Eighteen

In the morning, I awoke to the warm sun on my face but a cold bed. Hades was nowhere in sight. Although I anticipated that outcome, it didn't sting any less. I had hoped he would wake me before he left, but as I have learned, not everything works out in my favor.

My chest seemed empty, and my head full. Or is that from my illness? I wanted to stay in bed all day. I yearn to bury myself under the covers and go back to sleep, but my nausea stirred once more in my stomach. I slowly got up—maybe walking around a bit will get the air unstuck in my stomach.

I moved downstairs, taking care not to slip down them through my slanting vision. I noticed my dead roses disappeared. Wow, Hades genuinely loathes them. But something glittering snatched my attention. I moved closer; my interest piqued.

On the counter, where my roses used to be, was a stunning brooch in the shape of a single rose. A note sat next to it. Are those real rubies and emeralds on the rose?

Oh, tell me Hades did not pay for this!

I picked up the note, scanning it:

'Dear magnolia,

Although I have no remorse over the roses, you loved them dearly. Take this instead. It is much more dazzling than the other roses—and this will not wither away. I can hear your thoughts from here: Yes, the jewels are real, but I did not pay for them. Being the god of riches has a few perks.

By the time you read this, I will have left. For that, I am sorry—eternally sorry. Don't mourn me; I will always be near if you need me. I will take our case up with the Fates.

I love you.

Your adoring husband and forever dinner companion.'

A tear dripped down my cheek. My lip wobbled, but before I could cry any further, my doorbell chimed. I set down the letter, my heart racing. Please don't be another rose delivery!

I crept toward the door, seeing a silhouette through the curtains. I answered the door, catching the person as they threw themselves at me. I staggered back. Hekate's coal-dark hair caught the light, and I tightened my hug.

"Oh, how I've missed you!" she screeched.

"I missed you, too," I said, setting her down on the floor. "Did Hades send you?"

"He did. At first, I wouldn't see him, but then he said that someone attacked you. I had to come!"

"Well—"

"What happened? Are you hurt?"

I cut off her fussing. "Hekate, I love you and all, but you're starting to sound like my mother."

She wrinkled her nose. "Oh, eww. Don't call me that. But honestly, are you okay?"

"I'm fine—thanks to Hades. He swooped in and saved me."

"Well, that's wonderful! And I've come to stay!"

I looked around to see the suitcases in my doorway. I showed Hekate to the room across from mine. "What about Dilys?" I asked.

"She is the one to take care of things at my residence. She won't be joining me."

As she leaned in to hug me, I had to vomit again. I raced to the bathroom only to dry heave. I guess that's what happens when you haven't eaten breakfast.

"Calantha? Oh, my! Are you all right?"

I dry heaved as an answer. Hekate traced something on my back and murmured in what I think is Latin. My stomach settled down, mollified by whatever spell she cast. I wiped the sweat off of my forehead.

"Thanks," I rasped.

I stood up, swaying as the dots overcame my vision. It was Hekate's turn to catch me. I got my bearings and patted Hekate's shoulder in thanks. I washed my face in cold water and brushed my teeth.

"Calantha, what's going on with you?"

"Before you ask—no, I am not pregnant."

"Then what's wrong?"

"I am not completely sure."

Realization lit up her eyes. "It's the sickness of the Underworld."

I stiffened. "How do you know?"

"I know a thing or two of curses—being the titan of witchcraft."

"How-how long do you think I have?"

"I don't know. Zeus cursed the only person ever to escape the Underworld to push a boulder up a hill for eternity; therefore, the curse can't kill him."

"That's not very promising."

"Then let's not focus on it. Do you have work today?"

"How did you know that I work?"

"Well, I didn't want to assume that you lived off of Hades' money."

"Oh. Well, I don't; I have a job, yes."

"Where do you work?"

"I am a florist."

"Outstanding. I shall work with you. I know a thing or two about plants as well."

An hour later, I walked into the shop—Hekate in my shadow. "Good morning, Blodwen," I said. "I have someone who wants to work for you."

"Ah, good! What's your name?"

Hekate stepped forward, sticking out her hand for a handshake. "Willow. Willow Eleni."

"Calantha, darlin' I'm goin' to go an' ask this young lady a few questions, but I need to have a word with you in a minute."

I froze but nodded. Oh, God, what does that mean?

I busied myself with opening the store, keeping my mind off of her vague request. A few minutes later, Hekate, or Willow, came out of the back, beaming. "Well?" I asked.

"She gave me the job!"

"How?" I lowered my voice. "You don't exactly have a résumé."

"Bit of magic always does the trick."

I rolled my eyes with a smile before slipping into the back room. "Blodwen? You asked for me?"

"Yes, darlin'. That Cameron man, he attacked you, didn't he?"

My mouth went dry. "Uh, yeah. How-how did you know that?"

"I got an email 'fore work with a picture of him following ye and then of him all bruised up. Judgin' by your reaction, you didn't send it."

"No, I didn't. It-it must've been my husband. I told him not to talk to the guy, but he must've done more than talk by the looks of it."

"Now, I don't care that he beat up a guy, I just care that you're okay. Are ye, darlin'?"

I nodded. "Yeah. I, um, got away before Cameron could... do anything."

"Good, that's good. I am goin' to ban Cameron from the store. Want me to call the police?"

"No. We already took care of it."

Blodwen reached forward and pulled me into a hug. "I am so, so sorry for lettin' that guy send you flowers."

"It's fine. You had no way of knowing the real him."

~~~

I opened my eyes to watch my beautiful wife next to me. Each day I find something to make her seem more angelic—today it was the sunlight. The sun's rays poured in through the window, bathing her in golden light. She looked like a sleeping angel—pure and ethereal.

I reached over and stroked her hair, careful not to disturb her slumber. My wife smiled in her sleep, unconsciously moving closer to me. Calantha was almost hurt, and I will never forgive Zeus for that. Not only because of his decision put her in the mortal world—where I can't be there for her—but Zeus failed to protect his daughter.

Zeus' own flesh and blood were almost in harm's way, and he was perfectly content to watch.

There are a million things that deviate us, and that is about ninety percent of it. After everything we went through after our father, I swore never to harm another person, but he formulated the opposite thinking. He thought it was every man for himself.

I hate to think what would've happened if Calantha's bracelet hadn't done its job and alerted me. I struggled with telling her about the bracelet's sincere purpose. As much as I would love for her to call for me every day, Zeus would eventually find out about our rendezvous. So, I didn't tell her the bracelet is a link to me.

With a heavy heart, I rose from the bed. I kissed Calantha's forehead, inhaling her floral scent. Another thing to add to the things that I love about her—the fact that flowers never seem to leave her grasp. I love the way she lights up around my garden.

I can't bear to garden without her.

As I moved through her kitchen, I spotted her roses that I killed. I smirked at the memory of stealing their life force. But then I thought of Calantha and her reaction to their death. I suppose I should've realized that she would not have liked me doing that. Perhaps I should pluck her some new roses?

An idea struck me. Why not gift my wife roses that will never die?

The sun had barely peeked over the horizon as I stepped outside. How convenient—my wife had a secluded forest practically in her backyard. I summoned a ruby and emerald from deep beneath the earth. The earth opened up, and something green and scarlet shone in the low-light.

I scooped them up, pulling and twisting the gems as needed. In my palm, a ruby and emerald flower sat. It's perfect.

After writing the note and leaving the brooch where Calantha would find it, I snuck back into her room. I need to see her one last time. I watched her for a minute, putting her appearance into memory—I don't know how long until I can see her. I pray that it won't be a while. Every day that goes by increases the chances of her slipping away from me.

I finally wrenched myself away from her.

"Καλημερα οι Μοίρες," I said with a bow.

"Καλημερα, Κυρίον του Υποκόσμου," the three identical women before me chorused. "Why have you summoned us?"

"I thought you would've deciphered that by now."

"Lord Hades, do not test our patience."

"I want my wife back. I need to know if there is a way around Zeus' decision."

"Ah, yes. The only thing that anyone is talking about these days: you and your bride, Calantha. Many gods debate your and Zeus' actions: Is it legal for Zeus to do that? Is it legal for Hades to kidnap a woman and marry her?"

Fury boiled in my veins. "You know damn well that I did not kidnap Calantha!"

"Calm yourself, Lord Hades. Of course, we are aware of that."

Their riddles were wearing my tolerance thin. "Well? Do I have a chance of being with my wife or not?"

"Lord Hades, snap at us one more time, and you will undoubtedly know the answer."

The threat of never seeing Calantha rang in my ears. I bowed once more. "You are right. Please, forgive my anger."

"Hmm, yes. But to answer your question, you must be patient. Yes, it is true that what Zeus did is not legal and is based on his self-centered desires, but we cannot fix it just yet. We cannot meddle with what we've already cast."

My throat tightened at their words. "Please," I whispered, my voice coming out strangled. "I just want to see my wife, the woman that I love, once more."

"We are aware of that, Lord Hades. You should not have to wait long. It will correct itself in the near future."

I kissed all three of their hands, relief flooding through me. "Ευχαριστώ, σε ευχαριστώ πάρα πολύ!"

~~~

"Hey, Hekate," I whispered.

She lifted her head. "Yes, Calantha?"

"Why the name, 'Willow?'"

She moved closer. "Willows are sacred to me."

"Oh." I mulled that over in my head. "...What's sacred to me?"

"I'm not sure. The people who worship us usually give us those items. Flowers, probably, and asphodels because of your husband, but I don't know otherwise."

"Let's find out what is truly wrong with you," Hekate declared as we arrived home.

"How?"

"A little magic, of course. Do you have any candles by chance? White ones would be amazing, but I'll see what I can do."

"I do, actually. My mother and I celebrate Mabon, Yule, Ostara, Beltane—which is my birthday—and Litha."

"Well, no wonder. Your mother is technically a Pagan goddess."

"Really?"

"The harvest is essential to every civilization—not just the Greeks."

Right. My mother is the goddess of the harvest and grains.

"Do you have sodalite as well?" she asked, jumping onto a separate subject.

I shrugged. "Describe it."

"It's a marbled blue and white stone."

"Maybe. My collection is pretty limited."

In ten minutes, I laid on the blanket in my living room. I held onto the sodalite as Hekate lit the candles. She began to chant in a foreign language—Latin, most likely. The stone grew warm in my hand, whereas my body went cold. Is this supposed to happen? Before I could ask, my vision went black.

When I opened my eyes once more, Hekate leaned over me. "Well?" I croaked—my throat dry.

"I was accurate. You are dying of the sickness of the Underworld."

"Dying?"

"I guess dying isn't a suitable word to use. It won't kill you, but it will make you very ill."

"Is there any way to stop it?"

"Return to the Underworld. But that's not possible. Don't worry; I will make sure you don't become too sick. My magic is about as strong as the curse is."

I sat up and pulled her into a hug. "Thank you, Hekate."