Page 75 of Dead End

“Busy, as always. She spends more time in the mortal realm than anywhere else.”

No surprise there. The goddess of discord and strife was very good at her job. I was surprised I hadn’t crossed paths with her at any point.

“Whenever you’re ready to share your story, I’m here. I’m an excellent listener.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks.”

Lethe offered a friendly wave. “See you around, Melinoe.” The nymph disappeared beneath the rippling waves.

I emerged from the water as dry as a bone. The gateway to the inner realm loomed large ahead of me, as beautiful and intimidating as I remembered. The ancient archway had been carved from stone that had grown jagged and dark by centuries of use. Gnarled roots snaked around its base. Intricate symbols adorned the arch, each etched with care, hinting at the fates that awaited the souls. The door was shut at the moment, holding back the secrets that lay beyond.

Cerberus sniffed me out immediately, bounding toward me with the energy of a ten-week-old puppy. The souls huddled together at the sight of him.

“It’s okay,” I told them. “He won’t hurt you.” I stroked each of the three heads. “He’s a gentle giant.”

The souls inched closer, staring at the creature with wide eyes. I tried to picture the interaction from their point of view. A three-headed beast with glowing eyes and scaldingsaliva that dripped from his jowls. If I hadn’t been raised with him, I’d be terrified too.

A bell sounded, haunting and ominous. The door creaked opened.

Souls surged forward, eager to have the secret revealed. I held back with Cerberus and let them press inside. I was in no rush.

The hellhound accompanied me through the archway. He stayed a couple steps ahead, on alert to fend off any objections to my unorthodox arrival.

“I remember the way now,” I told him, in case he thought he had to lead.

The hellhound waited for me to fall into step with him and continued.

We were in the inner part of the realm now, the heart of Hades where the gods dwelled and where the underworld was divided into sections: the Asphodel Meadows, where ordinary souls wandered; The Elysian Fields, also known as Elysium, where honored souls enjoyed an idyllic afterlife; and Tartarus, the pit of despair where gods were imprisoned and souls were punished.

Then, of course, there was the inner sanctum where I’d lived with my parents. It wasn’t a typical palace, although there was a throne room. Like the archway, the residence had been carved from ancient stone and filled with the treasures my parents had collected from the mortal realm over the centuries. Vases. Urns. Paintings. Draperies.

Cerberus nudged me toward the throne room, where my aunt was holding court. Her gaze landed on me immediately.

“You are dismissed,” she announced, cutting someone off mid-sentence.

Curious eyes skimmed me as they filed out of the room. I waited until the space was clear to enter, leaving Cerberus to wait in the hall.

“You came.” My aunt sounded surprised.

“Another option failed to present itself.” There was no reason to burden her with events at home. I doubted she would care anyway.

She drummed her fingers on the arms of the throne. “I see. Well, I’m pleased to have you here. I wish you felt the same.”

“It would make things easier for both of us, wouldn’t it?” I rolled my shoulders. “I’m tired from the journey. I’d like to withdraw to my chambers for a bit, if you don’t mind.”

“Very well. I’ll have the servants keep a meal warm for us. We shall dine together and discuss the transition plan.”

Cerberus accompanied me to my chambers. The hellhound sat outside while I took stock of the bedroom I barely remembered. A solid gold minotaur still sat atop the bookcase. I was shocked no one had stolen it by now. Then again, who would dare steal from the gods?

I inspected the contents of the wardrobe. New clothes had already been delivered in anticipation of my arrival. Hestia was a confident goddess.

After a quick dip in the bath, I changed into a pair of soft cotton pajamas, lamenting my failure to pack my favorite T-shirt and sweatpants, and climbed into bed. I slept soundly, all things considered.

I awoke to a rumbling stomach and dressed quickly. I had no idea what time it was. Cerberus had vacated his post, so I made my way to the dining hall on my own.

Hestia must have been alerted to my arrival because she joined me only moments later, along with servants carrying silver platters of food.

“Eat, my darling. You must be famished by now.”

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