“We could benefit from her involvement,” Hades admitted, ignoring Eros’s murderous stare.
The God of Love’s nostrils flared, and this time Hades acknowledged it with a slight lift of his brow.
“No. I will not have her involved.”
I let out a laugh of disbelief, but his eyes wouldn’t meet mine. What was he thinking, acting so entitled and speaking for me? “It’smychoice if I want to be involved. Not yours.”
My words seemed to pass through their ears as a fleeting wind, their stare down contest continuing.
“Being her creator does not grant you the right to command her. It is the mortal’s decision, and it appears she has made it,” Hades said, with a tone that was both calm and deadly, challenging Eros. “Or would you rather I terminate her instead?” He then focused on me, letting his hard stare emphasize the severity of his threat.
I gulped, biting my tongue.
“Touch her and I shall?—”
“What? Would you pierce me with arrows of love? You are correct, there is no sentiment more harmful than love.”
“All right, calm your asses.” Artemis walked over from the table, splitting the men. It was then that I noticed that, unlike other gods and goddesses, Artemis’s style of speech was almost mundane. “Let the poor girl have a say in this. She deserves as much, if you ask me.” Artemis smirked. “Sneaking up underneath the noses of four gods just shows how much we underestimated her. Or maybe we weren’t careful enough.”
The Goddess pushed her chin into her chest, eyebrows raised as she directed her gaze at the two gods still shooting daggers at her.
I decided I liked Artemis right then. With a sharp intake of air, I nodded in appreciation. “Let me help you. I want him gone as much as you do.”
“The—” Hades begun.
“But…” I paused at Artemis’s chuckle and the slight purse of Hades’ lips as I interrupted him. “I want something in exchange.”
Eros watched me silently. Even if he wantedforme to withdraw from this plan, I wouldn’t do it. On this subject and perhaps many others, his opinion didn’t make any difference to me.
Though his gaze prompted me to hold my head higher.
“Smart girl,” Artemis murmured, and Hades shot her a look. She shrugged.
“No,” Hades stated, leaving no room for negotiation.
“Then I won’t help you.”
“Hades, don’t be a bull,” Artemis pushed. “The girl is risking her life for something that is of no importance in her world.”
His jaw twitched. Twice. When he offered a subtle movement of agreement, I barely contained my relief.
“This is not a battle for you to fight,” Eros spoke, something glinting in his eyes—something that didn’t resemble the warning in his voice. It was pride.
“But it is,” I pressed. “I am right in the middle of it, and stopping Zeus is the only way I can return home.” My attention moved to Hades. “What I want in exchange is for you to promise that once this is all over, I get to go back to Earth.”
“That shouldn’t be difficult. Done,” Artemis said.
I knew I was crossing a very dangerous line, but I tried my luck, nevertheless. “Andto teach me how to access my powers.”
“That is bold of you to request,” Hades warned. “And impossible to fulfill.”
“He’s right.” Artemis came to his aid. “I’m sorry, but sending you back with your magic activated would cause more harm than you’d think. Magic reacts differently on Earth; you could kill someone without intention.”
I bobbed my head in understanding. The only reason I wished to learn to wield my powers was to stand a chance against Zeus, should he ever discover me. It was a weak defense considering his experience, but it was better than nothing.
My fingers clenched beside my body. I would not agree to this unarmed or unprotected.
“I understand, but if Zeus finds out, he’ll kill me. As I said, I’m willing to help you, but if I end up dead during the process, I rather go through the Gods’ Gambit. At least that way, I’d have a real chance,” I said, meaning it. “My point is, if I don’t have my magic, what guarantees that Zeus won’t slit my throat the second he figures it out?”
