Page 40 of Oak & Ember

It was the moment her memories returned to her. The moment she had rescued Evander from Kronos’s clutches, her magic burning to life and allowing her to heal him.

The ground had cracked, and her earth magic sprang to life, not in the form of roses as it had once been, but thorny brambles.

“Yes,” Mona repeated. “Why is this important to you?”

Hestia glanced left, then right, as if searching for eavesdroppers. She grasped Mona’s elbow and pulled her into the shadow of an alley and leaned close, her murmured whispers rushed and intense. “There is an ancient tale of three earth witches whose magic is rooted in both the Underworld and Elysium. Only once their mortal skins have been shed can they unlock the full powers of the Triple Goddess.”

Mona shook her head in confusion. “I don’t understand. What does that have to do with me? And why are you speaking as if this is something to fear?”

“Because if you have died and returned and your magic has changed, it is quite possible you are one of the three witches. It is possible this prophecy will soon be fulfilled.” Hestia leaned closer, her words barely more than a whisper. “And it means Apollo will hunt you down and destroy you.”

Mona’s head reared back. “What?” she hissed. “Why?”

“He wishes to keep his throne,” Hestia said, her words coming out in a rush. “All who challenge him have failed or died, the last being Gaia herself. She was cast out of Elysium as punishment. He is desperate to hold the crown of Elysium, and he will stop at nothing to keep that power. There are rumors that he was behind the demise of his predecessors. Nothing can be proven, but the clues are there, Mona. Be very, very cautious. It will take little to no effort for him to wipe you from existence and sever this prophecy before it is completed.”

Mona’s heart lurched at every word, her breaths turning sharp and ragged. “But surely this doesn’t apply to me. Surely there are other earth witches out there who are more fit for this?”

“It doesn’t matter. Whether you are one of the three or not, it is irrelevant. If Apollo catches wind that there is even a chance you might be related to the prophecy, he will end you without question. The throne means that much to him.”

Mona licked her lips, thinking fast. Fear clenched a tight fist around her heart, but she clung to her own knowledge of Elysium and the history of gods and goddesses to keep her mind from succumbing to terror.

“Jupiter,” she recalled. “He was defeated centuries ago.”

Hestia nodded. “He was not the only one. Athena. Demeter. Several others. Some challenged his claim to the throne, but others did not. There were always whispers that those who vanished had either plotted against Apollo or held information about how to defeat him.”

Mona’s eyes snapped to Hestia. “And where do you stand in all of this? Do you support Apollo? And if you do not, then how are you still here? How has he not killed you as well?”

Hestia’s mouth curved in a satisfied smile. “You are wise to ask these questions of me. Fear not, I do not support Apollo. Gaia was one of my dearest friends.”

Mona’s stomach tumbled at those words. This woman—this goddess—had been friends with her mother?

Did Hestia realize Mona was Gaia’s daughter? Was that why she was helping her?

“But, unfortunately, I have not escaped Apollo’s punishment, either. I, too, am cursed.”

Mona took an unconscious step back from Hestia, her skin tingling with unease.

Hestia laughed. “Fear not. It will not affect you. It only affects how I interact with my acolytes. I am unable to assist them in the mortal realm. I am… cut off from my people.” Sorrow filled her eyes.

Mona’s heart twisted. Hestia was revered among fire witches, and yet she could not help them. She could do nothing for them.

Gaia had mentioned that she, too, was cursed. She could only access a fraction of her power, and she was stranded in the mortal realm.

Oh yes, Apollo certainly knew what he was doing. It seemed as if he had cursed both goddesses so they could not interact with one another again. They could no longer plot his downfall.

Mona wasn’t sure what she believed. She didn’t even know Apollo. Perhaps he was a good ruler. Perhaps the people of Elysium were protected under his care. It was entirely possible that both Hestia and Gaia were wrong to oppose him.

But a feeling deep within Mona’s chest ached with the knowledge that people were suffering and dying under Apollo’s watch. Gods and goddesses were mysteriously vanishing.

Her own mother had been cursed and ripped away from her magic. The very essence of her being. Mona didn’t think very highly of Gaia, particularly because she had lied to her daughters their entire lives, but she still didn’t wish such a fate on her.

“I am sorry you have suffered because of him,” Mona said softly. “I vow to do what I can to help.”

Hestia’s smile grew. “I knew you would. I admit I have selfish intentions in helping you. If you are a part of this prophecy, then you are the key to bringing down Apollo.”

Mona quickly shook her head. “I make no such promise. That isn’t why I’m here.”

“I know. But still, I hope. Besides, if we do find this Evander of yours, then he may be able to help as well. A death god is powerful and will not be tied down by the magic of Elysium.”

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