Page 214 of Hekate: The Witch (Goddesses of the Underworld #1)

A Forest Corrupted

It is obscene how often

the cruellest things can happen

in the most beautiful places.

This forest was a sacred jewel

in the crown of a bright,

young spring Goddess.

Even the deer and lambs

lived in peace with

the lions and wolves here.

Hecuba was off like a shot

in the direction of the scream

and I ran after her in pursuit.

And there it was

that I saw the most hideous

of all sights. A young woman,

no, the glow around her body

told me she was a Goddess

screaming as she fought

against the brutal arms

that held her. I ran instantly.

I had to save her!

Hecuba was barking,

alerting me to the chariot

with its fire horses, flaming and majestic.

Before I could reach them,

a sinkhole opened and before

he dragged her into it with him

I saw the face of her assaulter

and recoiled as though slapped.

Hades .