Chapter twelve

“Seems like you have imprinted your destiny in the sand of time, demigod.” The goddess calmly said. “Next!”

Talia let Persephone words sink in. The thought of failure etched through her being. She stole a look at the mortified crowd, Some happy that Persephone’s wrath wasn’t incurred on the entire school. No! Talia decided she would not let the Goddess’s words seal her fate. No one could seal a living breathing matters fate. As the goddess turned to get the next student, Talia seized the edge of her gown, nearly stumbling the Queen.

“I deserve another chance.” Talia pleaded.

“Unhand me!” The goddess shot back. Her tone was raw and commanding. it was a warning to the girl and maybe if Talia wasn’t overwhelmed in her own dilemma, She might have obeyed.

Having enough of the insolent child, Persephone stepped down the platform with Talia still clutching tightly to her robe. She could have snatched her dress back but with the cameras watching and her pride and self-respect hanging in the balance, Persephone believed her words were enough to frighten the half-god. How wrong she was. The sound of tearing echoed in the ears of everyone in the hall, the hairs on their skin standing erect as fearful eyes journeyed back to the spectacle on the platform. Talia snapped out of her lethargic state and stepped back, unable to comprehend what she had done. She stared at the gown which she just rendered into beautiful rags after ripping it in two. One would think a god would be entitled to the better fabric. Talia dared to look into Persephone’s eyes rather than flee. Suddenly, the wind seemed to blow through the room. It turned into a gust and the sturdy whole began to vibrate. Talia stepped back seeing Persephone’s skin light up as golden traces of light burst through her. Her hair rippled wild and bloodthirsty like Medusa’s snakes. The whole school seemed to disappear in front of Talia when Persephone’s feet left the ground. Now she didn’t look like a queen with attitude problems, She looked like a primordial goddess in her right. The power surge the goddess gave seemed to light Talia on fire. It felt like hell. Finally, the goddess spoke.

“I betrothed you the sea!”

Talia wasn’t sure what she meant by that but the elements seemed to understand what the goddess wanted and immediately the words were said, Several windows splintered. Water poured in like living tentacles and latched around Talia before jolting her out of the halls. A prickling sensation crawled through Talia’s back as the body of water continued dragging her through the forest like she didn’t feel pain. Talia struggled to find the right spell - something she could use to free herself but before she found the right spell. Her body crashed into the salty waters. Then it hit the girl. Betrothing her to the sea was the goddess’s nice way of commanding the elements to drown her. Talia struggled to bring her head back towards the sun-speckled surface. She wouldn't relent but the more she struggled, The more the tentacles dragged her further below. With superhuman effort, She broke through the surface. At least, Talia thought she did. As she attempted to gasp for air, The living waters pull her back in. This time they won. Talia fought to hold her breath, grasping to her chances of survival but the deeper she sank, the illusions of hope died. The cold water rushed in. Oxygen deprivation. Talia felt it all go as she slipped further and further into the darkness. When all hope was lost, She felt warm hands pull on hers.

***
THE THIRD REALM
Maveth opened her eyes to a room of brightly colored lights. She pushed herself up the white bed and took a look at her surroundings. The ancient-looking walls circling her were etched with three different doors. On the doors were labels. She read them; Hell, Heaven, and Purgatory.

What was she doing here? The last thing Maveth remembered was performing a teleportation spell to get to Talia. For some reason, She was now in the in-between. That could only mean one thing.

“You are dead Maveth.” A husky voice said from behind her.

Maveth recognized his voice. She turned back to face him. His scathing demeanor, his large expressive dark eyes, and full lips. To be honest, He was ruggedly handsome. His Scythe was the only thing that scared her and he seemed to enjoy the company of the devilish weapon.
“Hades.” She breathed.

“It is nice to see you again Maveth.”

Without thinking, Maveth latched unto his clothes. So dark that it felt like her life force was slipping away.

“You planned this!”Her voice was glacial. A mother’s love was unrivaled “She is your daughter for hell’s sake. What sick ideas go through your head?”

“We made a deal succubus. You wanted a child and I clearly stated I would have my payment. Remember Maveth, You can't eat your cake and have it.” The god of the underworld said.

Maveth wanted to say something but she trailed off. Flashes of what happened assaulted her mind full force. She did do the spell and it worked but she was too late. Maveth remembered trying to pull her daughter away from the tendrils trying to drown her. She remembered being knocked away by a tentacle. At the detriment of her life, She continued searching. When she realized she was short of breath, She tried going back to the surface but she was in too deep so she didn’t make it.

“Is she dead too? Did you give me a daughter only to take her back?” Maveth sobbed, Anger and anguish ripping through her being. This had to be why no one made deals with the devil.

“I am not a monster Maveth. She is alive. Lucky for her, She was rescued by my Nephew.” Hades replied.

A comforting feeling blanketed Maveth for a minute but then more questions came to her mind. Hades wasn’t a god of coincidence. Like a fish to the face, Maveth figured it out.

“Denys... Poseidon’s son. Persephone’s son! You did this because of Persephone.”

“You are one very smart being Maveth.” He commented. “It is disappointing you don’t even want to be my consort.”

“So what happens now?”Maveth inquired, resigning to fate.

“You've served me well Maveth. I don’t usually do this so pick a door.”

Maveth tossed her head. “Not me. My daughter. What happens to her?”

“She will be fine. I promise you.”

“She will be heartbroken when she learns I am gone.”

“You don’t have to.” With that, Hades dropped his scythe to the ground and the whole room toppled over. Gravity did the rest and Maveth slipped to into an open door.