Queen Of Hell & Paradise (Immortal gods: Book 1)

Chapter 26- Hades' Mini-Lessons

Samantha

The past week has been filled with studying.

And not just any studying at that- Hades has had me reading books, myths and legends on the history of the underworld. I've been neglecting some of my schoolwork to focus on the mini-lessons. Between cheer practice and the game on Friday, my schedule has been pretty tight for the last couple of days.

With the weekend approaching, the thought of rest has me daydreaming- even as Hades himself stands in front of me, attempting -and failing- at keeping me awake.

"Samantha," he chides, tapping the surface of my desk for the third time in the past ten to fifteen minutes. I look up quickly from my dozing and feel dizziness mask over the sleepiness of my head.

"I'm awake!" I quip, abruptly feeling a heaviness take over my eyes again. Hades frowns, but there's a small upturning of his lips on the corners of his mouth.

"Perhaps we should abandon our small lesson today and continue it during the weekend?" he asks, picking up the heavy books littered all over my room. Sometime in the last three days, I managed to convince him to enter my room without feeling guilty. Now, three days later, here we are- boring me to death. I perk up at the thought of a break.

"That sounds great," I chirp, stretching out my arms and yawning. I'm suddenly not tired anymore. Hades frowns.

"Samantha, you really should try and engage with the lessons. If by the end of the month you choose to remain in my realm- it is imperative you understand how it is run," he says flatly, giving me a look. I roll my eyes and heave a sigh.

"We've been studying the Underworld every day for the past week, Hades! I already know everything there is to know about it," I whine, falling back on my bed. He walks over and stands above me, looking down with a disapproving expression.

"Samantha, there is much more to be learned. I suggest you prepare yourself mentally because this weekend we continue your lessons," he says, picking up a large black book and skimming through its pages.

I give him a mild look.

"What more is there to learn?" I say, agitated. I already know all about the inhabitants of the Underworld- including its monsters and divine population. I've learned more than I'd like to about greek heroes like Heracles and Perseus, Achilles and Theseus- all names I can't even pronounce. I've learned about the origins of the greek gods, the Titanomachy, Zeus' ascension to power.

At this point, I know more about greek mythology than Nancy the geekiest bitch at school. I don't think my brain can stand all this at once. If this is just the beginning of our lessons, what else is left for the next two to three weeks- when my month is up?

Hades raises his brows, doubtful I remember a thing he's taught me. I may not be the most interactive student, but I'm a quick learner- despite what he may think.

"Is that so?" he asks, closing the book in his hands. I nod confidently, I'm not just a quick learner. I'm good with retaining information too.

"Name the source of all the rivers in the underworld," he says, setting the book down on my desk.

"The river Styx," I answer proudly. Hades nods, mildly surprised I answered his question correctly. He smiles sarcastically at me.

"Which divine being is responsible for the safe transportation of souls from the earthly realm to the Underworld upon death?" he prods, raising an expecting brow.

"Thanatos," I answer quickly, not giving Hades enough time to finish his question. He nods again, a little more surprised.

"Who slayed the gorgon Medusa and saved the princess Andromeda from the sea monster Cetus?"