didn’t recognize him. She glanced across the river, thinking to call to Hecate, but the goddess was already gone.

  “You’re too late. I am already a bride.” She fought the urge to cover herself and lifted her chin higher. “I am Queen of the Underworld. Now, please depart. Mortals are not welcome in this place.” In spite of the burning ball of fire in her belly, she attempted to dismiss them with a haughty wave of her hand, brushing quickly by. If she could just make it past Cerberus and into the Chamber of Judgment…

  A hand grabbed her hair and she screamed as Pirithous pulled her back against his barrel chest. “You always did think you were too good for me, you lofty little bitch!” He kissed her hard, forcing his tongue deep into her throat. She gagged, the memory in the woods hitting her full force. Trying to scream, she twisted in his arms, but he wouldn’t let her go.

  “Pardon me.”

  Aidon! Oh thank the gods! But where had he come from? Relief flooded her belly as she turned to him. He leaned casually against the rocky wall, which was glowing a deep re
d behind him. When she saw a golden helmet tucked under his arm, she understood—but how long had he been there? She tried to go to him, but Pirithous held her fast.

  “Might I ask what you two are doing down here in the Underworld?” Aidon looked at the man who squeezed Persephone’s arm. “Pirithous?” His eyes went to the quiet figure standing slightly apart. “Theseus?”

  Theseus! Even in her sheltered existence, Persephone had heard of this mortal’s deeds in the labyrinth with the Minotaur. She glanced at him, frowning.

  Pirithous put his arm around Persephone’s shoulder and smiled widely at Aidon. “I have come to deliver the Goddess of Spring and my promised bride back to her waiting mother.”

  “Have you now?” Aidon raised his eyebrows in mild surprise. “And how do I know you’re speaking the truth? You obviously had to trick your way into my realm somehow…why should I trust you?”

  Pirithous reached into his robe and pulled out a wooden box, opening it up. “I have this.” Inside rested a golden heart attached to a delicate chain. It glowed a soft blue around the edges. Persephone gasped, her hand going to her mouth, her eyes wide. The older man smiled. “This is Persephone’s most prized possession, given to her by Demeter as protection. The young goddess gave it to me and promised to be my bride before you abducted her against her will.”

  “Aidon!” Persephone protested. “You cannot—”

  He held up a hand to her, shaking his head. His eyes glowed a deep, dark orange she had come to know as smoldering anger. He grabbed the necklace out of the box.

  “No!” she screamed, lunging for it. The blue glow had increased since Pirithous opened the box and she thought it would knock Aidon backwards, the way it had the old man in the woods. She stared, stunned, as the blue glow faded when Aidon dangled the chain from his fingers. How is that possible?

  He held it up in her face, demanding, “Persephone, do you recognize this charm?”

  “Yes, but—”

  Pirithous stepped forward, putting his arm around the goddess. “She is afraid of your wrath now and will deny it, I’m sure. But before you came, she was sobbing to me, begging to be rescued from this demon’s lair.”

  “I was not!” Persephone gasped, her eyes wide.

  “You see.” Pirithous shrugged. “Demeter has sent me to retrieve her only daughter. I have her full blessing.”

  Aidon frowned at the man, looking at the necklace in his hand. “Is that so?”

  Pirithous’ eyes narrowed. “You should know all of the gods and goddesses alike are up in arms about your abduction and rape of this poor young goddess.”

  Aidon stood fully, his eyes blazing, and gave a curt nod. “Well, then, gentlemen, follow me.” His eyes skipped over to Persephone for just a moment. “Let’s order a feast to celebrate your impending marriage to Pirithous before you go.”

  The two middle-aged heroes looked almost as shocked as Persephone herself. They stared open-mouthed at one another for a moment until Aidon turned back and called them again.

  “Come on!” He waved them over and got them moving.

  Persephone, stunned, followed meekly, her eyes burning with unshed tears. Did Aidon really mean to give her to this man? She couldn’t let that happen! She knew she had to find a way to speak to him alone somehow, and quickly. He couldn’t possibly believe…

  “So how long have you and Persephone known each other?” Aidon led them through the rocky crevasse and down the long flight of stairs where Cerberus waited.

  “Not long,” Pirithous admitted, glancing over at Theseus and shrugging when the man shot him a puzzled look. “Theseus and I found ourselves without companionship in our mid-years, and we both decided we were heroes worthy of now claiming a daughter of Zeus.”

  “Is that so?” Aidon stopped Cerberus’ growl with a wave of his hand, and the dog sat, panting as he scratched him behind each floppy black ear. “Are you both to marry her, then?”

  “No.” Theseus spoke for the first time. “I chose young Helen—daughter of Zeus and the fair Leda. We…er…acquired her…about a month ago…”

  “She’s only ten years old!” Persephone knew the girl from Demeter’s stories of Zeus’ many philandering exploits. Helen was the product of Zeus’ attempt to seduce Leda by turning himself into a swan. Persephone’s panicked eyes skipped over to Aidon. “She is nowhere near marriageable age!”

  Theseus smiled a little sheepishly. “Yes. I know, but I swear she will be the most beautiful woman in the world some day. I saw her in Artemis’ temple and knew I had to have her. I left her with my mother, Aethra, and she will keep her for me until the girl can marry.”

  “Good thinking.” Aidon nodded, patting Cerberus on the head.

  “What?” Persephone stared at Aidon. “You’re praising the kidnapping of a young girl?”

  “Come along.” Aidon stepped into the Chamber of Judgment and they all followed. “Frankly, it doesn’t surprise me to hear there was a prior arrangement Persephone didn’t inform me about. I’ll be glad to get rid of her. She’s quite a handful. Good luck to you, Pirithous.”

  The older man grinned. “She’s proud, I’ll grant you that. But breaking her will be such a pleasure.” He slipped his arm around Persephone’s shoulder and squeezed. She glared at him and slid away from his grasp, her heart pounding in her chest at Aidon’s words.

  Aidon didn’t reply to the man, stopping to speak to one of the Keres. Aidon squatted down to speak to them in a low voice, and they turned their dark eyes up to him in unison. Petulantia always looked as if she wanted to swallow Aidon whole. Persephone had never liked the way the Ker rubbed up against him. Her thick, snake-like arms could coil around his thighs three times, and often did before he even noticed. Persephone knew they used the tactic to hold their mortal prey.

  “Follow me to the Great Hall.” Aidon stood, giving a nod to the three Keres as they scurried away. “A feast is being prepared in honor of your upcoming nuptials, Pirithous.”

  Persephone couldn’t believe her ears. Had she really heard Aidon tell this old man he would be glad to be rid of her? He can’t mean it! She tried to catch his eye, to find any sign, a wink, something to prove this some sort of ruse. Aidon tucked his helmet under his arm and opened a tall, heavy door with the other. Persephone had been into the Great Hall only once. Most of their meals were taken in chambers. They had never had the occasion or opportunity to use it, aside from the day of their wedding.

  She hurried to catch up to him, determined to tell him the truth, to lay any doubts he might have at rest. Putting her hand on his arm, she murmured, “Aidon, please…we have to talk.”

  “You clearly want to be rescued from my horrible clutches.” He glanced down at her, shaking her hand off his arm and tossing his helmet onto the table. “I’m sure you will be quite happy with King Pirithous, Persephone.” His voice deepened as he pressed her into a chair, his hand tightening almost to the point of pain on her shoulder. “I’m afraid our guest list is rather small. It was such short notice and this is, after all, the Underworld. We are rather short on live humans.” Aidon nodded toward a bench across from Persephone. “But I insist the two mortals take a seat as my guests of honor.” Theseus shrugged at Pirithous and they both sat down, side by side, on the bright, golden colored bench.

  Persephone’s head whirled, and she turned her face up to Aidon’s, pleading with her eyes. “Aidon, you have to believe me…” He ignored her whispered words, his jaw working as he took a seat at the head of the table. Miseria brought them a carafe of wine and four goblets.

  “So what took you so long?” Aidon poured the wine, glancing over at the two men. “Persephone has been here…how long has it been, now?”

  “Three months.” Pirithous took the offered glass and gulped greedily. Persephone met Aidon’s eyes briefly. Could it really have been so long?

  Theseus sighed. “We got tied up for a while in the Calydonian Boar Hunt. Piri insisted.” He accepted the goblet Aidon offered him with a nod.

>   “Meleager was an Argonaut, the same as I was!” Pirithous reminded him with a frown. “I owed him that, anyway.”

  “And how did he repay you?” Theseus scoffed. “By giving the prize boar hide to a woman!”

  Aidon slid a full glass across to Persephone. Their fingers brushed and she looked hopefully at him, but then Petulantia entered the Great Hall, slipping up beside Aidon to whisper something into his ear, diverting his attention.

  “Thank you, Pet.” He patted her on the head and stood, grabbing his helmet off the table. “Gentlemen, excuse me for a moment. I’ll be right back.” Aidon shook Petulantia off his leg, where her arms already stretched like taffy, around and around. She let go reluctantly, pouting after him as he opened the heavy door to the Great Hall, leaving it slightly ajar as he left.

  Persephone watched, wide-eyed, her heart beating a thick pulse in her throat. This couldn’t be happening. She turned to Pirithous, her eyes narrowing as he poured himself another goblet of wine and raised it to her.

  “To our wedding.” He winked and downed the liquid in two huge gulps, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand and grinning across the table at her. Then he belched and added, “And especially to our wedding night.”

  “I’ve already had my wedding night, and believe me when I tell you…” Persephone’s lip curled in a sneer. “You could not compare.”

  Pirithous shrugged. “Now that you’re damaged goods, you are even more valuable to me. I’m sure Demeter will be so grateful to have her wayward daughter back, she will increase your wedding inheritance tenfold when I tell her you were raped by the God of the Underworld before I could rescue you.” He leaned over and winked and nudged at Theseus. “And I won’t have to wrestle with her and get blood on my sheets.”

  “I will not go with you.” Persephone hid her clenched hands in her lap, her eyes moving from one man to the other.