“I killed her.” My body shakes as he rubs his hand down my back.
“Don’t worry, you didn’t kill her.” A feminine voice says from the opening of the cave. “I see you made it out of the dungeon in one piece, Pierce.” I press back from Lukas’s hold and ready myself for another fight. The woman steps into the light, revealing her blonde curly hair and flawless features. Another woman with black plaited hair and large horns stands next to her and walks up to the statue.
“She helped me escape from the dungeon. They’re cool.” Pierce says, dusting himself off as he stands up.
“Oh Dusa. What have you done now?” The black-haired beauty says, bopping the statue on the nose.
“Who are you and what do you want?”
“I am Hecate, and this is Nyx.” The blonde one says. I notice she’s carrying a basket full of herbs in glass containers. “We were on our way to town when we heard screaming.”
“The mirror trick will only hold her for a few hours. We should get going before she breaks out. You don’t want to be on the receiving end of her anger after she’s been stoned. Trust me.” Nyx says, heading back to Hecate.
“Why should we trust you?” Salem asks, sliding up next to me with her fists clenched like she’s ready to throw some punches.
“I’ve already helped you once. I’m on your side. We can take you into the village and help hide you away, until you’re ready to continue on your journey.”
Salem looks over at me. I can read what she’s thinking with just her expression.
“Fine. Lead the way.”
CHAPTER36
Chapter Thirty-Six
EMMET
SONG: BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS BY GREEN DAY
We follow the two women along the winding road that leads into the town they call Elysia. The women have promised to help protect us, but if my time with demons has taught me anything, it’s not to trust creatures of the Underworld. The women are beautiful, and seemingly helpful, but they both have an air about them that tells me they could end my life with a blink of an eye. Satan stays close to Salem’s side, obviously in pain from the encounter with those fucking snakes. We were lucky none of us were bitten, but Satan didn’t have the same luck. He sports two large welts on his hind leg, the venom siphoned out by Nyx.
“So, can you tell us why you’re helping us?” Salem asks them, apparently on the same page as I am. She’s not one to trust easy, but when she does, she does it whole-heartedly.
They glance at each other before the one called Hecate answers. “We were friends with the queen once, your stepmother. She’s gone down a path of revenge, and it’s one that will lead to the destruction of everything we know and love.”
“She’s been using my dad to further her plot for centuries. He’s so enamored with her that he’s willing to risk everything, even his daughter, to make her happy.” Nyx continues, her face is pinched with pain recounting her father’s betrayal. I know all too well how it feels to have a parent hurt you for their own selfish desires.
“Who’s your dad?” I ask, trying to keep up with the group. It’s been a grueling few days of traveling on foot. Something none of us are used to.
“His name is Chaos, but you might know him as the demon. He’s lived above, carrying out Persephone’s plans, possessing people to bring about her vision. She’s been at this a long time. Waiting for the right moment to strike. Hades is blinded by his love for her, thinking that these souls that have escaped were working on their own, instead of with Chaos and Persephone. And he’s too stubborn to hear otherwise. We’ve tried telling him, only to be threatened with everlasting punishment. What we know for sure is that Chaos wishes to rule the world above, while Persephone desires the freedom to rule the Underworld alone.”
“The prophecy has been in place for a long time. You all have your parts to play, as do we. If you want to know our intentions, I for one would like to be able to look myself in the mirror, and not feel regret.” Hecate chimes in.
“Too soon for a mirror reference, Hec.” Nyx says with a giggle.
“Poor Medusa. She’s just as trapped down here, desperate for her freedom.”
“So, are you two trapped?” I ask, wondering if they also fall in the same category. They’re telling us they’re on our side, but who knows where their true loyalty lies.
Nyx shakes her head no. “This is my home. I do not long for the mortal world as some others do. We’re happy where we are, and don’t want someone on a power trip to mess it up for everyone. A future with either of them in power is not one I’d want to belong to.”
“So, your dad was the one possessing our old headmaster?” Skye asks, brow furrowed.
“Unfortunately. And then in Salem right after. He’s been using her power to build up an army in Hades’ absence. Since you came through the veil, the Seven have been united once again.”
Salem stops walking and I almost bump right into her. “Wait. What did you just say?”
Nyx makes an ‘O’ with her rosebud mouth. “I… I’m sorry. I forget you’re so new to all of this. Chaos is building up an army in your father’s absence and using the seven deadly sins who your friends were possessed with to try and takeover the Underworld.”
