The God & The Shadow

Chapter 47

FLORENS

"She isn't here."

Florens decided on whether or not to comfort her friend, but she knew he would only hate her more if she does. He was after all, 'fine'.

Lore ruefully nodded. "Perhaps I was a fool to hope."

"You're a fool, anyway. Don't let this deter you."

"It won't," He sipped some of the liquor from his glass. Florens realized she'd only seen the god with a drink in-hand for the few times she'd met with him ever since Veronica was taken; an unwelcome guilt blossomed inside her.

Lore quietly grabbed the dagger Florens held and pocketed it behind the lapels of his suit. She brought the onyx dagger with her just in case it could perhaps guide them towards her, especially when she could be within their reach.

But she didn't want to tell anyone how mad she was at herself for the lack of power she had. She was a god, for crying out loud. Why couldn't she do such a simple task? How could a little witch like the one Demeter had block her powers like that?

"Well, this is a surprise." A breathy voice sarcastically exclaimed from behind.

Even though the bustling crowd muted most of the conversation, Florens heard her loud and clear. And she was beginning to hate her perfect vision and hearing when she turned.

"Demeter." She greeted. The Goddess of Agriculture looked younger and better. Her golden locks were tied into an intricate updo, some of it cascading over the green gown she wore. Flowers were pooling at the bottom of the dress, and Florens rolled her eyes at the sight of it.

Demeter ignored her and turned to Lore, slightly bowing. Florens didn't know if it was out of respect or an attempt at mockery, the latter a failure with Lore's bored look. "Hades. It has been some time since we've last seen each other."

The god didn't even care about her goading. "I saw you three months ago at my dear brother's meeting. You left early; were the mortals that needed helping taken care of?"

"They're dealt with." Demeter's cheeks flushed when Lore brought up her sorry of an excuse three months ago which she used to leave Demitricus' meeting early. They should've known by then that it was just a ruse to take Veronica, but they didn't even know she was taking her away, let alone her daughter.

The goddess' head turned to finally look at Florens as if she had only realized she was there. "Florens. I didn't know you came."

Florens had to bite back a rather inappropriate retort that came to mind when she heard 'came', but she had to put aside her unceremonious behavior if they wanted to play their cards right. "Olympus is worth celebrating, even if it was never my home."

"And it never will be." Demeter replied.

Florens scoffed. "Do you mean to tell me something, goddess?"

"I'm just stating the obvious, Florens." She shrugged, "The Underworld suits you far better than Mount Olympus ever could. Wouldn't want the smell of incense to linger in the halls or any of those alien plants of yours in my garden."

The goddess was getting on her nerves, and she knew it. Florens felt the atmosphere change around her, an overwhelming burst of power threatening to permeate through her entire body. Maintaining composure was easy for her normally, but nothing was normal when it came to the goddess she hated the most.