“Poseidon.” A musical, feminine voice called the god’s name.
Hades’ gaze shifted to Amphitrite, Poseidon’s wife. Her eyes were large and round and the color of peridot. They were eerie to behold and set in a delicate face. Long ginger hair shrouded her curvy body like a cape. She was beautiful and deeply in love with her husband, despite his infidelity.
In her presence, Poseidon’s anger evaporated and his body slumped. Hades watched as Amphitrite hurried to him, and the God of the Sea grasped her, chains rattling as he did. They held one another close before pulling apart and staring into each other’s eyes. Something passed between them, a wordless communication born from years of partnership. After a moment, Poseidon looked at Hades.
“A favor, then,” he agreed.
“You will help me capture Sisyphus,” Hades said. “Since you are responsible for this blight upon the world.”
It was like asking for Poseidon’s help and Hades hated it, but it was probably the easiest way to get Sisyphus off the streets and the spindle out of circulation.
“Iniquity,” Hades said. “Tomorrow at midnight.”
“Sisyphus will not come within a mile of your territory,” Poseidon said. “And not that quickly, especially after your…gross display of power. It will be a few days, and it will be in my territory.”
Hades did not like the idea of meeting on Poseidon’s turf. It meant that he had more at his disposal, both in power and people, but the God of the Sea was right. It was best to meet in a place that would not draw suspicion from Sisyphus.
“Fine,” Hades said. “Eleftherose ton.”
As Hades spoke the words, Poseidon was released from his chains. Amphitrite helped the burly god to his feet, which was almost comical, considering she was half his size. Poseidon drew her close, his large hands nearly spanning her waist, and kissed her. Hades averted his eyes, confused by their display of affection. If his brother loved his wife so much, why did he pursue other women? They seemed lost in one another for a moment, Poseidon’s anger toward his brother momentarily forgotten.
Hades used his magic to reclaim the small, black box Hephaestus had given him. There was no way he would let something so useful and so powerful slip through his hands. As the box came to land in Hades’ palm, Amphitrite looked at him. She might be his sister-in-law, but he knew very little about her, save that she could calm the seas and Poseidon.
But right now, Hades felt her fury.
“I think it is time you left, Lord Hades,” she said.
The corner of his mouth tipped, and he nodded before vanishing.
CHAPTER XII – A GAME WITH A GODDESS
Hades returned to the Underworld and summoned Ilias. He was exhausted after expending so much energy keeping Poseidon’s magic at bay, but he had a plan to locate Sisyphus. It was the first time he had felt any kind of success since the beginning of this ordeal.
He poured a glass of whiskey and drank quickly, approaching the window to look out upon his realm, spotting Hecate walking with Persephone. The two goddesses talked and smiled and laughed, and Hades could not help thinking how perfect Persephone looked in his realm, like she belonged there, like she should have always been there.
“My lord?” Ilias asked.
Hades turned his head and found the satyr beside him, brow raised.
“Enjoying the view?” he asked, amused.
Hades would have liked it better if he had realized Ilias had arrived.
“I have a job for you,” he said. “Poseidon gave Sisyphus a relic. A spindle, to be exact.”
The satyr’s eyes widened. “A spindle? Where did he get that?”
“That is your job,” Hades said. “Trace it.”
“And what would you like me to do when I find it?”
Usually, Hades gave Ilias free rein over how he dealt with illegal dealers. The satyr would organize raids, burn shops, destroy merchandise. On rare occasions, he found someone worthy of joining Iniquity.
“I want their name,” he replied. He would be visiting them personally.
“Consider it done,” Ilias bowed, but he did not leave Hades’ side. Looking outside, nodding toward Persephone and Hecate.
“She is curious about you,” he said.
“She is eager to examine my flaws,” Hades corrected.
The satyr chuckled. “I like her.”
“I am not seeking your approval, Ilias.”
“Of course not, my lord.”
With that, the satyr departed, and Hades watched until Persephone was no longer in view, but he could feel her presence in his realm, a torch that scorched a path across his skin. He considered seeking her out but thought against it. As much as he hoped to change Persephone’s opinion of himself, he also needed her to find solace and friendship in his realm.