Hades, Zeus, and Poseidon.
Three brothers who rule different aspects of the world and everyone in it.
Zeus has domain over the sky, Poseidon controls the ocean, and Hades? He rules the realm of the undead.
And, more than likely, Thea’s prison.
“I always thought Hades was obsessed with Persephone, so to hear that he kidnapped a reaper…” Krystian gives a slow shake of his head. “What’s the story there?”
Everyone knows that Hades isn’t above kidnapping to get what he wants. It’s how Persephone came to live down in the underworld, at least for half of a year. Hades is desperately in love with her, but she can’t stand him. Rumor has it she’s in a relationship with Artemis, a fact that infuriates the God of the Dead.
“I honestly don’t know what you’re talking about,” Aphrodite says primly.
That bead of sweat I noticed earlier cascades down her nose and lands on her thigh.
“Maybe I misunderstood.” Krystian waves away our previous inquiry. “But did you hear about Apollo?”
Aphrodite perks up at that. “What did he do this time?”
“Well, apparently he was caught balls deep in a satyr and…” Krystian drones on about random gossip that I can’t tell if it’s true or made up.
I suppose it doesn’t matter. Aphrodite eats it all up with rapt fascination.
I tune their conversation out and focus on Thea, who’s frowning at the floor. I know she’s desperate for answers, and I can’t help but feel a pang of guilt for not finding her any.
“That’s where Athena went?” Krystian’s sharp exclamation draws my attention back to him.
“Poor girl.” Aphrodite sniffs delicately. “She was heartbroken when she lost her team. I don’t blame her for hiding away.”
Zaid’s fingers begin to tap against his thigh, as they always do when he’s anxious or planning something. My guess is on the latter.
Krystian and Aphrodite talk for a few more minutes until I have enough.
Taking a step forward—and capturing both of their attention—I say, “Thank you, Aphrodite. But we need to get going.”
“Oh.” Her face falls.
“You know how Ares can be,” Zaid says lightly, trying to alleviate the mood. “He always has a job for us.”
That’s true. The only reason we’re not being pulled away for a mission is because Ares doesn’t know we completed the hellhound one. I… I didn’t tell him.
For the first time in my life, I disobeyed orders.
“You can always stay…” Aphrodite reaches for Krystian, her perfectly manicured nails trailing down his arm.
Thea is there in a second, her teeth bared and eyes sparking with a savage lethality.
“Paws off, sister. Now,” she threatens, and I realize the crazy bitch is actually holding her dagger in the air, like she plans to stab Aphrodite in the chest.
Krystian quickly detaches himself from the goddess and moves to his feet, backing away.
“No can do. I have to go.” He smiles charmingly to show he means no offense.
Aphrodite huffs. “Krys would’ve stayed.”
Krystian blanches.
Thea takes a threatening step towards the goddess, her arm raised.
