Page 64 of Seph

“I think we need a scholar for the book stuff before we need the family gossip. Besides, we have Hades for that. Just don’t want to send him off on a false trail.” Simeon sat next to Emily on the opulent couch, the remains of room service between them. Every time he looked at her, she stared back, something unreadable on her face.

I’ll fix it. Whatever I did wrong, I’ll fix it, but I have to be alive—well, alive-ish and on this mortal coil—to fix it.

“What can I do?” Mr. Minegold asked.

“In Greek mythology, did Zeus have other wives before Hera?”

“Oh, yes. There’s Metis, of course, his first wife, the mother of Athena. He ate her by goading her into assuming the form of a fly—she was pregnant at the time. Zeus developed a raging headache over the following months. Hephaestus hit him on the head and split open his skull. Out popped Athena, fully grown and clothed in armor. I suppose Metis was slain. There’s no other mention of her after she bore a daughter. There was a prophecy which stated that if Metis bore a son, that son would kill Zeus. That’s why Zeus turned on her. After a daughter was born—even after Metis had beenswallowed, I doubt he would risk allowing her to live and perhaps have another child.”

“I hate this guy,” Emily muttered.

“Any other wives? Not talking about his random relationships with mortals or even immortals where he went out and knocked ‘em up,” Simeon clarified.

“Ah. Well. While Zeus’ siblings were in his father’s stomach—”

“What is it with this family and eating relatives!?” Emily demanded, flinging herself off the couch and starting to stalk around the room.

Minegold continued as if he hadn’t heard. “— Zeus took his second wife, Thetis, but they didn’t remain together. Some say they parted amicably, but if one reads between the lines, it’s likely that Zeus’ affair with her sister, Mnemosyne, the Titaness of time and memory, actually has something to do with it. Some say they were married for years, while others claim it was only nine days. She bore him the Nine Muses.”

“Nine babies in nine days?” Emily squawked.

“God stuff.” Simeon shrugged.

“It was likely nine days to the gods, but a thousand years is a day in their sight. I believe that may have something to do with Mnemosyne’s powers. She can manipulate time—but also memory. One might think they’ve only been married for a short time because she wishes it to be seen that way, while others who can see through her powers might realize it’s longer.”

Simeon met Emily’s wide eyes, watching them narrow. He’d seen that look up close. Target acquired.

The huntress senses the prey. I’m so glad I’m not the one she’s waiting to stake this time.

His cock twitched hungrily.But I want to feel her prowling after me. Pouncing. Catching, chasing, fuck, yes—

“Simeon? Simeon, are you there?”

“Hm?” He almost dropped the phone as Minegold’s voice repeated insistently in his ear.

“Very little is known about Mnemosyne other than that. She’s not in many myths. I suppose she’s only considered important as an attachment to Zeus.”

“A pawn. An immortal pawn, devoted to Zeus,” Simeon mused, voice hushed.

“We need to call Hades and find out where she is.”

“If she can manipulate memory, then he might not know where she is!” Simeon pointed out.

“I’m going to get off the phone now and do a bit of my own research. If I find out anything useful, I’ll call you, Simeon. Godspeed and be careful, won’t you?”

“We will, Jakob. How are things at home?” Simeon saw Emmy’s shoulders jerk.

Home. One little word about does her in.He came to stand in front of her, fingers lightly brushing her hair back from her face.

“Things have been lovely and peaceful. Lots of preparations for Halloween—and you’re not here to enjoy them, my dears.”

“We’ll be back soon,” Emily cut in firmly. She rose as Simeon ended the call, pacing again. “Things shift to the West. The Goddess of Agriculture is in Idaho. The Goddess of Marriage has a flashy Manhattan bridal boutique. The King of Gods trots around Washington D.C. and New York City. Where would Mnemnosyne be?” Emily demanded.

“We don’t have to guess. We’ll just call Hades and ask—but let’s not give him too many details. If he tips off Zeus, Zeus will tip off his cast-off, and if she does have Persephone, she’ll move her or hide her or something. This has to be subtle.”

Emily nodded. “You’re actually very good at subtle.”

“Are you kidding me, love? You blend in anywhere, with anyone. It’s what makes you a consummate hunter.” He slid his hand over her hip, loving the way she melted into him, loving the way she studied him, lips parted, nostrils flaring. His mind castback over memories of the younger Emily, the more ruthless, oddly less human Emily.

---