by D. H. Dawson
Hades leans forward, out of shadow. ‘You should have been taught your fire from birth. Do you not find it curious that, until now, you never knew of this power? Do you not wonder why that is?’
‘What are you talking about?’
‘You’ve had your witching powers since you can remember? Then, why not your Underworld power? Perhaps it is something you should ask your mother.’ Disapproval hardens his voice.
‘You let her have me. I’m not of this place.’ I try to stand, to move, but shadows cling to my skin, crawling over me, holding me down.
Hades’ lip curls. ‘I did. Perhaps I regret that. I have lived a long time, young one. I have had many heirs, but over time, they have all perished. Currently, you are my eldest living heir.’ Hades lowers himself to me, gaze on mine. ‘My firstborn.’ He trails a finger over my cheek, down my chin. ‘Perhaps you don’t need your Gaia Realm. Down here, with me, you would be infinitely more powerful.’
‘Why can’t I move?’ Panic raises my voice.
‘This is the Underworld. We are made up of shades of death and shadows. You would be their princess, too. Command them away.’
I gasp as a hand grips my arm, skeletal, like the Knights. ‘Get off me,’ I snap.
The hand dissolves into a shadow, then melts away.
‘I don’t want to be heir to the Underworld. I want to be heir to my Gaia Crown, with my family.’
Hades tilts his head. ‘Why?’
‘Why?’ I stammer. ‘Because—because I love them. They’re my family. They’re good, not evil—’
Hades smirks. ‘I was under the impression you would consider the murder of witches evil.’
I rise to my feet. ‘You know?’ How does Hades know the secrets of my own realm?
The King waves his hand, creating a table and two chairs from darkness. He moves from his throne, to the table, and indicates I should join him. ‘Child, I know many things. Including what your family have done to hold their positions. I won’t claim to be good when I am not. I’ve done terrible things, mostly for selfish reasons. But them? They deny it. Bury it. I believe someone close to you has suffered from their reign directly. Your young Mr Smith?’
I sit opposite him. Talk about a nosy parent. ‘Have you been spying on me?’
Hades’ lip curls, but he says nothing.
‘You’re right. His name is Cristian. His mother was killed. She was a witch. I don’t think he knows that, though. Was it really my parents? Are you sure it wasn’t someone else?’ Despite the warmth of the Underworld, a cold shiver climbs down my spine at the thought. Could my parents really do something so horrible?
Hades looks at me with sympathy. He reaches out and takes one of my hands across the table. I’m too surprised to stop him. ‘Carmen. I want you to understand something. It may seem black and white to you, who is good or evil, but it is rarely so. You look at me and see evil, yes?’
I cast my gaze downward.
‘It’s alright. You would be mostly correct. You look at your family and see good. That’s reasonable, they are your loved ones. But secrets dwell in the past, clinging tightly to the royals of your realm. I suggest you use this coming Sabbat wisely. Perhaps Samhain will be a good opportunity for you to seek some answers.’
I pull my hand away. ‘Why are you telling me this?’
‘Because whatever decisions you make, I want you to know and understand the truth. If at the end of your journey, you place yourself on the throne on Earth, that is fine. If you choose to sit beside me, the same. Carmen, I know this is new to you, but I’ve always known you were my daughter. Now, I want you to know the rest of it.’
Hades looks at me sadly, and I can’t figure out why.
Frustration bubbles in my chest. ‘I hate that this is all so complicated.’
‘Allow me to simplify.’ Hades taps my hand. ‘People are not always what they seem. And you, my daughter, are not to think of your powers from me as evil.’
‘But they are.’ My voice is small.
‘Do you not know your history? I was not always King of the Dead, little one. My brothers and I overthrew our parents, those who would oppress us—or kill us—and divided our spoils. Do you remember the rest?’
Not as well as Tiberius, but I try. ‘Zeus claimed the sky, Poseidon the sea, and Gaia, Mother of earth, claimed us for her own and birthed the Tree of Life, creating witches.’
‘There you have it. I was a titan, once, with the same power. I always had my fire.’ Hades meets my gaze. ‘Power isn’t evil, Carmen. It’s how you use it. Now, it’s time for you to figure out who you want to be.’
‘How do I do that?’
‘I think your Sabbat will test you well. Listen to your own heart, not others’. Your ghosts will give you answers. Your friends will give you hope. Your powers will give you strength.’ Hades smiles, and I am released.
Click here to order book two (releasing 31st of March 2021)
If you’ve enjoyed D.H. Dawson’s work, she also writes young adult urban fantasy under the pseudonym Dionnara Dawson.
You can sign up to her mailing list for the free urban fantasy prequel on her website here: https://www.dionnaradawson.com/
Books by Dionnara Dawson
The Melorian Academy Series:
Firstborn Legacy
Legacy of Feathers
Ash & Smoke
Elements of War
The Promised Witch Series:
Feathers, Tails & Broomsticks
Mist, Murder & Magic
Darkness, Dawn & Fire