I settled a stubborn glare on her. “You harmed them without telling them your schemes. Did Lucian know he would be trapped within a beast for five hundred years? Did Nero know that he would be forced to live with his most hated enemy, wearing a collar?”
That young, innocent face cocked her head, studying me. But her eyes were depthless pools of ancient wisdom and pain. “To be crass, do I care?”
I snapped. I lunged forward, grabbing her by the throat and hoisting her up in the air. Her shins kicked violently as she stared down at me, her eyes bulging. “I already told you that I have enough friends.” I pointed at Lucian and Nero with my free hand. “And you’re looking at them. You harmed them. So, let me ask you again, little girl. Did. They. Know.”
“She is no longer an Olympian,” Hades murmured directly into my ear, his hands still clasped behind his back. I slowly turned to glance at him, surprised to see how calm he looked. “She cannot take a beating of the likes you wish to deliver. She is currently choking to death and cannot answer you.” Then he stepped back.
I gritted my teeth, lowering her to the ground. I released her, turning my back to her as I took a calming breath. Lucian stepped up to me, gripping my shoulder with one massive hand. His eyes were red-rimmed, and so full of compassionate concern that it made my heart flutter. Seeing that brotherly love when I thought he had been dead…
It threatened to break me.
He opened his mouth, attempting to talk, but he was still unable to do so. He nodded slowly instead.
My eyes widened. “You knew?” I whispered.
He hesitated and finally shook his head. Then he squeezed tightly with his hand, hard enough to bruise. Then he lifted his palms and shrugged in a familiar gesture. As if to say, who cares?
“I care, Lucian. I fucking care,” I snarled. “You didn’t consent to selling your soul for centuries of torment.”
Hades cleared his throat. I shifted my glare at him, expecting punishment for my actions. He held up his hands. “If you three would sit down and each pet Cerberus at the same time, you will be able to communicate more clearly.”
I stared back incredulously. “You’re kidding.”
Persephone was already walking over to us, nodding eagerly. “He speaks the truth.” She held the puppy out in her hands, and the puppy was staring back at us with an awareness so deep that it made me instinctively step back. That was not the same carefree puppy from a moment ago. “Your consciousness passes via contact into Cerberus, and since he is one creature with three minds, he can…translate, relaying your thoughts to each other.”
“He is more than he seems,” Hades confirmed. “This is one aspect of his being that serves me quite well in the Underworld. This is the land of the dead. Communication is…good for morale,” he said dryly. “And I care deeply about morale.”
I stared at him. “No. I really doubt that you do.”
He smiled darkly. “It helps me refine my punishments so as to extract the best screams.”
I shuddered and Nero took a step back from the seemingly gentle god. Lucian nodded his agreement. It would have been less subtle if he’d given the god a pat on the back.
“Join us on the blankets,” Persephone said, shoving the puppy into Lucian’s arms. The werewolf took it with a panicked look on his face. Then his features abruptly slackened and he stared down at the three-headed dog in surprise.
Persephone grabbed his arm by the bicep—somehow seeming to latch onto his entire torso with eight non-existent limbs—and guided him over to the blankets and furs where they had been lounging. I saw her shudder as her palm unnecessarily cupped his ass, saving his life from an unseen fall before guiding him down to the pillows. Hades rolled his eyes. “She doesn’t forget anything,” he muttered.
I arched an eyebrow and he grimaced, not realizing he’d spoken out loud. “Oh?”
He grunted. “It was just a woodland nymph. And nothing even happened.”
Nero walked after Lucian, speaking to Hecate in low tones. I sighed joining them. We sat down in a circle, feeling decidedly awkward with three gods standing over us as we…cuddled with a deadly puppy.
With a resigned sigh, I set my hand on the last available head. The puppy grew unnaturally still, nuzzling into Lucian’s lap and closing all six eyes as the he seemingly went to sleep.
I gasped as I suddenly felt the consciousness of my two brothers.
We spent about five seconds mentally shouting over one another, verifying that we could all hear the other and vice versa.
Lucian stared at me, a single tear spilling down his cheek. Sorin.
I smiled, wiping at my own immediate tears with my sleeve. Then I wrapped him up in a tight, one-armed hug.
Lucian withdrew and turned to Nero. He gripped him by the back of the neck and pulled his head forward, pressing his forehead against the warlock’s. I’ve missed you, brother.
Nero gasped, closing his eyes for a three-count. His jaw was trembling as he stared at his best friend. Why can’t you talk?
Lucian shrugged. I can’t seem to make my mouth speak words. He turned to me. Did you really see my memories?
I nodded, my throat feeling raw. Oh, Lucian. You poor fool. He lowered his eyes, nodding. You didn’t need to make those promises about Bubbling Brook and my son. You couldn’t have known so you can’t hold yourself responsible or carry any burden of guilt for it.
He hung his head, panting hoarsely. It is what brothers do, Sorin. He looked up at me. How are you alive?
I sighed, shaking my head. It’s a long story, and I’d rather not sit around, sobbing like idiots while three gods stand over us…
Nero rolled his eyes. Ever the bleeding heart, our Sorin.
Lucian nodded, wiping his face with his sleeve. He is right. This speech issue is not permanent. Something changed on that mountain when you broke the crown, he said. I don’t remember much other than hunting, but the moment I saw you two, I felt violently ill.
Nero grunted. Wow. Thank you. Nausea and tears.
Lucian winced guiltily. Your arrival changed things. Memories suddenly hit me, but all at once. I still felt wild and angry, but I also felt confused. Nero and I studied him thoughtfully. But then you touched me and it felt like I saw a lighthouse through an ocean of fog. He stared at me, smiling happily. Proudly.
I shifted uneasily. I didn’t do anything other than kick your ass.
Lucian grinned. Letting you think you won also helped center me. Reminded me that violence without fatality used to be fun.
Nero arched a dubious eye at Lucian’s bold lie about letting me win. You two are just as insane as always. But he had a faint smile on his face. He turned to me. Regarding Hecate, you need to know that I trust her. And not because the ultimate outcome was to get you two back. The choice she offered me that night…I needed it. I knew there would be serious pain and a heavy cost—she told me that much—but the reward was worth it.
Lucian nodded eagerly. I just wanted to die, Sorin. She literally saved my life that night. Saved all our lives by neutering Dracula’s plan to take me. Locking my mind in that crown prevented him from ever using me even if he had found me.
I blinked in disbelief. I hadn’t even considered that. You knew she would turn you into a wild beast when she gave you the crown?
He nodded. She said that I would have to fight my inner demons to claim the ultimate prize, and then she gave me the crown. I had the chance to decline, even then. I chose not to. I didn’t want Dracula using me to control the werewolf empire I had so carefully built in your honor.
I pursed my lips and closed my eyes at the swift stab of emotion from his words. I finally opened them and turned to Nero to ask a similar question.
But he was already nodding. She told me that to master the ultimate power, I would need to learn to serve, and that it would be humiliating and painful. She also warned that inner demons would try to stop me.
I sighed, shaking my head. What inner demons did she mean? Was she being lite
ral?
They stared at me, not understanding the question. Lucian frowned pensively. I have lived with my inner wolf for a long time, Sorin. I knew how to control him. This…was different. I think that I was the inner demon. My own mind.
Nero snapped his fingers, nodding eagerly. Yes. That is precisely it. She said that I was my own worst enemy.
I nodded wearily. And her gift granted you immortality?
Lucian nodded. In exchange for our souls, which she promised to keep safe.
Nero grunted. So long as we never mentioned it to those who hadn’t eaten the mushroom.
I nodded. Does she have any control over you? Can either of you sense some magical way that she might be using you or even controlling you? Because it all seemed too altruistic to me.
No, they both said in unison, shaking their heads adamantly.
Nero gripped my knee tightly. She is not human, but she is definitely not godly like Hades and Persephone either. She is just a witch.
What is your assessment of Hades and his wife? I asked him.
Nero shrugged. Nothing to be concerned about, but they are powerful as hell.
Lucian rolled his eyes at Nero’s phrasing, but he did nod. I think they want to help, but they are being exceedingly careful about it. They smell nervous.
I narrowed my eyes suspiciously. Stay sharp. We are not in the clear yet.
Nero squeezed my knee again. Don’t hurt her, Sorin. Please. I’m asking as your brother.
I frowned, studying him. He looked…almost defensive. Why not? Don’t tell me you have feelings for her. You only just met her.
He sighed, shrugging. I don’t know what it is, Sorin, but my gut is screaming at me. I think she’s going to be very important to me. Maybe even to us.
I considered his request for a few long seconds. Finally, I let out a sigh. Okay, Nero. Unless she does something to change the situation, I’ll bury my hatchet. He nodded, looking relieved.
Lucian was grinning at Nero, making the necromancer blush. I waited a few moments, gathering my thoughts. Then I removed my hand from Cerberus. The pup instantly woke—at least the head I had been touching. It stared at me very intently for a few moments, making me want to jump back a few dozen steps. Instead, I calmly rose to my feet.
And then I turned back to the Olympians, considering what else I needed to know before going back to New York City.
26
The gods waited patiently, and I was surprised to see that they had granted us a measure of privacy, retreating to the couch.
I faced them squarely, planting my feet. They turned to look up at me, waiting silently. “Why would you care about our problems? The Olympians do not seem to like me very much—and I was out of the picture, anyway. You went out of your way to help all three of us more than anyone ever has. And that is very tough for me to admit out loud,” I conceded.
Nero cleared his throat. “That was an apology. He’s doing his best.”
I sighed, nodding. “I’m sorry.”
The three of them smiled appreciatively. Persephone was grinning. “That is already showing more humility than any other Olympian I’ve met.” She glanced at her husband with a warm smile. “Well, almost.”
Hades returned her smile, and I could tell they truly loved each other, despite their banter. Well, Persephone’s banter.
Hades turned to me, holding up a finger. “Some of us knew that you were not out of the picture, but the only safe place to discuss such things was in my realm—the Underworld—where our family members could not hear us.”
Persephone nodded. “I spend my Spring and Summer above and hear a great many things. Everyone fights to share the gossip with me. I’m just so gods-damned cute.”
“So, I’m supposed to just take you at your word?” I said, raking a hand through my hair. “That although everyone else seems to want me dead, you three care deeply for me?”
“Selene said you had trust issues, but I had no idea they were this severe,” Persephone murmured. I looked over at her sharply, and whatever she saw made her lean back.
“You are friends with Selene?” I whispered.
Persephone nodded. “I have tea with her and Aphrodite on Fridays to catch up and complain about men, annoying husbands, abducted husbands, and various other cruelties suffered at the hands of our family members.”
I glanced at Hades to find him scowling at her. “I apparently give her ample conversation material.”
“You work with Aphrodite as well?”
Persephone nodded with a bright smile. “She mentioned visiting you soon. Something about an important gift she and Selene came up with.”
I kept my face composed. “Oh?” I croaked, hoping my face wasn’t as flushed as it felt.
She nodded. “She was very excited about it, but they didn’t tell me what it was. Aphrodite gives the best gifts, so you’d have to be a fool not to accept it,” she said with a suggestive wink. Hades cleared his throat powerfully, coughing into his fist and avoiding eye contact with anyone. Persephone smirked at him before turning back to me. “She is very close with Selene. Especially after recent events,” she said, her smile fading. “She was onboard before the twins tortured Hephaestus, but now…she truly desires to bring her passion to the upcoming party.” She smiled wickedly. “I’ve never seen her this excited. You’re all she ever talks about lately. I can’t wait for you to finally meet her. She’ll be walking on clouds for days.”
I nodded stiffly. “I look forward to it,” I lied, not wanting to admit the truth and discuss the situation from earlier tonight. Persephone would immediately pounce, asking the kinds of questions that I didn’t want to answer in front of a crowd of strangers. In front of family.
It was also unnerving to hear that they didn’t already know. That the Olympians were not omnipotent. Reassuring, but also concerning.
I turned to Hecate, wanting to change the subject. “Who was the third recipient of your gift?”
She pursed her lips, shaking her head. “I am unable to disclose the information—for their protection, my protection, and your protection.” I opened my mouth to argue but she held up a finger. “Also, I cannot. Literally. It was part of the deal. Magic is very particular. If I divulge, all three will drop dead on the spot. Loose lips lose gifts.”
Nero and Lucian gasped. I frowned curiously. “But we’re talking about it right now.”
“You each ate the mushrooms, and you bypassed the rules by reading his mind,” she added with a thoughtful frown towards Lucian.
“Earlier, you made it sound like you were no longer a goddess. That you gave away your power in thirds.”
She nodded. “Yes. But I still have my magic, and can still use my three forms. Much like Nero before I gave him my gift.” She eyed the necromancer with a sincere smile. “We are very similar. It is one reason I chose him. But I am just an immortal witch, now.”
He returned her smile, and I sensed an entirely human response between the two. The response of possibility between two consenting adults. I wondered if it had anything to do with Nero’s earlier request.
But this wasn’t a love story. “I’m currently dealing with a witch infestation. Know anything about that, or how to resolve it? It would be great if you commanded them all to stand down.”
She thought about it for a few moments, and I began to get my hopes up. Until I noticed the pain in her eyes. “It has been a very long time since anyone worshipped me, Sorin. It is another reason I chose to give up my gift. My…specialty is more of a hobby than my fellows. Death, war, love, sex, seasons, sun…” she trailed off sadly, and I suddenly felt like a major asshole. “I decided to pass it down to the next generation and enjoy my life on my own terms instead. I haven’t felt worship for centuries,” she admitted. “I’m sorry.”
Nero cast me a grim look as if to say, happy now? Punching her would have been kinder.
I winced guiltily. “I’m sorry, Hecate. I didn’t think about that.”
She shrugged. “It�
�s okay. No one has asked me about witchcraft in a long time. I didn’t think it would still hurt. I shouldn’t have dumped that guilt on you.”
“Of course you should have, sister,” Persephone argued. “It’s the only way to keep the menfolk in line. Guilt, liquor, and lingerie.” I looked over to find her grinning empathetically at Hecate, trying to make her smile. Hecate giggled, sniffling.
I let her regain her composure for a few moments. I still had questions that were pertinent. “What can you tell me about the gifts you gave them? Without killing them, of course.”
Hecate considered my question. “That I gave them each an aspect of myself in order to bolster their inner powers.”
I nodded, having assumed as much. “You were a werewolf?” I asked, indicating Lucian.
She scoffed. “No. But I do love dogs.” Lucian frowned angrily. “No offense.”
I realized she hadn’t actually answered me, but I could tell it was by intent. It was an answer in and of itself. I studied Nero thoughtfully. “And you gave him magic because you were the goddess of witchcraft.”
She sighed, looking frustrated. “I gave them each an aspect of myself in order to bolster their own inner powers,” she repeated carefully. “I cannot make something from nothing.”
I nodded in understanding, waving off her discomfort. I wasn’t trying to trick her, but I was trying to see if I could figure out on my own who the third person was—which was why she wasn’t actually answering me. Twice. She didn’t dare indirectly lead me to the identity of the third recipient for fear of putting them all at risk.
“You can try to guess, if you wish. I will answer honestly, but you only get one chance—otherwise you would just recite the world’s population until you got the right one.”
I folded my arms, thinking of anyone and everyone. What other aspects of Hecate were there to consider? Magic had gone to Nero. Dogs had gone to Lucian.
What other new immortals did I know? The answers were obvious. Nosh and Deganawida. They both had explanations for their immortality, but so had Nero and Lucian. I knew both men had secrets and were both tied to events of that fateful night.
Devil’s Blood: Shade of Devil Book 3 Page 17