Poseidon's Academy

Chapter 30. The Elysian Fields

Hailey braced herself to be flung across the room like she'd been in the pit.

But instead of hurling through the air towards an iron wall, the room started spinning, swirling into a haze of black.

When the world reformed, Hailey was standing back in the Underworld's entrance, staring at the bright tunnel to the Elysian Fields.

Black mist swirled in front of the tunnel as Hades materialised. A cruel smirk curved his lips. 'My, my, you all look defensive. Nevertheless, I have no intention of harming you, providing you don't resist.' His eyes glistened expectantly, as if he wanted them to attack.

Well, too bad, Hailey thought. She wasn't about to give him a reason to justify killing them. Beside her Aaron clenched his fists, and she thought for one terrifying second that he was going to charge. But he didn't. And nobody else did either.

Hades's expectancy turned to disappointment. 'Very well. You will remain in Elysium until I say otherwise. But if you attempt to escape from the Underworld, I will treat you like criminals, children or not.' His gaze was hard, leaving no doubt he was being sincere. 'That is, of course, if you survive Fifth.'

'Fifth?' Alec asked.

'Fifth is the fifth descendant of Cerberus,' Hades said, explaining how the three-headed monster had survived for so long. Hades shifted aside. 'You may enter now.' He swiped his hand towards the Elysian Fields, and the invisible force returned to yank Hailey and her friends forward, pitching them through the tunnel, where they landed in a crumpled pile at the other end. 'Remember, no escaping,' Hades growled before disappearing in a swirl of mist.

'Everyone okay?' Aaron asked as they disentangled themselves from one another.

Hailey didn't know if anyone responded. She didn't, being too enraptured by the ethereal music drifting through the air to care about anything else. It made Nerissa and Cleo's singing sound like a screeching harpy.

She forced herself to stand up, and the second she did, she became lost in her surroundings.

A paradise stretched before her, appearing to go on forever in every direction. A sparkling diamond path weaved its way through the vibrant green grass, breaking off into several directions.

One path led to a magnificent garden, where sunflowers, tulips, pansies, and dozens of flowers Hailey didn't recognise, bloomed in dazzling colours. Fruit trees were mixed in among the flowers, the plush silk cushions at their bases offering a comfortable place to relax. A languid river curved its way through the garden, tracing its path from a glistening waterfall.

Another path led to an open area ringed with round tables draped in thin silk cloth, circled by elegant chairs. Banquet tables offering a sumptuous feast were mixed among them. Hailey's mouth watered as the aromatic smells of roast chicken and marinated beef wafted towards her, mingled with the sharp rich scent of cheese, and the sweet smell of chocolate.

She wondered whether Hades had pushed some kind of button to produce the food for them, or if it had been waiting there from the last time humans had occupied the Elysian Fields centuries ago, kept from spoiling by some kind of magic.

She didn't dwell on the thought. Following another path with her eyes, she spotted a white marble temple bordered by polished pillars. She was positive if she entered it, she would find a statue of Hades, and probably Persephone too, waiting to be worshipped.

The final path led to a palace constructed of pure gold, which shone as brightly as the sun in the violet-blue sky.

Hailey gazed expectantly at the sky, waiting to feel a rush of power.