Fall From Grace

Chapter Twenty Nine

Chapter Twenty Nine

"What can I do for you?" I ask the beautiful Goddess standing in front of me. Who knew beauty could be so intimidating.

"I was just wondering how is it that you came to know Hades." Persephone leans over me, giving me a whiff of flowers, and takes some grapes for herself.

"We ran into each other the first time I saw the cult." I answer, not that it is any of her business. But for some reason I feel as if I need to justify myself to her.

"Oh right, all that awful cult stuff." She is either acting dumb, or she is a full on idiot. I would prefer the latter although the probability of that being the truth is slim. "I really do hope Hades can clear up that whole mess, it would be a shame if he was bound to the Underworld. He does love earth very much. He spent a lot of time there after we ended. Trying to fill the void I suppose..."

"Mess?" I am fixated on her choice of words. "This cult is not just a mess. Kids are dying! All because of some massive plot to frame Hades!"

"I can't tell if you are more upset that Hades is being framed, or that kids are dying." Persephone flicks her hair, a signature mean girl move.

"Are you kidding me right now?" I am enraged at this point. I know I shouldn't let her get to me, but this mentality of the cult being a "mess" that just needs to be "cleaned up" is not one that I will tolerate. Not from a Goddess, not from anyone! "No wonder things ended with you and Hades. You may have a beautiful exterior, but it's just hiding how horrible you are inside."

"Not that it is any of your business," Persephone huffs, "But Hades and I parted because I could not bear children."

My mouth drops, and before I can apologize she is gone. I definitely could have handled that better, but her attitude with the combination of Ambrosia made for an extremely loose tongue.

Where is Hades?

Looking around the room, I cannot spot him anywhere. But I do see Eros walking over to me. No wonder Hades wanted me to stick to his side, the same annoying Gods, although I didn't find Eros as annoying as Hades did, keep coming over to me. Maybe if I stuff my mouth with cheese, he'll get the hint.

"Hades left a beauty like you unintended? Tsk Tsk."

He did not get the hint.

I finish what is in my mouth and say, "I can take care of myself."

Remembering what Hades said the last time we were here, I try and seem as confident as I can.

"You can relax, I'm not here to judge you. I can imagine this is all extremely overwhelming for you." Eros says, and a wave of calm passes over me. Did he do that?

"Is this guy bothering you?" We are joined by another.

"Gelos," Eros stiffens. "They still let you go to these things?"

"Bug off." His British accent feels out of place. All of the Gods have some sort of regal accent to them, British or otherwise, but he has a full on British accent.

"Aza Grace," Eros bows, then leaves me to my food and Gelos to do... well whatever he came for.

His British accent is not the only thing out of place. Unlike everyone else, Gelos is not dressed up. He is wearing shorts and a muscle tee with his gladiator sandals, and his hair has one side shaven and the other extremely curly and floppy. It looks much more modern than the rest of the room.

"Hades sent me to get you." Gelos tells me.

"Really?" I want to let out 'Thank God', but realize considering the present situation I am in I should probably keep that to myself.