The baby had been conceived only a week ago. Already, he grew swift and strong. Already, he made himself known.
“Persephone.” Hades’s voice broke on my name. “Is that…are you?—”
“We’re going to have a baby,” I said softly.
He sat frozen behind me.
I began to worry. “Hades? Are you all right? Talk to me.”
Another kick pressed against his palm, stronger this time, as if willing his father to respond.
Death wasn’t meant to create life. But I was the Goddess of Spring long before my power leveled up. It was another reason the Fates had feared our union. I could give the God of Death anheir who would rule both death and life—a third-generation god superior to any ever born.
We’d dealt with the Fates and crippled the gods. Any enemy, old or new, would have to come through us to get to our child.
I would burn every realm before I let anyone touch my son.
Another strong, insistent kick. Then fierce, joyful tears fell hot against my shoulder. My mate’s body shook against mine.
He had never believed this possible. The God of Death, the monster in the dark—to have a family. A child. A future beyond the shadows.
“Your heir already has an opinion,” I said softly, “my king.”
THE END
