Page 49 of The Court of the Dead (The Nico di Angelo Adventures #2)

The god sighed loudly. “I lifted his punishment myself, you know, once I deemed that he had suffered long enough. I freed him from his rock, thinking he would see the power of mercy, maybe even discover humility. He did not. I hope you and your fellow heroes stop him. But I myself”—he spread his hands—“cannot act unless the entire Olympian Council deems that the gods are threatened. And you know that the council rarely agrees on anything.”

Nico wasn’t surprised. He’d dealt with the gods long enough to know their limits and their constant bickering. But he wasn’t angry, either. He appreciated his father even being willing to talk to him.

“Can I ask…” he said, “what did Pirithous do to deserve his punishment?”

Hades stared at his altar. Maybe it was Nico’s imagination, but he seemed focused on the desiccated pomegranate.

“That knowledge will come to you soon enough,” said the god. “I don’t trust myself to speak of it, or I will become angry.”

Nico decided not to push. “I don’t suppose you could tell me where Hazel is?”

Hades smiled. “That knowledge, too, is already coming your way, my son. Just because I cannot involve myself directly in your struggles does not mean I am not working behind the scenes, arranging some…happy coincidences.”

He stood and brushed off the front of his suit. “I should return to the Underworld. I have faith that Hazel can handle herself until you reach her. And then, together, you will bring Pirithous to whatever justice you deem best. You and Hazel have both made me immensely proud.”

Nico felt a comforting warmth encircle him, which shouldn’t have been possible in such a cold, dark crypt. “I’m probably pressing my luck,” he said, “but before you go…one last question?”

“Yes?”

“What should I do about Savannah?”

It wasn’t until he’d asked that he realized how much her struggle had been weighing on him. A small thing, maybe, compared to all their other problems, but Nico saw so much of himself in her.

Hades seemed to disappear into his thoughts. “Interesting you should ask about her, a girl you barely know. It shows you have a good heart.”

“How do I keep her safe, but also keep Asterion and his friends safe?”

“My son, two truths can exist at the same time. It is true that Savannah is haunted by what the empousai did to her parents. It is also true that Asterion and his friends have chosen to change and live a different life. You must find a way to allow them all to heal.”

“You make it sound so simple,” Nico said. “But some of the campers here are having a hard time adjusting.”

“But they are adjusting, no? Aren’t you training them to pair up with your cacodemons to rescue everyone from Pirithous?”

Nico scowled. “I don’t like it when you’re right.”

“I thought you would have gotten used to godly righteousness by now.”

“Did you just tell a joke ?”

“Who, me? The god of the dead?” Nico thought he caught Hades smirking.

“Surely not. At any rate, you and your boyfriend helped change the world. It sounds like you feel responsible for the ways that change has manifested, which I understand, but I feel compelled to remind you that you do not have to do this alone.”

“Have you been talking to Mr. D? You sound exactly like him.”

Hades let out a low chuckle. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I do appreciate the way Dionysus has been taking care of you.

If I may give you a last bit of advice…I believe what Savannah is missing is closure.

I can’t say she’ll get justice, because this world is so complicated.

The empousai who took her parents could go their entire existence without ever knowing the pain they caused.

But every living soul passes through my realm, and if I have seen anything that begins to take such pain away, it is honesty, empathy, and care.

Don’t think only of how you can defeat Pirithous.

Think of how you and your friends can help repair the damage that has been done. ”

Nico started to answer, but Hades raised a finger. “Any answer you provide now would not be thoughtful enough. Give it time, Nico.”

“Thank you.”

Hades nodded. “Now, since fair is fair, I have one more thing to ask you before I head back downstairs. How are your…Cocoa Puffs? Is that what you’re calling them now?”

“It’s a lot better than their ‘technical’ name.”

“There is nothing wrong with the word cacodemon .”

Nico scoffed. “ You try saying it ten times in a row. But…yeah, they’re wonderful. I’m sure they’re currently having the times of their lives tormenting our demigods-in-training.”

“Hmm. You are the first person to ever become a steward of so many cacodemons. I hope you take the responsibility seriously.”

“I do. I kinda see them like my own children. Especially when they’re confusing me.”

Hades’s brow furrowed. “How so?”

“Sometimes, I’m thrown by the feelings they give me. They’re not what I’m expecting.”

Hades nodded. “That does sound like having children. I know you must think of me as a distant, impenetrable god who isn’t tempted by the whims of emotion, but even we have feelings. Look at Dionysus, for example. He’s just as chaotic as all of you.”

Nico frowned. “Thanks?”

The god placed a hand on Nico’s shoulder.

“I have been alive for a very, very long time, Nico. I confess that life still surprises me. Not always in the ways I want, of course. That’s the gamble of existence.

But I suspect the cacodemons are learning to be what you need them to be, even if the feelings and memories they show you are uncomfortable.

Talk to that boyfriend of yours. He is a son of Apollo.

I’m sure whenever you need it, he will help remind you of the brighter side of life. ”

Nico smiled. “Even if it’s the inferior side.”

“My child of darkness.” Hades pulled Nico in for one last hug. “Continue to trust your instincts—they have guided you well thus far.”

And with that, Hades evaporated into shadows.

Nico sat there for a moment, basking in the warmth of the experience he’d just had. Maybe he wasn’t as lost as he’d thought.

He stood to leave…and then he saw that his bomber jacket was now neatly folded over the back of the bench. He glanced at the altar. Empty. He picked up the jacket and discovered there was no longer a gash down one of the sleeves. It had been mended as good as new.

Tears leaped to his eyes. “Thanks, Dad,” he said. “Love you, too.”

He made his way to the doors and emerged into the daylight. As he did, someone stumbled back.

“Sorry!” said Deion. “I promise I didn’t listen!” Then he frowned. “Well, I only heard the end part. Was that actually your father?”

Nico nodded. “Yeah. Made a rare appearance.”

“Wow,” Deion said, casting his eyes downward. “I hope I get to meet my mother someday. She’s Aurora, goddess of the dawn? Which is weird, since I’m usually a late sleeper. What did you guys talk about?”

“Uh…”

“Never mind,” said Deion quickly. “I have a bad habit of saying whatever I’m thinking.”

“No, that’s okay. I admire it! Better than keeping everything to yourself.”

“I guess. Yazan says it’s going to get me in trouble someday.”

Nico couldn’t help but laugh a little. “Maybe. But you’ll learn to balance it. And there’s nothing wrong with a little trouble.” His brow furrowed. “Wait, why were you on Temple Hill, anyway?”

“Oh, right!” Deion’s eyes widened. “Will needs you. Savannah told us you went this way, so I came to find you.”

“Do you know what’s up?”

“Someone showed up at the entrance to camp,” he said gravely. “They claim to know where Hazel is.”