Page 87 of Raising Hell
“Sorry,” I mumbled.
Hades’ hands settled on my shoulders, and I glanced back in time to see his frown.
“You have nothing to apologize for,” Grace said. “We were ignorant of the complications you’ve been facing, and thank you for your efforts to keep everyone safe.”
Considering all the messages I’d gotten from her to hurry up and figure out what would appease Hades, I was surprised by her words but accepted them with a nod.
“Gods don’t simply forget things, do they, Father?” Megan said before looking at me. “You show up in Hell and wake Hades. Then, someone starts popping into the underworld to try to kill you. Why? Something is telling me that it’s all linked. That someone did something to Hades and doesn’t want anyone to know.”
“Or maybe someone doesn’t like all the damage being done to Earth,” Paxton said.
“But why would an immortal, which is the only thing that guy could be if Father remembers him, care what happens to Earth?” Megan asked.
“Do you know nothing of your history?” Hades asked, wrapping his arms around me. “The gods have fought for dominion over the earthly realm since its creation. The children of the gods act as weapons against Zeus' favorite playthings. If not for the chains that bind me to the underworld, I too would dwell within that coveted realm.”
Grace and Paxton shared a quick look. We were all probably thinking the same thing. Thank Zeus for the chains that bound Hades to the underworld. But I knew Hades well enough to understand he didn’t seek to destroy Earth. He would want to go there because of her. Persephone. To be with her all the time.
My heart clenched and ached at the thought. I hated her for being so sadistically warped that she’d never realized what she had in Hades. Something I now knew I would willingly forfeit my chance to return home to possess.
“How does that relate to someone trying to kill Ashlyn?” Megan asked Hades.
He rubbed his cheek against my hair.
“Perhaps someone is trying to use me to destroy what Zeus’ most cherishes. All know that if any harm comes to my queen, my wrath would make the very foundation of Mount Olympus tremble.”
“But we’ve been to Mount Olympus, Father,” Grace said. “There is no one there.”
The furies fell silent for a long moment.
“I think the answer is in your memories, Father,” Megan said.
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” I said.
“I know, but at the very least, we need to know who is after you. Father, maybe your memories could help us find him.”
“How do you propose we return my memories?” Hades asked.
“I know a druid who might have some ideas.”
“While Megan searches for a solution to your missing memories, we will continue hunting for the one who seeks to harm Ashlyn,” Paxton said.
“Thank you, my daughters.”
With a wave of his hand, the three furies disappeared.
Zotera, who’d silently listened to the entire exchange, moved closer to us.
“Are you all right, Mother?” she asked.
“I’m fine.” I glanced at Hades and found him watching me. He seemed calm enough now, but I didn’t trust his mood to remain that way if Megan found a way to return all his memories.
“We should do something fun,” I said. “Something you find relaxing.”
The smile that curved his lips told me right where his mind had gone, and I shook my head at him even as my fingers itched to return to his skin.
“Isn’t there anything other than sex that you enjoy?”
“Many things, but worshipping you is what I enjoy most.”
