They nod in agreement.
“Fine, but we have to hurry. I don’t know how to explain to the cops that a bunch of fucked up, recently escaped souls set this place on fire without looking insane.” Sloan says, letting me lean some of my weight onto him. No kidding. I have no desire to be locked up and experimented on. Especially with these newfound powers.
I have no idea where they came from, or why I can wield it, but it feels like a missing piece of myself just locked into place. I don’t know if that should make me scared or excited, but I’m feeling a little of both. One thing is for sure- that power I manifested is definitely not a fluke.
CHAPTER8
Chapter Eight
SALEM
SONG: MEPHISTO WALTZ NO. 1 S. 514 BY FRANZ LISZT
Candlelight flickers long dancing shadows along the enormous table, lined with black lace and covered in every food imaginable on ornate China plates. The room is dripping in opulence as we take our seats. It’s crowded, but it’s clear that I’m meant to take the open space at the head, opposite of my father, who is already seated. The low murmuring of conversation halts as we crest the threshold of the room.
I feel the weight of everyone’s stare as I swallow thickly, putting one foot in front of the other with a façade of bravery that I’m not feeling in the slightest.
Hades raises his drink as I attempt to fit my long skirt into the chair. It looks more like a throne than something you’d eat dinner on. I finally manage to squeeze in as a servant pushes my chair in.
Everyone is waiting for me to grab my goblet, as they hold theirs aloft.
My fingers clasp around the silver cup, and I notice that all the cups look as if there is a skeletal hand carved along the stem and up into the base. I raise it into the air, matching those around us.
“To my daughter, Salem. Welcome home.”
“Welcome home.” The dinner guests recite, taking a sip of their drinks. I bring the liquid to my lips, noting the dark red wine before swallowing down the bitter flavor.
I spot Garrison and Emmet further down the room, sitting together. My eyes search frantically for Pierce, but he’s not here. My heart twists. I didn’t realize just how much I’d been hoping that he would be here. I push down the disappointment, determined to get the answers I need from my father, and find where Pierce could be. Certainly, the ruler of the Underworld would know where he could be.
Walker places his hand on my knee, and I give him a small smile, grateful to not be in this place alone.
Garrison makes a waving gesture, and I wave back.
A quartet tucked away in the corner begins to play a low haunting melody as Hades gives the okay to begin eating. I look down at the food warily. My stomach groans audibly with hunger as my mouth waters from the delicious smelling spread. I spear a small potato onto my fork, hoping that you can’t go wrong with a potato. I take a tentative bite, letting the flavors explode on my tongue as I moan with satisfaction. Samwise would be jealous of that potato. I shove the rest into my mouth, unconcerned with how unladylike I must look right now. I’m too hungry to care. I feel the juices from the succulent potato dribble down my chin as I work my way around the plate.
A hush falls over the room as another woman enters the room. She’s wearing a matching crown to my father, her every movement dripping in royalty.
“Hello, husband.” Her sultry voice calls amid the silence. Even the quartet has stopped playing.
A sense of familiarity hits me as she draws closer. Her face resembling one I know all too well. My heart seizes in my chest as I watch her striding closer.
“My dear. I didn’t realize you would be coming tonight.” He says, obviously surprised by her being here. I wonder whatthat’sabout.
“I didn’t want to miss the chance to meetyourdaughter.” I catch the emphasis she places on the word ‘your’, causing the hairs to raise on the back of my neck in a warning. She grabs my hands in hers, staring down at me with a tight smile.
“Please forgive my husband’s rude manners for not introducing us sooner.” Her rings dig into my skin as she clasps my hands in hers. “I’m Persephone.”
My mouth drops open, even though logically I know the stories. Everyone does. Although being here, I don’t know how much of the myths are real and how much is just… myth.
“Salem.” I respond, feeling like my mouth is full of sandpaper as I utter my name.
Her eyes flare, “I know who you are.”
“Right.” I say taking my hand back. A sense of wariness wraps around my middle. I’m not sure what she thinks of having her husband’s illegitimate child sitting in a place of honor in her home. Everything in her manner is screaming Catelyn Stark making me a very unwanted Jon Snow. I sympathize with him, feeling like I also know nothing. I’ve been thrust into the Underworld, found out my family was all witches, oh and my dad is Hades. Yeah, I’m definitely feeling off kilter.
She stands and snaps her fingers, a servant appearing beside her immediately. “Yes, milady?” They ask.
“Bring out my special drink, thisisa special occasion after all. Make sure there’s enough to for everyone.” Her words are only audible to those of us closest to her, before she saunters into a chair next to Hades, the recent occupant moving to another space- making herself scarce.
