Chapter 17 #2
“They are dealing with a gods touched wolf, for sure. He’s practically feral,” Hermes says.
“Did he send a message?” Greyson asks hopefully.
“He did. The United States Council of Alphas will be meeting on the next full moon to discuss the rogue problem in New Mexico. The shifter who was gods touched is trying to take over New Mexico territory and half of Texas. He’s also not discreet about it and there have been a few close calls with humans. ”
“Have any been turned?” Greyson asks.
“What? Turned? What the fuck are you talking about?” I ask.
“That’s the most distressing part.” Hermes runs a hand down his face. “He’s been turning cartel members and mercenaries. Contract killers too. These are the worst of humanity and now they have shifter magic.”
“So, he is building an army,” I whisper. “This is our fault.”
My hands shake as I stare at Hermes. This is my fault. None of this would have happened if I wasn’t born. Fucking shit.
“This is not your battle to be in charge of, little sister,” Hermes says.
“So people keep saying, but I still feel responsible.”
“There are others to lead this charge. I’m sure they will welcome help, but organizing the attack will not be on you. Let the shifters handle it,” Hermes says.
“I will let them handle it,” I grumble. “But I will also help wherever needed.”
“I would expect nothing less.” Hermes nods.
“Good,” I say but I’m still unsettled.
I don’t like the idea of others suffering because of me, and anything that the queen has pulled in recent months is because she’s trying to punish Zeus for fathering me. It’s absolutely insane but her actions are causing ripples not just in our realm but across the others as well.
Greyson says, “I’m sure the shifters will appreciate all the help they can get with the overpowered wolf trying to take over.”
“Some will probably follow him willingly,” Hermes says. “Shifters value strength.”
“They also value loyalty so it won’t be a huge number, but if he’s turning people, are they overpowered like he is?” I ask.
“I don’t know. That is an excellent question, though.” Hermes taps his index finger against his chin.
“These people he’s turning are the worst of the worst humanity has to offer.” I lean against Jayden’s shoulder.
“You’re borrowing problems again, love,” Jayden whispers.
He kisses the side of my head, lingering for a second longer than necessary. I melt into his side, nodding against him that I understand. Everything is rattling around in my brain and impossible to differentiate which problem is the now problem and which ones should be left for later.
“All right, kids.” Hades appears, clapping his hands. “I think I’ve found the perfect location to get you back on track for your journey.”
“Thank you, Hades.” I stand up.
“One second,” Hermes says and pulls something from the ether. “I should have thought of these before but here. These should keep you from further getting lost on your travels.”
I glance down at the eight bronze pins in my hand and glance at Adrian who shakes his head with a grin.
“You knew all along we would end up here, didn’t you? You’re in on the fates plans for us.” I take a pin and hand the rest to Jayden.
“You’re a smart one, little sister. I wouldn’t say that I’m in on it, but Aggie asked me not to give them to you until you came to the underworld. She said you were the catalyst for the fae realm and had to visit at the exact right time.” Hermes claps me on the shoulder.
“I didn’t think the gods were allowed to meddle this much. It’s fucking exhausting trying to keep everything straight, especially when I learned things in the fae realm that you all would probably rather I keep quiet.” My shoulders slump.
“Ahh,” Hades says. “You met Rosaline.”
“How did you know?” I ask.
“Did she appear to you as a fae?” Hermes laughs. “She’s a tricky one.”
“What do you mean? She’s not fae?”
“No, she’s from the divine realm like the rest of us. She prefers her residence in the fae realm though, as she has people who worship her there,” Hades says.
“Fucking hell. Nope. No more revelations. We need to get on the road so we can get this over with.”
“Fair enough.” Hades chuckles.
“Where are we coming out at, Father?” Jayden asks. “Hopefully it’s close enough to make up for the three days we’ve lost.”
“I have a portal opening in a few minutes in abandoned farmland in central Georgia.” Hades waves for us to follow him out of the throne room.
“Georgia? That’s fantastic. That will more than make up for the days we lost,” Greyson says.
“You’re telling me that we don’t have to spend a week on the road fighting monsters? Something finally in our favor for once.” I grin.
“It will still be perilous,” Hades warns. “Central Georgia was the closest I could get without Arcadia repelling my magic.”
“It’s perfect, Hades. Thank you.”
“Keep those pins on your clothes at all times,” Hermes says. “You could become lost again if not.”
“Got it. We don’t want to end up in another random realm.” I stick the little hat with wings on it to my shirt.
“You really don’t. I would say we are lucky the fates planned this out so that’s where you went. Other realms are… chaotic to say the least,” Hermes says.
“I want to go to the dragon realm.” Raven bounces on her toes.
“That’s probably not the best idea,” Hades mumbles.
“But dragons…” Raven sighs, dramatic as ever.
“We talked about this, bestie. We can’t right now.” I loop my arm through hers.
“You know we’re never going to hear the end of this right?” Jayden whispers to Greyson.
I glare at the two of them over my shoulder. If we decide we’re going to the dragon realm after this mess is all done, then we are and they won’t be able to stop us.
“Sorry, baby, you know I’ll follow you anywhere.” Jayden blows me a kiss.
Raven gags. “You two are so gooey sweet you give me a toothache.”
“Shut up,” I whisper.
My cheeks heat when Hades turns his smile on me and winks.
“He got that from me and my wife,” he says, proud.
“You two are the most adorable couple I have ever seen,” I say.
We make it to the gate to Elysium and I cock my head to the side in confusion. We were already in Elysium once today. The place creeps me out. It’s just a little too perfect. It reminds me of the last time I saw my mom.
It wasn’t a happy reunion. She was upset that I found my way to Halfling Academy and other demigods. She had never wanted this life for me and I can’t say that I blame her one bit for that, especially since I’m leading the charge in a war against gods.
I stiffen as Hades opens the gate to Elysium. Raven squeezes my arm and pulls me forward through the gate. I scan the forest but there are no souls around. My shoulders relax in relief. We follow Hades down a path to a clearing where a swirling purple and black portal sits.
“All souls have been cleared from the area until this portal is gone. We don’t want them accidentally walking through it and causing a stir in the human world.” Hades steps in front of the portal.
Any kind of reprieve we had is officially over. What fresh hell are we about to face on our way to Arcadia?