Page 257 of Hekate: The Witch (Goddesses of the Underworld #1)

The Third of My Boons

It was more than I could have hoped for.

I was expecting a direct refusal.

At least this meant my father

would be finally free from torture.

And Tartarus was unpleasant,

but at least he would not have to bleed

for the pleasure of his enemies anymore.

I took a deep breath and said,

‘I thank you. I have one more request.’

Zeus’ face distorted into a scowl.

‘You push too far, Titanide.’

A warning. A threat.

I held my ground.

‘My final request is for Gods and mortals alike,’

I said softly. ‘Mortals are dying

and your powers are dying with them.

It is Demeter’s winter that is killing them.

Let her have her daughter back, oh Zeus.

Let them be reunited and order be restored.’

I watched his face as I said this.

At first there was annoyance at me,

then a wave of grudging understanding.

And finally, at long last,

Zeus spoke again.

‘I will allow it.

But only

if she has not eaten anything

in the land of the dead.’

A caveat. Constraints.

I wondered if this was his trick.

While Gods did not need food,

we did eat for pleasure often.

And everything I had heard

of Kore spoke of joy and kindness

and yes, even of pleasure.

She was a Goddess of spring,

used to fruits every day

for her meals. But I could not argue.

I had used all of my cards here.

I nodded and just as I was about to leave,

Zeus said to me,

‘Hekate, tarry.’

I stopped but did not turn back.

‘I never want to see you

anywhere near this mountain again.’

I closed my eyes at these words.

Gods are not good with fear,

and I had proven myself worthy of their fear.

‘One more thing.’ Zeus’ voice rang out.

‘You must never marry.

Especially not a child of the night.

Especially not Thanatos.’

My eyes widened and I spun back

at his words. His stony gaze met mine

and I realized he knew something

I had refused to admit to myself

until this moment. That Thanatos

meant so much more to me

than just friend. I did not speak.

I turned away, not giving Zeus

the satisfaction of agreement.