“And if we fail?”
He laughed. “If we fail, we fail. We’ve nothing to lose. We are dead already.”
Chapter Seventeen
Persephone held her sides as she laughed, shaking her head. “Truly?”
Aeacus smiled. “Truly.”
Hades smiled as well. It pleased him to see her so. Aeacus’ tale delighted her; perhaps he’d have others to share. “No other news?”
“No, my lord. Our court has seen little in the way of arrivals.”
“A welcome change, I’m sure.” Her voice was soft.
Aeacus nodded. “Indeed, Goddess.”
“Thank you,” Hades murmured, taking the scrolls from Aeacus.
“My pleasure…” Aeacus’ words ended as Hermes entered the hall.
Hades felt a crushing tightness within his chest. It was not unusual to see Hermes, but each visit posed a threat to his newfound happiness. The time would come when Persephone was called home. The look upon Hermes’ face was so grave that his fear threatened to overwhelm him.
Persephone rose from the kline, hugging Hermes with a welcoming smile. “Dear Hermes, come, join us. Aeacus was just…”
Hermes glanced at Persephone, his jaw rigid. “You are well?”
She was still smiling. “I am quite well.”
Hades waited, knowing Hermes had news of import. His hand tightened about the base of his goblet, bracing himself.
Hermes nodded. “Then you will be able to return to your mother, now. I have news you must hear.” Hermes turned, speaking to them all. “News you must all hear.”
Hades did not like the panic that found him. But he held himself stiff, until her green eyes flew to his. Her smile, her laughter was gone. And he saw the worry on her face. If Hermes were not here, he would pull her onto his lap. He would hold her close and…
“Much has changed in the time you’ve been here,” Hermes continued. “Erysichthon… Erysichthon is dead.”
Hades turned to Hermes, surprised by this announcement.
“What happened?” Persephone, too, was startled. She stepped away from Hermes, making her way to Hades’ side.
Hades breathed deep, aching to pull her against him. Something was amiss, something more. He’d never seen Hermes so unsettled. He busied himself with pouring water into a goblet.
“Too much has happened to share now…”
“Then tell us what you can.” Hades’ voice was calm, betraying none of the worry that gripped him.
“He’d been cursed for cutting down Demeter’s grove. He was obsessed, with food… and finding you.” Hermes looked at Persephone, then continued, “He sold everything, including his daughter, to appease his hunger. But he could find no satisfaction.” He shrugged. “His madness was so great that he began to eat his own flesh.”
Disgust roiled within Hades, robbing him of words. Persephone began to tremble, pressing herself against him. His arms caught her and held her close.
“He did not cross over, Hermes.” Hades’ voice was sharp. He glanced at Aeacus. “Erysichthon of Thessaly? He has not…”
Aeacus shook his head. “No, my lord.”
“No, he hasn’t.” Hermes said in resignation. “He demanded no funeral rites be performed. His hunger died with his death, but his obsession with Persephone has not.”
Hades stroked the length of her back, over and over. Her trembling angered him, but Hermes’ words infuriated him.