Chapter Twelve:

The Underworld

Awareness came slowly and with it, a raging headache.

I sat up, propping myself against the stack of pillows behind me as I gazed around the suite, a roaring fire burning bright in the floor to ceiling stone fireplace. Books lay, stacked haphazardly on nearly every surface and in the far corner, I could just make out a hint of cream-colored bathroom tile, steam billowing through the partially-open door.

I swung my legs out from under the heavy fur-lined bedspread, stretching them down until they contacted the smooth floor, surprisingly warm and squishy, like walking through carpet. I followed the steam, so completely tired and worn out that it took everything I had just to make it to the sunken tub. I stripped, stepping down into the warm water with a little sigh of relief, leaning back against the black marble.

My whole body felt tense as I lazily swirled a hand through the bubble bath. I had a nagging feeling, in the back of my mind, that I knew exactly where I was, but didn't voice it until the bathroom door swung open and he filled the space, glass of orange juice in one hand and Ibuprofen in the other. I closed my eyes, sinking down further in the tub.

"Should've known it was you."

"How do you feel?"

"Like shit, Hades, but thanks for asking. Where's Bailey?"

"In your suite, sleeping."

"And, where am I?"

He sat next to me, holding the glass and medicine out for me to take. "In my suite, where you'll stay for the foreseeable future."

I choked on a bit of juice, sputtering as he leaned over and whacked me on the back. "I'm sorry, I must've misheard you, because it sounded an awful lot like you just said 'where you'll stay'."

"I did."

I laughed, reaching out for a towel as I stepped from the bath, ignoring the hand he offered. "I would point out how absolutely ridiculous that statement is, but I think you already know. Woah." I leaned heavily against the countertop, world dancing and spinning for one crazy minute. I felt him take my elbow, gently, like I was made of glass, and I shook him off, straightening. "I'm fine. I need to take it a little slower next time, that's all. Just curious - there aren't actually two of you, are there?"

He caught me as I fell, scooping me up in his arms again as he carried me back to bed. "You need to rest, Emma. It'll take you more than a day to recover your strength." He covered me with blankets, sitting on the edge of the mattress.

"I don't need to be babied, Hades."

"You could've died last night if I hadn't been there."

"What did you want in return? A 'thank you'?"

"That's a good start."

I snorted. "Thank you, Hades, for saving me. Now, please leave."

"This is my room."

"Then go to mine! I need space."

"Emma, drop it. I'm staying."

I glared at him before turning over, tucking the sheets up under my chin as I felt him slide in behind me.

"I wanted to be left alone in Portland, but that wasn't good enough for you, was it? You have this irrational need to dominate people and it's more than a little frustrating. I don't want to be here anymore, because it's too difficult."

He draped an arm across my waist casually as I stilled. "What happens next time you can't handle the spiritual overload, and I'm not there to help?"

I shrugged him off. "That won't happen because I'll take better precautions next time."

He pushed my hair aside, kissing the back of my neck. "Send your souls to me and I'll take care of them for you."

"Oh, no," I said, standing to brace myself on the mattress. "You got me into this mess in the first place so now, I'm getting myself out of it again."

"How do you propose to do that?" He asked, leaning forward to toy with a lock of my hair.

"I don't know yet."

"So, you have no plan and no way, currently, to handle the energy-sapping souls who need your help. Does that sum it up?"

"I've been just fine for years."

He smiled, sitting up as I paced in front of the fireplace. "Your attention wasn't scattered in so many places before now. You took on too much at once and this, unfortunately, is the consequence."

I stopped, hand flying to my forehead. "Oh, shit, Sam!"

"Who's...Sam?"

"My we're-taking-things-slow-sort of boyfriend. I was supposed to meet him for dinner last night, but then the souls ambushed me."

A stormy, pissed-off look crossed his face as I fished around my coat pockets for my cell phone.

No reception. Damn!

"When did this boyfriend thing happen?"

My gaze flicked to his briefly as I tried not to snort. That probably wouldn't go over well. "You do not get to act disappointed by the fact that I have a boyfriend, Hades. And, before you ask, because I know you want to, no, he doesn't know what I do for a living, and I'm going to keep it that way for as long as I need to. Though, I'm sure it's about to be ex sort-of boyfriend, since I've stood him up so much lately."

"I'm not going to pretend to be sad about that."

"You're such an ass."

"But, seeing as you're so upset about this-"

"Again, you really shouldn't act like you care about him in any way shape or form," I interjected, holding my cellphone up and groaning in frustration when the bars ping-ponged between zero and one.

"I'm willing to take you home, just for a little bit."

My head whipped towards him as he folded his hands behind his head leisurely. "Wait, what? Ten seconds ago, you weren't going to let me out of your sight."

"Not to stay of course, but a day should be enough time to clear things up with your mor-Sam."

I eyed him warily - the calm demeanor, the half-cocky smile - and glared in return. "You want something, don't you?"

"A promise that you'll go back to Portland only when I think you're ready, not before, and while you're here, you'll stay with me in my rooms, so I can better protect you."

This is a trap, Emma. You know it's a trap, so don't be stupid. He'll never think you're ready; is Sam really worth this? Tell Hades 'no deal' right now!

"Fine. But if you try to trick me again like you did with the pomegranate, I'll kill you."

He smirked. "Noted. If you wanted to wait until tomorrow morning, I could have Hermes accompany us to-"

"No. Now."

An anxious look passed over his face as I slid a shirt on. "One more night, Emma. Please. If the souls find you while we're there-"

"You'll handle it. I'm not a fragile little flower, Hades. Oh, speaking of all things floral, while I'm hunting Sam down, you should go see Persephone."

"She told me to stay away, though I wouldn't object to seeing her again, to check in."

"Make sure she hasn't screwed everything up yet?" I asked. It's not a comparison between you, Emma. "She's doing this on her own, so take it easy on her, okay? You've had over two millennia to figure it out, but she was never meant to do this in the first place. Go talk to her. Okay, I'm ready to leave." I approached him as he eyes found and held mine for a fraction of a second. "Please be careful. Dodge their advances if you have to."

"Won't that turn them into Furies?"

"No. They'll sense me there, and hopefully leave you alone." He dropped me off on the landing of my apartment building. "You have four hours to sort everything out. Four. After that, if you're not back here, I'll come find you."

"Talk to her, Hades, but gently, alright? She's so stubborn."

"I don't need advice where my wife is concerned," he said, bristling slightly. "Don't go near the souls."

He disappeared and I rolled my eyes as I unlocked the front door, freezing in place.

"When I heard you were coming back to Portland, I almost didn't believe it, but here you are! How much did you have to twist his arm this time?" Poseidon tossed the book he held to the couch, approaching me slowly, eyes sweeping over me from head to toe. "You look tired, and stressed. You have a room in Atlantia whenever you want it," he said, tone serious even as I snorted, stomping my way into the kitchen, grabbing a bowl from the cupboard. He followed, leaning casually against the wall.

"So you can try to sleep with me again? No, thank you."

"The offer stands anyways. I need a favor."

"And you came to me for help? You must be desperate," I said, pouring myself a generous serving of Lucky Charms.

He shifted from foot to foot awkwardly. "Kronos took something that belongs to me."

"And naturally, I'm the first person you thought to ask for help?"

"He stole my wife, Amphitrite."

I almost dropped the bowl, eyes wide. "You have a wife? Ugh, you gods are all the same! You have someone to spend eternity with, but that's not good enough for you. You just want the first piece of tail that shows interest in you. No wonder you all have so many freaking kids."

He regarded me coolly for a moment before flicking his fingers, encasing me in another water cocoon. "We're immortal, Emma. Staying with the same woman until the end of time gets awfully boring. Sometimes I envy you mortals and your blessedly short lifespan. But, enough chit-chat. We have places to be, women to trade, you know, just another average day."

Women to trade? Oh hell no.

I lashed out violently, but it didn't make any difference as he transported us out of the apartment.

***

Tartarus

"You know, I wasn't hungry before, but I am now. Thanks." Poseidon took the bowl from me as I shivered, wrapping my arms around myself. Thick fog swirled around us, clinging to our clothes as shapes and shadows darted through it all, too fast to follow, but it made the hair on the nape of my neck stand straight up.

"Where are we?"

"Tartarus. Watch it!"

I stumbled into a soul, which dissipated like water over hot rocks. "Poseidon, I can't be here. The souls-"

"Relax, they won't hurt you - they can't. Ever wonder what the opposite of Elysium looked like? Ta-da!"

"I need to go back to Portland as soon as possible, so if you'd just-" I twisted out of his grip, spinning around, but he caught me, hauling me over his shoulder instead.

"He'll enjoy your fire, that's for sure. You're a little younger than most of his wives have been in the past, but I see that as a benefit, mom."

"Never call me that again if you still want two eyes, you evil little parasite. Also, who are you talking about?"

"Oh, my dad. Didn't I mention I needed you to marry him? Oh well."

Marry? What the holy hell? "I'm not marrying anyone you psychotic freak! Let me down!"

"Play along," he said, holding me tighter. "When I get Amphy back, I'll come for you, too."

"I don't believe you."

"I suppose I deserve that, but what choice have you got? You can't get back home by yourself, so you might as well enjoy the adventure."

"Hades will-"

Poseidon laughed, shifting me in his arms. "Mr. Fiery Britches will soon be too busy dealing with his wife to worry about you. Face it, Emma, you're on your own."

"You know, I told you not to kidnap me again and yet, here you are, kidnapping me."

"This? No, this is a forced arrangement to get you to help me, after which I'll return you to your dingy little apartment without a scratch or piece of hair out of place."

"So, I won't have to marry your dad?"

"You probably will but look on the bright side; being married to him isn't technically legal by any stretch of the imagination. It's like play-acting. On a much larger scale. And the only reason you're going through this at all is to save my wife from a rather ugly pissing match between myself and my old man. The gods won't recognize your union and then boom! You're free to go. Easy. Ah, here we are."

He put me down, spinning me around. The entrance to the castle was done in shades of black and grey, menacing-looking gargoyles flanking the battlements. It was bleak, depressing, and perfectly suited for the lord of Hell.

"Alright, remember what I told you," Poseidon said, arm around my shoulders and this time, I didn't bother shoving him off. "This is temporary and contingent on you keeping dear old dad's attention long enough for me to sneak Amphitrite away. Once she's safe at home, I'll come for you, got it?"

"Oh, sure, easy peasy. I'll just smack some Shahrazad charm on him and hope to the gods he doesn't kill me before you come back," I said sarcastically. "This is an absolutely ridiculous plan, Poseidon!"

"You kept my brother's attention longer than a few moments, remember? I have faith in you."

I glared back at him, feeling an odd little swirling in my gut like I was seconds from bad gas or puking all over the expensive-looking black and white brick bridge underfoot.

"I knew it smelled like rotting fish out here."

A man materialized in front of us, tucking his hands into the pockets of his tailored pants as he gave us both the once-over.

"Hey, dad. Long time, no summons! You look...good. Been working out?"

Kronos smiled, though it was wicked and cruel, and made my soul ache. "Chasing your stupid wife is wearing me out. I'll have her eventually, though, because she can only run so far and so fast for so long. Poor thing."

Poseidon pulled his lip up over his teeth, a soft snarl building low in his throat, and I stepped forward before I could stop myself, knees shaking. What the hell are you doing, Emma?

"How about a trade, then? Me for Amphitrite."

Kronos scoffed. "A human? Please, I'd break you like a twig."

A small tendril of power leeched out to me, slapping me on the thigh and I eeped, jumping back. "Yup, okay, noted. You've got this, Poseidon."

Poseidon gave me a long-suffering glance. "She's Hades' soulmate."

A predatory glint entered Kronos' eyes as he homed in on me. "Is she, now? Interesting...very interesting. And she's not immortal yet? What are you waiting for, girl? An invitation?"

"Oh, no, he tried that already," I said, folding my arms over my chest, hoping the move made me look brave...confident...when I was perilously close to puking all over the ground. "I just didn't give a shit."

"Even if this were true, son," Kronos said, turning his attention back to Poseidon, "I fail to see what that two-bit excuse for a god sees in her I mean, look at her, for crying out loud!" He laughed as I bristled, hand closing around the pepper spray in my pocket, flipping the lid. "What could she possibly offer me that a goddess can't?"

"This, asshole," I said, spraying him directly in the face, making sure I got his eyes for good measure as he roared, dropping to one knee. I dropped the cannister and sprinted back the way we'd come, Poseidon hot on my heels.

"What the hell was that for?"

"I'm not going to live with that awful man, not even for a single day. I'm sorry, I know what this means for your wife."

"You agreed to help!"

"No. You dragged me here against my will. Ohmygod wait." I stopped as pain, like a white-hot knife, rippled through my side and I collapsed on the ground, panting. "How do we. Get out. Of. Here?"

"I explained this to you already, but you chose not to listen. There's no escape for you, not without my help. It's a clever and maniacal way of keeping souls trapped here forever, stewing in their own anger and pain."

"There has to be another way."

"To what, exactly? Leave, or get my dad to release my wife, which likely won't happen now, thanks to you?"

"Both. Look, I'm sor-"

"You're right, son, this is perfect." Kronos grabbed my arm, yanking me to my feet before crushing me against his chest, coarse fibers of his suit chaffing my cheek. "In all my long existence, I've never had anyone treat me the way you just did, little one. I find it rather...arousing."

He snapped his fingers and Poseidon rushed forward as a woman appeared, white cotton dress torn, blood oozing down her arms from several puncture wounds.

"What did you do to her?" Poseidon asked, enraged, as Kronos shrugged.

"I didn't say the castle was safe, did I? Go on now, you have your woman, and I have mine." He ran a hand up and down my back and I shivered in disgust, leaning away from him as far as the space allowed.

Poseidon wrapped an arm around Amphitrite's waist as his eyes met mine and in them, I saw both thanks and promise, though I wasn't in the mood to acknowledge either now, just deep, unrelenting rage as Kronos dragged me up and over the bridge, each of my steps measuring at least three of his.

"I can't promise that I'll be gentle with you," he whispered into my ear. "But you're the first mortal that's been here who wasn't already dead, so I'll admit that I don't exactly know what to do with you."

"How about you let me go and we pretend that none of this ever happened?'

I felt his laugh before I heard it, and staunchly avoided his amused gaze. "That's not how bargains work, little one. My fishy son traded you for his wife and now, you're mine."

"No, I did that, to save them both."

"If you really believe that you actually had a choice in the matter, you're more naive than I gave you credit for. I baited him, and he baited you."

I wanted to laugh, but didn't know what would happen if I did. I was so out of my element with him - completely without options or ideas - and that fact scared me to death. I could wait for Hades to realize I was missing from Portland, or I could bet on Poseidon keeping his word that he'd come back for me, even as my gut sank with the realization that I might very well have to save myself this time.

Well, poop.

"Stay here until I send for you," he said, pushing me through a set of double doors before leaving again.

I whirled around, taking in the massive four-poster bed and black-tiled bathroom before rushing the windows, pushing against the latches, groaning when they refused to budge.

Great. Just great. Now what?

Wait. Our connection; the one that tied me to him and to the Underworld. He used it once to summon me. I resented it at the time, because it made me feel like a dog, but maybe now...? It was worth a shot, and if it didn't work, well, I'd figure something else out. I always did.

Hades, I don't know if this is going to work, and if it does, I don't know if enough time has passed in Portland for you to notice I'm gone, but please come find me. Your diabolical brother traded me to your dad in exchange for his wife's return, and I have absolutely no idea what Kronos has planned for me now. I'd rather not find out. If you rescue me...

I paused, knowing what I had to say next, and not liking it. Not one bit.

I'll train with you in the Underworld, and deflect my spirits to you like you wanted until I can handle them without passing out. Staying with you in your bedroom is negotiable.

"Do you mean it?" Hades appeared, holding his arms out, and this time I didn't hesitate as I jumped into them.

"You actually heard me!"

I pulled back slightly and he smiled. "Of course I did. Did you mean what you said?"

"Yes. Now please get me out of here."

He held up a hand to silence me, listening intently. "Kronos is coming." He pushed past me into the bathroom, closing the door slightly so that he wouldn't be seen as I crossed to the bed, sliding under the covers. A second later, I heard Kronos enter.

"Darling, what are you doing in bed? It's three o'clock in the afternoon! You weren't pining for me, were you?"

I stretched out like I'd been taking a cat nap, careful not to look towards the bathroom. "Why on earth would I do that, when it's obvious how much I can't stand you?"

He tsked, approaching me. "I hate arguing on my wedding day."

"Oh, you're getting married, huh? That's...nice. Who's the unlucky gal this time?"

He reached forward, pulling me up. "You, of course. Get ready - the ceremony is in twenty minutes."

Wait - WHAT?

I stopped him, heart pounding through my chest. "I'm not - I'm not going to marry you, Kronos. I barely know you."

And I can't stand you, I think you're cruel, ugly and manipulative, and your breath smells like moldy Cheetos.

He winged an eyebrow, amused. "What does that have to do with anything? I've married girls before without telling them until the wedding night. Be grateful you know now. Twenty minutes."

He left, swinging the door shut behind him and I gasped, sinking to the floor. Hades joined me there, scooping me up.

"I can't breathe."

"It won't happen, Emma."

"No, you're right, it won't, because you're going to take me away from this place - now. Gods, is it hot in here to you, too?"

"If I do that, Kronos will know it was me, and I'd rather not start a war with my father. That would be ugly."

"Leaving aside the question of how he'd know it was you, I never wanted to be here in the first place, and still don't. Let's go."

"Wait," he said, pulling on my arm as I stood. "He thinks that you're his property, which we can use to our benefit."

I narrowed my eyes, folding my arms across my chest. "So, now you want to use me, too? That's so typical."

"Persephone and I have tried for millennia to reason with him, but he won't listen. You're in a unique situation to change that."

"He's not going to listen to me; he just thinks that I'm a fragile little human."

"Who's not his blood. You don't have a history with him, so you can make another deal. He might actually listen."

"You realize how crazy you sound, right? He could just kill me for questioning his almighty authority. That's a very valid possibility. I really didn't want to take a mini-vacation here, Hades."

I was perilously close to pouting, but dang it, after living a somewhat normal life for the last three months, in the last twenty-four hours I'd been attacked and drained by frustrated spirits, kidnapped by Poseidon, traded like a cow to someone dark, scary and more manipulative than even Hades, and now the gods needed me again to be a pawn in their never-ending power struggle? Nuh-uh. No way.

"I just wanted a chance at a semi-normal life, however long it lasted."

"That's long gone, and I'm sorry for it."

"No, you're not."

"Will you do it?"

I tapped my foot irritably, not liking my options. Bargain for my freedom on Hades' behalf and hope against all hope that Kronos doesn't kill me on the spot, or tell Hades 'no deal' and risk him killing me anyways. Either way, I played a dangerous game. One that had an extremely high risk of failure.

"Am I supposed to talk to him before or after he makes me Queen of Hell?" I giggled at the thought, and saw a murderous expression cross his face.

"I don't find anything about that question even remotely funny, Emma."

"What am I supposed to bargain with, anyway? It's not like I have anything here with me except myself - oh hell no, Hades!"

He jerked like he'd been electrocuted. "Why would you ever think that would be an option?" He stormed towards me and I backed up, startled.

"Stop jumping down my throat, alright? That was the only thing I could think of."

"Do you really think so little of me that I'd allow that bastard to touch you? Or that I'd consider it in the first place?"

I held up my hands to ward him off, an automatic response that I wish I could stop doing around him. His wildly unpredictable moods were getting on my last damned nerve.

"I don't know, alright? You told me once that you'd do anything to save me, and-"

"You thought that's what I meant? Goddess, no. I want you to bargain your release for the promise that so long as I live and reign, I won't interfere in his business again. We'll send his souls to him, even the misplaced ones, and won't attempt to get them back. That should placate him."

"Hades, that's not fair."

"It's the only deal that has even the slightest chance of working. He values his privacy more than anything else in this world, so I think he'll listen."

"And, if he doesn't?"

"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it."

He was still angry - that much was clear by his biting, sour tone, and I didn't know how to make things better.

"I have to get dressed," I said eventually, moving towards a set of dresser drawers. "Unless, of course, you wanted to sneak me out...?"

He shook his head and I ground my teeth together, stomping away. "Of course not."

"I'm sorry that this is the way it has to be, but-"

"Hades! Fancy meeting you here." Kronos appeared in front of us, tucking his hands into the pockets of his suit.

Hades pushed me behind him, shielding me with his body. "I don't want a fight."

"Oh, but it's in your nature, son. I'm assuming you're here to steal your soulmate from me?"

I felt every muscle in Hades' body tense. "You knew?"

"I know everything but this time, you have Poseidon to thank," he said cooly, gaze leveling with Hades'. "You know, of course, that your brother traded your soulmate to me, and I take my trade deals seriously."

"What use is she to you?"

"Except knowing that it would bother you?" He asked, nonchalant. "Nothing. She's just another prize."

You little...

I surged forward and Hades caught me, dragging me back as Kronos watched the whole exchange, eyebrows raised. "I want to make a deal with you," I said, teeth clenched. And if you don't take it, I'll gouge your eyeballs out.

"A deal? With you? You have nothing to offer me, little one."

"What about my freedom for Hades' permanent absence from Tartarus? You'll never see him again, and he'll never attempt to get any souls back who accidentally end up here."

Kronos blinked in surprise, glancing from Hades to me and back again. "You let your human speak for you?"

"She has the right to offer, just as you have the right to refuse, though I wouldn't."

"And why's that?"

"Because, father," he said, stepping closer to Kronos, "despite the fact that it was Poseidon who kidnapped my soulmate, and brought her here, you kept her, knowing who she is to me. If this disrespect continues, you won't like what happens next."

Kronos' gaze darkened. "It's not wise to threaten me, Hades."

Hades just laughed, tendrils of darkness snaking along the ground, winding up Kronos' leg. "I'm not an infant you can attempt to kill, or a disobedient child in need of scolding. Do not underestimate me, or test the limits of my power."

"Is she really worth this much trouble?"

"Yes," Hades said automatically. "Do we have a deal?"

Kronos sighed, looking at me forlornly. "I was looking forward to our wedding night, but this new offer is simply too good to refuse. Very well, I accept your terms."

Hades paused a second, assessing his reaction, before reaching out for me, transporting us back to my apartment.