Page 1 of Poltergeists & Change of Life

CHAPTER 1

“What?” I asked. My mind was a jumbled mess. I couldn’t be sure that I heard her right or if it was wishful thinking. My gaze skipped around the room. All of my loved ones except for my son Jean-Marc were in the house.

Nana was sitting on the arm of the couch and watching with keen interest. Mom was wringing her hands. Nina, Stella, Aidon, Tseki, Layla, Selene, Mythia, and Murtagh formed a protective barrier at the other side of the room. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation and concern.

Persephone sat on the coffee table in front of me. Her ethereal presence was both calming and intense. She was the reason I was pregnant in the first place. She’d given me something to boost my fertility when I was in the Underworld. She and Hades had balked at me being with their son, but they knew we were Fated for one another and decided to take matters into their hands regarding grandchildren.

“Phoebe,” Persephone began, “I said there is a way to counteract the Dark magic injury to your spleen, but it comes with great risks.”

She snapped her fingers and several papers appeared in her hand. They looked like they were old which meant they were likely vellum. Aidon helped me sit up and I looked at what she laid on the table between her and Hades. There were ancient runes and diagrams on the sheet. Everyone leaned in curios about what she had. “The potion required to neutralize the dark spell is incredibly complex,” Persephone explained. Her finger traced the intricate symbols. “It needs the essence of a shadow orchid which is a rare ingredient found only in the Underworld.”

A hushed silence fell over the room as her words sank in. I felt Aidon’s hand tighten around mine. His support grounded me as the gravity of the situation became clear. “This potion,” Persephone continued, “can neutralize the dark spell. But its effects are unpredictable. It might save you and the triplets. But it could also harm all or some of you.”

Aidon shook his head. “We cannot risk my mate,” he insisted. The torment in his eyes when he looked at me nearly killed me. My hand went to my stomach where the babies rolled. He put his hand over mine.

“This is our only chance, son,” Persephone said getting our attention. I blanched when I looked over. Her gaze penetrated my soul. “They will all be lost if we do nothing.”

I swallowed hard. My worry wasn’t for myself. I was frightened for my unborn children. I might not have chosen to get pregnant. but they were mine. I would do anything to protect them. The thought of our triplets, so tiny and vulnerable, fueled my resolve. “We have to save them. What do we need to do?” I asked.

Persephone nodded, acknowledging my determination. “Aidon,” she said, turning to my mate, “you must journey to the Underworld to retrieve the shadow orchid. Only you can retrieve this for your mate. And time is of the essence. The longer thedark magic remains, the more it endangers Phoebe and the babies.”

Aidon cupped my cheek making me look at him. I allowed everything I was feeling into my eyes for him to see. His face hardened with determination and he inclined his head. “I’ll go,” he said as he held my gaze. “But Phoebe, you need to promise me you’ll stay safe while I’m gone.”

“I promise,” I replied, squeezing his hand. “I won't leave the house until you get back.”

“That is best, Phoebe.” Persephone grabbed my hand, snagging my attention. "The process of extracting and combining the essence of the flower with other rare ingredients is delicate and fraught with peril. I will need to use your sanctum once Aidon returns with the ingredients.”

“What else so I need to get?” Aidon asked his mother.

“I will make you a list. You can find most of it in my garden at the house.” As Persephone spoke, Nana reached out and placed a comforting hand on my arm. “We’re all here for you, Phoebe,” she said softly. “You’re not alone in this.”

Mom nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with determination. “We’ll do whatever it takes to keep you and the babies safe,” she said, her voice firm.

Stella gave me a smile from where she was hugging Nina. “We’ve faced so much together, Phoebe. We’ll get through this too.” Her voice was filled with confidence and strength.

I nodded to them and listened as plans were made. It felt like I was in a nightmare and just needed to wake up. Unfortunately, this was my reality. Aidon would soon depart for the Underworld and I would have to prepare for the risks of the potion. It was comforting to know I had my family and friends by my side. Knowing I was not in this alone made all the difference in the world.

The Underworld was a place of shadows and danger, even for the son of Hades. Aidon’s eyes were usually so warm and reassuring. Now they reflected a steely resolve that made my heart ache. His brow furrowed as he met my gaze. “I’m worried about leaving you here, especially with Lyra still a threat,” he admitted.

“She can’t get past the wards,” I reminded him. “We’ve boosted them many times and we have pixies patrolling the entire perimeter. This is the safest place for me.”

He took my hands in his. His grip was firm, grounding me amidst the swirling emotions. “I know. It’s impossible for me not to worry, though. You need to stay safe, Phoebe. And protect our children. I’ll return as quickly as I can.”

The warmth of his touch was a stark contrast to the chill that had settled in my bones at the thought of him venturing into the Underworld alone. “I will,” I whispered, my voice catching. “Just come back to us.”

He kissed me gently, his lips soft against mine, but the kiss was filled with an intensity that conveyed everything he couldn’t put into words. His eyes were filled with love and resolve when they locked onto mine for a moment longer before he turned away. Hades stood up and did something with his arms then.

A swirling vortex of darkness materialized in the middle of the room. It was a portal to the Underworld. Aidon stood up and stepped toward it without looking back. When he crossed the threshold, the darkness seemed to swallow him whole. My heart lurched when he disappeared. I had to bite back my sob. I was being ridiculous. Yes, it was dangerous, but he was the son of Hades and he had a contingent of UIS agents who would be by his side protecting him.

The silence that followed was deafening. I sat there, staring at the spot where he had disappeared. Fear and hope churnedin my chest. Remembering he went to save me and the babies helped to ease the ache in my heart making it bearable.

With Aidon gone, a fierce determination welled up inside me. I placed my hands on my growing belly, feeling the life within me. “I won’t let anything happen to you,” I vowed quietly, sensing their faint movements in response. Despite the dark magic threatening my life and the relentless danger posed by Lyra, I had to stay strong.

Nana moved closer and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “He’ll be alright, Phoebe,” she said softly. “He’s strong, and he loves you more than anything.”

I nodded, trying to muster a smile, but it felt hollow. “I know, Nana. I just hate that he has to do this alone.”

Mom stepped forward and took Aidon’s vacant spot on the couch. “Everything will work out, Phoebe. You need to think about you and the babies. They need your full attention right now.”

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