Page 95 of Queen of Shadows and Roses
‘The most powerful of mages, and Bronte is a Supreme Dunamis,’ Hecate answered. ‘Only a handful still exist.’
‘I see.’ Zeus studied Bronte, who lifted her chin defiantly to meet his gaze. ‘Bronte…’ He seemed to roll her name around his tongue. ‘Are they all as beautiful as you?’
‘Fates,’ Poseidon groaned softly while Hades rolled his eyes so hard that I was sure he saw his brain. I cleared my throat in an attempt to suppress a laugh, but Hecate shot Zeus a death glare.
Bronte’s smile was as cold as frost on a winter’s morning. ‘You want an alliance. Yes?’ Zeus gave her a slight nod. ‘That’s why we’re here. We have one condition before we even begin discussions. We will convey the remaining details during the meeting.’
‘And what would that one condition be?’ Zeus narrowed those violet eyes.
‘That the gods behave appropriately. They rule and, as such, should set a positive example for the mortal world: composed, dignified, respectful… and monogamous.’
‘We’re fucked with Zeus,’ Poseidon muttered, earning a slashing look from his brother. I glanced at Hades, whose mouth was twitching.
‘Remember,’ Bronte continued, ‘I am the advisor to the twelve most influential priests and priestesses, who collectively govern the Council of Magic, King of the Gods. So, I suggest you keep your cock in your pants and don’t insult me.’
This time, I couldn’t hold back my snort-laugh. Poseidon nearly choked on his laughter, and even Hades’ lips curved up at one side. Hecate, however, whispered a ‘Fates’, glancing nervously between Bronte and the purple-faced Zeus.
Zeus’s eyes crackled with lightning, if only for a split second, his gaze never leaving the Dunamis. ‘Apologies,’ he muttered, their eyes still locked. Poseidon’s, Hades’, and Hecate’s jaws dropped in unison.
My gaze switched to Bronte. She was the most badass woman I’d ever met in my life, and my respect for her went through the roof. I was so fucking proud of her.
‘Then’—Zeus regained control—‘let’s talk.’ His eyes remained fixed on Bronte as her nostrils flared, but her demeanour settled, and we all took our seats at the conference table. Servers offered wine and nibbles, which both we and the witches accepted. The meeting extended for at least two hours, and Zeus acceded to most of their demands, with Hecate acting as a mediator between Zeus and Bronte. Hecate, Zeus, and Bronte, three of the most powerful beings on Earth.
I chattedwith my old high priestess from the London High Coven for a few minutes, then slipped away striding towards Bronte.
‘Let me explain everything to you. Come to the Underworld with me, even for an hour, Bronte.’ I clasped her hand betweenmine, but her dark eyes startled wide. Hades stood back, giving me space, his blue and golden eyes assessing us both.
‘The Underworld? No, no, and absolutely no way.’ Her nervous gaze flickered towards Hades, who smirked, and I scowled at him.
‘Please,’ I whined. ‘I’ve seen Granny.’ Bronte’s eyes shot back to mine, her smile fragile.
‘Hermione?’ she whispered, and I nodded. Bronte had been a student of my grandmother when Granny was high priestess of the New York High Coven, and their bond had been strong. Back then, Bronte’s magical ability, even at just sixteen, was inconceivable. ‘She’s happy, Bronte. Really happy.’ My breath caught, and Bronte’s arms wrapped around me.
‘I miss her too,’ she breathed next to my ear. ‘Witches can live for hundreds of years, but we are still susceptible to rare magical viruses.’ She sighed. ‘I’m glad she’s happy. I will come, but only for one hour.’ I bounced on my toes and turned to Hades.
‘Hades will shadow-walk us there. Take his hand,’ I said. Bronte hesitated as Hades approached us, and with a gulp, she placed her hand on his. ‘Take us to my garden.’ I smiled up at the god of shadows, and he bowed his head.
We appeared in the soft grassy area beside the lily pond, and Hades left us. ‘Wow,’ Bronte whispered as she walked towards the jasmine and roses clinging to the trellis. ‘This place is the Underworld?’ Her gaze moved in a full circle before landing on the fortress behind, which glimmered like star-fire beneath the ethereal amethyst and silver sky. ‘This place is… beautiful.’
‘This is my garden, but the whole of the Underworld blossoms, Bronte. It’s a wonderful place. Well, it is again.’
‘Again?’
‘Let’s sit,’ I said with a smile as we sank onto the soft grass. I told her everything—Hades’ curse, my rebirth, the cause of the war, how he found and kidnapped me, hoping I’d fall in love withhim again. How, somehow, I had. How we wanted a life together, not just here, but in the mortal realm too, now that his bindings were broken.
Bronte listened in silence, her expression unreadable until I finished. ‘So, it was all because of a mage’s curse that you were reborn…’ she murmured, and I nodded. ‘Bronagh,’ she bit out.
‘Who?’
‘A solitary Dunamis, low-level, but vicious. Your grandmother mentioned her once. She vanished around the same time you did. Power-hungry, cruel… dangerous.’
‘Well, she’s in Tartarus now,’ I said, making Bronte shiver.
‘Where she belongs.’ Bronte stood and walked away towards the lily pond and fountain. I let her go, knowing she needed time to process and reflect. Bronte was an anomaly, but she had been like a sister to my younger self.
‘Persephone.’ That tinkling voice made me jump up. ‘I hear congratulations are in order.’
‘Minthe.’ I gave her a tight smile. ‘Thanks.’
