Page 136 of Hekate: The Witch (Goddesses of the Underworld #1)

The Elysian Fields

When I was still new to the Underworld, Styx had told me her waters did not reach the blessed islands and this was why she could never bring me here.

Now I think there was another reason. The thought of Styx, ancient, pale and lover of all dark things, even setting foot in this place seemed laughable.

As the veil dropped from my eyes to reveal the island in all its glory, the sun warmed my forever cool skin.

Sweet birdsong glowed across the lush green valleys and hills.

Across the vast expanse of land, I saw groves of abundant trees heavy with golden and crimson fruit rivalling those I once ate as a child.

Gentle cows, soft rabbits and playful goats roamed freely across rolling fields.

And the flowers! Soft grey, white, azure, ruby, every colour you could imagine, forever in youthful bloom.

Past the valleys as I shielded my eyes, I saw the turquoise, light-flecked waters of the open seas.

So this was what paradise, true paradise, was meant to be.

I turned to Hermes and saw that he was watching me carefully, a smile wide across his face.

‘We will find Cadmus and Harmonia. I am sure they will be glad to meet you.’