Page 22 of Queen of Shadows and Roses
Far in the distance, I could see a river; as I stared at it, I wondered if it was the river Styx. Descending the steps, I knelt and picked up a handful of dirt; the inky, sand-like soil trickled through my fingers. Life… I felt the residual embers of life in the dirt, and I smiled. Wiping my hands on my trousers, I surveyedmy surroundings. It was like a black desert with no oasis in sight, and something unexplainable pulled in my gut—a feeling of loss and sadness—emotions I couldn’t understand at all.
My flora magic hummed beneath my skin, deep into muscle and bone, desperate to revive the life that had once thrived. I bent down and placed my hands in the soil. My magic cascaded through every nerve ending, every synapse. Grasses sprouted, flowers bloomed, and a myriad of narcissi appeared interspersed with various vibrant flora as the bare trees changed colour and broad leaves unfurled on the branches. ‘That’s better,’ I muttered as I stood and scanned the landscape as far as my eyes could see.
Turning back, I glanced at the structure behind me. It resembled a crystal fortress—immense and oddly beautiful, crafted from the same mineral as the steps, but imbued with star-kissed sparkles. Aristocratic and imposing, the castle featured tall round towers capped with conical roofs, grand arched doorways, vast windows, and cantilevered balconies. The place was absolutely breathtaking.
As I walked towards the flowing river, more flowers and grass sprouted in my wake. The sight of this began to calm my pounding heart until an almightywoofalmost made my ears bleed. Coming towards me as fast as a speeding freight train was Cerberus, Hades’ demon hound.
‘Oh, crap,’ I screeched as I reached for my dagger. My sheath was empty—I’d left my blade on the kitchen floor. Rooted to the spot, my knees trembled, and my heart galloped as the hound drew closer and closer. ‘He won’t hurt me. He won’t hurt me,’ I whispered to myself.
Cerberus came to an emergency stop in front of me. He crouched on his front paws, ass in the air, and all three heads whining, tongues lolling as his six red eyes fixed on me. One head nudged me, and I toppled onto my butt. He immediatelyseized the opportunity, and the next moment, three long tongues were lavishing me with affection, making me screech with laughter. ‘Well, hello, boy,’ I said as I managed to sit up and pat each head. ‘You’re delightful. You’re not scary at all.’ I ran my fingers through the black fur on his muzzles.
‘Sephy!’ Tee’s stern voice shattered the moment. ‘What are you doing out here?’
I struggled to my feet. ‘Walking,’ I uttered without meeting her gaze.
‘I see.’ She glanced around at the meadow ablaze with colour, and a small smile played on her lips. ‘Let’s get you back. Come on.’
‘See you soon, boy.’ I kissed each of Cerberus’s noses, and he nudged me towards Tee.She took my hand, and with a pop and a flash of bright white light, I found myself back in my room, my stomach lurching. ‘Ugh, I wish you’d stop freaking doing that.’ I walked over to the bed, flopped down on my back, and closed my eyes.
‘I take it lunch was a bust?’ I felt the mattress shift as Tee settled beside me.
‘You could say that.’
‘What happened?’ She nudged my arm.
‘I think he might be pissed off with me.’
‘Why?’
I hesitated and covered my face with my hands. ‘First, I gave him a roasting for kidnapping me. I mean, why bother asking a girl out on a date when you can simply abduct her? Plus, he’s an arrogant twatwaffle.’ I peeked between my fingers and had a feeling Tee was sucking in her cheeks, trying not to smile. ‘Second, I tried to kill him.’
‘What in the gods’ names, Sephy?’ Tee squealed a laugh.
‘And third, I chickened out of kissing him.’ My cheeks were so hot with embarrassment, I kept my hands over my face.‘His grilled cheese sandwiches were good, though, I suppose,’ I mumbled.
‘Well, nothing’s changed there. You’ve always loved grilled cheeseandyour relationship has always been passionate.’
I peeled my fingers away from my eyes and wrinkled my nose. ‘He wouldn’t talk to me, Tee; about the war, about the other Persephone. I lost my shit.’ I groaned and covered my face again.
‘He will, Sephy. When the time is right, I promise. He’s a good guy. Besides, the “other” Persephone is you, and you know it, right?’ I flopped my hands onto the bed and scowled at her, but I had a feeling she might be speaking the truth. How?Howwas IthePersephone?
I was silent for a beat. ‘He’s the king of the Underworld. He embodies shadows and death. I love nature. I love flowers and plants, and Ineedthe sun, Tee.’ I sighed animatedly.
‘He’s not tied here all the time now. He has a life up top, too; you know that, Sephy.’
I wrinkled my forehead, still fighting with my conflicting emotions. ‘He’s also a freaking god. I hate the gods,’ I growl-whispered.
‘You don’t hate me.’ Tee gave me a slight shrug and a mischievous smile.
‘You’re a Titan.’
She chuckled with amusement and shook her head.
I sat up and stared down at my hands. ‘I’m drawn to him, Tee. I’ve never experienced anything like it, and I can’t explain it. It’s so intense; it’s scaring me. I’m like a freaking walking hormone in his presence. But I’m a witch; he’s a god; we’re enemies… It’s not right.’ I lifted my chin as my gaze caught hers, and she took my hand.
She hesitated as though she wanted to say something, then replied, ‘Love is mysterious, Sephy. You can’t fight it, no matterhow hard you try.’ I shook my head and scowled at her. ‘There are eight different types of love. You and Hades had Philia: a deep friendship; Ludus: a playful love; and Pragma: a lasting love.’
‘A playful love with that grouchy git? Seriously? This isridiculous!’ I exclaimed, wringing my hands together and dropping my gaze.
