Page 143 of Hekate: The Witch (Goddesses of the Underworld #1)

The Caduceus

At my declaration, Hermes turned

to Cadmus and Harmonia.

‘It is time.’ The two slowly rose,

serpent heads moving hypnotically.

Hermes had put a polished, oak staff

between them. ‘Prometheus’ last gift,’

he said softly, his eyes on the staff.

Our uncle of invention punished for his rebellion.

Without waiting for any more instructions,

Cadmus and Harmonia slithered

towards the staff and, moving

like they were dancing,

swirled their bodies around it

till they were a perfect, symmetrical

pair facing each other.

Something about it made me feel

unwell, like something awful

was about to happen,

something unchangeable,

and my stomach lurched.

Hermes’ fingers reached out

to grip the end of the staff

and at his touch,

much like Midas,

the serpents suddenly became

shockingly still, as still as

the dead as their bodies

turned into cold, metallic gold.