You could have heard a pin drop around us. It was utterly silent as everyone thought about this offer. It seemed almost unconscionable to give up on my daughter now- to fold without even fighting. But then, there was another daughter on the line, too. She just didn’t happen to be my own… and she had taken very good care of my daughter when Raquel had been scared and alone.
I swallowed hard. It wouldn’t really be giving up on my daughter. She was dead- she was meant to be here. What it would be… would be giving up on my own life in the Spiritlands. It would simply mean that I was choosing her over me. We’d be together and wasn’t that the most important thing?
“Don’t do it,” Hecate said. “Your decision would be final. I could perhaps find another way to save Empusa. There is no other way to save Raquel.”
“There is no other way to release someone from the Underworld but through me,” Hades insisted. “This offer makes the most sense. And there is one last thing. It is true that Zeus can leave if the bloodstone stays. But surely you do not wish to leave it here unattended. If you do not stay with it, who will guard it? You must stay.”
The silence was deafening.
“Just a moment,” I said quietly and I walked woodenly to my husband. I pressed my forehead to his chest and allowed his arms to fold around me. I could feel every eye in the near vicinity on us, waiting to see what we would decide.
Cadmus lowered his head until his lips brushed my ear. “I will follow you anywhere,” he said huskily. “My life is nothing without you in it. We should stay. The Isles are a paradise. We’ll be happy there. We’ll be together and that is all that matters. I think recent events have proven that.”
I looked up, meeting his dark gaze. “Are you certain?” I whispered.
He nodded solemnly. “I’ve never been so certain.”
I pressed a kiss to his lips. “I love you.”
“And I love you.”
I turned around. “Fine. We have a deal… on one condition. I want access to the portal that links to Zeus’ palace on Olympus- the real Olympus. I want the ability to visit my parents in the Spiritlands.”
Everyone shifted their gaze to Hades. He looked agreeable and a little smug as he nodded, his dark cloak curling around him in the breeze.
“Done. Just as I allow Persephone to return to Olympus to visit her mother, I will allow you the same privileges. See, I am not unreasonable.”
I stared at him. “So that is it? It is done?”
He nodded. “So be it. It is so.”
“There is one more thing,” a voice called out. Everyone turned to see who had spoken. Ortrera stood proudly in front of her warriors.
“I would like permission to stay with Harmonia in the Isles.”
I froze. “Ortrera, no! Why would you do that?”
She smiled faintly. “Because, dear sister. You are guarding a powerful weapon. Your pendant contains Zeus’ own fate, which in turn affects that of the entire world. My warriors and I wish to help you guard it. And you, too, of course.”
“Of course,” I murmured. My sister wasn’t much for sentiments.
Hades nodded, clearly pleased that he had gained more souls for the Underworld. “So be it.”
And it was done. Negotiations were over.
I would’ve collapsed to the ground in a heap if it weren’t for Cadmus’ arms supporting me.
“It will be alright,” he murmured to me. “I promise you.”
I nodded. I knew that it would be. “Where’s Raquel?” I whispered.
“She’s at the palace on the Isles with Ahmose.”
“Then let us go there.”
He nodded and scooped me into his arms. Regardless of my decision to stay in the Underworld, I had never felt so safe. My husband’s arms were the safest place in the world.
* * *
From the comfort of a chaise lounge, I watched Raquel scamper and play in the courtyards of the palace. The gardens were manicured and perfect here, and there was even an English maze for her to get lost in. I closed my eyes wearily. It had been hours since we had returned from Hades’ palace, but I was still tired. My depression had taken my energy. Even sipping on nectar, it would take awhile to regain it fully. As I listened to Raquel’s joyful laughter, I smiled.
“There is nothing as beautiful as a child, is there not?”
I opened my eyes to find Zeus next to me. I nodded. “You’re right. She’s a miracle.”
He sat in the chair next to me and calmly observed my daughter playing.
“You have done well, Harmonia,” he said quietly. “Every decision you make is laced with loyalty and responsibility. I am honored to have you part of my family.”
I looked at him. Honored?
He read my mind and laughed.
“Of course, I am honored. I doubt there is anyone else who could have come through this as you did. Time and again, you have sacrificed yourself for the greater good and that is to be commended.”
I nodded wordlessly. He had no idea how hard it had been.
“I must apologize, also,” he said regretfully. “I do know how difficult it has been for you. And I’m sorry that I had to do it in the way that I did. But you see, I too have to consider others before myself. My decision, my plan, was formed to save us all. Many might see this last decision of yours as a punishment. I hope you do not.
“The Isles of the Blessed are indeed that. They are a paradise meant for only the purest of heart. You will live here for all of eternity in perfect bliss with your family. It is not a punishment at all, it is a reward. This palace will be yours. Raquel can run and play in paradise and you and Cadmus will never face another goodbye. It is a blessing.”
His silver eyes beseeched mine. “Do you agree?”
I nodded. “I do think so. Cadmus and I have faced so much heartache. It is comforting to know that we will spend eternity in bliss.”
“It will be so,” Zeus assured me. “And I hereby renounce the curse on your bloodstone. With my words, it has been lifted.”
I almost felt physically lighter as he said those words. “Thank you,” I whispered.
“You’re welcome. I owe you much. If there is ever anything that I can do for you, you only need ask.”
“What of Empusa?” I asked suddenly, as her delicate face came unbidden into my mind. “Has Hecate found her?”
Zeus shook his head. “No, but she will. We do not know if Empusa realizes that she is free. If so, she may take flight to the mortal world. She is terrified that her father will find her and destroy her to prevent the curse’s reversal. But wherever she is, trust that we will find her. I know that Hecate will tirelessly search for her.”