Page 9 of Guided by the Stars
“Today the Underworld opened, letting Kai into the Mortal World.” He nods somberly before continuing, “It’s not Hades, but we still need to get ahead and figure out their plan. Alexius, as you know, the shift requires my full attention. What you felt could change our balance, draining our power and altering the rules between gods and mortals—”
His words trail off as he drinks from his goblet, draining it in one go, acting as if his power has already been taken.
He sighs, leaning back into his chair, holding his head towards me. “Your assignment is to follow Kai. He’ll slip, he’s Hades’ son after all. If we keep our eyes and ears open, we can stay ahead of our enemy. Always remember, that’s how we maintain power,” he hisses out with the same disdain I’ll feel chasing that asshole around.
I nod, restraining my eyes from rolling back into my head. Centuries of feuding without change. Two brothers, fighting like idiots, both jealous of the other. Hades doesn’t want Olympus. He enjoys his control over the dead just as much as Zeus can’t abandon the mortals. He’d rather declare a war than step foot into the Underworld. Yet here I sit, knowing he will order me to play a game of chase. The assignment is already surpassing this shift he is adamant could unbalance the worlds we are used to.
“This is important. Follow Kai and report back to me,” he barks his orders, leaning forward, challenging me to argue.
I don’t, there’s no point. I’d rather be there than here.
My attention flickers to his fingers as he strokes the black hair from his lips to his chin, forming his next words with care. “I mean it. You’re the last loyal prince in Olympus allowed at my side, my son,” he says and my eyes snap to his.
I mask my clenched jaw, forcing the pulse of my rage to simmer and keep a neutral look at his stormy blue eyes. The ones identical to mine. None of us had a choice in our assignment. My brothers are spread across the worlds, following the orders he has given, ensuring none of us will ever equal his strength. We’re left separated and taught to fight each other for power.
“We’re the royal gods, faced with many rivals, with the ones closest to us causing the most damage. I’ve taught you this. Keep your enemies near, but those who bleed the sameblood, keep them tied to your hand. One misstep and they’ll strike.” His words are true. I witness it firsthand each time I come back to this fucking Hall.
“Understood, my father,” I agree with the only words he wants to hear, ending this meeting.
He nods, standing and dismissing me, “Now go, son. I have a ruling to make.”
He grabs his olive leaf crown and fixes his robe, completing his outfit for judgement day. Someone is about to have their court date in the Feast Hall. Punishment for crimes will be served. I don’t give a shit about their fate. Without hesitation, I leave, making my way back to the wooden cottage, to the place I call home. I’m still assigned one of the noble Halls in the Garden Arena, but there is no fucking way I want to live that close to Zeus. I had to endure weeks of staying in the Feast Hall before I was awarded my choice of living with my guard.
As a guard, Daemyn is provided a small house secluded on the outskirts of Olympus. All the lower level gods live in this area. They are considered to be beneath the noble ones. It helps us out. My family refuses to set foot in this part of Olympus unless they’re forced into action to maintain order. It’s a part of the appeal. We’re kept hidden by the forest surrounding us. We’re able to hide off the radar, giving us the privacy we want and need.
“You made it back, man. After last time, I was worried how long they’d keep you.” Daemyn’s words reach me before I can even pull the door closed.
He’s sitting relaxed against the back of the couch, eyeing me with caution. He isn’t wrong. This summons could’ve ended with my judgement in the Feast Hall. Last night, his shield that keeps my powers hidden fell a few minutes tooearly, exposing me to any god wanting to pay attention. We got lucky. If they felt anything, I wouldn’t be standing here.
I shake my head, making my way towards the kitchen. “Asshole didn’t sense a thing, but I’m opening a portal in ten. Time to chase Kai again,” I call out over my shoulder, leaving him to get ready.
I smile, making my way up the stairs, as he grunts in fake irritation. Unlike myself, he doesn’t mind chasing gods around in the Mortal World.
Kai
When Earthbound
Warmth rushes through my body the moment I step through the portal. Sun rays peek through the trees to light up the forest floor. The sound of birds chirping fills the space, and for a moment I just take it in. I’ve lived so long in the chilly darkness of the Underworld, and I forgot what it’s like to be in the light.
Nestled between a wall of forest and rocks is the Neda Waterfalls. A wooden bridge creates a path over the stream so tourists can hike the entire trail without getting wet, and today it’s packed.
Children run through the small river, careless and free, while their parents snap pictures, and couples lounge against the rocks, basking in the sun’s heat. I don’t know how to distinguish which ones are the descendents, but I hope it’s not the children. Freedom may be something I’ve yearned for, but I won’t rip a helpless child from the loving arms of its parents. That loss is all too familiar, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
As much as I want to enjoy the view, I’m struggling to see past the reason for this visit. This isn’t a vacation for me, it’s a chore. One that puts a permanent scowl on my face.
As I survey the area, a pretty woman catches my eye. She’s standing on the bridge, her back to me as she looks upon the waterfall. Her red hair draws me to her, shining like a beacon in the midday sun. But that’s not why I stare now. Her pants are tight, accentuating the fullness of her ass, and for half a second I wonder if she’d be interested in getting better acquainted.
Another girl comes to her side, a slightly-taller brunette, and when the redhead turns to her my stomach drops. Blue eyes sparkle with amusement at something her friend said, and I want them turned on me, hooded with lust.
Jax interrupts my thoughts with a bump to the shoulder. “I see you found our package,” he says with a wink.
“The fuck?” I reply, sure he must be joking. My mood plummets, but a part of me hopes he’s wrong, because I’d like to spend an hour or two with that girl and kidnapping her might ruin my chances.
“Yup, that’s them. I saw them in a vision, that’s how I knew to portal here. Damn fine, aren’t they?” he says mischievously.
I head further into the forest, wanting privacy to continue this conversation, and Jax follows. I pace, leaving a path in the moss beneath my feet, as my anger mounts.
“If Hades wants to replace Persephone, he can bring his ass up here and do it himself,” I say, kicking a rock beside me and cracking it in two.
