I loved that this time he didn’t try to leave me behind. We’d come a long way since those very first days. Now I felt like I was part of his world, in all the ways that mattered.
Chapter 19
We blinked into the waiting room just as Zeus walked through the door to Thanatos’ office. I saw the back of his head and broad shoulders disappear, and on the board was:Zeus, you motherfucker, get in my office.
Beneath that was:Cronus and Maisey, give me two minutes.
Cronus rolled out his neck, looking like there was no chance he was giving them more than ten seconds. “Why didn’t he go right to level seven like you and Rhea did?”
My Titan had his eyes locked on the door Zeus had gone through. “Because we killed the Erynomus. Now everything is back in order and gets funneled through here.”
We bopped on our heels until Thanatos’ door opened and he popped his head out, wearing a huge fucking grin. “Well done, my friend.” He stepped away from the door as we walked inside of his office. “I’ve wanted that motherfucker’s soul forever.”
Cronus nodded. “Thank you, brother, but you know I can’t let you keep it.”
Thanatos frowned. “I figured. But even being able to shove his ass through the veil brought me untold joy.”
I looked over at the shimmering veil that led to the land of the dead. Thanatos reached out, handing us both a coin. “Be quick. I can smell Death on you, old friend, and it will like being here.”
For a second I panicked. Why did Cronus smell like death? Then I remembered that he carried half of the sin of Death inside of him.
Cronus turned to me. “You just watch and bear witness, you understand?” I nodded, and in a flash he knelt, kissing my belly. “Keep Mommy safe,” he whispered, and baby girl gave a big kick.
We walked through the veil then, clutching our coins. The second we appeared in the lovely garden, Zeus stepped out from beside a pretty pink bush. “You can’t even let me die in peace, old man?” His spectral ghostly form wavered in the light, but the anger on his face made him look anything but weak. Cronus simply stepped closer, holding out his palms, which crackled with light.
Zeus’ expression crumpled. “Killing me is one thing, but taking my soul from this universe will cripple Earth.”
Cronus nodded. “I put a lot of thought into this. Yes, your energy will be leaving the universe, but then Maisey and I are bringing in a new energy, a daughter that’s probably even more powerful than you. So it balances out.”
Zeus freaked out, trying to disappear, but he was way too slow. Cronus crashed into him, and the pair hit the ground with a thud.
I backed up into a row of pretty apple trees, acknowledging how decent I was getting at dodging flying bodies. It shouldn’t be too long though, because Zeus was weak without his body, and Cronus was brimming with power.
I frowned when Zeus landed a blow to Cronus’ chin and my Titan flew backward, crashing into the ground at my feet. Something was wrong.
Cronus looked up at me, clutching his chest. “It’s Death … he’s stronger here. Fighting me. I can’t fight them both off at the same time.”
And he wouldn’t have to.
“Come on, baby girl, we gotta help Daddy.” I thrust my hands out at the advancing god. Light flew from my palms and slammed right into Zeus’ ugly face, blasting him backward. My powerful blow gave Cronus enough time to get up, breathing heavily, and advance on Zeus.
He reached out and pinned Zeus’ head to the ground. “More light, Maisey!” he bit out, Zeus squirming under his giant fist.
The baby kicked and I planted both feet, aimed my hands at Zeus’ body, and let ‘er rip. A tidal wave of light flew from my palms and encased Zeus. A haunting scream ripped from his throat. Cronus then took a second to retrieve the ring box, slipping it once more onto his finger. This time he barely even had to adjust, and I hoped like hell there were no repercussions from this.
Cronus pressed the jewel into Zeus’ forehead. “If the stars are willing, maybe your soul will be born anew, untainted by your ego and lust for power.”
The ring seared into Zeus’ face, the soul starting to smoke, then turning to ash.
The underworld shook for a full minute, until Zeus’ soul was completely gone, and it was only then I released the light I’d been holding over him.
A few dead beings wandered their translucent selves over to have a looksee, and I waved them away. “Nothing to see here.”
Cronus took a moment to remain over the ash, his eyes closed, and I gave him this time. Zeus deserved this death, but killing a being you thought of as your son had to hurt.
Eventually he stood, and I held my breath as he stared at the ring.Please take it off. Please take it off.
Just when I thought he wasn’t going to, Cronus shook his head and the ring was returned to the case, disappearing out of sight.
