summit, the snow had gathered on my cloak and sleeves, splotches of white against the dark fabric. I directed Horse toward the single tree that sat atop the peak. Like most of the trees in the underworld, it was leafless and always had been. I climbed down off of Horse, hearing snow crunch under my boot.
I approached the tree, which was sustained by the magic of the Fates. The ancient, gnarled thing was their conduit to my world.
A fierce wind whipped across my face as I stood at the base of the tree. The branches reached out to surround me in a cage of wood. Not close enough to touch, but close enough to block out the night and bind me to the tree.
Again, it reminded me of Seraphia’s vines, and I felt a tug deep inside me, a memory that lit the blood in my veins and brought a wave of betrayal.
She’d done what she thought necessary, and I respected it. I respected all cunning and bravery, even when it was used against me. Still, I didn’t like it.
I thrust away the thoughts and looked up at the tree. “Wise Moirai, I come to seek your wisdom.”
Make your sacrifice.
The words echoed in my head.
I drew the cold air deep into my lungs and removed my gloves. Quickly, I shoved up my sleeves and drew the dagger from the sheath at my hip.
The slightest pinch of pain shot from my arm when I dragged the dagger up my wrist. I repeated the maneuver on the other arm, then lowered my arms to my sides.
Blood flowed freely, dripping to the ground and soaking the snow until it turned to dark slush. Blood loss made my thoughts go foggy and my limbs feel heavy. Though I was immortal, my blood served a purpose. If this went on too long, I would pass out, and it would take hours to recover.
But the Moirai required their sacrifice, and I required information.
I fought to stay conscious, but soon, I went to my knees, unable to stay standing. The sweet abyss of the dark called to me, beckoning me to sleep.
I ignored it, fighting to keep my eyes open.
Finally, golden magic swirled in the air, coalescing to form a young woman. She wore robes of a fine white material that was too thin to provide warmth against howling wind and snow, but warmth was the last thing she needed. She stared down at me, her dark eyes gleaming with terrible wisdom and power.
“Hades.” Lachesis’s voice vibrated through the night, through my body. She frowned. “You seem different.”
I frowned.
“You’ve found her.” She smiled, though it was eerie more than joyful. “Of course I can tell. There’s something…complete about you.”
“I’ve no idea what you mean.”
“Hmm. She must be quite something.”
“That’s not the issue here.”
“She’s always the issue.”
It was true. I’d tried to deflect, but it was true. “I’m here for information.”
“Well, you’ve made the sacrifice. You may tell me what you require.”
“I need help resisting her. Controlling her.”
“Your darkness isn’t helping you?”
She referred to the pit at the base of my fortress, and though it felt disloyal to confirm it, I nodded. I’d never broken away from the darkness before, never sought help elsewhere.
I hadn’t even known it was possible.
But last night, while staring at Seraphia in slumber, I’d realized how weak I was becoming. I’d been willing to try anything.
“She’s stronger than I thought,” I said. “Her influence over me is too great.”
Lachesis smiled, and once again, it was disturbing. As the king of hell, I’d seen many disturbing things. They didn’t compete with this.
“She’s susceptible to the same things you are,” Lachesis said. “Physical connection. Growing to know you.”
Confusion flickered. “What do you mean?”
“She must care for you in order to be willing to help you.”
“Care?”
“Yes. You’re familiar with the term.”
In theory. Yes. In practice? No.
“You’re telling me that I need to make her care for me?”
“Yes.”
I’d rather she tell me to storm Mount Olympus and fight all the other gods with my bare hands.
“It won’t hurt,” Lachesis said. “She’s already changed you. You can change her, bring her to the dark.”
“She hasn’t changed me.” Lie.
It felt untrue leaving my lips.
Lachesis laughed. “You petted Cerberus! Of course she’s changed you.”
“She’s not softened me.”
“No. Nothing could do that. But a few of your harder edges have been ground down. Now all you need to do is sharpen hers. Make her care, and you’ll have her on your side.”
There was something in her voice… ”What aren’t you telling