Persephone's Cage [Connor Stoll]

chapter two

The next day, Lilly wanted to curse the gods. They had decided to allow the snow to come back into camp, after weeks of keeping the temperature warm. Lilly bundled up in a green coat, leaving her dirty blond hair down to keep her neck warm.

"You're seriously still training out here?" A new voice sounded. Lilly was glad the weather was cold, or else her blush would have been more suspicious. She turned her gaze onto the boy that stood in front of her.

Landon Montgomery was the one demigod that every girl wanted. As a son of Aphrodite, that was to be expected. His looks were practically flawless, with a sharp jawline and the perfect balance between skinny and muscular. His deep brown eyes were mesmerizing, and coupled with his tousled brown hair, he was dangerous.

Not actually, of course, but that was besides the point. "Hey, Landon!" Lilly gulped, hoping she didn't sound too giddy to see him. "Um, yeah. I really need to get better at archery."

Landon nodded, a smile on his lips. "You never know when to quit, huh?" His teeth shined like the snow on the ground, and Lilly felt her stomach flip. "I've always admired that about you."

She laughed quietly. "Thanks. I try to keep at it. I don't like giving up." She brushed some hair behind her ear, before setting her bow gently on the ground. "So, what brings you here?" Most kids didn't go to the archery arena, unless they were Apollo's kids, or anyone who prefered a bow. And she knew Landon didn't use one.

"I actually came here for you." Landon looked at the ground, his smile turning a bit shy. "I saw what happened last night, and...I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

Lilly felt her heart melt at the sentiment. Her blush deepened, but she kept her composure. "Yeah, I'm..I'm alright. I just have a deep fear of hellhounds."

"May I ask why?" Any feelings of happiness disappeared, leaving the girl feeling hollow.

"Uh, not right now." Lilly frowned. "I really don't want to remember it right now."

Landon nodded, and gave her another flash of his charming smile. "Well, whenever you want to talk about it, I'll be here for you."
Lilly stared at the son of Aphrodite in surprise. She had never been that close to him, just acquaintances at most. Yet here he was, offering his support. It just made him even more hot.

"Lilly! Lilly!" Her brother bounded up to her, a big smile on his face. She gave Will a confused glance, urging him to go on. "You were right! I just told Nico how I felt, and I-" He paused, just now noticing Landon. "Oh, um. Never..nevermind."

"Oh, no. Don't mind me." Landon waved his hand in the air. "I won't tell anyone what I heard. And Lilly, don't forget what I said." He flashed her a smile, to which she returned, but she could have sworn he saw him frown at Will.

Lilly shook her head. "So, what did Nico say?" She asked.

Will and the girl sat in the snowy field, talking about his new found relationship with the son of Hades. His smile was wide and his eyes were filled with happiness, and Lilly couldn't help but smile herself. Seeing her brother so happy was a truly rare sight, with him constantly stressed in the infirmary and death that surrounded him. She loved this.

"Oh, um, it looks like you have more company." Will looked past her, locking eyes with someone. Lilly turned and groaned loudly.

Travis and Connor Stoll stood behind her, fiddling with their hands or hair. "I'll be back, Will. Tell Nico I said hi." She stood up, before moving closer to the two sons of Hermes. She wrapped her coat around her tighter, fixing her blue eyes into a glare. "What do you want?"

"We wanted to apologize." Travis started. "We really didn't know you would be that scared."

"Yeah." Connor continued. "It was supposed to just make you jump, then we were gonna call her back and we would all laugh. But you're right, I don't think."

Travis gave him a side glance. "We both forgot how you reacted when Mrs. O'Leary first came to camp. So, please, if you could-"

"WHERE IS SHE?" A loud voice boomed, causing the three to jump. "WHERE IS MY WIFE?"

"What the hell?" Lilly shouted.

"There!" Connor pointed. "By the cabins!"

A tall, dark figure loomed, obviously a god by his height. The three ran to get a closer look, running into all the other demigods who were screaming and crying.

"Father?" Nico di Angelo called out, and Lilly put the pieces together. It made sense that this was Hades, as his hair was long and black, messy just like Nico's. His skin was a sickly white, and he wore black robes over his thin body. "What are you doing here?"

The god shrunk to normal size, but he was still massive. He stood at six feet, which towered over Lilly's five six frame. "Persephone has been taken." Gasps rang through the camp, giving Lilly a spike of fear. "I could not find her in the entire Underworld, and if anyone has a clue of her whereabouts, I have assumed they would be here."

Hades's eyes landed on Lilly, and she instantly felt dizzy. She grabbed her head, barely hearing Connor Stoll asking if she was alright. The god's eyes narrowed, and the girl collapsed, darkness covering her vision.