The God & The Shadow

Chapter 19

LORE

"Your house is a mess, Flo." Hermes said as we entered the goddess' home.

Hermes and I sat on the couch in front of the hearth as Florence grabbed glasses and a bottle of wine from the kitchen. "Well, what's the point in cleaning? My last guest was Veronica and I've been spending all my days in the castle."

She laid the glass on the coffee table, Hermes pouring himself a glass and sipping from it. I reclined in my seat as my senses scoured the area, hints of sweet vanilla still lingered in the air. The only evidence that the assassin had visited and drank all night a few days ago.

Florens sat on the floor in front of the fireplace, drink in one hand and a bottle of scotch in the other. She rested her head on the coffee table, then sighed. "I'm beginning to hate books. I can't bear to look at them, let alone read any of them. It's just getting tedious at this point."

"Perhaps it's just you starting to get senile, goddess." Hermes quipped.

Florens tilted her head to the right to look at Hermes. "Oh, fuck off. You were created before me."

Hermes simply rolled his eyes and continued sipping his drink.

Suddenly, Hermes' phone made a sound, causing both of us to direct our gazes at him. He fished his phone out of his pocket, then smiled, which thereafter was quickly turned into a frown.

"What's wrong?" Florens asked.

Hermes rolled his eyes as he gave me his phone. "I finally get Ronnie's number and she replies with this shit?"

I swiped up to see Hermes previous texts from twenty minutes ago.

Seals are very peculiar, but they are also cute. Have you seen a seal in real life?

I just bought something at that mortal shop named after me. Do you think they ship to the Underworld?

I was joking about my previous text, if you hadn't noticed. I shipped it to your address and you can't get mad at me because it's done.

Do you want something from the shop, though? A bag, perhaps?

You better be there when it gets delivered. Make sure you call me as well when you receive it.

Do you think the mortals naming their designer brand after me is a clear sign that I am the most glamorous god? Do you think they've seen my outfits?

Hermes continued prattling on about his random thoughts until I finally scrolled down to read her reply.

Lore, shields

"What the hell does 'Lore, shields' mean? I mean she could've at least said 'Not now, Hermes.' But no. She replied to me with another god's name." Hermes complained.

Florens turned to fully face me. "What does she mean?"

I looked up to look at her puzzled face, then Hermes'.

I stood up and walked to the hearth, lowering my mental shields in the process.

"What are you doing?" Hermes echoed from behind as I called to the darkness, the shadows engulfing the room.