Page 99 of Hekate: The Witch (Goddesses of the Underworld #1)

I Broke (Most of) the Rules

Mostly because I was bored

but, as Styx and Pallas said,

I was headstrong.

The first rule I broke

was the one about leaving

the caves. Outside,

there was a forest full of irises

and violets and roses.

I did not travel far

from the mouth of the cave,

but I did collect herbs

to crush under my mortar

and pestle to see what happened,

combining them with ambrosia

or nectar to eat and drink.

Once I turned my feet turquoise

by drinking a concoction of herbs,

and Styx had to help turn them back

to the colour they naturally were.

I took meat to Cerberus,

which my kitchen provided,

for it was blessed with the ability

to provide anything I ever needed,

each pot filled with what I desired.

I played with Cerberus all the time.

I carefully used Styx’s waters

in my strange flower potions.

I stole Styx’s wine

and even shared some

with Charon when he came by

to play dice

or tell me stories.

And still, I wanted more .

There is only so long an immortal child

can be left to her own devices.

My mother once told me that as a child

she had countless cousins to play with.

Naiads and Oceanids, water nymphs

and River Gods. But I had no playmates.

Pallas had taught me how to carve

horses and bears and wolves

out of the bones left of mortals

who had ventured too far

and ended up drinking Styx’s water.

But carving was a poor replacement

for a playmate. So I decided

one day long ago to walk

through those forbidden doors.

Not only would I talk to ghosts,

but perhaps ghosts would make

good companions.