Captured (Shadow Guild Hades & Persephone #3) - Linsey Hall Page 0,47

to have time. Because I needed Hades at my side to defeat Chronos. We were fated to do it together.

And I couldn’t leave him down there to be tortured. I couldn’t bear it.

The Astra Planeta would know exactly what Hades had done because they’d told him it needed doing. Except, I didn’t know how to reach them. I couldn’t retrace our steps because I didn’t have wings like Hades.

I needed another powerful seer. My grandmother was an option, but her home was far away. Eve could help me, but her workshop was probably iced over by now.

I looked at Lucifer. “There is a seer in this realm, isn't there? Someone powerful?”

He nodded. “There are the three Moirai. They live on the mountain on the other side of Cerberus’ gate.”

“I’ve seen that mountain.” I turned and ran. I’d need to get Sally, and we’d have to ride fast.

Lucifer appeared at my side, keeping up easily. “Where are you going?”

“To the mountain. I saw it when Hades and I traveled on the River Styx.”

“I’ll come.”

“Really?” Gratitude welled within me.

“He’s my friend.”

I flashed him a brief smile.

A few moments later, we reached the stables. They were massive and dark, and the horses within their stalls rustled as we passed.

“Sally?” I called.

A whinny sounded, and I hurried toward the stall. A stable hand appeared, a slight woman with dark hair and green eyes. She bowed, her expression eager. “May I saddle her for you?”

“Yes. And one for Lucifer, as well. Be quick.”

She nodded and got to work. Within minutes, we had our mounts. I climbed onto the mounting block and clambered onto Sally’s back, wishing I were a better rider.

Together, we left the stables and raced around the side of the castle to the main street. As Sally galloped through town, I felt the telltale tingle at my forehead, then the heavy press of metal.

A crown.

Even though Hades was gone, that magic remained. He made sure that I was seen as a queen here. A crown rested on my head, no doubt glittering and bright. People came out of their houses as we passed, confusion on their faces to see Lucifer at my side instead of Hades.

I ignored them and urged Sally on. We raced through the town and out the gate. The Children of Cerberus joined us, sprinting alongside as we descended the hill from Hades’ city.

As we rode through his realm, I noticed the changes I’d wrought. The fields were lusher, the trees alive. But I couldn’t care. Not as long as Hades was trapped in Tartarus. It was like I wore a cloak of panic and fear, and I could only rid myself of it once I’d freed him.

It felt like eons that we galloped, my thighs aching and my mind buzzing. Thank fates for Sally and Lucifer’s mount. Demon horses never seemed to tire, and soon we were nearing Cerberus’s gate. I could smell his brimstone magic as we approached and spotted his huge bulk.

He sat up on his haunches, staring at us with three hopeful heads. Disappointment flickered in his eyes as he realized that Hades wasn’t with us.

“I’m getting him back,” I said as we galloped past. “I promise.”

Lucifer and I passed under the gate to the outside world, leaving the Night Wolves behind with Cerberus. I could feel the three-headed dog’s joy at having them nearby. My ability to sense his emotions had to be a product of being queen here.

I am queen of the Underworld.

The knowledge shot through me. I’d become queen when I’d healed this place, bringing a bit of life and beauty back.

That was fine. Not the life I’d planned, but it was the life I had.

Ahead of us, the River Styx wound through the fields, dark and gleaming. The tiny figure of Charon pushed his boat across the river. To the right, I spotted a mountain in the distance.

“That’s the mountain, right?” I called as I pointed to the snow-tipped peak.

“That’s it.”

I leaned low over Sally. “Come on, hurry.”

She picked up the pace, magic sparking around her as we flew over the ground. We reached the mountain in no time, and she began to climb, never slowing. It was as if she, too, knew what we were fighting for.

The temperature dropped as we ascended, snowflakes circling around us. Neither Lucifer nor I were dressed for the cold, but it didn’t bother me. The idea of Hades trapped in Tartarus made me numb inside.

Finally, we reached the top of the mountain. An ancient, gnarled