Authors: J. N. Colon
Hartley
My gaze lingered over the Asphodel Meadows in the distance from my spot on the bedroom balcony. I was glad the flowers had been recreated, but it pained my heart with anxiety to see the sky above still darkened and the burning fires of Tartarus continuing to grow. I’d come a long way. Just not long enough.
Earlier today I sat with the tribunal to help sentence souls to their final places. Thankfully only one soul was destined for Tartarus. I hated to send her knowing Hayden was in the same place. I didn’t want to add yet another dark soul that might harm him, but I couldn’t deny the darkness in her heart, eating up anything that may have ever been good. She’d done terrible things and I couldn’t give her pass simply because I wanted to. Being goddess of the Underworld didn’t work that way.
The stone double doors creaked open and Zeke walked in dressed in threadbare jeans and a light blue t-shirt. His dark blonde hair was disheveled and stubble shadowed his chin, a far cry from the perfectionist he’d been when we first met. I hoped this wasn’t his way of trying to dress more like Hayden to win my affection.
“Hi,” he said, leaning against the balcony beside me. “How are you?”
“Fine.” My gaze surveyed his sky blue eyes, trying to decipher his motives. Sincerity reflected back at me, but of course he’s fooled me before.
A grin chased his lips. “I heard about your impressive show of powers with Reese in the Asphodel Meadows. The flowers look more beautiful than ever.”
“Thanks.”
Zeke leaned forward and brushed a stray lock of hair from my face, tenderly tucking it behind my ear. “I think you’re ready for the last step.”
My brow arched as I ignored the flirtatious gesture. “What is it?” A sudden feeling of trepidation laced my bloodstream, slowly eating away my confidence. What if I failed? What if the Underworld deemed me unworthy?
My self-doubt was unusual and unfamiliar, eating away at the lining in my stomach.
Zeke dragged his fingers through his hair, mussing it up more. “The last thing Hayden did to become the god of the Underworld, its true ruler, was to make his onyx ring.” He motioned toward my hand. “You’ll need to fashion your own out of mystical onyx.”
Great. I had no clue how to begin that task. I wasn’t exactly the master of stones and gems like Hayden. And where in the Underworld was I supposed to find mystical onyx? Instead of asking Zeke all this I blurted a different question—one I’d been wondering since he stormed into my room with this crazy idea.
“Why are you helping me? Why would you want me to bring Hayden back?”
Zeke’s brow furrowed and he pursed his lips in thought, stalling and maybe even attempting to concoct an elaborate lie. He didn’t exactly seem surprised by my suspicions. It wasn’t that long ago he’d done a spell to keep us apart that altered the entire world. Without Hayden in the way, he could try to whittle me down.
Finally after several moments of silence he crossed his arms against his chest and sighed, his shoulders drooping as if defeated. “As much as I’d like to say it’s not for entirely selfish reasons I’d be lying. I do love my brother and I don’t want him suffering in purgatory unjustly. This is his domain and I’ll be damned if I’m going to sit by and let some unworthy demigod steal it from him.” Lighting flashed in his blue eyes, a storm brewing on the horizon. “And of course it’s because of you.”
My eyes narrowed and I backed away when he tried to caress my cheek. “Keep going Zeke.”
He wasn’t put off by my rebuff. He probably expected it. “This situation is dangerous for you. Hayden’s not here to carry you between worlds in case you’re above and the Underworld is calling. I know Hermes and Reese have been there, but you need Hayden.” His jaw clenched tight, nostril flaring. “And let’s not forget Ixion forced you into a date, into a
kiss
.” His hands curled tight, tendons straining beneath his golden skin. Electric anger swelled around him, pressing uncomfortably against me.
I clamped my mind shut on those horrible memories, but Ixion’s threats still lingered in the air. He stole a kiss from me. What else was he willing to steal if Hera didn’t cooperate?
Zeke’s thumb and forefinger suddenly caught my chin and tilted it up to meet his lightning gaze. “Has something else happened? Has Ixion done something else to you?”
“No.”
“Hartley, tell me the truth.” His voice dropped several octaves, fury lacing every syllable until it sounded far too much like Hayden’s. “Has he forced you…?”
I quickly pulled out of his grasp, unsettled by the sudden resemblance. “Stop Zeke. I can handle myself.”
His dark blonde brows slammed together. “Not against him. Not yet.”
“Whatever. So why else are you helping me?” I asked in an attempt to steer the conversation back on topic and quell his anger. “Because everything you’ve said so far doesn’t seem that selfish.”
“Ah. Nice subject change.” The summer storm in his gaze calmed—some. “But why should I tell you the truth when you won’t tell me?”
I crossed my arms over my chest, shooting him a glare. “Fine. Be your annoying, arrogant, king of the gods self. I need to go make a damn magical ring.” I spun on my heels toward the doors.
Unfortunately Zeke caught me and hauled me back. “All right. Don’t throw a tantrum.” He ignored my few choice words.
“I’m also doing it so you won’t hate me. You’ll be a full god—
immortal
.” A sly smile crossed his handsome face. “Immortality is a very long time. You might still come to love me some day, but that won’t ever happen if Hayden is suffering in Tartarus.”
And there it was. At least he was honest. “I do appreciate your help Zeke, but don’t count on that happening.”
“We’ll see.” He winked.
The air was sweltering and thick down in the bowels of the Underworld. Probably no one else besides Hayden and me—and Ixion—could stand it for long. Caius directed me toward a small collection of caves passed the Asphodel Meadows where he knew mystical onyx resided.
Thick walls of pewter and coal glistened with an array of gems, rainbows of colors reflecting on my skin. Tall, dangerous stalactites dripped from the ceilings while hard, glittering rocks spread along the ground, setting a treacherous undertaking before me. I couldn’t use any tools other than the stones around me to locate the onyx.
I dug farther than I thought possible, my hands raw, fingers cut, hair and clothes disheveled. Sweat beaded my dirt covered skin, stinging open slashes and my breathing was ragged. Nothing would deter me at this point. I’d go through hell and back just to get to Hayden—and that’s what I was about to do. Literally. I needed the perfect piece of mystical onyx first. Nothing else would work.
Finally after several painstaking, bloody hours my throbbing fingers brushed against a chunk of onyx that zinged with power like a livewire. A cry of elation slipped out my mouth and I sat back on my haunches, staring at the black rock nestled between dirt and pebbles.
“There you are,” I breathed, my chest heaving from exertion. I wiped sweat from my forehead with my arm, further smearing grime before digging the rest of the golf ball sized onyx out the ground. I held it so tight the ragged edges bit into my palm as I climbed my way out the hole and back onto the rocky ground of the glittering cave.
I leaned against a large boulder to catch my breath, crimson fire burning in the cave cast dancing flames along the raw onyx in my hand. My heart slammed against my ribcage with anticipation and hope. I would see Hayden soon. He was so close I could almost taste his salty lips.
My limbs ached and entire body screamed in protest, but I wasn’t finished. I had to break the onyx and fit it into the silver band I already made.
Good thing I got that out of the way otherwise my fingers wouldn’t be able to work the intricate mold.
I brushed the hair out my face with dirty hands and held the stone up, concentrating on the glimmering black mass
. I need to do this. I can do this—for Hayden and all the souls of this world.
The Underworld power that was growing inside me lit up and bled through my veins. I sent it toward the onyx, watching it quiver and crack before my eyes. It broke in two, splitting down the middle while a smooth black droplet floated out the center, dangling in midair.
A gasp tumbled out my mouth as I stared at the gem waiting for me to retrieve it. Instead of the painstaking task of polishing the fragment by hand the Underworld delivered the perfect piece as if inviting me to be its goddess.
Maybe it was.
I reached out and grabbed it with my free hand, my fingers running over the smooth glass surface in awe. I dropped the remaining two portions back into the earth where they came from before digging the band from my pocket, amazed the stone was the perfect size. With my powers I heated the braided circlet of silver, melting it and fusing it to the black gem.
The resulting product resembled Hayden’s, a beautiful daintier and delicate match. Crimson flames from the fires reflected in the glossy surface, mixing with the crimson sparks of power nestled deep within its core.
A smile curled my lips remembering the first time I’d seen Hayden’s ring spark. Now I had my own.
The moment the ring slid onto my index finger a multitude of powers flowed through me like hot electricity. Tingles crisscrossed my skin and seeped into my body. My veins filled with fiery power—all-consuming and familiar at the same time. My head tilted back in pleasure and satisfaction, knowing I was made for this. There was no end or beginning. We were one in the same. Forever.
I was a goddess now—immortal—the power of fire and darkness within every fiber of my being.
The Underworld accepted me, giving me the strength to bring Hayden back. He needed me and so did this world. And I intended to fulfill my part and save them both.
Power tickled all the way from my toes to my fingertips to the ends of my hair, zinging with energy. I looked down at my unruly appearance, grimacing at the dirt, sweat, blood, and ripped clothing. This was not how any goddess should look.
I clamped my eyes shut and projected an image in my head. A burst of electricity hummed across my skin and when I glanced down, my body was clean and dressed in a killer outfit.
A laugh bubbled out my mouth as I took in the dark skinny jeans covering my legs with black knee high boots. I wore a tight crimson shirt that had only one long sleeve and a thin strap on the other side. The silver cuff bracelet Hayden made me before I even knew who he was fastened on my bare arm. My dark brown and scarlet hair was in tousled waves.
I caught my reflection in a shimmering silver rock. A slow smile formed across my lips as excitement radiated through my chest. I looked hot… and little bad ass like Hayden.
I stood by the calm waters of the River of Lethe, my reflection shimmering and eyes glowing bright crimson. I’d replenished the waters and souls gathered around in amazement.
Davis hugged me, smashing his face into my shoulder. “You did it Hartley!”
I laughed as he squeezed me tighter. “I did.”
Isaak and Reese strode up with matching crooked smiles. I had a feeling those two were going to cause trouble together in the future involving lotus flowers, ambrosia, and girls. Knowing Reese, probably rowdy games too.
“I better watch out now,” Isaak said. “Hayden’s not the only one that can punish me for sneaking souls into the castle for an impromptu party.”
I popped a hand on my hip. “Got that right.” I winked, letting him know I was only kidding. Mostly.
Reese’s dark eyes slowly drank me in, turning my already warm skin hot. “Damn.” He licked his lips. “You make one hell of a goddess.” He ran his fingers through his black hair. “Do you have to get Hayden out so soon?” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Maybe we can have a little fun first.”
I growled and lit the bottom hem of his shirt on fire with a snap of my fingers.
He cursed and quickly slapped the flames out. “Damn Hartley. I was just joking.”
Isaak scoffed. “Yeah right,” he mumbled under his breath.
Reese shrugged ruefully, the bottom of his shirt still smoldering. “Too soon I guess. Maybe when Hayden gets back I can try wooing you again.”
I ignored the god of war’s halfhearted flirtations and shifted my gaze toward the sky. “One more thing.” I took a deep breath and pulled on my powers that were quickly becoming second nature to me. I extended my palms up and let loose that fiery magic. The darkness rippled and melted, revealing the navy sky complete with wispy gray clouds slowly drifting by.
Elation traveled through the meadow, creating a buzz of excited chatter. Unfortunately I wasn’t finished. With my new full goddess sight I concentrated on the growing boundaries of Tartarus I could barely make out in the distance. Tiny beads of sweat formed on my forehead from the effort it took gathering the massive amount of power needed. My heart rioted in my chest and veins burned with fire until a fever spread the length of my skin.
Finally my invisible force slammed into the ominous walls of purgatory like a tidal wave, driving the darkness and menacing fire back, curling in on itself like a dying, shriveling plant.