Page 57 of Hekate: The Witch (Goddesses of the Underworld #1)

A Difference

Hades, his hand on Cerberus’ middle head,

smiled at his monster dog,

then turned to me and his smile faded.

‘You should not be here.’

I could tell he was trying to be harsh with me,

his tone strict,

but I suppose it was difficult

when the big dog rolled over submissively,

his behaviour puppy-like.

Hades glared at me and said,

‘I think it’s time for you to go back home.’

I swallowed hard and turned

and in that moment

Cerberus whined again

and I heard, ‘Hekate, wait.’

I realized as I looked at him,

this boy-God-King,

whatever he was in these realms,

that at one point in his life

he had been just a Godling like me.

Before he was King of the Underworld

he used to be just like me.

And perhaps he too recognized

loneliness well.