Page 50 of Hades

“It’s…” She pauses and looks around. I can see the fear in her eyes as she takes in the natural surroundings of Treachery Prison. “It’s better than living a lie,” she says as she straightens her back and does her best to appear confident in her decision.

“Then your cell awaits,” I inform her as I gesture to an empty cell that is no more than a cave. Aradia marches past me with Argos in tow and enters the cave. It’s slightly better than most, with a straw pallet for sleeping, a wall sconce for light, and a stone bench carved into the wall for sitting and lamenting. There is also a spring allowing for fresh water. Not something in the original cell, but if she’s going to throw a temper-tantrum, then the least I can give her is some fresh water. “Is this more to your liking, or should I call to have you tortured daily as well?”

She looks around, taking in her new accommodations. I expect her to beg me to bring back the sunny lake and comfortable cabin. Instead, she crosses her arms and sits on the bench.

“And how long is my sentence?” she asks, as if this is all a game to her.

“Until you realize I am not the enemy,” I inform her before leaving.

“Wait!” she yells as she runs to the edge of the cave. “You aren’t staying?”

“No. You wanted people, there are people. Walk around and talk with the prisoners. I’m sure they’ll enjoy your company more than you like mine. I’ll return to bring you food unless you’d prefer someone else.”

“You really are the asshole, you know that?” she hisses.

Without thinking, I lunge forward, and she quickly moves backward until her back slams against the stone wall. I hear her breath leave her, but I’m too angry to care. Besides, comforting her would do no good, I’ve officially become the devil in her story.

“How do you figure that I’m the asshole? I have done nothing but give you everything you have ever wanted. I have spent lifetimes waiting for the crumbs of affection you toss my way, only to have you ripped away time after time. Bringing you here was my last hope that you would remember that you once loved me. So, tell me, Aradia, how am I the asshole?”

She doesn’t respond. All she does is stare at me with fear in her eyes.

“I wish I had never met you,” she finally whispers before returning to Argos’ side.

I don’t even bother to walk away before disappearing and returning to The Inferno.

ARADIA

I’m not sure howmany days, weeks or months have passed since Hades placed me in this cell. But every day when I wake up there is a tray piled high with food and fresh, clean water. One morning, there was a pile of blankets and a change of clothing, although the only bathing I’ve been able to do is in the small freshwater pool in the back corner of my cell.

I also haven’t left. Exploring a torture chamber isn’t high I my to-do list. But I have just about gotten used to the screaming and wailing of the other prisoners. I also haven’t remembered anything more, though I’ve tried. But how can you remember something you don’t even recall forgetting?

“Hello.” I hear a voice coming from the front of my cave. To my surprise, Argos doesn’t growl, but his head does perk up as if he knows whoever has come calling.

I do my best to fix my hair, though I’m sure it’s a tangled mess as I get up from my straw bed on the floor and walk to the entrance of the cave.

The handsome, ginger-haired gentleman from Las Vegas is standing there, holding my tray of food.

“I know you,” I say as I come forward and grab the tray from him.

“You do,” he says with far more excitement in his voice that should be warranted.

“Yeah, you were in Vegas, and you called me Ari. Did Hades send you?” I ask, because in all the time I have been here, I haven’t seen anyone. I’ve only assumed that Hades was the one dropping off food and supplies. But I guess it could be anyone.

“No, I asked to come see you. May I come in?” he asks, and I give him a raised eyebrow.

“Whatever. It’s a free prison,” I say, stepping aside and placing the tray of food on the ground. “So why would you want to come see me? I can’t imagine I made that good of an impression on you.”

I watch as he takes in my meager accommodations and lets out a long whistle. “Wow, he wasn’t kidding when he told me where you were, and you asked for this.”

“Is there a point to this visit?” I ask suddenly, realizing that my time sequestered here has taken my manners. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be rude, but is there a point?”

“Several, actually. He’s worried about you.”

I let out a loud laugh. “He’s worried… about me. I highly doubt that. He kidnapped me and tried to make me think he was the good guy. Like I’d just throw myself at him. ‘Oh, Hades you’re so handsome. Please take me,’” I mock. “I think he’s delusional and has me confused with someone else.”

“He didn’t kidnap you. We went to the Heavens to rescue you before Themis could do more damage. She has everyone there believing he brainwashed you and stole your memories.”

I take a moment to think about what he’s saying. Clara said Hades stole my memories and that he’s kept me prisoner. But… I can feel my head start to throb as I concentrate on what he’s saying.

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