AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Pandora offered a curtsy, quelling her hatred and rage to adopt the persona she had so carefully created for this very purpose. “My lord and king, you are so kind to accept me and provide me with hospitality. I’m sure Sol has informed you that my home has been destroyed.”
Apollo’s face sagged, his eyes closing briefly. “Ah, yes. I was devastated to hear of the realm’s demise.”
“You were not aware of it?” Pandora asked. “Sol seemed quite surprised when I brought the news.”
Apollo hesitated for only a moment before he replied, “I have sensed some disturbances in the Underworld for some time now. At first, I thought nothing of it, but now that this tragedy has befallen us, I am full of remorse that I did not investigate early on.”
Befallen us. As if he were in any way affected by this. Pandora wanted to spit in his face.
But his reply answered her question. He did not know; his claim of sensing “disturbances” was utter shit.
Which meant his wards were fully intact. Her work would be much harder than she’d originally anticipated.
It was time to initiate her back-up plan.
Clearing her throat, Pandora said, “In truth, I am here for more than just refuge. I have come to offer my services.”
Apollo arched an eyebrow, his expression full of doubt. “Oh?” His gaze raked over her as if to say, What could you possibly offer?
Biting back a nasty retort, Pandora dropped her gaze so he wouldn’t see the ire in her eyes. “As far as I’m aware, I am the only survivor from the Underworld. I am intimately familiar with death magic. I can help you fortify and defend this realm against the darkness in Pandora’s box.”
Apollo waved a hand. “I’m not concerned with that.”
Pandora faltered. “You aren’t?”
“We are safe here. I have made sure of it.”
Pandora swallowed down her frustration and tried again. “With all due respect, my lord, this magic has already wiped out an entire realm.”
“Yes, but I have measures in place that will ensure what happened in the Underworld will not affect us here.”
Ah, yes. Because of the wards. “My lord, I have seen this dark magic firsthand. It is hungry, and it will not stop. I’m sure in all your years of wisdom, you have experienced some of the consequences of this particular type of magic. Was it not this same magic that defeated King Jupiter?”
Apollo stilled, his expression rigid and his eyes darkening for a brief moment. Jupiter had been his predecessor. There were whispers that Apollo had a hand in his demise, and his reaction only confirmed this for Pandora.
“In addition,” she went on, “I have heard that Neptune is missing, and I fear the magic may be behind his absence as well.”
“I do not fear for Neptune,” Apollo replied, the firmness of his voice returning. “He is strong and capable. He will not fall prey to this darkness like his brother did.”
Pandora had to refrain from rolling her eyes. Neptune had helped create some of the darkness in her box. The memories trapped inside her told her as much.
She didn’t know if the magic had killed him or not. But the disappearance of a powerful sea god would certainly cause rumors to spread, and Apollo knew this.
“You may not fear for Neptune, my lord, but the people might,” Pandora said. “And despite your reassurances, I am certain your subjects would appreciate extra efforts to keep them safe.” She paused, then added a layer of flattery to her argument for good measure. “As a lesser goddess myself, I know it would make me feel safer, since my magic isn’t nearly as strong as yours is.”
If anything, announcing to the court that Apollo would be working with Hecate of the Underworld to put a stop to this darkness and keep it from spreading would put the rumors at ease. And it would cast Apollo in a good light, making him appear to be a concerned king who would do anything to ensure the safety of his people. Even adding protections that he found unnecessary.
She could practically see these thoughts flicking through his mind, calculating any risks that might be associated with her offer. After a long moment, a wide smile spread across his face, and she knew she’d won.
“You make an excellent point, Hecate. You are quite right; we can never be too careful, and with the demise of the Underworld and our dear Neptune’s mysterious absence, we must take every precaution. I will assign you to work alongside my apprentice to take the appropriate measures. Whatever resources you need are at your complete disposal.”
Alarm flared in Pandora’s chest, and she sputtered, “Uh, apprentice? My lord, this is a daunting task that will require a powerful amount of magic.”
“No, no, Sol is more suited to your, uh, position of power.” Apollo offered a false smile that Pandora knew too well. It was one she often wore.
Position of power. Which was his way of saying she wasn’t worthy of working directly alongside him.
Wait a moment… Sol?
