Chapter 7
Mystical Lake, Earth Realm
Hades hadn’t taken his eyes off Hroarr since the bastard issued the last demand for his sister’s return. Pothos’ telepathic warning from Thule indicated that they needed to be watchful of the God, but Hades had already known there was something wild and dangerous about the male.
I don’t like this, Sacha said.
Don’t worry, agapi mou. I will take care of everything, he answered with dark anticipation, finally able to breathe easier knowing that his son was leaving that damned world. It made focusing on Hroarr and the beasts his primary concern. The muscles along his bare chest pulled tight and his wings flexed against the magic of the beasts while imagining tearing those cats to pieces. The need to battle was strong and emotions were high with tension and worry. Fighting the other God would be a very satisfying release.
But first he would see that the others were freed and protected. For the moment he need only bide his time, because if Hroarr could somehow shake free of the beasts’ power, then Hades had no doubt that he would be able to do the same.
Power was slowly changing around them. The wild winds had changed direction, shrieking furiously through the darkly shrouded forest.
Sacha’s voice sounded over the angry tumult. “You’ll soon have verification that your sister is safe.”
Before her words were fully out, the currents shifted again, crackling with electricity as lightning sliced down from the black sky. Thunder rocked the ground beneath their feet while the powerful beasts hissed their displeasure. Both stalked to stand before Hroarr, confirmation that the bastard was responsible for the display.
Tension filled the thick, charged air before heavy gusts of now icy mist whipped over Hades’ bare flesh and wings like shards of glass.
The male’s voice rumbled over it all. “My sister’s presence is the only acceptable verification.”
A primal blast of power shook everything around them, even the watery portal pulsed and shimmered in its wake. And then Hroarr was free and stalking forward above the water’s surface. The elements themselves seemed at the dangerous God’s very command.
Sacha sent a wave of personal power through their bond, knowing his intention. Hades used her immense porting ability and snapped free, breaking into a million pieces before reforming a few feet ahead of his Goddess. He rolled his shoulders, reveling in the freedom to flex his outstretched wings.
Sacha was in his mind. Do not initiate a war. Give the priestesses a chance to calm this.
As if his mate had called the beings there, three beautiful females stepped gracefully through the watery air. Their silken dresses whipped in the gale as all three sets of intelligent eyes scanned the area before landing on the tense standoff. Flashes of lightning lit their delicate features showing somber expressions.
Hroarr didn’t turn to them; instead he narrowed his eyes on Hades as he demanded of the females, “Why have you come here?”
Hades wanted nothing more than to grip the male’s soul in his power and twist until the arrogant bastard screamed in agony at his feet, but instead he was forced to wait. To allow the priestesses to do what, encourage their God to attack? He mentally growled as his muscles tightened in anticipation of the females doing something devious instead of calming the situation as Pothos had hoped they would.
The palest of the three spoke with authority. “Hroarr, we were sent by Gefn. She is safe in Fólkvangr.”
The cats produced a noise mixed between a hiss and yowl directed at Hroarr.
“Fólkvangr,” the dark God confirmed, and Hades swore understanding flashed in Hroarr’s eyes. Hades didn’t like the knowledge flickering in the darkness of the male’s eyes. Dagur’s golden eyes narrowed and the sneer he’d been maintaining dropped. The Thulian Gods knew of Pothos’ birth. Hades could feel it, and his muscles pulled tight, more than happy to war if Hroarr thought to harm his son.
Dagur’s sneer confirmed his worries. “I would say your son’s mother is of great consequence, Hades.”
Drake growled into his mind, Do not do anything stupid, Hades. P needs us to keep this shit calm.
He felt the tension of the Guardians at his back as Sacha sent calming energy, but it was taking all his fucking will not to destroy them now and not take any chances that they would attempt to harm his son.
You need to calm, for Pothos. We need to see what they will do, Sacha added.
An ebony-skinned female continued, “Gefn requested we assure you that she is unharmed and she does not want you to war with this world.”
The one with snow white hair said more in another language. Hades concentrated on the different cadence, it was very close to an old Nordic tongue, but the female hadn’t spoken long enough for him to compare the two.
Hroarr didn’t respond to them right away. The male stayed there studying Hades for tense moments before demanding of his females, “Return to Thule. I will be there shortly.”
The females didn’t hesitate before stepping back through the watery air.
To Hades the male bit out as lightning flashed around them, “You have another of my sisters. And her warriors.”
“We have Kara,” Hades admitted before growling, “Not all of her warriors survived her attack on my world.”
“She better be unharmed,” Dagur snarled.
Hroarr’s eyes flashed and the ground rocked and he shifted his stance until his heavy muscles strained against the dark leather of his vest. “Release her and her guards.”
“She came here and initiated war,” Hades challenged, flexing his wings. “I see no reason to release her.”
A pregnant pause filled the space as power surged from the God. The Thulian God ordered the beasts, “Return to Thule with Dagur and the others.” Hroarr lifted his hand in the air, launching waves of violent power that cracked the invisible power holding the Thulian’s people. The cats roared in displeasure.
Dagur’s muscles pulled tight as he questioned his brother, “Brother?”
“Now, Dagur.”
Hroarr’s eyes sparked with brilliant power. It was a display meant to prove a point.
There was obvious tension between the two Gods, to the point that the one called Dagur opened his mouth to argue and closed it before clenching his jaw and turning to leave. Smart male. Dagur sent the warriors through first and followed. Hroarr stayed facing off with Hades for a second as tense anticipation charged the air until Hades thought the other God would finally give him his wish and they could finally battle this out.
Drake growled into his mind, Hades, don’t. Not unless he attacks first. Then by all means finish it.
He swore the other God’s eyes sparked with excitement for a second before he growled, “We will do this another time.” It was a promise made with a hint of anticipation in the words. An anticipation that matched Hades’. “For now, I will give you your God for my Goddess and her guards. You will return her to me unharmed, or my kindness and generosity will end.”