Chapter forty seven (4)❤

Talia shut the door and proceeded to change. Her mind ran between confronting Denys for the second time or thanking Solomon. She wasn't in the mood for another god's game but then, Ade had looked sincere. His cold honesty had a tang to it. It had to be the truth but it surely was not out of the good of his heart. Talia wasn't stupid enough to believe the Western Prince was attracted to her. It was something else. Something she could not quite lay a finger on.

"Screw it," Talia finally mumbled to herself, throwing on a black T-shirt and old faded jeans before stepping out of her chambers.

The goal was to thank Solomon for everything he had done for her, tell him about Hades' visit, then abandon this godforsaken realm. Talia maintained a vigorous mental conversation of what was smart to talk about and what wasn't as she walked up to the male's dormitory, specifically stopping at door fourteen which happened to be Solomon's room. She knocked on the door for a few minutes and waited for someone to answer. As seconds flew by, She heard someone yawn loudly from inside, followed by light footsteps approaching the door. She let out a loud sigh as the door creaked open and Solomon's exhausted face peeped out.

Solomon seemed surprised to see her. It was the same with Talia as she had expected he would be at the training ring.

"Hey," She managed, flashing a warm smile.

He remained quiet for some time before rapidly blinking his eyes and slightly cursing.

"Sorry... How are you doing?"

"Fine. Can we talk? If I am not bothering you that is."

"No-No." Solomon insisted, opening up the door and inviting her in. "I'm just really exhausted. I haven't slept for hours."

"Yeah..." Talia paused, feeling tingles cover her skin just remembering what she endured in the dream realm. It further strengthened Talia's personal convictions to get as far away from god politics as soon as she could. "I never got to thank you for helping me escape that dream realm. I'm sorry I dragged you into my madness."

Solomon collapsed into his bed, squinting his eyes at Talia.

"It's not your fault. Someone released the demon. It affected everyone in the Kingdom, Persephone included."

"No. If I hadn't kept asking for answers I would never get. Maybe I wouldn't have been this far. Solomon, I met my Dad tod-"

Her words made Solomon jerk.

"You met Hades?" Solomon inquired, his eyes were wide and his demeanor suggested he was worried.

"Yes," Talia answered. "And the demon attack, It was no mistake. Hades wanted it. He needed to force me to access my divine abilities. My meeting with Persephone, the accident, and Denys saving me, I suspect they aren't mere coincidences too. Hades wants me to do something and I bet it has something to do with winning Persephone."

"You should tell the Queen," Solomon suggested, walking up to the door and flipped the locks in to ensure some privacy.

"I can't." Talia retorted, realizing how fucked up her entire situation was. "The mention of Hades brings absolute terror to her ears and I do not blame her. She has lost a son and a husband to my so-called father. She already hates me. Associating myself with Hades will be the last straw."

Solomon seemed to think deeply about Talia's words. It made the demigod believe the werewolf knew more than he was letting on or perhaps something she said had ignited something he had missed. Talia lifted her gaze to meet Solomon's steel-blue eyes and she saw the worry she had caused in them.

"While everyone was under the sleep spell, Persephone seemed to break hers and she immediately tried to kill you. She was convinced that killing you would lift the spell. If you are sure your father made sure the sleep demon was out to get you to use your divine abilities, Could it be that Persephone already knows whatever your father has made to be your path?"

That's was bad, Talia thought. Myriads of mystery enveloped her fragile mind. Was that what Ade and his mother meant by the damning curse? If the little pieces she had managed to fix together had any truth in them, It meant she was in so much danger than she thought. But with the new links came further confusion. Talia had to know.

"Then why didn't she kill me? She had such a perfect opportunity to do so. It wouldn't be disregarding Zeus's law if she had to kill me to protect her kingdom?"

"The Western Prince protected you at the cost of his life," Solomon revealed. "And Sybil managed to knock her out before she could drive the finishing blow."

The Western Prince... Talia had tried not to put much thought into his words but perhaps he was legit. Was Denys hiding a dark secret from her? She recalled what Ade had said to her. She had to save herself. If the Northern Prince wasn't looking for her best interest in heart. Maybe it was time to make a deal with the devil herself. All she needed to do was sign her damn name. Hell in a basket. But Persephone was not to be trusted. The only thing she could rely on was her Fae wit and nothing was forthcoming. There was no flight this time around.

Solomon clicked his fingers, the sharp click startled Talia. "What are you thinking about?"

"Solomon," Talia sighed. "If I remain in this realm, I will either be killed by Persephone or live long enough to fulfill Hades' desire. I have to save myself, Solomon."

"What are you talking about? This isn't something you can do alone Talia. You need friends by your side." Solomon protested. "Even Roman agrees."

Talia took his arm and squeezed it, offering a consolatory smile.

"I cannot let you or Roman sacrifice further for me. I will do this alone."

"And what exactly is your plan?"

"Persephone's preposition for my freedom when I first arrived was that I signed my name off the book of life. I did not agree considering that would leave me in harm's way but now that I know I am alive because of Zeus's command, I have nothing to lose."


Dread knotted in Solomon's stomach."Talia, You cannot be serious. How will that help with anything?"

"I've learned Persephone's greatest flaw and that is her pride. It's why she wanted me to sign my name off the book in the first place but with all these Revelations popping up every minute, I know I don't have much time before the rules of engagement change."

A knock on the door signaled the end of their conversation. Solomon's pack members were back which meant their meeting had to come to an end. Talia thanked the heavens that they came in cue before Solomon could change her mind. Talia made her way to the door, giving Solomon one last smile before freeing the locks and letting his roommates in.

Save yourself, Talia.

Those words haunted Talia as she returned to her chambers to finalize her hazy plan. There was still the possibility that Queen Persephone would reject her offer. Though, it would be weird if it happened. Why in the three realms would Persephone reject a lifetime opportunity to get a thorn out of her flesh.

Suddenly, her doors opened.
Sure it was Solomon here to mess with her already made decision which was the last thing she needed at the moment.

She turned to face the intruder.


It was the Northern Prince.


He looked worried and Talia could sense some form of resentment within his soul as he strode towards her. With each step, he took, it drained a little, and by the time he reached her, she had lost her spark.

"Are you alright?" he asked, afraid of the answer to that question but needing to know. "I am sorry for whatever happened there. Sometimes gods can be caught in their own banter. If they have crossed you in any way, I ask for your forgiveness."


Talia stared at him in silence for long seconds, her glare cutting, and then her shoulders sagged. "Cut the good guy act, Prince Denys. I would rather I know my enemies."

"What?" The Prince scoffed, confused. "I am not your enemy Talia. Is this something that good for nothing Westerner told you?"

Talia sighed. Hating herself for what she was about to do. As much as she fancied the Northern Prince, She was now certain he was hiding something, and although she had no idea what it was. She was determined to make him spill.

"When were you going to tell me?"

"Tell... you what?" Denys stammered.

"The truth!" Talia retorted, glaring at him like she was sure she had dirt on the house of Poseidon.

"That is not possible!"

There it was. The truth. Denys was hiding something and he had confirmed it himself. His expression softened and she guessed he had realized his slip up.

"You never knew."

"And I hoped I was wrong. I didn't want to believe him Denys but he was right. All this while, I saw you as my... savior. I..." Talia willed the words to come out but they didn't come out right. Hot tears blurred her sight as she fought the urge not to cry. He wasn't worth it. "I feel so stupid right now. I was so afraid to be lonely that I trusted the enemy's son. I even fell in love with him."

Denys took a step forward, heartbroken at the sight. "Talia, I am not your enemy. I did it to protect you."

"You lie. Just tell me what it is. I don't think it matters anymore anyway."

At that, Denys seemed too reluctant. "I...can't."

"Then leave."

Denys ran his finger through his hair. He was clearly torn between the heart-wrenching lure of telling Talia the truth and damning the consequences or to keep feeding her lies for as long as he could.

"Talia, if you want the truth that bad then do what you do." Denys finally spoke. "I want you to read my memories if you have to. Find out my intentions but that truth you seek for, I cannot give it to you. Not now."

"I don't want to." Talia resisted.

But Denys would not take no for an answer. It was so sudden and primal when his lips mashed against hers as if trying to flatten and destroy her mouth. She pushed back, resisting his overpowering scent and fighting for dominance with her tongue pushing past his clenched teeth to the moist space within. The bristles of his beard scratched against her soft cheeks as she gripped his head firmly, keeping him secured as she invaded his memories. She worked her mouth against his, their tongues battling back and forth like wrestlers, each trying to pin the other as quick flashes pushed past her mind. There was nothing damning in his mind. She saw flashes of the day he saved her and how he fought day to day to keep her safe. It wasn't enough. Where was it? Where was the big bad secret? The more she indulged herself, the further her succubi dominate and before common sense could register, she tore his tunic in half and dropped it near his feet.

"Talia?" Denys breathed, doubting she wanted this.

Talia ignored him, continuing to assault his mouth with her tongue while her fingers worshipped his ripped body.

Soon, Talia's clothes were on the floor and all she had on was her underwear.

Denys growled, caught her shoulders, and pushed her backward. She fell flat onto the bed on her back. Her wide eyes slowly narrowed, heated desire coloring their golden depths, singing to him. His roughness had only increased her arousal. He groaned now, the thought that she wanted him to be rough with her, to be dominant, sparking every instinct he had. It was impossible to ignore them.


A god's desire could not be held back once unleashed.

He shoved his trousers off and kicked them away, and she moaned as he mounted the bed. He crawled towards her and she wriggled backward, a wicked smile curving her kiss-swollen lips. He made them his mission, staring hard at them as he caught her ankle and yanked her down the bed to him. She squealed and he caught the rest of it in his kiss. Her lips played hard with his, goading him. She was trying to make him play rougher.


Denys groaned again and gave her what she desired, kissing her so hard that he forced her down against the bed. She moaned and nipped at his lower lip with her blunt teeth. He grunted as a spear of pure energy bolted through him and growled as he lost himself in the kiss. He grasped her wrists and pinned her arms above her head, shoving them hard against the soft covers.

Talia moaned low, the sound profoundly intoxicating. His length pulsed in response, jerking against his stomach. She arched into him and her body pressed into him, wrecking his concentration. He pulled back and stared down at her, lost in how she rocked against him, her slender body rubbing against his stomach.

She needed release.

Swearing, he pulled her legs apart and tore her panties, seeing pink. It was hot and moist. He had to be in that prison. Denys pumped within the loose prison. It hurt so damn good to not let loose and come. Still, he thrust his penis hard between her thighs. Talia tucked her leg above his hips to tighten the clasp. He could come right now, but he would not when he was so close to entering this enigmatic woman he was beginning to believe had been led to him by fate.