by J. N. Colon
“Ah. Nice subject change.” The summer storm in his gaze calmed—some. “But why should I tell you the truth when you won’t tell me?”
I crossed my arms over my chest, shooting him a glare. “Fine. Be your annoying, arrogant, king of the gods self. I need to go make a damn magical ring.” I spun on my heels toward the doors.
Unfortunately Zeke caught me and hauled me back. “All right. Don’t throw a tantrum.” He ignored my few choice words.
“I’m also doing it so you won’t hate me. You’ll be a full god—immortal.” A sly smile crossed his handsome face. “Immortality is a very long time. You might still come to love me some day, but that won’t ever happen if Hayden is suffering in Tartarus.”
And there it was. At least he was honest. “I do appreciate your help Zeke, but don’t count on that happening.”
“We’ll see.” He winked.
The air was sweltering and thick down in the bowels of the Underworld. Probably no one else besides Hayden and me—and Ixion—could stand it for long. Caius directed me toward a small collection of caves passed the Asphodel Meadows where he knew mystical onyx resided.
Thick walls of pewter and coal glistened with an array of gems, rainbows of colors reflecting on my skin. Tall, dangerous stalactites dripped from the ceilings while hard, glittering rocks spread along the ground, setting a treacherous undertaking before me. I couldn’t use any tools other than the stones around me to locate the onyx.
I dug farther than I thought possible, my hands raw, fingers cut, hair and clothes disheveled. Sweat beaded my dirt covered skin, stinging open slashes and my breathing was ragged. Nothing would deter me at this point. I’d go through hell and back just to get to Hayden—and that’s what I was about to do. Literally. I needed the perfect piece of mystical onyx first. Nothing else would work.
Finally after several painstaking, bloody hours my throbbing fingers brushed against a chunk of onyx that zinged with power like a livewire. A cry of elation slipped out my mouth and I sat back on my haunches, staring at the black rock nestled between dirt and pebbles.
“There you are,” I breathed, my chest heaving from exertion. I wiped sweat from my forehead with my arm, further smearing grime before digging the rest of the golf ball sized onyx out the ground. I held it so tight the ragged edges bit into my palm as I climbed my way out the hole and back onto the rocky ground of the glittering cave.
I leaned against a large boulder to catch my breath, crimson fire burning in the cave cast dancing flames along the raw onyx in my hand. My heart slammed against my ribcage with anticipation and hope. I would see Hayden soon. He was so close I could almost taste his salty lips.
My limbs ached and entire body screamed in protest, but I wasn’t finished. I had to break the onyx and fit it into the silver band I already made.
Good thing I got that out of the way otherwise my fingers wouldn’t be able to work the intricate mold.
I brushed the hair out my face with dirty hands and held the stone up, concentrating on the glimmering black mass. I need to do this. I can do this—for Hayden and all the souls of this world.
The Underworld power that was growing inside me lit up and bled through my veins. I sent it toward the onyx, watching it quiver and crack before my eyes. It broke in two, splitting down the middle while a smooth black droplet floated out the center, dangling in midair.
A gasp tumbled out my mouth as I stared at the gem waiting for me to retrieve it. Instead of the painstaking task of polishing the fragment by hand the Underworld delivered the perfect piece as if inviting me to be its goddess.
Maybe it was.
I reached out and grabbed it with my free hand, my fingers running over the smooth glass surface in awe. I dropped the remaining two portions back into the earth where they came from before digging the band from my pocket, amazed the stone was the perfect size. With my powers I heated the braided circlet of silver, melting it and fusing it to the black gem.
The resulting product resembled Hayden’s, a beautiful daintier and delicate match. Crimson flames from the fires reflected in the glossy surface, mixing with the crimson sparks of power nestled deep within its core.
A smile curled my lips remembering the first time I’d seen Hayden’s ring spark. Now I had my own.
The moment the ring slid onto my index finger a multitude of powers flowed through me like hot electricity. Tingles crisscrossed my skin and seeped into my body. My veins filled with fiery power—all-consuming and familiar at the same time. My head tilted back in pleasure and satisfaction, knowing I was made for this. There was no end or beginning. We were one in the same. Forever.
I was a goddess now—immortal—the power of fire and darkness within every fiber of my being.
The Underworld accepted me, giving me the strength to bring Hayden back. He needed me and so did this world. And I intended to fulfill my part and save them both.
Power tickled all the way from my toes to my fingertips to the ends of my hair, zinging with energy. I looked down at my unruly appearance, grimacing at the dirt, sweat, blood, and ripped clothing. This was not how any goddess should look.
I clamped my eyes shut and projected an image in my head. A burst of electricity hummed across my skin and when I glanced down, my body was clean and dressed in a killer outfit.
A laugh bubbled out my mouth as I took in the dark skinny jeans covering my legs with black knee high boots. I wore a tight crimson shirt that had only one long sleeve and a thin strap on the other side. The silver cuff bracelet Hayden made me before I even knew who he was fastened on my bare arm. My dark brown and scarlet hair was in tousled waves.
I caught my reflection in a shimmering silver rock. A slow smile formed across my lips as excitement radiated through my chest. I looked hot… and little bad ass like Hayden.
I stood by the calm waters of the River of Lethe, my reflection shimmering and eyes glowing bright crimson. I’d replenished the waters and souls gathered around in amazement.
Davis hugged me, smashing his face into my shoulder. “You did it Hartley!”
I laughed as he squeezed me tighter. “I did.”
Isaak and Reese strode up with matching crooked smiles. I had a feeling those two were going to cause trouble together in the future involving lotus flowers, ambrosia, and girls. Knowing Reese, probably rowdy games too.
“I better watch out now,” Isaak said. “Hayden’s not the only one that can punish me for sneaking souls into the castle for an impromptu party.”
I popped a hand on my hip. “Got that right.” I winked, letting him know I was only kidding. Mostly.
Reese’s dark eyes slowly drank me in, turning my already warm skin hot. “Damn.” He licked his lips. “You make one hell of a goddess.” He ran his fingers through his black hair. “Do you have to get Hayden out so soon?” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Maybe we can have a little fun first.”
I growled and lit the bottom hem of his shirt on fire with a snap of my fingers.
He cursed and quickly slapped the flames out. “Damn Hartley. I was just joking.”
Isaak scoffed. “Yeah right,” he mumbled under his breath.
Reese shrugged ruefully, the bottom of his shirt still smoldering. “Too soon I guess. Maybe when Hayden gets back I can try wooing you again.”
I ignored the god of war’s halfhearted flirtations and shifted my gaze toward the sky. “One more thing.” I took a deep breath and pulled on my powers that were quickly becoming second nature to me. I extended my palms up and let loose that fiery magic. The darkness rippled and melted, revealing the navy sky complete with wispy gray clouds slowly drifting by.
Elation traveled through the meadow, creating a buzz of excited chatter. Unfortunately I wasn’t finished. With my new full goddess sight I concentrated on the growing boundaries of Tartarus I could barely make out in the distance. Tiny beads of sweat formed on my forehead from the effort it took gathering the massive amount of power needed. My heart rioted in my chest and veins burne
d with fire until a fever spread the length of my skin.
Finally my invisible force slammed into the ominous walls of purgatory like a tidal wave, driving the darkness and menacing fire back, curling in on itself like a dying, shriveling plant.
Isaak whistled. “I guess this means you really are the goddess of the Underworld.”
My eyes narrowed and jaw clenched hard picturing the psycho thief that thought he could keep Hayden and me apart. “Yep and I’m about to end Ixion’s reign.”
Reese’s impenetrable gaze glittered with caution as he looked from the noticeable improvement of the Underworld to me. “You better hurry. Ixion might not be connected to the Underworld like you and Hayden, but I’m sure he can sense something different, if not see it.” He motioned toward the restored navy sky.
Zeke, who had remained quiet since I showed up, stepped closer, putting a hand on my cheek. His movements were slow enough, offering me time to draw away. I didn’t. Electricity emanated from his palm while the pad of his thumb stroked the length of my jaw, his eyes unreadable. “Go get my brother back.”
I had expected him to praise me in a very uncomfortably way or remind me of his feelings and the feelings he was certain I had. In very least I expected some kind of flirtation.
It left me speechless and the only response I could give was a nod.
Zeke released me and without any further ado, I turned heel and marched toward the dry dirt road that lead to Tartarus and Hayden.
Chapter 26
My feet crunch on the parched gravel, kicking up dust with every step. Tartarus was close, the deep crimson flames dancing ominously unlike the rest of the fires in the Underworld. These didn’t hold the warmth the ones around the castle did. I could feel the wickedness floating in the air and smell the stench of rotting death and evil permeating the atmosphere. I’d never been this far in the Underworld. Hayden had forbid it. I scoffed at him, but in reality I never wanted to be anywhere near Tartarus. Coming into contact with the dark souls when Hayden first arrived in Northwood was enough.
Once I arrived at the boarder lined in fire several souls converged and leered, fear and trepidation cooling my blood. Images of them possessing my friends and trying the same with me flickered through my mind. I remembered the foul essence of one trying to force its way into my mouth and another unleashed by Hercules actually succeeding for a few minutes.
Beads of cold sweat formed on my forehead. I wiped it away with the back of my hand, causing the souls to grin at my clear discomfort.
This was harder than I thought.
A familiar growl echoed through the malevolent blaze, squeezing my heart with enough force to crush it. I recognized Hayden’s outburst of anger, the sound feeding my determination and quelling my fears. His presence so near ignited the Underworld power inside me full force. Without knowing exactly how I suddenly burst into flames. A layer of crimson fire covered my entire body and stretched out toward my hair, curling it in the wind it created.
Identifying my power for what it was, the souls moved away and bowed their heads. I held mine high and passed through the burning border.
The world around me was a desolate wasteland with ash and scarlet fire burning infinitely. Souls writhed on the ground, screaming while others restlessly shuffled about. I wanted to cover my ears at the horrific sounds and plug my nose at the awful, gaging smell. Hell, I’d prefer to shut my eyes.
But I couldn’t. I was the dark goddess of the Underworld now. Tartarus was a part of my world just as much as the palace, courtyard, Asphodel Meadows, and Elysium. I couldn’t shy away from it. I especially couldn’t let the souls sense my fear.
I pushed on, marching in the direction I was being pulled and realizing my power leading me toward Hayden. My breath nearly ceased when I saw him in the mouth of a cave, agony gripping my chest at his bedraggled, injured appearance. My eyes watered with tears and a lump formed in my throat.
My Hayden.
A female dark soul rushed him. He easily tossed her aside, but missed the chance to block a second one. The male soul delivered a punch to Hayden’s face, causing another split in his lip.
Anger rushed forward, exploding through my chest. With a snarl I sent a flame toward the soul, hitting him in the side and sending him sailing across the plains with a scream. The female took one look at me and scurried away from the cave, crouching behind a crimson flame as if it could protect her.
A gasp caught my ears and I shifted my attention back to Hayden who was staring at me with a stunned expression, his silver eyes wide and mouth open. “Hartley?” I could hear his unnaturally quiet voice through the chaos of purgatory. He remained frozen in shock as if afraid I was a mere hallucination.
“Hayden,” I breathed, my lungs truly taking in oxygen for the first time in weeks. “I’m really here baby.” I slowly make my way over, absentmindedly noticing souls in my periphery scurrying away.
Hayden’s stormy eyes took me in, his gaze lingering questioningly over the crimson flames encasing me. “H-How is this possible?”
I reined my power in, letting the flames dissipate and easily blinking the crimson from my eyes. I held up my own onyx ring. “I’m the dark goddess of the Underworld.”
Realization crossed Hayden’s face followed by a mixture of awe and reverence. “How?”
“It offered up its power to me like it did you. I chose to take it.”
Without warning Hayden strode toward me and crushed his lips to mine, claiming me all over again. My fire ignited around us both, encasing him as he once did me. I could taste his love, hunger, desire, and even the bitter agony of our separation.
This would be the last time we were ripped apart. No one would do this to us again. No one could.
Hayden pulled back, my crimson eyes reflecting in his as if his powers had returned. He tenderly kissed my cheeks, my chin, my forehead, ears, and neck before resting his forehead on mine, breathing me in.
“Hartley, baby, I missed you so much.” Pain laced his voice, fueling my anger for Ixion.
I nodded, drawing the fire back within me. “Me too.” My hands traveled over his bloodied and bruised face, my vision blurring with unshed tears.
“Hey, don’t cry.” His finger trailed across my chin to keep my head from dipping. “I’ll heal.”
Ixion was probably aware something was going on, making his way toward Tartarus. Good. That would make it easier to rip the stolen powers away and return them to Hayden.
Hayden sensed the change in my mood, his dark brow disappearing into his hair. “What is it?”
My jaw clenched hard. “Let’s get your powers back,” I growled, salivating at confronting Ixion.
Hayden
Ixion’s figure was already visible through the fiery boarder of Tartarus as we approached. Hartley gripped my hand and parted the flames for us to step through. I could feel her powers around her, vibrating and electric. They were similar to mine, but so pure and untainted by the years I’d spent brooding and stewing in my own self-hatred.
My chest ached simply looking at her. No one but me had been able to inherit the Underworld power. I never thought it possible. Hartley had been taking on some of it, but I never imagined she would be able or willing to take in all the fire and darkness.
I should have known better.
Now Hartley wasn’t simply my soul mate, but my partner in every way. We would share this world together.
Ixion’s dark eyes widened when he spotted us, specifically Hartley. “W-What the hell is going on!” He motioned toward Tartarus. “You can’t just walk in there and take Hades out. Only the god of the Underworld can.”
A smirk curled my lips despite the pain it brought. Nothing could beat this. It would forever live on as one of the best fuck-you moments in my life. “Ixion, I’d like you to meet Hartley, goddess of the Underworld.”
He froze a few feet away, his gaze wondering over Hartley and taking in the changes in her including the mystical onyx ring glimmering on her inde
x finger. “Not possible,” he whispered more to himself than us.
Flames ignited in Hartley’s eyes as she released my hand. “Oh, it’s possible.” Without warning she raised her palm and slammed Ixion in the chest with an invisible force. He was lifted in the air and crashed to the ground so fast he probably got whiplash.
He scrambled up, his expression a mixture of anger and disbelief as he dusted himself off and sprinted toward her. I fought my nature to step forward and protect her. Clearly she was the one protecting me. It didn’t make me like it though. My skin crawled watching that psycho race toward her.
Seconds before they collided Hartley burst into flames and held Ixion inches away, frozen. His dark eyes ignited in flames as he uselessly wriggled in her grasp. “H-How?” he snarled. “I’ve had these powers for weeks! I should be able to crush you.”
Her eyes narrowed. “You stole those powers. This world offered them to me. I’m stronger.” She tossed him on the ground so hard fissures branched out from the impact.
Yes! That’s my girl—or rather goddess.
Pain visibly morphed Ixion face and he struggled to stand, but Hartley’s boot smashed into his chest, holding him down. She sneered at him like he was scrum off the bottom of her shoe. “You’re a thief and a maniac. You not only stole his powers, but you stole him.” She leaned forward, easily keeping her grasp in place. “Several much stronger than you have failed at keeping us apart.” Danger laced her voice while tiny scarlet flames licked her shoulders and played with her hair.
Goose bumps puckered my skin and excitement shot through my bloodstream. This power truly suited her and I could see why the Underworld wanted her as badly as I did.
“You should have known we’d find a way back to each other. We always do.”
“This is not over little girl.” Ixion gritted his teeth and grabbed Hartley’s foot, tossing her into the air.
My heart shuttered to a stop as I helplessly watched her fly up. My fear was for nothing because once she saw Ixion’s gaze shift maliciously toward me, she snapped back into control. Her feet hit the ground in front of me, shoving Ixion back to the ground with the flick of her little hand.