“I can,” Persephone said with a grin. “And trust me, it’s much better than what you’ve been planning. The guardian who has kidnapped you has given us the perfect opportunity. Convince him to take you to Argolea. The Argolean queen has something that I want. A small orb with four chambers. When you have it, bring it to me, and I will make sure the gates of Olympus are finally opened to you.”
Maelea’s skin chilled. Her mother wanted her to steal the Orb of Krónos for her. The relic that held the power to release the Titans from Tartarus and bring about the war to end all wars. The talisman every god was searching for, including her father, Zeus, and her mother’s sadistic husband.
No…way.
“Why…why me? Why can’t you get it yourself? You’re not technically an Olympian. You can cross into Argolea.”
“True, but I cannot get into the castle, which is undoubtedly where the queen has hidden my gem. But she will let your guardian in. In fact, her Argonauts are searching for him now, trying to bring him back. He has ulterior motives, child. Motives that will lead to your demise, if you are not careful. Convince him to go back to Argolea and get help. Then when you’re there, find the Orb and bring it to me. Once you do, Olympus will be yours.”
Wariness crept through Maelea. “Why are you offering me this deal now? Why did you never offer it before?”
“Because I couldn’t when I was in the Underworld. Hades would have known what I was up to. And before that…the Orb had not been located.”
“You’re not planning to give it to Hades?”
A wicked smile spread across Persephone’s ruby red lips. “Of course not. Do I look stupid? I may love the son of a bitch, but I will not let him control something that should be mine.”
Persephone wanted power. All the gods did. The fact Maelea thought her mother would be different just because she was her mother proved just what a fantasy she’d been living all these years.
“I don’t need your help,” she said. “I found Hades’s therillium mines. Once I tell Zeus where they are, he’ll grant me access to Olympus.”
“You found the mines?” Interest sparked in Persephone’s eyes. And too late, Maelea realized she should have held her tongue. Even if her mother plotted against Hades, she was ultimately loyal to him, and there was no guarantee the secret Maelea had just revealed wouldn’t make its way back to his ears. A secret that would only inflame his hatred for her. “Oh, now that is an interesting turn of events. One that might yet become useful to me.”
A smile slinked across Persephone’s face while Maelea cursed her quick tongue and held her breath, waiting…for what, she didn’t know.
“It is of no matter to you, though,” Persephone finally said. “The therillium mines will not be enough to prove your allegiance to the gods. A good start, but not enough. The gods require sacrifice. One made in blood. Proving the risk you take is worthy of the reward.” Her smile grew wider. “Which is why you need me. With me, there is no risk. No blood. Get me the Orb and I will grant you the freedom from this world you have long sought.”
Persephone pushed to her feet, crossed the space between them, and slid a small vial filled with clear liquid into Maelea’s pocket. “This will help you lure the Argonaut to your way of thinking.”
Maelea knew her mother was right. The location of the mines wouldn’t be enough. Disappointment flowed even as she looked down at the vial disappearing into her pocket. “What is it?”
“A concoction of ancient herbs guaranteed to grant you control. Seduction is a powerful aphrodisiac, and no male can resist a woman’s wants when he’s under her spell. If you play him right, he’ll take you to Argolea. Then it’s up to you.”
She stepped back. Began to fade.
“Wait!” Maelea jerked on the cuffs. The headboard rattled again. “Release me first!”
Persephone’s lips turned up at the corners. “You have to continue to let him think he holds power over you, even if he doesn’t. Only then will he be unguarded long enough for you to get what I need. Don’t forget our deal, child.”
She left as quickly as she’d arrived. Maelea stared at the empty chair as the room swirled around her. Her mother wanted her to steal the Orb of Krónos? Dread filled Maelea’s chest as she thought of the consequences. If she did that—even if Persephone did grant her access to Olympus—Zeus would be pissed. All the gods would be pissed. Life there would be no better than it was here. Worse, in fact. And if Hades ever found out…
She shuddered at the thought. No, that was most definitely not an option. No matter how much she wanted to get to Olympus, even that wasn’t a risk she was willing to—
A growl echoed near the door. Maelea jerked around, listened. A clicking sound echoed, followed by the door handle rattling.
Her heart rate skyrocketed.
“I smell her,” a voice echoed from the other side of the door. A nonhuman voice. A monster voice. “And she’s alone.”
***