master, but above the bed is a tapestry of Persephone before she became Selena. Her sheer pink gown flows down her body like a waterfall and her hair reaches her ankles as she lifts a black rose to the sun. A crown of wreathed flowers adorns her head. She looks like Selena with only slight differences. Unearthly beautiful.
“Was Selena my mother?”
Hades whips around and a dark glint flashes in his eyes. “Persephone,” he corrects, “was not your mother.”
“Then who was?”
He shrugs dismissively. “A mortal.”
“Is she alive?”
“No. It is rare for mortals to survive giving birth to a demigod.”
“Did you love her?”
“I have loved many. Your mother was not one of them. A mere concubine.”
His comment riles me, making the blood pound in my veins.
“If she was only a ‘mere concubine’, how did you end up with me?”
“By convenience.” The Dark God settles back in his chair, resting his arms languorously. “Your mother’s sister left you at my temple, wanting nothing to do with the babe that killed her sister. When the Light Fae King summoned me to do his bidding, I saw a chance to give you a life free from darkness.”
“Free from darkness?” I scoff at the irony. “You gave me to the Dark Fae Queen. That is hardly a life free from darkness.”
“Believe me when I say her world pales in comparison to mine.” Standing from his chair, he circles the desk and places a hand on my shoulder. “You are the Dark Prince that my wife, Persephone, wanted to inherit her throne. It’s time you take what is rightfully yours. Once the war is over, reclaim the Throne of Luna and rule the forest with me. Father and son.”
I frown at him, drawing my eyebrows together. “With you?” His real motive finally clicks in my head. “Ah. You want the Throne of Helios. Of course. But why?”
His arm falls off my shoulder. “The reason matters not. All that matters is that you and I rule the Enchanted Forest together. That is the only way you can become a god.”
I look away from him, contemplating his words. The most shocking thing of all is that a part of me wants to say yes. With my god powers, I could protect the forest with Corvina as my queen. We’d be unstoppable and never again would I feel helpless in ensuring her safety. But to get this I would need to hand Helios over to Hades. I would never forgive myself for the destruction I am sure he’ll cause there, even more than has already been done. I doubt his intentions are pure considering it was Danica who banished him all those centuries ago.
“I cannot accept,” I say, looking him dead in the eye. “The thrones belong to Corvina Charles, and my only wish is to protect her. I do not desire to take either throne from her. She has fought in blood and magic for her people, for the thrones, and she came from nothing. She was nothing but a lowly shadowborn for many years, and yet she fights for the world which abandoned her. Corvina has earnt the thrones. They are hers and my place is at her side.”
“That is your final answer?” His tone is calm, which surprises me.
“Yes. My heart belongs only to her.”
“And your loyalty?” He takes a sip of his drink, his eyes pressed on me. “Does a father not deserve the loyalty of his son?”
“You were never a father to me,” I point out. “Narah was scarcely a mother, but she was still there when I needed her.” A pause stretches between us and Hades clenches his jaw. I believe I’ve touched a nerve. “If you want to be part of my life now, you will let me return to my mate and win this war on my own terms. You will also stay out of it. This is not your fight.”
Hades remains silent for a long, tense moment. I keep my eyes pressed on him, refusing to back down or be swayed or manipulated. I might not be a god, but if Hades refuses to let me go, I will destroy this abyss he calls home.
“I will agree,” he answers at last, “but know this, Pitch, you are my firstborn son. Once you depart the living realm, you will rule here, as I have done, for the rest of eternity. Your fate was written in blood before you were even born, but perhaps your queen and her mates can rule with you.