A Game of Fate (Hades Saga #1)(34)

The ground began to quake, and the ocean rose up on all sides of the island, welling in the cracks Hades had created in Poseidon’s marble. He had pushed too hard. Hades cast his magic like a net, enveloping the landmass in shadow to keep his brother at bay.

“You lost your monsters because you tried to overthrow Zeus,” Hades said through gritted teeth. Poseidon’s magic was heavy, and he felt like he was being buried alive as it battled against his wall of shadow. “Now you are angry because there were consequences for your actions. How childish.”

The disgust Hades felt for his brother in this moment fueled the strength of his magic, though Poseidon’s display was not surprising. His life had been a sequence of childish outbursts that had dire consequences for those involved.

“You claim to be a king and yet follow the rule of Zeus,” Poseidon spat.

“I follow my own rule,” Hades said. “It just doesn’t align with your will.”

Hades didn’t often agree with Zeus, but at least the God of the Sky believed in the existence of a free society. He believed that all gods had their role in the world, and that they should keep order within their specialty and nothing more.

Poseidon was not of the same mind, and if he could rule supreme, he would.

The problem was he had two equally powerful brothers who could—and would, and had—stopped him.

Hades closed his eyes and reached into his darkness, into the part of himself that had been born to war and chaos and destruction. To the part of himself that was desperate for control and order and power. He drew upon that desperation, that will, that strength, coaxing it to the surface until the power that welled deep in his chest exploded in a stream of shadow. It tore through Poseidon and his wall of water, and the god went to his knees, the ground shaking beneath him.

The two gods breathed hard and glared at one another, and as the water settled around them, Hades spoke.

“I have saved your people and your island. I am due a favor.”

There was a chance Poseidon would not agree, that he would go to the same dark place Hades had to retrieve power, but Hades hoped the God of the Sea would realize what was at stake—more than just monsters. If he fought, it would mean the end of Atlantis, his people, and perhaps his freedom.

Zeus had taken that before. Nothing would stop him from doing it again.

“Think, Poseidon. Do you really want your empire to end over this mortal?”

He could see the indecision warring in Poseidon’s eyes. At this point, it wasn’t about a mortal anymore, it was about Hades and the fact that he had challenged—and overpowered—Poseidon in front of his own people.

“Poseidon.” A musical, feminine voice called the god’s name.

Hades’ gaze shifted to Amphitrite, Poseidon’s wife. Her eyes were large and round and the color of peridot. They were eerie to behold and set in a delicate face. Long ginger hair shrouded her curvy body like a cape. She was beautiful and deeply in love with her husband, despite his infidelity.

In her presence, Poseidon’s anger evaporated and his body slumped. Hades watched as Amphitrite hurried to him, and the God of the Sea grasped her, chains rattling as he did. They held one another close before pulling apart and staring into each other’s eyes. Something passed between them, a wordless communication born from years of partnership. After a moment, Poseidon looked at Hades.

“A favor, then,” he agreed.

“You will help me capture Sisyphus,” Hades said. “Since you are responsible for this blight upon the world.”

It was like asking for Poseidon’s help and Hades hated it, but it was probably the easiest way to get Sisyphus off the streets and the spindle out of circulation.

“Iniquity,” Hades said. “Tomorrow at midnight.”

“Sisyphus will not come within a mile of your territory,” Poseidon said. “And not that quickly, especially after your…gross display of power. It will be a few days, and it will be in my territory.”

Hades did not like the idea of meeting on Poseidon’s turf. It meant that he had more at his disposal, both in power and people, but the God of the Sea was right. It was best to meet in a place that would not draw suspicion from Sisyphus.

“Fine,” Hades said. “Eleftherose ton.”

As Hades spoke the words, Poseidon was released from his chains. Amphitrite helped the burly god to his feet, which was almost comical, considering she was half his size. Poseidon drew her close, his large hands nearly spanning her waist, and kissed her. Hades averted his eyes, confused by their display of affection. If his brother loved his wife so much, why did he pursue other women? They seemed lost in one another for a moment, Poseidon’s anger toward his brother momentarily forgotten.

Hades used his magic to reclaim the small, black box Hephaestus had given him. There was no way he would let something so useful and so powerful slip through his hands. As the box came to land in Hades’ palm, Amphitrite looked at him. She might be his sister-in-law, but he knew very little about her, save that she could calm the seas and Poseidon.

But right now, Hades felt her fury.

“I think it is time you left, Lord Hades,” she said.

The corner of his mouth tipped, and he nodded before vanishing.





CHAPTER XII – A GAME WITH A GODDESS




Hades returned to the Underworld and summoned Ilias. He was exhausted after expending so much energy keeping Poseidon’s magic at bay, but he had a plan to locate Sisyphus. It was the first time he had felt any kind of success since the beginning of this ordeal.