If she’d had one bite, her fate, his fate, would have been sealed. The Fates would demand she return… As her heart demanded with its every beat.
“Men are foolish creatures, Persephone,” Aphrodite murmured, a slight smile on her lips. “I will not force my confidence upon you. But I will hear your tale without judgment... If you choose to confide in me.”
Persephone took short steps, unable to ease her grip on the Goddess.
“For now,” Aphrodite said squeezing Persephone’s hand, “Savor the warmth of the sun on this glorious day. Speak to your plants, see them grow and bloom. Love them as they love you.”
Persephone nodded, descending the steps into the most bountiful garden she’d ever seen. Her hands reached out, trailing along their plump leaves and making them rise and stretch. She watched, unable to ignore the throbbing ache in her heart. She had so much love to give. If he did not want her, she would find something, or someone, that did.
###
The mouth of the cave roared with fire brought from Tartarus. The Erinyes had been pleased to help Hades. New souls were all the enticement they needed. These souls were bound for Tartarus, for torture.
“No one leaves,” he yelled to Cerberus, Thanatos, the Erinyes, Aeacus… All fought with him, to protect his realm.
The souls poured into the cave. From translucent shells to full bodied men, the souls of Erysichthon’s army were ready for a fight. The fools did not know they were now trapped.
Behind them, the flames of Tartarus roared high, sealing the entrance and rolling over those souls bringing up the rear. Hades did not relish the look of surprise, of terror, that gripped those caught within the flames. They could feel it, the burning and pain. They’d not known the truth. Death would not end their suffering, there would be no reprieve. Such agony was their fate now, one they would never escape.
He doubted they’d known what Erysichthon had brought upon them. If they had, this pathetic attempt at rebellion would never have happened.
And yet, it was happening. And he had no more time to think.
A soldier, now the echo of his mortal form, came at him. Hades waited, the rise and fall of light within the cave his ally. As the light surged, he grabbed the weightless soul. In his hold, the soul moved, swinging his sword and kicking out at Hades. He felt a moment’s sadness, for the man’s eyes were filled with understanding.
It was all for naught. They would not bring the Underworld down. And Hades would not be merciful.
An Erinye swooped, her talon-like fingers plucking the shade from Hades’ grasp and carrying it below.
Another was on him. A fist, solid and heavy, slammed into his side. He turned, but the shade weakened and faded. With every leap of flame, its light filled the cave. Its heat devoured everything in its path.
The soul stood, knowing it was trapped. It gaped at Hades then turned, running for dark. But Cerberus was faster, and leapt, shredding the soul with poisoned teeth and dragging it to the flames.
Before Hades turned, he felt the sear of the blade slicing through his forearm. He winced, but welcomed the pain. His hand gripped the soul’s wrist, forcing it to release the weapon.
“Hades.” Hermes was at his side, pulling the sword from his arm.
“Behind you,” Hades war
ned, pushing Hermes aside.
An Erinye reached the soul, lifting it into the air. The soul’s screams echoed eerily in the cave. But it was the gleeful laughter of the Erinye that sent a ripple of disquiet along Hades’ spine.
Hades nodded towards the door. “It is sealed?”
“I’ve seen no one… no soul escape,” Hermes assured him.
The flames crept higher, licking the top of the cave. None would escape.
“We have won. But Poseidon must bring the rain soon,” Hermes spoke softly.
Hades forgot the soul he gripped, his rage was so great. He knew the risks of trusting his brother. But he’d thought, with such stakes at risk, even Poseidon might honor duty.
I am a bloody fool. His mouth twisted sharply as he hissed, “Poseidon…”
“No harm has been done beyond your realm…”
He shook his head. “Not yet.” His eyes narrowed, searching the cave for what he knew he wouldn’t find. “Erysichthon?”