“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.
