A glowing aura formed around Delphie. “This is what I’m here to tell you. All is not lost. You must persevere. There’s still hope.”
Wild excitement surged through Athenia for a second before fading. “How? Any minute, Gelion will be here to drain me.”
Delphie pursed her lips. “I wish I could be more specific, but I can’t tell you what you need to do. All I can say is there’s a way. You can figure this out.”
Athenia sagged with dejection. “I don’t know how to defeat him.” She straightened. “Never mind. Seeing you again is worth the price of losing my soul.”
“When the time comes, we’ll be together, but you aren’t at the end of your life, no matter what you think.” Delphie squeezed her hand. “You still have options, and there’s someone on the earth plane waiting, who will help you, too. You can do this.”
Athenia hugged her again. “Thank you so much for coming.” She touched Delphie’s arm. “Your skin is flaking. Better go home before you dehydrate too much.”
Delphie nodded, tears in her eyes. “Yes, I must go now. I love you, sis. Don’t give up.”
Athenia swallowed. “I’ll do everything I can.”
Her sister rose and moved toward the rock. “Don’t follow, okay? I’ll be fine, and I’ll be watching over you.”
To stop herself from begging Delphie to stay, Athenia clamped her jaw shut. I can’t be so selfish.
Delphie ran behind the boulder.
She’s gone. I’m happy she’s in an awesome place, but goddess, I miss her so much. As she grieved the loss of her twin all over again, Athenia sobbed.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Suddenly, Gelion appeared before her. “Did you enjoy a nice chat with your sister?”
Athenia raised her head. “You know?”
“I approve all visitors to the underworld.” He took her chin and tilted it so she would meet his eyes. “Don’t be so depressed. I knew you would be sad when she left, so I brought someone else to pay a call on you.” He let go and gestured behind him.
Thorne moved toward her.
She stared. He’s as real as Delphie, not a shade, but flesh and blood. She turned to Gelion. “Why did you bring him here?’
He smoothed her hair. “I honestly don’t want you to be miserable. I can make it bearable here if you cooperate with me.”
She angled her head away from him so he couldn’t reach her hair. “Will you give me some time alone with him?”
Narrowing his eyes, he stared at her for a few moments. “I may regret this, but all right,” he said, and then winked out.
Athenia hurried over to Thorne. “I’m so sorry. I violated the terms of the bargain. Now, we’ll both be here for eternity.”
Thorne wrapped her in his arms. “This isn’t your fault. Bargains with the devil never come out well for anyone but him. He’s a master trickster. I saw what happened. He conjured the rock to trip you. If you hadn’t looked back when you fell, he would have found some other way to force you to.”
“You told me not to deal with him, but I went ahead and tried it. I’m a fool.”
He stroked her back and sighed. “The devil makes fools of us all sometimes. Don’t beat yourself up about it. We shouldn’t spend our precious time together placing blame.”
Athenia rested her head on his shoulder. “Delphie came to me,” she whispered and lifted her gaze. “She said there’s still a way we can get out of here.”
His eyebrows drew together. “Are you sure it was her? Demons often impersonate our loved ones.”
She shuddered. “Gelion gave me fake Delphie before, but I figured it out when the demon couldn’t answer a question about something only Delphie would know. And the time when—” Abruptly, she broke off. I can’t say the time when a demon impersonated you. That would give away too much. “Um, there was another incident as well. But this time, it was the real Delphie. I didn’t believe her at first, but I tested her, and she passed.”
He gave a slow nod. “So, how did she get here? From what you told me about her, I’m sure she went somewhere else after she died.”
“She said she’s in a sublime place, but she got permission to come so she could offer me encouragement, and she helped.” Though she loved holding him, Athenia took a step back. I can’t let my guard down, including with Thorne. I need to be strong. “How can we get out of this mess? I should have heeded your advice so many times and didn’t. Now, I’m ready to pay attention.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “I wish I knew. Without my magic… What about your siren song?”
She shook her head. “It calms all the creatures here, even Gelion, I think, but I can’t influence him enough to make him change his mind. He might let you go though. I begged him and promised not to resist him if he releases you. He said he’d think about it.”
Thorne’s expression was mulish. “No way I’m leaving without you.”
“I want to escape, too, but I’m out of plans. If only one of us can go, it makes sense for you to go. You can rally the others and come back for me.” I won’t mention the mages tried everything they could to rescue him. Besides, they would never summon a demon to transport them here. They don’t deal in dark magic. Not ever. But Thorne doesn’t need to think about that. The main thing is for him to be safe.
He scowled. “Not. Happening.”
She huffed in frustration. “If you don’t, everything I went through to help you will be for nothing. You must go free.”
His face softened. “I care about you, Athenia. We’re a team. We’ll face everything together.”
Anger at his stubbornness warred with her dejection at failing and fear of what would happen to them. Those emotions mixed with a snippet of pride because Thorne thought enough of her to stay, although he was only being noble. Sometimes, he’s impossible. This is the worst moment for him to be a hero. She massaged her temples. “I can’t decide what to say to you.”
He patted her shoulder and grinned. “Don’t say anything about leaving you behind. Use your energy to figure out a way to save us both.”
She nodded. “Let’s sit down.”
They sat on the same rocks as Athenia and Delphie had.
Athenia stared into the distance. My serenades affect Gelion, but not enough to enthrall him. But Delphie said all was not lost, and I believe her. So, there must be something. Thorne trusts me. I can’t figure out how that will help, but it means a lot to me. A warm feeling filled her. I never thought I would earn a fraction of his trust back. Now, he’s entrusting his life to me.
Thorne peered at their surroundings. The tension in his body told her he assessed the area for possible ways to make a getaway.
He never gives up, no matter how dire the situation. She rested her chin in her hand. Gelion almost agreed to let Thorne go. All along, he’s been eager for my cooperation. None of this is enough though. There’s only one way we can both get out of here. Stark fear traveled from her gut throughout her body. “There’s one thing I can do.” Her voice sounded wooden to her ears.
Thorne leaned toward her, his eyes lit with eagerness. “What?”
“I can willingly give him all my power, allow him to drain me so the magic becomes permanently his.” Her muscles were stiff as stone and weighed a ton, and her neck crackled as she strained to move her head and look at him.
His mouth parted. His eyes widened, and his eyebrows beetled. “You would do that?”
She crossed her arms and rubbed her shoulders, trying to massage her muscles into relaxing. “That’s what he wanted in the beginning. I refused and got us into this mess. If I give in to him willingly, he won’t need either of us anymore. He’ll let us go. Not a great plan, but all I can think of.
Thorne stared at her. “How would you do that?”
Heat suffused her. This is rich. She lowered her gaze to the ground. “I’ll have sex with him, and he’ll drain me during the process. It must be voluntary, though.”
Thorne clenched his jaw. “Don’t do it.”
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She gave a bitter laugh. “Don’t you see? This is divine retribution. I’ll lose my strengths the same way I took yours.”
“Athenia, you can’t make this sacrifice. Your abilities mean everything to you. We’ll think of something else.”
Face flaming, she bowed her head so her hair would hide her. “This is the only thing I can do.” Then, she pushed her hair away from her face and straightened her shoulders. “Full disclosure. Gelion says I’ll enjoy the sex more than anything.”
Thorne growled. “Gelion’s a liar. You should realize that by now. This is unacceptable. I forbid you to succumb to him.”
She bristled a little at his order. I’ll never like being told what to do. However, he’s saying that because he’s upset and worried about me. She smoothed her expression. “It’s all right. When this is over, we’ll be alive, and I’ll figure out a way to survive losing everything, including my siren song.”
“But that’s intrinsic in you. He can’t take that.”
She swallowed to ease the hard lump at the back of her throat. “Even if he does, it’ll be worth it.”
“I can’t let you do this.” He pulled her to him. “We’ll think of another plan.”
She melted into him, savoring the sensation of resting in his embrace. This may be my last chance to feel his arms around me.
ΨΨΨ
When Gelion appeared before them, they drew apart. Thorne kept an arm around her waist as he scowled at the devil. “Release us immediately. You can’t keep us here.”
Gelion laughed. “This is my domain, and I do as I please.”
Athenia took a breath. Though her knees quivered, she steeled herself. “I’m ready to give all my power to you, in, ah, the way you want.” She flushed again. “If you’ll let us both go.”
Gelion ran a finger down the side of her face and caressed her lips. “Originally, I did want that, but since I heard your beautiful songs, I can’t bear to give you up. If you voluntarily transfer your powers to me, Thorne can go, but not you.”
“If you force me to stay here, you’ll never hear a good song from me. You might be able to command me, but my voice will be so discordant it’ll make your ears bleed.” She gave him her best wicked witch face. You think this is Hell, now? Wait until I’m here plotting against you for a few centuries. You’ll wish you had sent me back when you had the chance.”
He chuckled. “Forever is a long time. I’m sure you’ll forget the mage after a while, and I’m patient. Waiting will make the sweet songs even more pleasurable. However, I need your power now, so we’ll worry about the serenades later. Come to me and surrender. Then, I’ll let Thorne go. We’ll negotiate the rest another time.” He sent a wisp of raw sexual energy to her, skating it over her body and making her shiver.
Though she didn’t want it, arousal crept over her. Dampness pooled between her legs. “Stop.”
He grinned. “Did I mention you’d like it?”
“This is against my will. Another form of rape.”
When he waved, the sensations stopped. “This is becoming tiresome. Do we have a deal or not?”
Athenia clamped down on the pain and fear threatening to overwhelm her with the need to run, to hide, to save herself any way she could. “Let Thorne go first. Then, I’ll give you what you want.”
Thorne grabbed her arm. “No, Athenia, you can’t do this. You’ll be left here defenseless with him.”
She pulled away. “This is what I must do. My destiny, and there’s nothing you can do to stop me.” She turned to Gelion. “Do you agree?”
“Yes, my dear, absolutely.” He gestured, and two mammoth, blue-skinned demons appeared.
Although humanoid, their forms including a head, two arms and two legs which ended with claws, they stood over seven feet tall and had horns and tails. Their bodies appeared to be a mass of muscles, but arranged in an alien way,
Gelion said, “Take him to the boundary between the worlds. He’ll need to figure out how to cross the River Styx on his own, but once he does, he’ll be back in his own dimension.”
Athenia’s heart stopped. “Wait, that’s ice cold. Without his magic, he’ll never survive it. That’s not fair.”
Thorne grunted. “I told you, bargains with the devil don’t end well.”
Tears came to her eyes. “I’m sorry. Once again, I wish I’d listened to you. For some reason, I never learn.”
With a furious glare, she pointed an accusing finger at Gelion. “You’re such a liar. Everything you do is a trick, but I have a way to protect him.”
With a lightning fast move, she grabbed the hem of her robe, pulled it over her head, and tossed the gleaming fabric to Thorne.
As he reached up and caught the robe, it transformed to a cloak and wrapped around Thorne’s shoulders, expanding to cover his entire body. A hood with a facemask protected his head. The garment stretched to his feet and covered them with soft shoes. Gloves encased his hands. Not an inch of uncovered flesh remained.
Gelion let out a shout of pure rage. “Pull that thing off him.”
The giant blue minions attempted to sink their claws into the fabric, but the cloak was too tough for them to pierce. Though their talons held a razor-sharp edge, they slid off the material every time the demons tried to grab on.
With a huff, Gelion pushed them away. “Incompetent fools. Move, and I’ll do it.” He reached out and grabbed the enchanted garment, but when he pulled, it stayed firmly wrapped around Thorne.
Growling, he muttered an incantation.
Nothing happened.
As he intoned louder and gesticulated, the power he invoked shook the earth and rained boulders around them.
Still, the garment remained fixed to Thorne.
Gelion sent a glare at Athenia which burned over her entire body. “I don’t recognize the enchantment, but it doesn’t matter. He goes. You stay.” He motioned. “Take him away.”
The giants gripped Thorne’s upper arms and force marched him to the path.
Thorne yelled over his shoulder. “No, I’m staying here with Athenia. You can’t make me leave.”
The demons ignored him.
Though he struggled, Thorne was no match for the giants physically, and they dragged him away.
Gelion grinned. “All right, Athenia. The time has come for us to seal the deal.”
She gestured around. “Here? On the ground with half of Hell watching?”
“Hmm… I could make you do it that way, but I promised you pleasure, so I’ll take you to a more luxurious spot.” He raised his hands.
“Wait.” She backed away a step.
He sighed. “What now?”
“Wouldn’t you like a song first? I swear, this one will be the most beautiful opus you’ve ever heard.”
He perched on a rock. “Certainly, my dear, but you’re only delaying the inevitable.”
She swallowed, and then she sang.
ΨΨΨ
Keeping her promise, Athenia gave everything to the song. Opening her soul, she let all her pain, fear, loneliness, and desperation suffuse her voice. At first, the notes jangled with sharp edges and discordances, evidence of her anguish. Minor chords overwhelmed the music with their overtones of alarm. When the inhabitants of the underworld came out to listen, they milled about, whispering and glaring at one another. At a gesture from Gelion, they stilled, but tension filled the air. Eyes narrowed, Gelion started toward her.
While her deepest emotions took over, she ignored everything else. She sang of her grief for Delphie, for what might have been with Thorne, and for the soon to come loss of her identity. Next she poured out her longing for the sea and her acceptance of kinship with the Atlantean Nerei, especially Deme, who had been a friend.
She trilled a refrain for the other mages, who would have accepted her, if she hadn’t been so secretive.
When all else drained away, she let the ballad take her back to her first time with Thorne. The moment when she’d realized how perfect he was for her
played like a movie in her mind. She crooned her love for him. So long as he survives and goes on to lead a happy life, I can tolerate all this.
The pure notes echoed around them, and the denizens of the underworld stood with arms around each other, swaying in rhythm to her music, staring at her as though hypnotized. Three-headed Cerberus rolled on his back, whining through all his mouths. After the harpy landed beside him, she reached over and rubbed his belly. No one moved away from the winged creature this time, though her stench rolled through the area in an almost palpable haze.
Staring at Athenia intently, Gelion stood behind the crowd. Clear-eyed, he didn’t appear mesmerized like the others. However, the corners of his lips turned up, and he tapped his foot.
As long as I’m singing, he won’t make me have sex with him. A vision of him naked and jamming himself inside her made her stomach heave. Worse, he’ll make me enjoy being raped, long for more, and beg him not to stop. She shuddered.
Momentarily, her song shrieked into a register so high human ears probably ached. The demons clenched their claws, some digging talons into boulders, scraping long gouges out of the rock. Growling, Cerberus shook his head. Then, he snapped at the harpy, who snatched her hand out of reach of his jaws.
Can’t let my fear stop me. Must face this with as much dignity as I can summon up. With an effort, she brought her voice back to the pleasing range and added a hint of hope. Not for me since I’m doomed. For these poor creatures. Maybe this moment of solidarity will be all they ever experience, but this small amount of peace is my gift to them. For once, I can offer something to someone else without needing or wanting repayment. Besides, they aren’t the reason I’m here.
Everyone settled down. Now, her voice strained to reach the high, pure notes, and lost some clarity. I never used my siren ability so long or with so much emotion before, so I won’t last much longer. When my voice dies, Gelion will come for me, and that will be the end of me, too.
Sadness threatened again, but she refused to give in to despair. For as long as I can, I’m going to focus on joy, even in difficult circumstances. All I want now is to be fully present for every moment of my precious life while I possess free will. Though my time is almost over, I’ll make the most of every second.
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