DEMIS (A Clash With Lightning)

39

They made their way up the stairs in silence. They felt a bit awkward. No one really knew what to say or how to comfort Ban. Occasionally, they would sneak glances at him, only to be met with a face void of emotion as he determinedly stomped ahead of them. The encounter with Hades had more than just Ban shook up. It was strange seeing a god in such a vulnerable state. From the moment a human is born, they are taught to love, respect, and fear the gods because they are the better species.

To see a god look weak and frail was unsettling, like a bad omen. It was clear he'd been beaten up because you could see the bruises covering his body. Jasmine had tried to convince him to escape during the commotion of them fighting Alexander. However, Hades refused. He told her he wouldn't leave his servants.

The servants of Hades were human souls that he himself had handpicked to work in his castle to atone for the crimes of their human lives. Usually, they would be sent to Asphodel, but these select few were saved because Hades considered them redeemable. It twisted at Jasmine's heart in particular. It was nice to see a god truly care for human souls, especially since he cared enough to remain in a dangerous situation where he was utterly powerless.

He'd blamed a lot of the atrocities of the Underworld on Zeus. This was a weakness of Hades. He could very well be the most noble and good of all the gods, but that meant nothing if he lacked the spine to stand up to him. If a demigod could accomplish taking the power of the gods, then she was sure that Hades could have done it if he were braver.

Humans deserve someone who would stand up for them, even if it put themselves in danger. This was the main reason she agreed there needed to be a revolution against the gods. They could no longer be trusted to remain in power. She just wasn't sure what a world without the gods would look like.

She daydreamed about people being able to live their lives for themselves—no more living in fear of spending their lives in service to fickle gods who wouldn't think twice about them once they were gone. Even better than that, no more of the gods meddling in people's lives to force a future that benefited them.

Jasmine remembered how a princess from a Middle Eastern kingdom was forced to marry the current king of Crete, who was three times her age. She was personally blessed by Aphrodite at a young age. She grew into a beautiful woman, and she even became famous for her beauty. People from around the world would marvel at her good looks.Unfortunately, King Walsh of Crete became obsessed with her. Zeus forced their arranged marriage to satisfy the king of his favorite country, but also to strengthen Crete. Princess Aisha, of course, had no say in the matter. When she turned eighteen, she was married off to the king, who was fifty-four. They'd been married for four years now.

Jasmine frowned as she thought of the princess. Growing up, she remembered her often making public appearances, greeting people, and she even spoke on tv often. Now, she stays holed up in the castle of Crete. She only leaves when she's required to. No one knew if it was her choice, or if her crazed husband wanted to keep her beauty hidden for only him to see.

Someone needed to stand up for people like Princess Aisha. Zeus' tyranny had run long enough. His legacy would end today. Once they took care of his son, he would be next. She wondered if the king of gods would still be intimidating even as a human version of himself. Would she still be too scared to look in his eyes? No. She refused to be.

She was snapped from her train of thought when they reached the door to the throne room. Ban's fingers grazed the door handle. This was it. They were about to face the greatest threat the world had ever known. He opened the door, and they walked in.

In their immediate line of sight was Alexander, lounging in Hades' throne. He grinned when he noticed their entrance before sitting upright in the giant black chair.