A dark finger of water reached toward Athenia. “A Mysia electrum coin with a winged boar over a tuna. I haven’t encountered one of these in centuries. Will you surrender this to settle the debt?”
Athenia pulled the cord over her head and offered it. “I’ll give you anything, do anything, to rescue Thorne.”
The water washed over her palm, pulling the coin away and down into the water. “Hmm...” The deity tapped her lips. “The gift suffices, but you must do one more thing.”
“What?”
“Swear an oath on the River Styx. If you break your promise, you’ll be forced to drink from the River Lethe, which will cause you to lose all memories of yourself and your life. You’ll remain in Hades until the time comes for another life.”
Athenia tried to stop trembling. “What do I agree to?”
“If you succeed, you must never tell a soul of your experience here. Not how you managed to come here, what you did while in this dimension, or how you returned to the outer world. Do you agree?”
Athenia tilted her head from side to side. A binding vow. I hate having constraints like that. Like chains. But Thorne needs me. Pushing down the hot spurt of resentment which made her want to refuse, she bowed her head. Can’t fight everyone. “I give you my word of honor.”
“Here’s a gift for you.” Styx gestured. A shimmering ebony gown materialized over Athenia’s head then came down and molded over her body. The fabric sparkled in the dim light like diamonds on water. “This will provide you with protection. Though the enchantment won’t last beyond crossing back, you won’t need the garment after that. Now, drink while you make the pledge. Good fortune to you, daughter. I hope you save your man.” With a wave, Styx sank below the water and dissolved.
“Thank you, ancestor.” Athenia scooped a handful of water. “I vow never to tell a soul about anything related to this trip to Hell. This I profess by the River Styx.” When she sipped the water, the cold froze her mouth and throat. As she swallowed, she choked, but the water went down. When the tiny sip hit her stomach, the cold turned her insides to ice. Gulping hard several times, she kept it from coming back up.
CHAPTER TEN
Athenia located Thorne with her senses again. He’s not far. She hiked on, pulling her gown up to step over rocks and boulders.
She reached the spot where she expected to find him. A cleft divided the granite.
This is it. She hurried inside. “Thorne, I’m here. Where are you?”
Thorne lay on the ground. Relieved at having found him, she rushed to him and knelt beside him. “Are you all right? I’ll get you out of this.” He wore nylon bikini briefs and nothing else. Hmm, guess the sweatpants didn’t transition when Gelion brought him here.
His eyes were closed, and he didn’t respond when she called his name again. He’s in stasis, but he’ll wake when we reach our world.
She dragged him out of the cave. After I rest, I’ll take him farther. Pausing, she mopped sweat from her brow. He’s heavier than I thought.
After a minute, she tugged him a few more steps. This won’t work. I’m expending too much energy. I need to wake him up.
Shaking him, she called his name, louder this time, though the echoes made her wince. “Thorne, it’s me, Athenia. I’m here to take you back home.”
Nothing.
She stood and issued forth an energetic tune about the dawn, the sun rising in the east, the lark, the dew, and the cool morning breeze.
He stirred and opened his eyes. “Hi.”
Her heart sped with excitement. “I can’t believe I found you. Come on, let’s get out of here.” She reached to help him stand.
Instead, he pulled her down next to him. “Wait. I just woke up. Need to clear my head.”
Though impatience thrummed through her, Athenia held onto him. “Sure, I understand. We must hurry, though, or Gelion will do something to stop us.”
“He’s not around. Tell me how you got here and how you found me.”
“It’s a long story. I’ll explain it all to you later, but it involved a good demon, a desert, and the River Styx.”
“Sounds like the opening for a bad joke.” He chuckled.
She blinked. “You’re awfully relaxed for someone who just woke up in the underworld.”
He shrugged. “Rollin’ with the flow, darlin.’”
“What?”
He rubbed against her. “When you’re sent to Hell, use the heat to fire you up.”
She narrowed her eyes. “You’re definitely not right.” She felt his forehead. “You’re feverish.”
“Yeah, baby, I’m burning for you.” He grabbed her face and kissed her, his tongue questing into her mouth and tangling with hers.”
Though she had always desired this, Athenia jerked away. “You aren’t acting like yourself.”
His black eyes sparked with desire. “Come on, sweetheart. You want this.” He reached down her dress and squeezed her breast hard. “You like that, don’t you?”
She slapped his hand away. “What’s wrong with you?”
He took her shoulders and pinned her to the ground. Then, he got on top of her, spreading her legs apart with his knee.
With his full weight on her, she felt his erection against her core. The pressure sent lust pulsing through her. I’ve wanted Thorne for so long, but this isn’t right.
Though it took all her strength, she shoved him off her. “I don’t understand what’s going on with you, but I don’t like this, and we need to leave here, right now.” She pushed to her feet.
He fondled the erection clearly outlined through the thin briefs. “Pretty thing, look what I have for you.” He gave her a sly look. “If you don’t want it, I’ll find someone who does. There’s lots of willing ladies here.”
Trying to clear her confusion, Athenia shook her head. She stared into his eyes. Tiny red flames swirled within the black. “Your eyes.”
He stood and reached for her. “Kiss me.”
“Your eyes are hazel.” She shoved him, and he stumbled several steps back.
“Details, details. I’ll make you forget all about eyes.”
“They should be brown and green, but they’re black.” The truth hit her like a tidal wave. “With red flames. You aren’t Thorne”
Thorne’s likeness shattered. In his stead, a naked demon stood in front of her. His more or less humanoid body was the color of a ripe tomato. He had pointy ears and cloven feet. Muscles bulged from his arms and legs. When she glanced down, she couldn’t believe the size of his stiff and throbbing penis.
“Oops, you caught me.” He gave her the once over. “I still want to get it on with you. You’re hot.”
She pounded her fists on her thighs in frustration. “Oh no, I thought I’d found Thorne, but you’re here to distract me from my search.”
The demon ran his palm down the front of her dress. “I would be so much better. Give me a chance.” He gestured at his enormous member. “I’ll make you scream when you come.” He leered. “Bleed, too, but it’ll be worth it.”
Athenia lost all control. She screeched a discordant blare into a brain-pounding attack.
Moaning, the demon covered his ears and fell in a heap.
She cawed and cackled her voice into acid, which dissolved him into a puddle.
When she realized she’d destroyed him, she sank to her knees. “Goddess forgive me. I didn’t intend to take a life, even such as that.” Tears spilled down her cheeks. I think he only followed orders. Still, I had to defend myself.
She swiped her eyes. Where is the real Thorne?
ΨΨΨ
She collapsed on to the ground. I’ll never find him. I’ll be chasing mirages and doppelgangers for eternity. She covered her face with her arm. I’m lost here with no one to help me.
She sagged against the rocks and sobbed. When she attuned her senses to Thorne, he felt further away than ever. I can’t do this.
Clapping came from a few meters away. “You did well, little Nerei.
I didn’t think you’d see through my demon’s disguise.” Gelion approached her from beyond a ridge of rocks. “I expected to enjoy your communion with my crony.” He nudged the puddle of demon. “I’m surprised you figured out he was a fake.”
Athenia sat up. “Where’s Thorne?”
Gelion wagged a finger at her. “I can’t make it easy for you, now can I?”
She wrinkled her forehead. “Please, let Thorne go.”
He swaggered over to her. “I’m not done with him. Nice dress, by the way. A gift from Styx?”
“None of your business.”
“Oh, don’t bother to deny it, I watched her give it to you. Too bad, I enjoyed the sight of you nude.”
She swallowed bile. Disgusting lecher. “Tell me what you want now.” She slid a few feet away from him.
He grinned. “This is so much fun.” He tapped his temple. “All right. I’ll make a new deal with you, a challenge to test your faith.”
“In what?” She scrambled to her feet.
He spread his hands. “In yourself, in Thorne, in your ability to withstand temptation.”
She scoffed at the arid landscape. “Nothing I want here. Certainly not you.” She imbued her tone with every ounce of scorn she could summon.
He gestured around. “There’s something you desire.”
Realization dawned. “Thorne.”
“Yes, indeed. I’ll give him to you, but first you do something for me.”
She crossed her arms. “I won’t sleep with you.”
“I’m not talking about that.” He ogled her as if he saw her without her clothes. “Though you’ll ask me for sex before I’m done with you. This is simple, something you can do without compromising your so-called principles.”
“What?”
“Sing to me.”
“Didn’t you hear me when I reduced your demon to sludge?” She pointed to the oily patch left on the ground. The remains had almost completely seeped away while they’d talked.
“I want to hear it again, but not as a weapon. I want a gift, a song to bring light and beauty to my abode.” He gestured to the land around him. “Nothing grows here.”
“I noticed.”
“Well, I want something sweet to soothe my savage breast.”
Rolling her eyes, Athenia gestured around her. “Don’t you mean beast?”
With a huff, he drew himself up and glared at her. “For your information, my statement was a reference to dialogue in a play called The Mourning Bride. Written by William Congreve and published in the year sixteen ninety-seven, the statement is often misquoted. The actual line goes, Musick has charms to soothe a savage Breast, to soften Rocks, or bend a knotted oak. Appropriate, wouldn’t you agree?”
Impatient with his long-winded effort to show off his knowledge of human literature, she snapped her fingers. “Whatever. That’s all you want? A song?” If I believe that, I’m a fool.
“Well, there are a few more conditions.”
She slapped her thigh in frustration. “I knew it. What are they?”
“When you find Thorne, you may take him back with you. It won’t be easy, but if you can find your way to the upper world, I’ll release him from my domain. If not, I’ll keep both of you here with me.”
“Me, too?”
“Yes, you would lose your soul and stay. Thorne wouldn’t forfeit his, because he didn’t make a bargain with me. However, he would remain here in stasis as he is now.”
“What would it mean for me?” Chills raised goose bumps on her arms.
Gelion gazed over her head into the distance. “I’d gain dominion over you, and you would obey my orders. Although I wouldn’t drain your abilities, I’d control them. Let me be clear, you would do anything I want.”
He gave her the simper again, like he was still seeing her naked. As if he tasted something delicious, he made a smacking noise.
Then, he started as though coming out of a lovely fantasy. His tone became businesslike. “I would tell you when, where, and how to use your siren gift. If I decreed, you would destroy my enemies. Or, you would entertain me.”
She shivered. Pretty bad. She rubbed her arms. How can I take the risk? If I do all those things, I’ll be as evil as he is. A thousand lifetimes wouldn’t be enough to make restitution for all he would require of me.
The chill of dread burrowed into her gut and expanded throughout her body. But I got Thorne into this, and I must help him out. Besides, if I’m smart and strong enough, I’ll be able to overcome this. “All right, I’ll take the deal.”
Gelion rubbed his chin. “Of course, there’s something else.”
She made an irritated moue. “What?”
“You must walk ahead of the mage without looking back. I give my word he’ll follow you, but you can’t check. You keep going until you reach the surface. When you regain the outer world, you’re free.”
“I can do that. I’ll take Thorne with me.” What a stupid challenge. All I do is not turn around.
Gelion grinned at her. “All right. We’re on.” He motioned, and Thorne appeared before her.
She wanted to run to Thorne. But is it him? How can I determine whether it’s another demon masquerading as him? This might be Gelion’s idea of more fun.
She folded her arms. “Is he real?
Gelion threw his head back and cackled. “He’s not physically here, but if you follow this simulacrum, you’ll find him. Or don’t. Give in now and stay here with me forever.” He took her palm and held it to his lips.
Power whispered over her hand, as velvety as the cream she and Thorne had created. As the energy traveled from her arm to her shoulder, the magic assuaged the roughness of her skin, then caressed the nape of her neck, easing the stiffness from her fall. It would be so delicious to let his sorcery envelope me. No. If I let him, he’ll seduce me from finding Thorne, and neither of us will ever leave here. She wrenched away. “Stop. We made a deal.”
He winked. “You want to though, don’t you? You ought to think about it. Why go through so much pain and effort for one male who doesn’t even care for you? I can make the underworld a paradise for you.”
“Without water to rejuvenate me? I’d die in a week.”
“Oh, I can fix that. You can stay away from water forever if you want.”
She jerked with surprise. “You can do that?”
“Don’t forget who I am,” he bragged.
She covered her mouth. The ultimate prize to the Nerei race, the thing Merlindrake kidnapped my sister and tortured her to discover. If I gave my people the secret, I would be a heroine to them forever.
He narrowed his eyes and gave her a sly look. “Maybe I didn’t offer you the right incentive before.”
“Would I be able to share this with other Nerei?”
“Hmm...why not? Though the balance of power might change between humans and Nerei, I don’t care. Sure. Stay here with me of your own free will, and I’ll let you teach your kind how to break their dependence on water. Think of the freedom you’ll give them.”
“But what about Thorne? Will you let him go?”
He shook his head. “If I did that, what would stop you from leaving as soon as you obtain what you want? No, dear. As long as you’re here, Thorne will be, too.”
“But once I gave my soul to you, how would I escape?”
He furrowed his brow. “I’m beginning to appreciate you, little Nerei. You’re more resourceful than most. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if you figured out a way. No, Thorne stays here unless you fulfill the requirements of the deal.”
“Why do you offer me deals? You change them on a whim, and you renege, and you try to trick me.”
He laughed. “Now, you’re starting to understand me. Life is too boring and predictable here. I want to do something to spice things up. Think of me like a cat playing with his food.”
“Sometimes,” she said, hissing a bit, “mice escape.”
“That’s what makes this so much fun. I can’t predict th
e outcome for sure. So, let’s play, shall we?” He waved, and Thorne’s facsimile flickered and moved away. “Better follow if you want to find him.”
Athenia paused. Another trick? But I have to go along with this insanity. She set out after the apparition.
ΨΨΨ
Hiking across the barren landscape drained fluid from her body faster than ever, making her skin flake more and her heart speed up. She couldn’t take in enough air through her nose. Inhaling through her mouth dried it out worse and made her thirst rage, but she couldn’t help it.
The semblance stopped and faded away.
Where am I? Is this where I’ll find him? “Thorne, can you hear me?” She called several times.
Because she couldn’t make out much in the gloom, she directed her Nerei senses toward Thorne. There. About a quarter of a mile from her, a boulder almost blocked the path. Protruding from behind it, she spotted a foot.
She ran to the boulder.
Still dressed in the sweatpants he’d worn at Willow’s house, he lay on the ground. His eyes were closed.
“Thorne.” She knelt beside him and lifted his head.
Slack muscles allowed his head to loll to the side.
“Wake up, please.” She shook him.
Slowly, he opened his eyes. “Who are you?”
“Don’t you recognize me? I’m Athenia.”
He tried to push her away, but he went limp. “You’re not Athenia. I remember what happened. That bastard brought me to Hell. No Nerei can reach me here.”
When she smoothed his hair off his forehead, she marveled at the feel of his skin. “It’s me. A demon I summoned brought me here, and I’m taking you home.”
He blinked. “It’s really you and not some trick? How can I believe that?”
She stared at him. How can I prove I’m me? “I’m not sure you’re the real Thorne either. A faker tricked me by pretending to be you. The same thing could be happening again.”
After a few seconds, he reached out. “Help me up.”
Pulling him with her, she stood.
He wobbled on his feet then leaned against the slab. “Head’s spinning, but it’s improving. Give me a minute.”
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