Page 85 of Hades

“He did what now?” Her face is now a flaming-red color at this point.

“Yes, he’s topside living with a mortal, happy as can be,” I remark.

“When do we leave?” is all she asks.

“Pyro can escort you to the Underworld now. I have only one rule,” I tell her.

“I’m listening,” she says, a bored expression on her face.

“No love magic on my men or Harper’s. Seph is with Lainie, so he’s off limits as well. Better yet, you have any lovesick demi-gods to bring with you?”

“That can be arranged. Also, Athena will join us. I’m not a hundred percent sure what Ares did to her, but I heard her plotting revenge,” Aphrodite states.

Pyro and I exchange a glance when she snaps her fingers and three shirtless men appear.

“I’m ready,” shetells Pyro.

“Boys, come,” she orders.

Aphrodite hooks her arm with Pyro’s and leads him out of the door. The men follow as if they are lost little puppies, no second thoughts in their heads.

Well, that was easier than I thought it would be and if Athena is willing to fight, Ares is so screwed. But before I pat myself on the back, I need to verify that Aphrodite is telling the truth. If I were Athena where would I be?

Training grounds are the first place I decide to look, it is the opposite way of where I found Aphrodite. I leave the pink room, closing the door behind me and head back the way I came. The last thing I wanted to do was send Pyro off with the Goddess of Love but we are on a mission to find allies and what better way for me to test her loyalties than to tempt her with a gorgeous man?

I pray that I don’t run into any of the gods that I have wronged or will always side with Ares as I make my way to where the sounds of swords clanging grow louder. Just before I get to the doors that house the training behind them, Nyx and her daughter motion for me to come over.

“We two know of your plight with Ares. We want in. He has stolen some of our hellhounds and he will rue the day he crossed us,” Nyx promises. The stars in her eyes glitter as if they are agreeing.

“He really is a dumb bitch isn’t he?” I ask.

Hemera smirks and agrees with me. “That he is. What is the plan?”

“Do you two know how to get to the Underworld from here?” I ask.

They nod yes.

“My mates are at my palace along with Aphrodite and myniece Harper. They can fill you in once you arrive. I have to chat with Athena and then I will join you.”

Without another word, they are off. Nyx’s black gown sparks as she walks away and in contrast to her mother, Hemera’s orange dress seems as if it’s on fire. A trail of hellhounds meet up with them halfway, following with their bushy, black tails wagging.

I wait until they are out of sight before pulling on the wooden doors in front of me.

Slipping in with the shadows, I watch in amazement as Athena bests any of the challengers before her.

“Would you like a try, Auntie?” She smiles as her eyes lock on mine.

“Do I have ‘idiot’ stamped on my forehead?” I ask as I pretend to wipe the word away.

This gets a laugh from her.

“So, a little birdie told me that you will fight with me, when the time comes. Is this true?”

“Aye, Ares is a fool if he thinks that any of us will allow him to rule. He is bloodthirsty and once he gets the throne, the bloodshed will never end. I can’t have this happen. So I will fight on your side to prevent this. Not even my father wants him to take it from you,” she admits.

“Well, I’m personally grateful to have you on my side. Now I’ll have not only powerful goddesses on my side but my horsemen, maybe Ares will get the message not to fuck with me again.”

“Don’t be too sure, he is kinda thick,” she laughs as she replaces the rapier into its holder.

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