The god took a slow breath as if he knew that his message was going to upset them.
“Zeus has officially declared war on Kronos.” Nyx snapped her attention back to Hermes, and Hecate let out a slow breath. Hermes bit his lip. “He formally requests…”
“He formally requests?”Nyx’s voice was a deep, echoing baritone as she dematerialized into her primordial form in an instant. The night came down, blanketing Asphodel in darkness. The wind picked up, and thunder went rolling over the meadows. Hecate and Hermes stood immobile in the courtyard until Hecate waved her hand, bathing them in soft moonlight.
“That’s a helpful trick.” Hermes chuckled, breaking the tension.
“No tricks about it. Selene learned everything from me, got it?” Hecate gave him a small smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes.
“Oh, I’ll never forget.”
“Now, tell me what you need to tell me about Zeus. I’ll make sure that the Underworld gets the message.”
“Well…” Hermes’s voice dropped, and some of the gaiety left his shining face. “You should know that he’s already spoken to Hades. Most of the gods, in fact. This is no longer chatter or wistful, chaotic thinking by a petulant Zeus.”
“It’s always a petulant Zeus.”
“Fair.” Hermes snapped his fingers. “It has happened, though. Zeus has declared war on his father.” Hecate nodded, a sinking feeling growing in her stomach.
“I understand. Who has sided with Zeus?”
“Well, Hades and Poseidon, which we all saw coming.” Hermes rolled his eyes as though it pained him to mention the brothers. He leaned against a column. “The rest of the gods have joined him, too.”
“Mmm.” Hecate ran her hands through the ends of her hair while Hermes stared unabashedly. “What have the titans said of this?”
“Themis and Prometheus have sided with Zeus.”
“Then we really do have a war on our hands, don’t we?” Hecate asked grimly. Hermes pushed off the column and went to approach her, placing a hand on her shoulder. As soon as he touched Hecate, her dogs came running outside, barking at the god until he yelped in surprise.
“Hecate!”
“Oh, they won’t hurt a fly.” Hecate chuckled, leaning down and petting the hell hounds until their tongues were lolling and tails wagging.
“I’m sure they won’t hurt flies and women, but men seem to be in their own category.” Hermes looked at the dogs sarcastically.
“Aren’t they though?” Hecate’s smile was wide as she sent the dogs back in the house, her expression changing once more. “What is it that Zeus needed to tell us, then?”
“Lots have been drawn. Everyone has chosen a side, whether they’re titans or gods. Zeus will expect an answer fromeveryone.” To Hermes’s surprise, Hecate laughed.
“Has he gotten a response from any of the other primordials?”
“Well…no.”
“He won’t. If he expects one from Nyx, Zeus will be sorely disappointed.”
“He wants her to fight with him.”
“I’m sure he does. She’s the most ancient of us all. That doesn’t mean that it’s going to happen.” As soon as Hecate denied Hermes, dark clouds moved over the moon and covered the pair in the blackness once more. Hecate nodded as if she was agreeing with the night.
“I think you have your answer, Hermes.”
Hermes shook out his shoulders and flexed his arms, gold dust appearing around him as he prepared to ascend. Hecate waved a hand again and brought the moonlight back.
“What about you, Hecate?” Hermes looked at her with a softer expression. “It’s not going to be good if any of the gods defy him.”
“Are youthreateningme?” Hecate’s voice dipped low as her red power flickered, the second and third head of the maiden and crone flickering on her shoulders.
“Don’t shoot me!” Hermes tossed his hands up in defeat and kicked off the ground. “I’m just the messenger.” There was a splitting crack as the earth shook, the moon going out once more like a candle. Hecate tried fruitlessly to bring back the soft light.
