"I asked him for it.
For the blood, the rust,
for the sin.
I didn't want the pearls other girls talked about,
or the fine marble of palaces, or even the roses in the mouth of servants.
I wanted pomegranates--
I wanted darkness
I want him.
So I grabb...
"I was wondering when you would call another meeting, uncle," I said. "Did my ears deceive me when I heard the good news?"
"No," Thanatos answered. "The Queen is back. The curse of the Underworld has taken its toll on her, and Hades brought her back to heal."
Charon leaned back and laughed. "Oh, at last. How is she?"
"She is well," Hekate said. "Weak, but well. Why did you call this meeting, Morpheus?"
"Now that the Queen has returned, Zeus will be hot on our heels," I began. "The only reason he got in last time was that Hermes and a servant opened the Gates. Zeus will try to get in again. We need someone else to protect the Gates. Kerberos is excellent at his job, but he needs reinforcement."
"Hades will be suspicious if I suddenly disappear, so it can't be me," Hekate said with a shake of her head.
"No one will be dead if I stop my job," Thanatos replied.
"The Underworld can't have Judgments without me," Charon answered.
"Father," I said, looking at Hypnos, "do you mind taking on a heavier load? If you take my job temporarily, I can help guard."
"I do not mind."
"Good. Then I will reinforce the Gates to the Underworld. If anyone asks where I am, tell them I found a mortal girl."
"Are we ever going to reveal to Calantha and Hades the meetings that we have had over the past year?" Hekate asked.
I shrugged. "Possibly down the line, sure. For now, it is still a secret."
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When I woke up, the bed was empty. I sat up. For the first time in what felt like forever, I woke up refreshed. My muscles didn't ache as I moved, and I wasn't in the least bit drowsy. I felt amazing.
"Magnolia, you are awake."
I turned to see Hades sitting on his couch, a book in his hand. "What time is it?"
"A little after eleven."
My eyes widened. I never sleep this late! "You let me sleep for this long?"
Hades set his book down, climbing in with me. He placed a kiss on my forehead. "Well, clearly, you need it. I tried to wake you for breakfast, but you didn't even stir."
"Wow. Really?"
He nodded. "How do you feel?"
"Excellent, to be honest. I haven't felt this good in a while."
"Good. I told you it wasn't all in vain. I will go and fetch some food for you."
Once Hades came back with food, I asked a question, "How long do you think we have until my mother notices that I am not there? She didn't notice I was sick for a whole month, so I bet two weeks."
