Page 112 of The Court of the Dead
“How do I keep her safe, but also keep Asterion andhisfriends safe?”
“My son, two truths can exist at the same time. It is true that Savannah is haunted by what the empousai did to her parents. It is also true that Asterion and his friends have chosen to change and live a different life. You must find a way to allow them all to heal.”
“You make it sound so simple,” Nico said. “But some of the campers here are having a hard time adjusting.”
“But theyareadjusting, no? Aren’t you training them to pair up with your cacodemons to rescue everyone from Pirithous?”
Nico scowled. “I don’t like it when you’re right.”
“I thought you would have gotten used to godly righteousness by now.”
“Did you just tell ajoke?”
“Who, me? The god of the dead?” Nico thought he caught Hades smirking. “Surely not. At any rate, you and your boyfriend helped change the world. It sounds like you feel responsible for the ways that change has manifested, which I understand, but I feel compelled to remind you that you do not have to do this alone.”
“Have you been talking to Mr. D? You sound exactly like him.”
Hades let out a low chuckle. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I do appreciate the way Dionysus has been taking care of you. If I may give you a last bit of advice…I believe what Savannah is missing is closure. I can’t say she’ll get justice, because this world is so complicated. The empousai who took her parents could go their entire existence without ever knowing the pain they caused. But every living soul passes through my realm, and if I have seen anything that begins to take such pain away, it is honesty, empathy, and care. Don’t think only of how you can defeat Pirithous. Think of how you and your friends can help repair the damage that has been done.”
Nico started to answer, but Hades raised a finger. “Any answer you provide now would not be thoughtful enough. Give it time, Nico.”
“Thank you.”
Hades nodded. “Now, since fair is fair, I have one more thing to askyoubefore I head back downstairs. Howareyour…Cocoa Puffs? Is that what you’re calling them now?”
“It’s a lot better than their ‘technical’ name.”
“There is nothing wrong with the wordcacodemon.”
Nico scoffed. “Youtry saying it ten times in a row. But…yeah, they’re wonderful. I’m sure they’re currently having the times of their lives tormenting our demigods-in-training.”
“Hmm. You are the first person to ever become a steward of so many cacodemons. I hope you take the responsibility seriously.”
“I do. I kinda see them like my own children. Especially when they’re confusing me.”
Hades’s brow furrowed. “How so?”
“Sometimes, I’m thrown by the feelings they give me. They’re not what I’m expecting.”
Hades nodded. “That does sound like having children. I know you must think of me as a distant, impenetrable god who isn’t tempted by the whims of emotion, but even we have feelings. Look at Dionysus, for example. He’s just as chaotic as all of you.”
Nico frowned. “Thanks?”
The god placed a hand on Nico’s shoulder. “I have been alive for a very, very long time, Nico. I confess that lifestillsurprises me. Not always in the ways I want, of course. That’s the gamble of existence. But I suspect the cacodemons are learning to be what youneedthem to be, even if the feelings and memories they show you are uncomfortable. Talk to that boyfriend of yours. He is a son of Apollo. I’m sure whenever you need it, he will help remind you of the brighter side of life.”
Nico smiled. “Even if it’s the inferior side.”
“My child of darkness.” Hades pulled Nico in for one last hug. “Continue to trust your instincts—they have guided you well thus far.”
And with that, Hades evaporated into shadows.
Nico sat there for a moment, basking in the warmth of the experience he’d just had. Maybe he wasn’t as lost as he’d thought.
He stood to leave…and then he saw that his bomber jacket was now neatly folded over the back of the bench. He glanced at the altar. Empty. He picked up the jacket and discovered there was no longer a gash down one of the sleeves. It had been mended as good as new.
Tears leaped to his eyes. “Thanks, Dad,” he said. “Love you, too.”
He made his way to the doors and emerged into the daylight. As he did, someone stumbled back.
