Page 94 of Hades

War is still holding me as I turn in his arms.

“This is not your fight. I will not think less of any of you if you wish to back out,” I announce as I eye our little group. “I will say the same to the others at the gate.”

None of them move. They all just look around to see if anyone has changed their minds.

“Well, if you are done with your PDA, the first wave is almost at the sands,“ Aphrodite says, the words almost a complaint on her lips.

“We are ready,” I assure her.

Drevi steps closer and hands me my scythe and with that, we continue our little walk.

When I get closer to where Nyx and her daughter are standing I see him. He has his chest puffed out and his twin beside him.

We fan out and cover as much of the shore as we can. If Ares and his army want the beach and behind that gate, they will have to fight their way past us.

“Ah, Auntie, I see Hermès did deliver my message.” Ares smirks.

“Did Zeus drop you a lot as a baby? Don’t you know that you don’t announce your plans to the enemy? Attacking by surprise is the better option. Is that right, Athena?” I ask without glancing at her at my left.

“I mean that would be a better plan strategically.”

Athena had appeared next to me out of a golden light. She is in her trademark golden armor. A gift from her father, most likely. I mean, we can all tell who is the favorite is, am I right?

“How did Hades talk you into helping her?” Ares growls.

“Easy, I don’t back the losing side,” she shrugs.

“What would father say?” he asks with a raised eyebrow.

“‘You’re an idiot, Ares. Why are you taking on Hades again? Do you really want her to kick your ass again?’ Is my best guess.” Athena smiles.

Ares rolls his eyes. “Enyo, get the twins headed back to gather the others. It’s time to teach these pussies a lesson.”

An audible growl comes from his twin but she doesn’t complain as she turns back to the boat.

“What have you done with Charon? He’s not a sell out, did you try to kill him?” I ask.

“You’ll find out soon enough,” Ares replies, lunging towards me as he swings his sword.

A flash of pink arcs up and meets the blade just before it can landit’s blow.

“Did you really think that you could marry one of my descendants and I’d not find out about it?” Aphrodite screams. “You really are a piece of shit, aren’t you?“

Ares blinks in amazement. “YOU TOLD HER?” he roars at me.

“Ares, you just keep proving just how stupid you are,” I say with an eye roll.

“Don’t you worry about Hades,” Aphrodite says to get his attention. “I’m the one going to send you to Tartarus.”

She doesn’t wait for her words to sink in as she swings her swords. Ares blocks it with ease. Aphrodite raises her sword and there are some glancing blows countered before they meet their mark.

Ares takes a few steps back and lets out a battle cry. This springs the still soldiers into action, as well as my team.

There are clangs of metal all around us. Not one comes from me. I stand there as I watch Aphrodite fight for all she’s worth to land at least one hit upon Ares. Once she marrs his cheek with her blade, she steps back and offers him up to me.

He wipes at the drips with his forearm before setting his sights on me.

“Yes, you and me, Auntie.”

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