Page 216 of Hekate: The Witch (Goddesses of the Underworld #1)

I Crossed the Rivers Again

And this time I did not quiver.

There was no doubtful nature to my steps.

There was no hesitation in me.

Even when the foreboding orchard

and its ink-dark fruit menaced me

with its promise of poison.

I was ready. I had a sword crafted

from adamantine, a gift from Charon,

and alongside it, I carried my torch.

I would set his precious orchards alight

if he did not return her to her forest

where she belonged.

I rooted through the orchard

and the tentacles tried to stop me

but I cut and cleared them mercilessly.

Until at the very end

a dark-clad figure stood,

his once-boyish face marred with anger.

My eyes narrowed at him.

‘I thought I would find you

hiding here, Hades.’