From Origins (Descendant Prophecies Book 3) (9 page)

“Here.” I handed him the lodestone. “Let her go as you promised.” I wanted to get this over with.

Hephaestus took it out of my hands with greedy eyes. He held it up and examined it, then placed that stone with the other two he pulled out from his pocket.  “Oh…I don’t think I had promised you your mother back, but you can take your father, which you already did without my permission. And if the weaklings that you just set free can out run the vultures I’m about to let loose, they are free to go. And by the way, your friends that are hiding can come out and watch this revelation.”

Step two of our plan was working so far, but the unexpected set back was my mom. What would we do now? My friends came out of the shadows with their backs against the wall, looking frightened but ready for war.

“Welcome,” Hephaestus announced. “I’m so glad you could join the party. We can celebrate…me. Your new, soon-to-be king of your land. Now that Hades is dead, and I have the three stones in my possession, nothing is impossible.”

After his short speech, he tossed the three stones straight up. When they fell, they magnetized together to become one in midair. Spinning in circles, it glowed like the colors of the rainbow, then a gas-like form seeped into Hephaestus’s body. Little did he know that Tara was creating this magic trick and using her powers to transform Hephaestus back to Steven.

It was gruesome to see the transformation as his face and body morphed. Steven touched his cheek, nose, and eyes, then looked down to his body as he was transforming. He looked so pleased and satisfied that it seemed as though nothing else mattered at that moment.

“Now!” Mason directed, and everyone threw smoke bombs. These had been created by Zara and Tara, at Colin’s suggestion, and were the size of small rocks that could be easily hidden. Step three of the plan was in progress.

One landed in front of me, meant to confuse Hephaestus and giving me an advantage to snatch the stones. Having all three stones in my possession, I slipped on the cape Zara tossed to me and became invisible. She had managed to creep closer while Hephaestus was busy watching himself. Narcissistic ass.

Nick and Noah stepped in front, step four of the plan. They were supposed to distract him so I could get a head start to the portal…only I took a detour. I was going against our plan, but I couldn’t help it. Everett and Amanda were supposed to grab my mom, but how could they when, not only was she enclosed by vultures, but she was becoming one?

Lightning, fire, and water spears flashed across my vision as the vultures came at us in full force. Shoving the stones in my pocket, I searched for my mom as the vultures sizzled by my lights or burnt to a crisp by my fire. They had no idea what was hitting them, especially since they couldn’t see me.

I was pretty sure that Zara and my dad were safe, since I didn’t see them anywhere, but I knew Mason was still here. No matter how many times I had told him before we arrived to leave without me, he would disagree. I’m glad he did. What I saw next caught me off guard.

“Mom.” I tugged her arm after I turned the vultures holding her captive into ashes.

“Skylar. No.” Her voice didn’t sound like Mom’s.

The mask or magic wore off, showing Ian’s friend Mia’s face. I had hoped she had changed her ways, but obviously, she was still working for that monster. What was her motive? I didn’t know.

“Mia?” I was so shocked and confused that I hadn’t noticed she had taken off my cape. I felt a hard sting on my cheek as my face whipped to one side. Then the pain erupted from my stomach when she shoved her knee into it. Curled up on the ground, all that was on my mind was my mom. Had Hephaestus turned my mom into a vulture? Was she here? Did one of us kill her?

“This one is for Alena, you….” Just as Mia came for me again with light blazing from her hand, I blasted her with fire, and at the same time lightning struck her. That was not from me. Fire engulfed her, then she turned into ashes.

“Good riddance, Mia. That’s what you get for being Alena’s friend, and that’s what you get for messing with my Sky.”

Mason helped me up and guarded me with his body. Seeing the red cape in his hand, I sighed with relief. I didn’t want it to be in our enemy’s possession. Surrounded by the vultures, I could see Nick, Everett, Amanda, and Noah, ready to attack.

“What happened to your mother?” Hephaestus asked in a mocking tone, keeping his distance from me, still in human form. I knew Tara was still around. Nick and Noah did a great job distracting him, but they couldn’t hold him off for long. “Did you kill her because she tried to kill you?”

“Steven, you are going to take my world in your hands; at least let me spend a few days with my mom.” I tried to bring back my sweet voice, the voice he had heard many times during our dinner conversations. “Remember how much you loved my mom? I’m sure she still loves you. After all, you were the one that helped her move on. She wanted to marry you. Do you remember that? Do you remember what it feels like to love someone and to have that person love you back?”

Seeing a confused expression on his face, I was hoping my words would soften him up a bit, and give us just enough time for my friends to search for my mom. They couldn’t make any sudden movements, but they were in a position to glance around.

“Silence! You’re all fools. Love only hurts you, and in the end, love will kill you. Just like how your dad tried to kill you, and like how my dad tried to kill me.”

“My dad didn’t try to kill me. You drugged him with vulture’s blood,” I retorted, feeling anger take me over. I had to calm my nerves for my mom’s sake. “You did this…not him.”

“That’s right.” He looked so proud. “That was one of the best days of my life. It was a turning point.”

“You can fix this. You don’t have to follow in your father’s footsteps. You can mend the wrong and make it right. You need to find what was once good in you. You need to find love again. Love will end your pain and heal your wounds. The scars might still be there, but you can make it right. You love my mom. Let her go…please.”

“Your mom is all I have.” For a second there, he sounded subdued. I almost felt sorry for him…until his tone changed. “I’ll never let her go.” His tone was spiteful and full of hatred. It was a reminder that sometimes, evil beings can’t change their ways. “The stones you took from me, they won’t have any effect anymore,” He continued. “I used up the power. It’s useless. I’ve won.”

The proud look of triumph on his face made me want to throw up.
That’s what you think, asshole.
I held up five fingers. This was our signal to run to the portal. Hephaestus had given me the words I needed to hear. My mom was safe, somewhere, and that was all that mattered. I would come back for her with Hades, but right now I needed to get everyone out of there. “Do you know what happens to those who use others to get what they want? They tame the flame and take what’s theirs. You made me who I am today. I’m going to show you exactly what I can do.”

Fire blasted from my hands as we backed away, reaching for the tunnel. The others were waiting for us by the portal. That was the plan. It wasn’t easy when the ground shook like the last time, mimicking Hephaestus’s anger and hearing his words echo throughout the cave. I felt like I was swallowed up inside his chest, feeling the vibration of his evil laughter.
You can run, but I will find you. I’m your king now.
When we reached the end, Tara was the only one left besides Mason by my side. “Everyone is through. Hurry, Sky. I can’t hold it that long.”

I was just about to enter when I heard the loud, painful, angry roar and the walls started to shake again.

“He’s changed back to himself,” Tara said. “I’ve released him. He knows now.” Tara looked scared.

“Let’s get the hell out of here.” Mason didn’t waste any time. He tugged me through with him before anything could have a chance to fall on us.

Step six of
our plan, meet at the lake house. When Mason, Tara, and I got there, Dad was lying on the coach, spiked with fever. Zara held a cold cloth over his head while performing some kind of spell.

“Is his fever going to go down?” I stared at my dad’s pale face.

His eyes were closed, his teeth were clenched, and from the way he shivered, he looked like he was in pain. Every few seconds, his body would shudder worse, most likely due to the shock from the temperature. By the time I had melted the iron, he was completely drenched. It was the only way to keep him from being burned.

Dad’s clothes were now dry. I couldn’t remember what he wore that day, but I knew Zara’s magic had dried his clothes. It was bad enough that I didn’t get the chance to rescue my mom, but seeing my dad like this was torture. I had to think of the bright side; at least one of my parents was out of that hellhole.

“I’m doing the best I can. I’ve never experienced this before,” Zara said, looking offended.

As I wondered if Ian’s mom was experiencing the same effect, I glanced around the room. “Where’s Ian?”

“He went to New Olympus. Aaron, Colin, and Sarah went back with him,” Noah explained. “I’m wondering if Ian’s mom is having a similar experience as Victor; and how about everyone else that we released?”

“I don’t know, but I need Hades. Hephaestus will be coming for us with his army of vultures,” I reminded.

“I can’t help your dad and help you with the portal.” Zara looked at me, tormented by her duties.

I was just about to tell her I had another way in, when I saw a movement from my dad. As anticipation filled me, I kept still, hoping he would open his eyes or say something…anything.

“Sky….” My dad called weakly.

“Dad.” I dropped down to my knees and held his hand in mine.

I was so overwhelmed with happiness to hear his voice that I couldn’t help the tears that formed in my eyes. There was so much I wanted to say. I wanted to thank him for always watching over me, and I wanted to apologize for the way I had behaved. I knew he would understand, but now, knowing he was drugged to kill me and everything he had been through, I felt awful. But knowing it wasn’t the time to pour out my feelings, I would wait for the appropriate moment.

His eyes fluttered, trying to stay open. “What…happened? I told…you…to…run.” His words were barely audible and broken, but I could understand what he was trying to say.

“You know I won’t listen, especially when we found each other again. I also had no choice. He has Mom.” I tried not to sound panicky, but I couldn’t help it. Everything was happening too fast. Though I didn’t want to worry my dad, he had the right to know, so he could understand the reasons for my actions.

“What do you mean?” Dad groaned lightly.

Even knowing how heartbroken he was going to be, and even knowing he shouldn’t be hearing such news in his condition, I told him anyway…everything, including going to the underworld.

Dad shook his head and released a long sigh after hearing all I had to say.

“I need to release Hades. I’ll be back.”

“How?” Tara dunked the towel into the bucket, and then squeezed it to hand it to Zara. “I can try to open it without Zara.”

“Actually, I don’t need to go in. Persephone is with him. She’s going to open the secret passage, the way she enters and exits. Then I’ll use my powers, allowing Hades to come out. I also don’t think it would be a good idea if all of us go. Hades might feel threatened.”

“I won’t go, then,” Noah offered. “I should check up on Ian’s mother and see how everyone is holding up. They’re frightened, especially since Zara is out of New Olympus.”

“I’m going with Sky,” Mason said.

“So will I,” Everett seconded.

“You mean, we could have entered without having to risk our lives with those hideous dog beasts?” Nick’s pitch rose with annoyance.

Mason nudged him with a light punch.

“I mean…that’s too bad.” Nick rolled his eyes. “I loved playing with the little puppies with three heads that wanted to chomp my head off and burn me alive. That was so much fun. Let’s not
ever
do that again.”

“Don’t worry.” Everett wrapped his arm around Nick’s neck, tugging him toward the door. “We’ll play with humans turned monsters that want to rip our hearts out instead. You know, those beings called vultures? Now that should be real fun.”

“You know what’s even better?” Nick twitched his brows with a smirk smeared across his face.

“Ouch.” Everett jumped back several feet with lingering lightning bolts shimmering around his body. It was strong enough that he landed on his butt.

“Now…that was fun,” Nick chuckled, holding a look of challenge in his expression.

“You’re going to get it.” Everett stood up, looking dazed.

Though our situation was no laughing matter, it felt good to release some tension with a good laugh. It was one of the reasons why I enjoyed Nick’s company. He was the one that took things lightly even in the toughest moments.

“Hey, guys. Out.” Amanda opened the door. “Sky, we’ll wait for you out here.”

After they left, I focused back on Dad.

“Sky, please be careful.” Dad squeezed my hand, but it was faint. “I want to tell you not to release Hades, but I’m going to trust you instead. Go with your instincts.” Dad tilted his head back to look up to where Mason was standing above him. “Protect Sky as you always have.” Then his eyes closed and his grip on my hand fell.

“Dad,” I whispered softy.

“It’s okay, Sky.” Zara placed her hand on my arm for comfort. “He’s sleeping. I fed him herbs that will help him heal, but he needs to sleep. His blood is different from yours even though you come from him. He doesn’t heal as fast as you do.”

“Okay.” With a nod, I stood up. “I’ll be back.”

“Tara can go with you…just in case. She can direct you to the right place and help Hades with the stones.”

“Thank you,” I said, then gazed at Mason. Mason always looked at me with love and support. He didn’t need to say a word. His look said it all…I will be there by your side.

“We’ll be back,” I said to my dad, who was already asleep, while I smiled back at Mason with the same expression.

Ever since we’d gone to the underworld and had to deal with one problem after another, Mason and I hadn’t had a chance to breathe. But it didn’t matter. I knew how much he loved me. I only hoped he knew that I loved him just as much, if not more. What I treasured was our stolen moments…his small gestures of love, whether it would be a wink, a feather light touch to my cheek, or a quick peck on my hand or face. Mason never failed to let me know that he was mine.

“Are you sure
this is the place?” Mason asked. “We’re right back at the same beach.”

“Yes. I’ll call upon Persephone. She’ll be able to hear me.”

“You have the three stones?” Mason asked, looking concerned.

I pulled out the stones from my pocket. “I have the real ones. I hope this works, or Hades will die.”

“I can’t believe I’m going meet Hades,” Amanda said eagerly.

“I’m not sure how I feel,” Everett added, shoving his hands inside his front pockets.

Nick clapped his hands together. “What are we waiting for? Let’s get this party started.”

“Get ready,” Tara said, holding up her hands to the sky, and so did I.

I knew it was working when the breeze started to pick up. A second ago, the sun was visible, but now it was covered beneath the rapidly moving, gray clouds. I covered my eyes when the howling wind picked up sand, thrashing it against my body. I had almost lost concentration, but quickly called upon the lightning. It struck into the water, causing water to move in a circular motion. It turned with the speed of the wind and fire, swirling in midair.

“Persephone is opening the portal from the inside,” Tara said aloud. The sounds of thunder booming and the lightning flashing made it difficult to hear.

“When Hades comes out, we need to back off and give him room,” Mason directed. “This is not going to be a pleasant sight.”

“Just so long as he doesn’t bring his adorable puppies, I’m all good.” Nick raised the corners of his lips.

Mason shook his head. “I might get you one for Christmas.”

Nick did a double take and gave a huge grin. “Did you just crack a joke, stiff man?”

“Stiff man?” Mason muttered. “I guess I’m calling you puppy lover.”

“Look.” Amanda pointed, bringing everyone’s attention. “Looks like a body is coming out.”

“Looks like two.” Everett dragged his feet back, keeping his eyes on the portal. “They’re coming.”

Persephone came out first. Her dress and her hair tousled about by the strong wind. She was having a difficult time standing on the rocking water that was at her knee-level. As soon as Hades stepped out, the portal closed in an instant. As if nothing happened, the ocean and the sky went back to normal.

We all stared at Hades in awe while he dragged his feet through the sand and water. When he came to shore, he looked up to the sky, then dropped to his knees. I could have sworn I saw him kiss the water beneath him. He looked so happy and relieved, taking in the sun, taking in the water, but mostly, taking in his freedom.

Ostensibly overcome with joy, Hades playfully kicked the water with laughter and even splashed some on Persephone…until he dropped to his knees again. This time, it was involuntary. Hades curled into a ball, screaming in pain. It was the most agonizing sound I’d ever heard. When he raised his head, I could see his flesh peeling away, layer by layer. He was being ripped to shreds.

“The stones, Sky,” Persephone demanded in desperation.

“Here.” I handed them to her. Her words broke me out of my startled state. It was a horrifying sight. Even his clothes were flaking away. All Hades could do was cry in pain, digging his body into the sand for relief, if he could find any. I wanted to help him, but there was nothing I could do.

Persephone threw them in front of Hades. Just like before, the three stones magnetized together as one in midair. It spun around so fast that it looked like it was at a standstill. Colors of the rainbow exuded from it and it flowed into Hades. As if I had pressed a rewind button on my television screen, the layers of his skin went back to their original places, and piece by piece, he was put back together. When it was done, the stones fell to the ground. I picked them up and placed them back in my pocket.

On bended knees, Hades sat up and growled so loud that I had to cover my ears. I assumed it was his way of venting all the emotions that had been bottled up for all those years and from the pain he had just endured.

I jerked when he looked at me, then at everyone else. He was just as stunning and as masculine as I remembered him to be. Standing up, he trudged through water and twirled Persephone. “Thank you, my love.” He embraced her and then kissed her. After placing her down, he came to me.

“Thank you, Skylar,” Hades said, out of breath. “I know it was a difficult decision for you, but you’ve made the right choice. I will help you, but I will need your help to free my brothers.”

If there was any doubt, I knew now for sure; he had been honest with me all along. Now, I had to see if he would carry his words to action.