Chapter eight

“You mean to tell me the second realm will be handling the affairs of the the lowers this year. Well, That isn't worth the chaos that would be eminent if the second realm uses the entirety of mortal worship for this year.”

“I assure you, Your imperial majesty. It will be worth it. The second realm will not just be handling the affairs of this year’s lowers, They will be moved to the second realm as citizens.”

Zeus snorted. “The second realm must be in a really bad state if you are that desperate. I personally have no problem releasing the first realm’s share of mortal worship but Hades, Well you know how he can be.”

Persephone shivered just hearing the name of the underworld ruler. The fact that she feared him far more than she respected the King of the three realms was a giveaway.

“When last has he needed it. He has millions of eternal souls to fuel his hell for millenniums. He wasn’t even in this year’s meeting, I doubt he cares.” She ventured.

“Do not act naive. We both know the only reason he wasn’t present was because of the deal he made with my brother.”

Persephone swallowed a bitter pill. Zeus was awfully right and she detested it. She traced the beautiful serpentine necklace that adorned her neck. As long as she had it on, She could not be claimed by him. She smoothed the guilt pulsing through her tense veins. Now was not the time to wallow in self pity. She had a kingdom to restore.

“But you are right, Its a waste of resource in the underworld.” The Lord of the skies considered.

“Does that mean you will consider?” Persephone stammered, her eyes widening in hope.
The lord of the skies eyes morphed into a ethereal white. “I accept your proposal.”

A small smile found its way to the goddess’s lips. She had put down her standards in high hopes. Her only consolation was it was a success.

“Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty.” She said with a bow.

“Don’t thank me. I am only doing this to save my brother’s realm. Plus, Its quite sickening hearing the mortals complain about iceberg melting and dead fishes. Fix what you caused!” And without warning, The stone doors pushed open, sending a gust of wind that practically blinded Persephone. The door banged close and Zeus was gone. The Goddess draped down the cloak over her head and descended down the impossible flight of stairs. Her mission here was a success.

***
“Take this.” Solomon said, handing over a simple ruby necklace to a physically disturbed Talia.

“What’s that?” Talia inquired, gladly accepting the necklace.

“Its a blood stone. Its negates the effect of bad magic. I was going to use it during the next full moon but you need it more at the moment.”

Talia took a look at the dark crimson stone. She had heard of it. Maybe probably seen it in one of her mother’s grimoires. It was usually a stone filled with angel blood. It was very useful in repelling bad magic. It was a kind offer but she could not accept it.

“Its a kind offer Solomon but I cannot take this. You need it more.” Talia said, handing the pendant back to Solomon just as they stepped outside the school doors. The forested spit of land was a sight to behold. Talia was a bit overwhelmed by the growing numbers of student exiting the school. She noticed the students began to separate into groups; The boys in one and the girls in another. Her eyes caught the sore sight of Sybil discussing something with a girl group of five. Probably her sisters from the Gemini coven. She numbed just thinking about the wicked things they had in store for her.

Solomon refused to take back his protection. “Not at the moment. There won’t be a full moon until next week. Use it for the mean time. You can always give it back tomorrow.”

Talia considered it. She wasn’t the brightest spell caster. Plus, a protection spell would drain her of a good amount of chi. Reluctantly, She accepted the blood stone, putting it over her neck and successfully hiding it before Sybil and her girl gang could suspect a thing.

“Thank you Solomon.”

“Don’t mention…”

“Solomon! Are you coming?” A dude at the back called.

“See you tomorrow I guess.” Solomon gave a small smile before running to join his peers.

“Goodbye.” Talia muttered barely audible. She then gathered courage to join the girls. She readjusted her bag as eyes flung in her directions. The whispers followed again and even Talia was no accustomed to them, It did still make her very uncomfortable. They saw her as a weirdo even if some of them were noticeably different. To her left and right were a considerable amount of faerie who had either bright purple, acid green or pale silver hair to go with their wings and they dared to look at her differently. The school walked into a shade of giant old trees and right into a endless circle. She watched students jump and get swallowed by the magnetized force pulling her in. The energy signature of the gateway in the grassy expanse was tremendous. It reeked of divine magic. True divine magic which meant it was created by a god. Talia sucked in air before jumping in.

On Hera’s word. The dormitory was a sight to behold. Beyond the courtyard was a magnificent stone building Talia assumed was the dormitory.

“Are you Talia Trueborn?” Talia heard a woman ask.

She turned to see an obscenely beautiful woman dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. Her head in Talia’s direction.
“Yes…”
“Welcome, I’m Sara.” The lady sent, stretching her hands in for a shake. Talia took it. The woman’s hands were cold, Unlike her personality. Also, the woman didn’t have that petrified look when their eyes met. Talia noticed a set of canines sticking out. A vampire. It wasn’t a far fetched answer. Vampires were considered outcasts and most of them usually ended up as rogues in the mundane world but for some reason they were the personal favorites of his imperial majesty and were most times usually pardoned for their crimes against mortals. There was nothing wrong with another outcast joining the ship.

“Thank you.”

“Alright, Lets get you into a room and perhaps a little tour.”

Talia flashed the vampire porter a warm smile in a vain attempt to mask the relapse in her faith. A part of her feared what might happen if she ended up with witches who also had a grudge on Simon. Her short time with Sybil had thought her they were ready to take out their pent up urges on her.

“The houses were built by founding members of the school during the wars between mortals and monsters. Now, its a premier house for Fae, witches, shapeshifters and of course the undead. a safe space for children of the night, light and creatures that go bump…”

“Sorry to interrupt you, But I have a suggestion.”

“Oh, what might that be?”

“A particular coven of witches seem to have a problem with me. The... Gemini coven.”

“Sybil right? Well your eyes could really bring back memories the poor girl would like to forget but don’t worry, I will see what I can do.”

Everyone was so caught up in Sybil’s business that Talia wasn’t sure if she was to pity the witch but she was relieved she wouldn't be dealing with a vengeful coven out for blood. As the tour progressed, Miss Sara stopped to ask a question Talia wasn’t sure why everyone was so keen on learning.

“If you don’t mind me asking, Who is your father?”