Chapter 17
Chapter Seventeen
How do we get out of the underworld?” Raven asks.
“We need to call Hades.” I grab the conch shell from my bag. “Hades, God of the Underworld.”
The mist clears and Hades’ shocked face comes into view in front of me. “I think we should have been informed that there is a portal to another realm in the damn underworld.”
“What?” he asks. “You’re in Elysium? Shouldn’t you be trying to retrieve Hermes’ caduceus?”
“That’s the plan but we ended up transported to the fae realm. There are humans there from our realm as well. The fae are not hospitable to them in the slightest.”
“Hermes is not going to be impressed with them.” Hades sighs. “I need to get you all out of the underworld so we can fix this mess.”
Hades disappears and the next second pops into existence in front of us. He glances around warily before beckoning us all with a finger to gather around him. My head spins and I sway on my feet as the world around us changes until we’re deposited into Hades’ throne room.
Persephone gasps from her throne. “Children, what are you doing here?”
“You have a portal to the fae realm in Elysium,” I say.
“Well, yes, it’s the safest place for it so humans don’t stumble on it.” Persephone nods.
“Demons got out when we were searching for the helm. You don’t have someone watching the portal and I think there may be fae in the underworld.”
“We will find a guardian we trust to watch the portal and send back any fae that may come through in the future, but resources are sparse while the war is ongoing,” Hades says.
“The road spit you out in the fae realm?” Persephone gasps.
“Got it in one.” Raven chuckles.
“Where are you thinking the temple is located?” Hades asks.
“Southern Florida swampland. It’s the perfect place for Arcadia,” I say.
“Smart. I’ll make arrangements and see how close we can get you to your destination. I won’t be able to get you directly there because it’s a magical place and will repel me.”
“Any help would be appreciated, Father,” Jayden says.
“How long have we been gone? They said that time works differently there.” I wring my hands together.
“When did you leave the academy?”
“We just talked to you last night and left this morning. We have been gone a few hours max,” Jayden says.
“No, I spoke with you three days ago,” Hades says.
“Three days? Fuck.” I run a hand down my face.
“We will do what we can to make up the time.” Jayden pulls me into his chest.
“The two of you are so adorable together.” Persephone claps her hands, bouncing on her toes.
“I’ll get you as close as I can. Arcadia can be treacherous. There are creatures there that no human should ever see.” Hades frowns. “Hermes will want to see you.”
“Go, get Hermes and make arrangements for the children, love.” Persephone pats his shoulder.
“Wait,” Jayden says and pulls something from his pocket.
“You brought Spot with us?” I ask him.
“I figured it wouldn’t hurt to have him.” Jayden shrugs.
“And you didn’t think to bring him out against the dire?” Raven asks.
“I only bring him out when absolutely necessary. It wasn’t necessary at the time.” Jayden hands the cylinder to Hades. “I was going to give him to Hermes when we find the caduceus but since we’re here, I may as well give him back to you.”
“He might come in useful for you. You should keep him for now.” He hands the cylinder back to Jayden.
“Are you sure? He could help guard the fae portal.” Jayden tries in vain to hand him back the cylinder.
“No, you may need it. This is too important not to have every resource available to you.” Hades holds up his hands and backs away.
“Okay, we’ll keep him for now, but I’ll give him to Hermes the next time we see him after this.” Jayden waves a hand.
“Go, my love, get Hermes. He will want to see the children are back and fine.” Persephone kisses Hades’ cheek.
Hades presses his lips to her forehead and then transports away to get Hermes and set up our travel arrangements.
“Oh good, you’re back,” Hermes says with a sigh.
“Did you know where we were?” I ask.
“Yes, I know where all of the lost travelers end up.”
“Dad?” Draven steps forward. “Are you okay?”
“Not now, but I will be when they stop screaming,” Hermes whispers.
“We’re working on it but we’ve already been through some crazy shit.” Draven shakes his head.
“The fae realm is different,” Hermes says.
“Misogynistic assholes, all of them,” I growl.
“Many travelers have ended up there, unfortunately.” Hermes sighs.
“Their hospitality sucks,” Raven says.
“What hospitality?” Draven says. “They tried to shove us into cages with the humans.”
“They have the humans in cages?” Persephone gasps. “I can understand trying to keep the problem contained, but keeping them like animals is over-the-top ridiculous.”
“The fae will be dealt with. Though I understand the need to contain the threat to their realm, I believe this is extreme.” Hermes shakes his head.
“Oh, I let them know exactly what I think of their containment,” I say.
“With the pointy end of our swords.” Raven chuckles.
“You didn’t,” Persephone says with a grin.
“Don’t get too excited. The pointy end of Beth’s blade got one but that was before they tried to throw our friends in cages.” Jayden shakes his head.
“They attacked us. I’m just glad I didn’t get his ichor on me.” I shudder.
“What’s wrong, little sister? You don’t want even more power?” Hermes’ teasing tone brings a smile to my face.
He hasn’t used that tone in a while.
“No, not particularly.” I cross my arms.
“That’s exactly why you should have it because you don’t want it.” Persephone pats my arm. “You won’t abuse it that way.”
“I guess that makes a weird sort of sense.” I nod.
Persephone waves a hand and couches appear behind us. “Let’s all have a seat. I’m sure you’re all exhausted from the journey so far.”
“Not really, it’s only been a few hours for us. I’m itching to get back on the road and end this already.” I take a seat and Jayden sits next to me.
The others all sit as well. A few of them stare in awe at the palace around us. It’s nothing like what you would expect from the underworld. Hades loves the misconception though, just like when he named his dog Spot.
“Hades will get everything ready for you soon, but you should rest while you can.” Persephone waves me off.
“Thank you.” I bow my head slightly to her.
“What did my husband tell you about such formalities?” she chastises me.
“It’s going to take a while to get used to that,” I admit.
“That’s fair.”
Kira bounces in her seat like she’s dying to ask a question. “Lord Hermes.”
“You’re dating my son, yes?” Hermes raises a brow.
“Umm, yes?” she says it like a question.
“Then drop the lord bit. I was never one for formalities. That goes for all of you. I’m just Hermes.”
“O-okay,” Kira says, turning bright red. “How have things been going in our realm since we’ve been gone? We had a radio but we left it at the academy because we didn’t want to lose it.”
“A radio?” Persephone asks. “I thought you weren’t able to use technology?”
“It works with magic not tech. Kira invented it back at the academy,” I say.
“A fellow inventor? Very impressive,” Hermes says with a wink.
“M-my father is Hephaestus,” she says.
“That makes sense.” Hermes nods. “Excellent pick in a mate, son.”
“I’m lucky she didn’t kick me in the balls the first time I approached her after the jackass I was being at the beginning of term,” Draven says, staring at Kira.
“I almost did.” Kira giggles.
I glance at Raven and she has the exact expression that I do. They are too freaking cute for words. I am so glad my friend is happy with her man.
“Wait, did you say mate?” I ask with suspicion. “What do you know about all this mate stuff?”
“You all are the first demigods in the history of the universe to have mate bonds,” Hermes says.
“Yeah, we’ve heard this before but we didn’t think we all were forming bonds. Just me and Jayden,” I say.
“Those who stand on the right side of this war and actively fight will be rewarded with something more precious than any gold or diamonds. Are you saying everyone here shouldn’t reap those rewards?” Hermes asks, teasing me again.
I take the bait because of course I do.
I jump up from my seat. “That’s not what I’m saying at all. I just wasn’t aware of that part.”
Jayden wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me down in his lap. “They know you didn’t mean it that way. Hermes is teasing you again. This is good because if he’s teasing, he’s still here and him.”
“I know.” I sigh. “I just don’t want them to think that. They deserve all the rewards for helping our side.”
Draven sits forward with his elbows on his knees. “You said I chose my mate well, though. I didn’t choose a mate. I chose a partner, even though I know I’m not her only partner.”
“The fates have a system for this first generation of fated mates. Your heart chooses for you and you’re granted the bond once the battles are won,” Hermes says.
“How do the fates know that and why did you just broadcast it to everyone?” Draven asks, turning as red as a tomato.
“Sorry, son,” Hermes says with a grin.
Kira leans her head on Draven’s shoulder and Dax squeezes her thigh. They couldn’t be more adorable together and I absolutely love this dynamic for them. If only we knew where Olly is and if he’s okay, then they would be perfect.
“It’s okay, Draven. We don’t have to talk about anything like this now,” Kira whispers.
“She’s right,” I say. “That’s a private conversation just for you.”
I shoot Hermes a scowl for upsetting my friends and he nods, sufficiently chastised. Greyson shifts in his seat uncomfortably.
“You okay, Greyson?” I ask.
“Just wondering if my brother has sent any messages about the shifter problem.” He glances away.
Not being the alpha or even part of the pack must be uncomfortable for a wolf shifter that was the boss for so long. I turn to Hermes with a raised brow since he is also the messenger of the gods.