Page 31 of Hekate: The Witch (Goddesses of the Underworld #1)

‘How Do You Build Your Own Path?’

I asked him,

my eyes full of wonder

at this thought.

He smiled and it was then

I noticed he was holding

a small golden chalice.

He held it out to me

and said, ‘Drink this. It will heal

the wounds of your long travels.’

I flinched at his words.

My travels, which involved my mother.

My mother who was no longer here.

But my thirst overcame me.

Any thoughts were removed

by the delicious scent.

I reached out and lifted the chalice to my lips,

and the sweet, immortal nectar

filled everything wounded within me.

It tasted like honey and home.

It tasted of life and lavender.

Instantly, the voices from the water

disappeared and my head cleared.

I was able to stand

on my own two feet.

I handed Charon the empty chalice

and wiped my mouth

with the back of my hand.

‘Thank you,’

I said quietly,

but even as I did,

he was already making his leave.

Charon paused, his back to me,

long coiled hair looking like the river.

‘To become a Goddess,

you must first find what

nourishes you forever.’