Lexi's Fate (Book 2 of A Goddess Unraveled)

~61~

The evening was proving to be one of the longest Hades had ever experienced. A couple factors played into the equation. First, he was curled up in a chair in front of the fireplace, which made for a horrible bed, and a nauseating smell permeated his chamber, a smell he feared would not be easily removed. His worries kept him restless, especially whenever Persephone groaned or mumbled words in her sleep. She spoke to Eros a good amount.

Lexi also remained at the forefront of his worries. Hades' blood chilled every time he thought of her at the home of his cocky brother, Poseidon. Z was no better, but Hades knew Z would not attempt to woo Lexi so soon after she found out he was her father, unless he used deception to get what he wanted. No, it was too soon, but Poseidon he did not trust. If Lexi snubbed his advances, he would find a way to deceive her and sate his lust.

For the umpteenth time, Hades unfolded from the chair and walked about the room. He had assured Hecate he would keep a close watch on Persephone while she returned home to gather more supplies and check on the animals. Jocelyn was taking a much needed rest in her room, and the castle had fallen into an eerie quiet save for the wailing wind outside.

Filling a goblet with water, Hades quenched his thirst as he stood in front of the window. The wind rarely howled in the underworld. In fact, the sound made his skin crawl. It felt too much like a bad omen. He knew Persephone's presence influenced the weather, and when provoked to anger, she had been known to bury the castle in snow, forcing Hades to use his body heat to melt an escape route.

For the first time in a long time, Hades felt helpless, and if he was to be truly honest, he felt afraid. After lifetimes of serving the inhabitants of the underworld, of catering to the souls who passed through the gates, of doing his job to the best of his ability, Hades had cultivated a sense of purpose. He could accomplish all of these tasks with confidence and fearlessness, but he could not mend broken hearts.

Hades retreated from the window and the haunting wind, walking to Persephone's bedside to stoop over her. He monitored her faint, almost non-existent breaths, remembering what she said about Lexi being the one to bring him long-lasting happiness. He felt this too, with every fiber of his being he felt this. He would always love Persephone, but he knew it was time they set each other free. If not, the gods may experience the longest winter of their lives.