but never ever by choice.’
When we arrived at the palace,
she let go of my arm
and I rubbed it where
she had gripped me,
a frown forming on my face.
‘I too am not here by choice,’
I told her sullenly. ‘I should
be allowed to roam too.’
The anger in her features softened,
‘You are a child of war,
and the Underworld is no place
for children, God or mortal.’
She added quietly,
‘There are beings here
that even Hades cannot control.
Beings that could harm you.’
A chill ran down my spine
at her words. ‘What kind of beings?’
But she ignored my question and
simply touched my face.
‘Just know that staying
in this palace is the only way
I can keep you safe.
This realm alone is my domain.
You can only go into
the Asphodel Meadows
if they become a part
of your duties.’
A Pull