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“A wish that was granted,” Lachesis said.
“You are the price she paid,” Atropos added.
“I am punishment,” Hades stated.
The Fates were aware of Demeter’s hatred for Hades. He had been right when he suspected a trick.
“If that is how you prefer to perceive it,” Clotho said.
“But we like to think of it differently,” Lachesis said.
“It is the price paid for our favor,” Atropos explained.
It was how the Fates worked, and the gods were not immune.
“Demeter is aware?”Hades asked.
“Of course. We are not in the habit of keeping secrets, Lord Hades.”
Hades grew quiet. If Demeter was aware, no wonder he had never heard about the Goddess of Spring.
“You think to punish Demeter, but you are really punishing Persephone,” Hades said.
The irony was not lost on him, because he had done the same thing to her. She was bound via their bargain—the greatest bargain he had ever made, because in the end, she did not have to love him. Thousands of mortals and Divine alike had destinies woven by the Fates. It did not guarantee a love match, and one between him and Demeter’s daughter was even less likely.
Lachesis narrowed her eyes.“Are you afraid, Hades?”
The god glared, and the three Fates laughed.
“We may weave the Threads of Fate, my lord, but you retain control over how your future unfolds.” Clotho vanished.
“Will you rule your relationship as you rule your kingdom?” Lachesis disappeared.
“Or revel in the chaos?” Atropos faded.
And when he was alone, their merry laughter echoed around him.
Haven’t you ever been in love?
The mortal’s words returned to him, burrowing under his skin like a parasite.
No, he had never been in love, and now he would always wonder… Would Persephone have chosen him if given the freedom?
***
Hades left the Fates’ mansion and found himself outside Hecate’s cottage. The Goddess of Witchcraft was a long-time resident of the Underworld. Hades had allowed her to settle wherever she wished, and she had chosen a dark valley to build her vine-covered cottage. After, she spent months cultivating a wealth of poisonous nightshade.
Hades had merely raised a brow when he had discovered what she had done.
“Do not pretend as though my poisons have not been useful, Hades.”
“I have had no such thoughts,” he had replied.
Hades smirked at the memory. Since then, Hecate had become his confidant, probably his closest friend.
She was outside, standing beneath a patch of moonlight that streamed through an opening in the canopy of trees. Early on, the goddess had praised his ability to create what she referred to as an enchanted night, but it was hardly surprising. Hades was a god born of darkness. It was what he knew best.
“What troubles you, my king?” she asked as he approached.“Is it Minthe? May I suggest lye to remedy the situation? It is quite painful when swallowed.”
