by Anne B. Cole
“Hades sensed your presences despite our efforts. He summoned both of you.” The ghoul extended an invisible hand and helped them to shore. “Burning your spirits didn’t hide the unborn from the fire god. Heed my warning. Hades must never raise a child. Do what you can to prevent this.” He returned to the boat and didn’t look back.
“Not sure which is worse, Tartarus or meeting Hades,” Sam muttered.
“We’re not spiritual mist anymore, but we’re dead so we can’t be in our bodies.” Gretta pressed her hand to his chest. “What are we?” Feeling curious, she tapped her fingers and on third touch, her hand passed through him. “We seem to have bodies with some spirit-like abilities.”
“Like we did in between our time travels with Roxana.” He lifted her off her feet and kissed the end of her nose. “I’d much rather touch you than pass through you. I have to admit, I didn’t mind being in a spirit state. I never felt pain from the burning, just a shift in form.”
“Me too. I don’t think the hoodies meant to hurt us. Their job is to judge, not inflict pain.” Gretta rested her head on his shoulder. “They’re concerned about the destiny of our child.”
“So am I. We can’t allow Hades to take him.” Sam bristled.
“Her. Our baby could be a girl.”
“Girl or boy, we have to convince Hades to send all of us to Tartarus.” He set her on her feet and took her hands into his. “It will be bad. I imagine Tartarus worse than the falling and drowning we just experienced. You have to trust and believe in my ability to get us out. Asclepius cut me with the dagger prior to healing the wound Aphrodite inflicted on my chest. I can leave Tartarus, but I won’t without you and our child.”
He kissed her hands and knelt before her. “Minnie proclaimed trust, hope, and forgiveness to be the keys to evading the evil depths. My hope has always been to earn your forgiveness for abandoning you in Milos.”
“I believe you and will do everything I can to not lose hope.” She fell to her knees and embraced him.
Slow, deliberate applause sounded.
Gretta spun and Sam positioned himself between her and a huge wall of smoldering rock. Two gaping holes suddenly pulsated with fire, illuminating the area with each thunderous clap.
“My dear, the spirits of two mortals are pledging their undying love. Send the Colony to allow their entrance.” The order sounded from behind the rock wall.
Millions of tiny crimson specks crawled from the fires. The mist enshrouded ground vibrated with their movement. Without warning Gretta’s feet shifted. Sam clenched her by the shoulders. Both stumbled before regaining their footing.
“The ground is m-moving.”
“Hold on to me. It’s not the ground. We’re moving.” Sam’s grip on her arms tightened.
Gretta spotted thousands of insects swarming over and underneath her feet. Jumping into Sam’s arms, she shook off the creepy crawlies. “Ants?”
“Fire ants. They’re carrying us.” His entire body tensed while ants climbed up his legs and arms.
“Get them off me!” Gretta swiped her arms and legs as hundreds more crawled across her back. “I can’t stand their prickly legs.” She ripped her ponytail holder out and smacked her head and neck. When several crawled over her cheeks she clenched her mouth shut and screamed behind sealed lips.
Sam brushed dozens off her nose.
“It’s okay. They don’t seem to be interested in biting us, yet. They sense your fear.” Sam continued to push the offending creatures off her. “Hang on. I think they’re taking us to Hades.”
Her jitters compounded when the pests brought them to the wall. They halted between the two giant fire-filled sockets. Flames flickered from the depths.
“No,” Sam cried when masses of tiny insects tore him away from Gretta.
Too afraid to open her mouth, she covered her head with her hands as the insects placed her directly in front of the right fire eye. She wiped ants off her face and glanced to her left. The ants propped Sam in front of the left fire eye. Covered in a red quivering mass she watched him reach to her in vain.
“Bring the mortal spirits forth.”
A wall of fire blazed from the fire eyes, engulfed them, and drew both into Hades’ lair.
Chapter 33
Persephone
Gretta
“Hades! When I ask for the Colony to collect visitors, I mean bats, not ants,” a female voice shrieked. “The last time you summoned the ants the little pests snuck into my closet of silks. Nested among my scarves and nighties. Ruined countless—”
“Hush, Persephone. I’ll take care of the ants,” a male voice retorted.
“They’re already nibbling on my new sandals. Get them out of here this minute!”
“Intelligent little creatures. They enjoy the scent of your delectable toes. You can’t blame them for being unable to resist you.”
Gretta peeked through her ant-covered fingers to see a black winged dragon hovering in front of a lovely, but extremely irked goddess.
“Stop sweet talking me, Hades. We have visitors.” Persephone flicked an ant off her arm.
“Ah.” Hades paused.
Gretta dropped her arms to her sides and the ants flew off her skin. Sam stood an arm-length out of reach without a single ant on him. He looked beyond her with terror-filled eyes.
“A male and a female. Mortal spirits.” The extremely wrinkled creature with a vampire bat head and bright red eyes towered over them. It folded webbed wings on its furry back. The dragon shaped body morphed into scaly arms and legs attached to a more human-like torso. “Welcome. I am Hades.”
The creature bowed deeply to Gretta. When he rose, her breath caught. Shoulder-length black hair, a square but rugged jaw, biceps the size of her waist, and a muscle-ripped chest seized her gaze.
Without thought, her hand slipped into his, mesmerized by his physical appearance.
“It’s a trick. Look at his red eyes. He’s the same monster inside,” Sam called.
Horrified at Hades’ ability to change from a repulsive creature to a man sexier than Thor, Gretta stumbled backward.
Persephone stood at his side and snapped ebony polished fingers. A golden helmet appeared in one hand, a blood red silk robe in the other. She slipped the cloak over Hades’ perfectly cut shoulders before plunking the helmet on Gretta’s head.
“What did you do to her?” Sam demanded.
Beneath the heavy helmet, Gretta realized she was invisible and unable to speak, but could still see.
“Let’s focus on the man. He has much more going on inside his head than the girl,” Persephone purred. She pushed Gretta to the ground and guided her husband to Sam.
Hades growled and changed back into the terrifying monster. “Speak, mortal spirit. I have no desire to waste time with the likes of you.”
“Nor do I. Show me my wife,” Sam demanded.
Fire spewed from the monster’s nostrils. A forked tail whipped Sam on the back. A second strike knocked him to the ground.
Persephone sighed and knelt beside Sam. She grazed his cheek with the back of a single finger.
Get your paws off my husband. Gretta struggled beneath the helmet to no avail.
“This human is strong. Not as intelligent as I first thought, yet he displays much courage,” Persephone cooed. “I’ve known no mortal to make demands from a god, and live.”
“His love for the female mortal brings forth courage and stupidity.” Hades whipped him again. “He needs to be taught a lesson.”
Gretta winced when Hades’ tail lashed Sam’s back and legs, leaving him writhing in pain.
“Not so smart or courageous now, are you?” Hades roared. Tongues of fire forced Sam to his feet. “Speak with respect, mortal.”
“Lord of The Underworld,
your brother, Zeus, cursed my wife and me to Tartarus. We were judged and then summoned to you. Send us to Tartarus. I’m not worthy to stand in your presence.” Sam’s request echoed throughout the chamber.
The monster form of Hades spat fire in Sam’s face.
“I can send you and possibly your wife to Tartarus. Will that be all, mortal?” Hades hissed.
Gretta noticed Sam struggling to respond.
“Ah, your hesitation confirms my suspicion of the presence of more than two souls. A son? A daughter?” Hades’ eyes glowed a deeper crimson. “Persephone, show me the spirit of the woman.”
The goddess snapped her fingers and the invisibility helmet flew off Gretta’s head.
Red eyes bore into Gretta’s and she shrank in his demonic presence.
“Woman, you have nothing to fear.” Thor’s looks returned.
She swallowed hard and forced herself to stare at his red eyes instead of his mouth-watering, muscle-bound body. Her arms instinctively wound around her middle. She had kept Zeus from rearing her child; somehow she needed to protect her unborn from Hades.
“He’s reading your mind!” Sam screamed.
“How dare my brother consider rearing a child? A human child?” Hades spontaneously resumed his demon appearance.
“Send us all to Tartarus. There you can keep our child away from Zeus and Poseidon.” Sam scrambled to Gretta’s side.
“I shall send you to Tartarus, following Zeus’ decree.” The monster paused and moved his gaze from Sam to Gretta. “I have other plans for this lovely creature.”
“She cannot stay,” Persephone countered and shoved the helmet back over Gretta’s head. “You know the rules. It’s forbidden for one of the Brothers to rear a child.”
“Correct, my love. How dreadful that Zeus even considered the notion. For his inconsideration and intent on bending the rule, I believe I have a solution.” Hades lifted the helmet off Gretta and placed it on Sam. “Mortal woman, in six days, Persephone will be leaving for her allotted time out of the Underworld. I will be lonely for six long months. You may keep me company during her absence.”
“How dare you even think about having a mortal at your side?” Persephone shrieked. “No mortal will take the place of a goddess of my stature.”
Gretta searched for Sam.
Where are you?
The watch he wore, the one Theo had given her on the plane, glistened in the darkness.
I can’t see you, but I can see the watch.
“Interesting. I wonder why?” Hades murmured.
Gretta groaned when she realized he had read her mind. Again.
“I said, this girl will not take my place here or anywhere else,” Persephone sneered.
“I would never imagine doing so. I’m unworthy to take the position of a goddess for even a second,” Gretta humbly stated.
“The girl is wise. Send them to Tartarus.” Persephone pulled the helmet off Sam and ogled him. Regarding him with dissatisfaction, she returned to Hades’ side. “Dispose of them, immediately.”
“You’re so cute when you’re jealous.” Hades returned to his phenomenally sexy human form, cupped his queen’s chin, and kissed her behind the ear. She melted in his hold. He lifted her gaze to his and continued, “The unborn holds powers too great to ignore. Zeus is a fool for sending them to me. I have a better plan. We could send the girl back to Delos to give birth. During your allotted time out, she comes to me while you raise the unborn.”
“A human child? I’m a goddess, not a governess.”
“Ah, don’t decide in haste. I sense a unique strength from within the unborn. Power, intelligence, and beauty far beyond the traits of a mortal. A smart and cunning goddess will be needed,” Hades crooned.
Hades and Persephone will never get close to our child. Sam’s thoughts rang in Gretta’s head.
“Who are you to stop me?” Hades wrapped Sam’s neck with a flaming tail. “Hold the mortal female, my love.” He pried Sam off Gretta. Wings sprouted and fire blazed from his mucus-encrusted nostrils.
Hades torched Sam’s spirit and tossed him into the air. He screamed and crumpled into a ball of fire. Hades whipped his tail and sent Sam’s soul soaring into the darkness. She caught a single glimpse of his golden watch before his cries faded to silence.
Gone.
“No!” Gretta searched the black abyss.
Nothing.
“Send me to hell,” she cried.
“You’re already here,” Persephone cackled.
Gretta spun to Hades, who landed beside Persephone and refolded his wings. “Where did you send Sam?”
“Tartarus. A fitting place for mouthy filth,” Hades replied offhandedly.
“Send me there. I deserve far worse than him.” Gretta fell to her knees in front of the demon god’s steaming claws.
“How will you be able to stand this sniveling mortal around for six months?” Persephone nudged Gretta with her silver sandal. She wrinkled her nose. “I hate admitting it, but you’re right. Beauty and strength lie within the unborn. Such powerful features for human souls.” A smile curled on her lips. “Perhaps, if you gave her a glimpse of Tartarus she would be more inclined to behave.” She patted Hades’ snout.
“My domain is terrifying to mortals. I don’t want to chance losing the unborn. Although, the amount of courage she displays is rather remarkable.” While he appraised Gretta, his tail shriveled and skin smoothed from scales to flesh. He clasped Persephone’s hand and they nodded in silent agreement. “Mortal woman. I have decided to return your spirit to your body for six days. On the final day, you will bear the unborn. Persephone will collect your offspring and return you to me. She will care for the unborn until it is her time to return to my side.”
“You cannot take my child away from me.” Gretta felt anger displace her fear. “I refuse to align with you.”
He laughed. “I keep forgetting just how ignorant mortals are. I can and will take your unborn. Persephone learned to enjoy being at my side, and so will you. The offspring will mature outside of the Underworld in order to establish relationships with my brothers and others of power, yet true allegiance will remain with me. Persephone will be a wonderful mother for six months. By then, you will be committed to me. I may even allow you to care for the unborn during your allotted time out.”
Persephone glared at Hades. “I’m not the mothering type. I’ll send you a list of preferred demigods who will care for the offspring under my careful observation.”
“As you wish, my darling.” Hades slid an arm around her waist. “Let’s not quarrel over nannies.”
“No!” Gretta shrieked.
Hades growled at the interruption. Afraid of a fire breathing reprimand, she scrambled for time. “Your plan won’t work. The baby won’t be born for another seven or eight months. Six days is not long enough.”
“Wrong again, mortal. Time is irrelevant in my world. Eight human months can be four, maybe five days here. You will return to your body, bear the unborn, and await Persephone’s arrival. Until then, I have better things to do.” Hades licked Persephone’s earlobe with a forked tongue.
“I refuse to be your mistress.” The look of hatred Persephone sent in her direction scared her more than Hades. “I won’t consider taking the place of your beautiful queen for a single day, let alone six months. I’m mortal, ignorant, and not worthy of your presence. Banish me to Tartarus.”
Persephone winced. “I’d send you there myself if I thought the unborn would survive.”
“You’ll never take my baby. I’d rather die first.”
Hades sighed in exasperation. “You’re already dead, stupid mortal.” He snuggled closer to Persephone.
Gretta’s mind raced and stumbled on a possible solution.
“Your bitch of a
wife will never raise my child, here or in the other world.”
A guttural roar escaped from the god. “How dare you.”
The change happened instantaneously. His dragon-bat form towered over her and flames scorched every inch of her body. She wrapped burning arms around her middle in an effort to protect her baby. Refusing to scream, she glared at him in defiance.
“Strong, feisty, and courageous. You’ve proven yourself, mortal. Did you pass these traits to your unborn? A test of endurance is in order. You will suffer in Tartarus through your pregnancy. At the moment of birth, you and the unborn will be released to me.” Hades ogled her before lifting her within a sphere of fire.
“Stop looking at her.”
“Ah, my lovely queen, the mortal will be a mere toy in your absence.” He caught Gretta with a scaly wing and tossed her to Persephone. “Catch.”
“You imbecile,” Persephone cried when Gretta crashed into her. She picked herself off the ground, adjusted her dress, and smoothed a lock of hair into place. “If I want something done around here I have to do it myself.” She dropped the helmet of invisibility over Gretta’s head. “My lord, you will only have eyes for me.”
The queen fumbled under the helmet and clutched Gretta by her ponytail. “Off to Tartarus, mortal.”
The ground shuddered and cracked open. Terrifying screams rose within burning tongues of flame. Instead of heat, a blast of icy air smacked Gretta. Tortured souls cried to her in desperation.
“You can’t find what you can’t see, great husband of mine.” Persephone shoved Gretta to the edge.
“I can see her bracelet.” He raised Gretta’s hand.
