Page 213 of Hekate: The Witch (Goddesses of the Underworld #1)

A Promise

Nyx cast her spell over the sky,

the dark blue cloak of night fell,

and as the stars appeared

Hecuba nudged my hand.

I turned to Thanatos and said,

‘I made her a promise,

that she would meet her children.’

Thanatos looked around the battlefield,

still full with pain. ‘My work is not

yet complete. But you should go.’

I would have stayed.

He looked so tired

and it made my heart clench.

But it was my first promise

and first boon to a mortal.

She had lost nineteen children

to this unjust war.

This is what many would call sacrifice.

I called it unnecessary and cruel.

And I could not let her down.

So I left with her. We walked

through the mouth of one cave

out through another

till we were by the greenest

of forests full of bluebird song

and the bright glow of fireflies.

It was said that a spring Goddess

had crafted this forest from barren soil.

As we walked slower now,

marvelling at each fine leaf and flower,

the careful details of an artist,

we heard a terrible sound

rip through the peace.

A loud,

unmistakable

scream.