Noelle felt guilt surge through her body when she and Persephone arrived at their destination. One not from the Underworld would assume it was hot. Hotter than the sun, also known as Helios, hotter than Zeus's lightning bolt, hotter than the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite. The Underworld was quite cool in most parts and often humid. But, in the part Noelle and Persephone resided in, it was scorching hot. It was the part of the Underworld that was referred to as hell. Noelle and Persephone traveled to Tartarus. Thanatos lurked behind. He wasn't entirely paying attention to the conversations Noelle had. His focus was on her, yes. But, more so of the plans he had for her. Hypnos wasn't interested in following her around. He suspected Thanatos wouldn't either, but he offered to do so. Hypnos found it strange, wondering what his attachment was to the demigod. But he didn't question it once. As for Noelle, she was desperate to find a cure. And she didn't care how she got it. The sound of loud chains caught Noelle and Persephone's attention, though nobody was in their sight. Thanatos was careful to make himself unknown, so it wasn't him making that noise. Footsteps then appeared from behind Noelle and Persephone.
"I figured somebody would come and see me. I never expected it to be one of the Demigods, however." A voice lied, though did well to make sure neither would detect it. Noelle and Persephone turned to find out who the voice belonged to. Melinoe stood tiredly, looking paler than ever. Bags were underneath her eyes, and dirt and grim were built up on her dress. Her wrists had red marks from trying to escape. She looked unwell. Thanatos and Hypnos informed her that Noelle would be paying a visit to her, explaining that Hypnos put it in her thoughts. Melinoe wasn't interested in helping. But a few months prior, Thanatos and Hypnos revealed the intentions of the plan to Melinoe. And was offered something she just couldn't refuse.
"I need to speak with you about important matters." Noelle said. Melinoe stayed silent. She held her hands behind her back and walked around, being cautious of where the two stood. As if they'd strike her at any given moment. She had grown weak in her time of being here. She couldn't practice spells and she was far from her place of work. Her abilities didn't work as they used to.
"I know the way Zeus works, Noelle. Persephone does too. You're not supposed to be here. You're not supposed to be talking to me. Why risk getting thrown out of Olympus.. again?" Melinoe asked.
"My sanity is at harm. I need your help. I'm prepared to return the favor if you give me your knowledge." Noelle said. Melinoe quirked a brow at her. She didn't sense any insincerity.
"What can you offer me, Noelle?" Melinoe inquired.
"We both know I can't let you out. Not only am I not capable of doing so, but you also did some terrible things to deserve this." Noelle said, making Melinoe roll her eyes. Noelle turned to Persephone, exchanging a look.
"I'll see to it that you get a hearing. I can't guarantee much will change, but you can at least voice why you think you should be let out." Persephone said. Melinoe scoffed.
"Pointless! They'll never let me out. Offer me something good!" Melinoe exclaimed. Noelle sighed, thinking for a moment. Her eyes went to Melinoe's dress.
"We'll see to it that you're taken to the lake once every two weeks so you may bathe. Also a change of clothes and a supply of food each month." Noelle said. Melinoe tilted her head. She thought of her offer. She didn't exactly enjoy the dirt buildup on her skirt. Her hair was tangled as well. But, she had to accept the offer to get Thanatos and Hypnos's plan moving. With the wave of her hand, a sheet of paper and a feather pen fell into her palm.
"Thought your source of magic had been cut off, Melinoe." Persephone said.
"Hecate is keeping me from performing spells and such that can help me escape as well as harm others. This doesn't harm anyone." Melinoe lied once more. She took the paper over to a rock and set it down. She signed her name over one of the lines before standing up straight and approaching Noelle.
YOU ARE READING
The Five Demigods Who Saved Olympus | Book 1, 2, & 3
AdventureA Demigod of water. A Demigod of afterlife. A Demigod of lighting. A Demigod of destruction. A Demigod of nature. When the Gods and Goddesses of Olympus bargain with the demigods' lives and order them to fight the battles they can't themselves, they...