The Shadow Summoner | Book Three - PJO Universe

twenty

TO BE DEAD OR TO NOT BE DEAD?

When Ariana opened her eyes, she instantly knew where she was.

The underworld, more specifically her bedroom.
Instinctively, she reached for her chest - where the arrow had pierced through her skin.

It wasn't there, Ariana didn't know whether that brought her relief or panic.

"Hello again, Ariana." A dark silhouette appeared over her; it was her father Hades, looming over her.

He was silent as always, but despite that there was a hint of sympathy in the god's tone. His gaze wandered from her to the place the arrow had been, only a moment prior.

Ariana looked at her father, whom she hadn't spoken to in months. The girls throat felt dry, she didn't know what to do.

Was she dead? Was Jason alive and well? What about Apollo and Meg? Piper? What was happening?

Since she was a child, Ariana had expected to die at a young age - most demigods did, especially powerful ones.

Ariana had expected that but now the possibility of death seemed real and she regretted not having more time with Apollo in his mortal body.

"Am I..." Ariana's voice faltered, it was hard to find the words to say outloud. "Am I dead?"

Her father looked at her, with a small smile.

"No." He breathed out, like he was proud of himself. "I intercepted the moment the arrow hit you."

Ariana sat down on her bed, her brain trying to figure out what was going on. Only a minute ago, she was intercepting an arrow in order to save Jason's life.

Now, she sat in her bedroom, having a conversation with her father about what should've been her death.

Eventually she shook her head, looking up at him. "I don't understand, you can't do that - it breaks ancient rules doesn't it?"

Hades shrugged, as though he hadn't even thought of the possibly consequences that could occur.

"I am a god. I have the power to do much. The arrow didn't hit you, it struck a shadow, your own to be specific. You will not be a casualty of this battle."

Surprisingly, his voice was calm something Ariana couldn't comprehend as her own mind was rushing with questions.

How could he stay so calm after his daughter nearly died?

Ariana was still confused. "What?"

It didn't make sense.

Hades, king of the underworld knew better than anyone to try and cheat death so why had he?

Hades looked at her with a kind smile, his voice even more gentle, now.

"Because you're our daughter. We couldn't let you die so young." He said simply, as if that cleared up everything.

Of course it didn't and instead created new questions for Ariana - only a few she could answer on her own.

"We?" Then realisation hit Ariana. "Persephone."

Hades chuckled.

"Correct. I'm afraid that she was quite insistent that you stayed safe." He said with a faint grin as he stood by the foot of her bed.

Ariana looked around her room, it was the same as how she had left it last, the dog bed at the end of her bed had a sleeping Skye in it.