by Claire Marta
Zeus must have taken her too. More than likely murdered her. No. I can’t believe she’s dead. Perhaps she managed to escape in the confusion. Clutching the toy tightly in my hand, I head for the door. I’ll order my men to search for her when the other inmates are contained. They’ll have to approach her carefully. If they spook her, she’ll kill them in self-defense. The daughter of Medusa and Poseidon, she can turn them to stone with just a look. It’s the reason I’ve kept her contained all these centuries.
“Cerberus is free and clear. She took off toward the forest,” Breanna announces almost smashing into me in the hallway.
“My niece, her child, and Cassandra are missing,” I inform her grimly. “I must find them.”
“Wait.” Grabbing my arm, she halts me from passing. “Tartarus comes first. I’ve summoned the army to help, and they’re on their way. We need to contain the prisoners before they can cause any more harm.”
She’s right. Although everything screams at me to start my hunt, I must see to this place first. It’s my duty to ensure it remains standing. The oldest inmates held captive here cannot be allowed to remain roaming. Monsters and villains of the worst kind, it’s the reason they were sent here to rot and fester.
Directing the operation, my men soon have the blaze under control. The few stray prisoners my brother left behind once more imprisoned. Picking my way through the damage, charred wood stirs memories of stamping out flames. Twisted plastic lays in the break room, acrid, chemical infused smoke still lingering in the air. Bottles of bliss are scattered over the floor, some smashed and the precious liquid spreading in bright patches.
My eyes move from somber face to somber face in the gathered crowd of guards. They know who I truly am now. Not Master Soren but Hades, their King. My throne looms waiting for me to take it at the palace. Things cannot be undone, and my secret is exposed.
There’s been no sign of Miranda, Jellybean, or Cassandra. Plenty of bodies to bury but they’d not been among them.
“My King, they finally have things in hand,” Breanna informs me at last. “We’ll take a Wyvern each with some soldiers and comb the countryside in opposite directions looking for them. I believe your brother has amassed an army because the majority of inmates have not been accounted for.”
I don’t correct her. It’s time I take my crown back and all the responsibilities that lay with it. I’m not surprised Zeus has taken the convicts. This place has been ripe for his manipulation for centuries, and I’m only seeing it now. How long has he been planning all this? Gathering allies. Building his forces.
“Lucifer is here,” I warn her as we stride in unison toward the exit. “Keep your wits about you for he will be searching for Cassandra too, if he hasn’t found her already.”
34
Cassandra
Fireflies are a welcome relief in the chilly perpetual night. Dancing in a heady green swarm, they light my path in the forest awash with a phosphorescent glow from the plants. I can feel their excitement. A buzz in the tiny glimmering bodies electrifying the air. The trees are old souls around us. Ancient. Their quiet whispers speak of times past. It’s magical and beautiful, but I know danger lurks in the dark. I’m not safe until I find Hades.
The sound of a child catches my attention. A small voice begging to be left alone. Moving slowly and mindful of searching for roots with my feet as I walk, I head for the noise.
Shadows dance in the glow of firelight. Three men, crouching over something they’ve cornered. A little girl. Her hair is a burnished auburn, slim pretty face wet with tears. Her wide blind white eyes are filled with terror.
Leering, taunting, they kick at her with their feet, slapping with cruel hands.
“Leave her alone,” I demand, letting my presence be known.
Three heads turn my way. Gazes running over me with greedy lust and bad intentions.
“Seems another pretty toy has come to play,” one of them mutters to the others. “It’s been centuries since I’ve fucked, and these two will do nicely.”
I shudder with more than the cold at the thought of them touching me, but I will not leave the girl. “The guards are already looking for you. You’ll get caught if you don’t leave.”
Two sets of eyes dart back toward the mountain but the third remain steady and sly on my own. “They’ll be busy rounding up the other poor bastards. Besides we can take you with us. Far away so no one hears your screams.”
Before I can dodge, rough hands grab my bicep thrusting me forward and down. Stumbling to my knees, my arm slides around the girl’s waist, drawing her into the safety of my side.
“Don’t look at mother when she drops her hood,” the child whispers in my ear.
Confused I open my mouth to respond but close it again when I see the robed figure at the edge of the torchlight. Pale hands rise in the long, fern green sleeves to grip the edge of the hood. Her voice rolls out in a sorrowful wave. As it swells powerfully with her song, the men turn toward her presence.
Screwing my eyes shut, I burrow my face into the side of the child’s neck.
Strangled screams join the singing. It’s haunting and terrifying. I won’t dare to look until silence falls. When I do, I find grey stone instead of flesh. Frozen to the spot, the prisoners’ expressions are forever twisted in dread. Statues. They’ve all been petrified.
“Jellybean, are you ok?” The woman asks, her features once again hidden by the thick drape of the velvety hood.
Jellybean uncurls from the haven of my arms. “Yes, Mamma.”
“Thank you for helping my daughter. My name is Miranda,” she tells me, holding out her hand to lace the girls fingers tightly with her own.
“Cassandra,” I tell them softly, regaining my feet.
“We can’t stay here. It’s too dangerous.”
Freeing one of the burning torches from the hand of one of the statues to light our way, I fall into step. “You came from Tartarus too.”
“We did,” Miranda confirms.
Images trickle into my mind. “Your life has been no more than grey walls. Lonely and filled with the longing of dreams. An existence barren of the freedom you so crave.”
Miranda’s covered head tilts in my direction, her face obscured by a heavy veil. “You’re the Oracle my uncle spoke of.”
We journey deeper into the forest, the fireflies’ radiance lighting our way like starlight. Twigs crackle under our feet, leaves rustling. There’s the earthy smell of plants and night flowers. Hades world might be immersed in darkness, but it still thrives. Jellybean clings to her mother, relying on her to see for the both of them.
“Hades is your uncle?”
“I shouldn’t be surprised, knowing what you can do if you know his true name or my relationship to him.”
I frown at the unanswered questions my abilities have not filled in. “Why would he keep you locked up?”
“I’m the daughter of Medusa and Poseidon.” Miranda’s tone is dipped in sadness. “One direct look from me and the living turn to stone, that’s why. I’m considered a danger to all living things. If we head down river, we can find the boatman, maybe steal his boat and get out of here. Acheron – the river of woe is the one that bridges to the way out of this realm.”
“Your mother was one of the most beautiful women in ancient Greece before she was cursed by Athena. Even though it wasn’t her fault she was raped by the sea god, she was still punished for it,” I murmur quietly, remembering reading up on Greek mythology in my lessons.
“My uncle loves you…but I’m not sure he’s realized it yet,” she replies, changing the subject.
I blink not sure I heard her correctly. “No, you're mistaken. He cares for me, but it’s not love he feels. I’m nothing more than a pet to him. Something to keep and tease.”
“For someone who sees so much, you see nothing at all in these matters.”
“I can read the futures of everyone I meet, but I can’t see past his scowl.” My confession is a mumble. “His life
is a blank slate to me.”
“So, what do you see for me?” Miranda continues with a note of curiosity. “Do I live out eternity in Tartarus, or do I keep my freedom?”
Reaching out, I brush my fingers over the bark of a tree, its roughness grounding me. “Fear comes without understanding. What you seek will change, but that prison will no longer be your home.”
Miranda’s laugh is husky and delightful. “Oh yes, no one can mistake you for anything other than an Oracle with your riddles and rhymes.”
Foreboding shivers along my spine at the feeling of power. Madness coats it, dense and contagious. It fills the forest with its growing presence.
Gaze straining into the dark behind us, my steps falter. “Zeus is coming, and he’s not alone. Run. I’ll distract them in the opposite direction.”
Jellybean whimpers, hugging at her mother’s leg as Miranda stops to glance the way we’ve come. “No, I’m not going to leave you to him.”
Taking her free hand with my own, I squeeze her fingers gently in resolve before letting them go. “If you don’t go, the future I foresaw for you and Jellybean will not come true. You’ll both die here.”
“Cassandra….”
Hurrying past them, I hold the torch out in front of me like a shield to ward off the evil coming. “I’ll be fine. Keep going east. You’ll find the boat. It will take you to a safe harbor and away from here to an island.”
A touch on my shoulder is brief in appreciation. “Thank you.”
I hurry west, my ears picking up the sounds of pursuers. I only hope I’ve given enough time for Miranda and her little one to escape. Seeing their deaths play out in my head had not been a nice thing. The more distance between us, the more certain that fate doesn’t await them now. Heart hammering against my ribs, I chance a look over my shoulder.
Red eyes glint in the dark.
Vampires.
Hisses and snarls erupt around me. Staggering to a halt, I wave the flames around in a circle. Pale skin shines brightly. Lips drawn up, they bare their fangs. Zeus comes striding through them, his scarred visage visible through the lanky dirty strands of his white hair.
“There’s nowhere to run, little bird. Just accept we are meant to be together.” Jerking the chain clamped in his hand, he jolts Karma into sight. Chained and collared, the yellow-eyed female has also been gagged.
“I’m not yours,” I reply vehemently.
“You will kneel before me and know your place.”
The vampires close in. Some with metal shackles in their clawed hands. Thrusting the torch from side to side keeps them at bay for only a moment. Spooked, I jump when fingers brush the backs of my arms. They only laugh when I bring the fire around to burn them.
A long lone howl pierces the forest. Before I can blink, a huge shape is bearing down on the men. Jaws snapping together, sharp white teeth flashing in the flame light I recognize Cerberus, Hades's giant three-headed canine. Belly swollen with her pregnancy, it doesn’t stop her from ripping the vampires limb from limb.
Zeus scowls, snatching a spear from one of his servants.
“No!” My warning does nothing to prevent what comes next. With all the skill of an Olympic javelin thrower, he hurls it at the creature.
The great beast yelps, the sound becoming a drawn-out whine of pain, the shaft of the weapon buried through its chest. Cerberus slumps, its body heaving with ragged breaths.
35
Soren
A howl rips through the silence.
Cerberus.
I’d recognize her call anywhere.
The Wyvern I’m atop zooms fluidly toward the noise, its scaly body using the air currents to gain further swiftness. Around us, the others in formation mimic.
A hiss from my ride has my gaze focusing on a dot of light below. Firelight being swung around erratically as if it’s being used to ward something off. Eyes too used to the dark, I pick out shapes among the trees below.
Signaling to my men, I dive. My Wyvern obeys my silent command searching out an open space to land. Vaulting off its back, I’m running toward the source before my soldiers can shadow me. Adrenaline comes thick and fast, but it doesn’t prevent a bout of dread.
A sharp pained whine sounds as I break through the trees, rushing easily in the dark. A spear lays buried in my great beast’s chest, her big body slumped as she whimpers.
The horror of seeing her wounded stops me in my tracks. Gaze wild, I search for my brother among the faces of the traitorous vampires. I see Lucien in the throng and feel the bitter cut of betrayal. Never had I thought he’d betray me in such a way. He’s always been nothing but loyal. Zeus stands smirking with the woman who unlocked my heart as his captive.
“Cassandra!”
Laughter ringing out, he grabs her throat tightly holding her to him. “Too late, brother. Tell me, little bird, what future do you see in store for me?”
“Your crown will be made of blood and tears,” she whispers, eyes wide with panic and sorrow, her smaller frame trembling against his. “A legacy of destruction and pain.”
“And my brother, Hades? What do you see of him?”
“Nothing,” she whispers, her blue-eyed gaze locked on mine. “I see nothing of him.”
Fisting her hair, he runs his tongue up along the side of her quivering jaw. “No future, dear brother, means you die. Kill him and bring me his head.”
A dozen voices all hiss at once when my soldiers join me, all fight ready. A battle cry goes up. Feet pounding the ground as we charge clashing with the enemy in a fury of bodies and swinging weapons. Using my shoulder like a battering ram, I send a dozen of the vampires into the air. Claws rack my skin, but I ignore them. My whole focus is centered on the mad, old god and the Oracle.
Men scream in agony, clutching their grievous wounds, around me while the undead turn to nothing but fine ash. Above the bellow of more Wyverns hails the arrival of Breanna and her troops.
Zeus’s expression shifts to wary. If he was at full power, he’d have no problem decimating my people, so why is he relying on others? He can’t have regained them fully.
As if he’s read my mind, he tugs a chain in his free hand bringing a blonde woman attached to it closer. Lucien slinks up to him, accepting the leash of the other hostage.
“This doesn’t end here. We don’t end, Cassandra,” I vow to her, fighting my way toward them.
Zeus binds a meaty forearm around her waist, preventing her from escaping. “Ah so touching but she’s mine and was never meant for you.”
Static prickles the air, building swiftly. In a brilliant streak of white lightning, he vanishes with my woman and his entourage. Roaring in rage, I smash my way through the few enemies who have been left behind, ripping out hearts and smashing heads.
My brother has Cassandra. He’s taken her from me. The only small sense of comfort is that I know he will not kill her. Zeus coverts her visions. It’s the one thing that will keep her alive.
“Hades.” Breanna emerges through the throng of my soldiers, her own accompanying her.
Chest heaving with my emotions, I dispatch the last traitor before acknowledging her with a nod. Attention swooping over the fallen, my gaze settles on Cerberus.
The gigantic three headed dog lays still, two sets of her eyes glazed; the third are fixed on me in agony, pleading with her labored groaning.
Holding my hand out, I stalk toward her.
“It’s ok, girl,” I croon softly. “I’m here. I’m here.”
My fingers meet her velvety muzzle. Stroking her still functioning head in a strong, calming rhythm, I inspect the fatal wound with a sinking heart. Grief thickens my throat. I’m going to lose her. Centuries together. Memories of happier times and she’s the last link to those now severed from my existence.
“Such a brave, faithful girl,” I tell her in a sing-song voice, comforting and reassuring. “You don’t need to fight anymore. I’ll take care of them, I promise.”
I feel her muscles go lax at
my words, the last of her life draining out of her. Pressing my forehead to the soft fur, I vow to avenge her. Zeus will pay for everything he’s done. There’ll be no imprisonment, this time. When we meet again, I will end him forever.
I’m aware of the silence around me. My warriors watch with somber expressions. Breanna hovers closely but for once without her ready comments. There’s no time to mourn the loss of my faithful hound. Later when things are settled, I will grieve for my Cerberus properly.
“Give me your knife,” I order, holding out my hand.
The Fury frowns, confused, handing me the blade sheathed at her hip. “What are you doing?”
“Saving the pups before I lose them too. Someone bring me some light.” Running my palm along Cerberus’s swollen stomach, I pray silently I’m not too late. Finding the right place, I slice through fur and flesh, blood gushing to the earth beneath my feet as I crouch.
The sound of shuffling comes behind me, then the glow of firelight, the men eagerly packing in to help. Once I have a big enough hole, I give one the weapon.
It only takes a second to slip my hand inside. Feeling around, I don’t stop until my forearm vanishes into the dead beast.
“Well?” Breanna questions, her face as anxious as the others around me.
My arm reappears covered in blood and mucus. “They're big and still alive in there.”
“How do you know they're still alive?”
“One of them licked me.”
A smile of delight curves her lips. “Then let’s get them out.”
It doesn’t take long to free the six heavy, blood slicked, wiggling bodies. They come squirming and whining into my arms one at a time. Handing them off into waiting blankets, Breanna makes sure they are cared for. Rolls of fat under their golden furs. All have three heads like their mother except one, which only has two. It’s smaller than its litter mates. The runt.
