Chapter Six

"Mean old levee taught me to weep and moan
It's got what it takes to make a mountain man leave his home"

- When the Levee Breaks, Led Zeppelin -

~ HADES ~

"Kill her."

The drakon stares at me with a stunned expression.

"Go ahead," I urge. "Kill her."

He presses his razor sharp tail more forcefully to her neck and shields himself behind her, using her body as leverage. A slither of blood runs down her neck but he doesn't notice. Honestly, these are the bastards I'd like to hang under that motherfucking bridge. Leave it to the crows to peck at his rotting flesh.

With that thought in mind, I fish a cigarette from my gold case and place it in my mouth. "What's stopping you, Python?" I strike the match along the side of the wooden crate and light the cigarette; silently noting how she keeps her head turned slightly to the side, red hair covering her face, eyes lowered, is she planning something or avoiding having to look at me? I observe the fresh split at the corner of her lips highlighted by the bright lamps hanging from the rafters.

A bizarre sort of rage simmers inside me. Python will have it returned to him in tenfold.

Grinding his jaw, the drakon scrunches his scaly forehead at my indifference. He doesn't buy it. But he wanted to see for himself so he stares into my eyes, narrowing the slits in his yellow eyes. Drakon's glare. Even gods have a hard time eluding it. It has the power to catch a glimpse of your sights and fantasies. I, for one, couldn't bother to divert it. Confidence returns in his stance, and I know that he's seen mine.

Yellow fangs drop as he sneers. "Ya sure 'bout that? Don' wanna check out how close she is to wha' ya got in ya head?" he hisses, flicking his forked tongue along her jawline. "S-soft...wet and sweet...," he slides his arm lower to the inside of her thighs and she thrashes in disgust. I bite back the unexpected bloodthirst soaring up my veins. His act has its intended effect. "Ya'd lemme kill this lil' cunt?"

Let a lowlife, cruddy bastard finish her off? Here's one with ambition.

I give nothing away but smile at his desire to provoke me, leaving him too clueless to figure out that he's lost everything. "Huh." I say as I tap the cigarette ash onto the floor strewn with loose hay. "Echidna thinks her son has a good head on his shoulders but you don't know your ass from a hole in the ground."

Python frowns, unsure of how to take that comment. Skepticism turning into anxiety. "Wha' about my mammy? Spawns of Arimaspoi and Kimmeroi are rottin' cause of me." He shouts, recounting the tribes who held the ground open for Zeus to imprison Typhoeus. "I raped the wives of shiteaters who betrayed em! Corruptin' the seeds in their womb. Me the s-son, the perfect revenge. Wha' could devastate her?!"

I puff on my cigarette, slowly blowing the smoke, in no rush to answer him. Until she steals a look at my tool belt casing a gun, rope and several combat knives. What would you like me to do, sweetheart?

"Guess ya really don' want this bitch then," Python declares when his phone rings, breaking the threat. Ah, my soldiers...always on time. I had to keep the smirk to myself, at least until I've seen his expression.

He frowns at me suspiciously but the cock didn't pick up despite the deafening silence on the cattle ranch doubling as a front for his money laundering scheme. It is at moments like this that you can distinguish a true leader. A smart one would know to check on the stat. Provide assurance and cover for the team. Not Python. He'd bail on them to save his own fucking ass. The ringtone stops before starting again. With my depleting patience, I contemplate flicking my knife between his eyes. "Answer the fucking phone before I blow it through your chest."

He fumbles through his chest pocket. Halfway through the hasty, angry exchange, Python pauses, open mouthed, and the phone drops to the floor. News of his getaway chopper getting shot down by a bazooka should do it. "I paid em in full." He squeaks; sounding like the naive puppet that he really is.

"I paid them more."

"Who are you?" he demands feebly and staggers back, ignorant to his needle-like tail piercing deeper into her throat. A deep, strangled gasp leaves her and I almost move to crush his tail beneath my boot. Python has no respect for pain, or how to inflict it...how intensely and to whom.

I flip open my cigarette case, pull another fresh stick and light the end. "You overestimated your power, boy."

Kanna's covert mission entailed the assassination of a drakon kingpin. It's a one-man job. To an expert marksman like him the hit is a fuck lot easier than bedding his feisty old flame. As the saying goes, cut the head of the snake and the tail will die. Though this time, Kanna had to do it from a close range with a furtive jab to stop the heart. A rather merciful option I would say. Otherwise it's a fucking headshot. But dropping shells isn't an option. I've decided that Python's rule had to end and I gave no fucks whether the Moirai acquiesced to it or not. Smuggling stolen antiques, firearms and shit ton of coke was one thing but he's been taking kids off the streets, using them to move items within and outside the cartel. And, I'd be damned if I had to receive another batch of mutilated, raped, bullet-ridden brats into my kingdom when they should be out here fucking up the living. Only problem is Python's been using his base on the province to run his business recently and it's too late to drop hints to Demeter. Any information divulged at this point would be seen as conspiracy. With the Underworld in such a tight situation, it's top priority to keep this job under wraps. Needles are cleaner and, with a venom so lethal yet virtually undetectable in the autopsy, it's good for staying off the radar.

Also, Kanna does a fine cleanup.

If only.

Demeter's kid isn't my problem. That's what I told myself. My plate's full and she's a distraction I don't need. So long as she doesn't go expiring, the rule was to keep my goddamn hands off her. But that went to shit when I turned into a full-blown takedown the moment Kore Khthonia sprinted – unarmed – into the drakon's nest. Risking our identity to rescue her is a lesser liability compared to Demeter ever receiving word that her daughter was harmed. That bitch won't leave a single stone unturned and I can't be implicated in that.

How is this redhead single-handedly fucking up my game plan?

Looking more delicate now in the face of bloody violence. Her jacket is open at the front, revealing a light tank that fits snugly over her tiny waist and ample tits. I gaze at her full hips covered in those tiny pajama shorts, then lower, at her bare legs with soft curves that I want to run my lips over. Her eyes are fixed on the dusty floor, arms subservient by her side. I wondered for a moment if I had mistaken what I saw through her image. Maybe it wasn't a reflection of darkness. "Couldn't pick a better hostage, Python? This one's weak. Worthless." I set the bait, staring at her without emotion.

She doesn't flinch as I expect but straightens her head and stares right at me with her bright green eyes blazing with courage. She's no stranger to fear but she's trying to hide it. I catch it through the quiver in her soft, juicy lips. And fuck, I want to bite them. Instead, I nip on the cigarette and take a longer drag. With each passing second, her anger turning to rage. I raise my brow, distinctly turned on by her strength. And I can't help wanting to pin her down and make her watch as I fuck her face until she gagged.

"You're no different, Aidoneus," Somehow the sound of my name rolling off her lips makes my dick twitch. "Forgotten whose land you're standing on?"

No. In fact, I was counting on it.

She leans part of her shoulder back which Python mistakes for surrender. The feel of her supple, petite body rubbing against him must have done it because I catch the lust in his eyes. The distraction proved useful to her as Python misses the way she shifts her stance.

In a swift movement, she yanks his tail, swivels around and elbows him in the nose. Not hard enough. He recovers fast and hits her chest, throwing her down. Kore scrambles up as he starts flailing his tail. Eyeing another attack, she dives left. Too close. With a subtle trick, I pull her back further than she would have landed. Python rushes forward, whipping his tail under her feet. Pain is getting in her way and it shows as she dodges a beat too late, almost tripping. He lashes again, not as fast and then once more. Kore barely escapes them. But any experienced fighter can see that he's wringing her before going in for the kill. Her movements are too explicit, predictable. Seconds in and she's slowing down. I straighten up and flick the last bit of my cigarette. Ready to end this.

"Not yet," she whispers, pulling herself up as though she knows what I'm up to. "I'm not done." Gripping her palm on the wooden pillar, she whispers something under her breath.

I give it a minute, watching her sway her right hand, twirl her fingers gracefully. An oddly fascinating act to see in the midst of combat. A faint rustling sound catches my attention and I sense rapid movement on the outer side of the wall behind her opponent. Python does too and attempts to grab her. Concurrently, a geyser of leafy vines bursts through windows. Green tendrils surge towards the drakon. Mesh of thread-like plant instantly coils around his body, limiting his movements; allowing Kore to throw a straight punch to his windpipe. Chlorokinetic combat.

Interesting.

"Y'gonna regret this bitch!" he spits.

"Come on then asshole!" she yells out.

She has guts. I'll give her that.

I read into the tremor in her hands. Bits of leaves are falling off the vines, the bonds loosening. Her powers are waning. She can't hold them for long. Still, the girl's got that spark in her as though everything is going to work out in her favor. But it's not going to.

"I see that look in your eyes

It makes me go blind

Cut me deep, these secrets and lies

Storm in the quiet"

- Madness, Ruelle -

~ KORE ~

Shit. My hands won't stop trembling.

My powers are about to fail me and I'm desperately trying to hold on to them. Dammit. I did not spend all that time biting back my fight while this freaking drakon humiliated me for nothing. Calling for my powers whilst I'm boxed in this barn took me a lot longer than I expected. To channel my commands while I'm haven't had much practice is tough.

I am in uncharted territory with this technique. A new discovery that I stumbled upon on my own. I've barely had time to experiment with it, learn the ways and grow its potential. But it'll have to do for now. I don't have a choice. Sucking in a deep breath, I will the vines to keep their form but they're slipping away. Flaking. Unwilling to heed me. Please, just a bit more.

A slow snarl spread across Python's face and he tears out of my cocoon like butter. "Ya dead girlie," he growls as he charges towards me, thirsting for my blood. There's nothing left in me. My muscles are heavy…I can't even hold my ground. Supporting myself against the pillar, I curl my hands into fists. I barely have time to compute when Aidoneus swoops into action and smashes his fist into Python's side with guttural force, slamming him onto the floor and twisting his arm from his shoulders while stepping on the back to keep the drakon down. The sheer formidable speed, strength and agility in him took my breath away. He's a warrior. Possessing the same grace I've seen Athena display in combat except he's a combination of refined skills and rugged execution.

But how did he get here? When I was trailing after one of Python's men, I could have sworn no one was behind me. I'm dead sure because I kept looking back.

Who is he?

I sense no spiritual essence emanating from him. Same as last time. No beat, wave or pulse of any kind. Is he not an Immortal? Impossible. His powers are too superior to qualify for anything less.

"See this?" Aidoneus says, shaking a vial of liquid. "It's called aconite or akoniton in old tongue. Lykoktonon to traditional wolf hunters. They paint the tip of their arrows with this and watch the prey from a distance. Writhing, foaming at the mouth. One shot is all it takes. Would you believe this came from my dog's spit? Same mutt Echidna bore. I felt it'd be suitable for you." A trickle of humor pours from his voice. "Death out of your own brother's jaws. Ironic, no?"

"Tha' three-headed..." Python falters, a suffocated noise rises at the back of his throat. "Y-y-you're...t-the...Zophon..." Fearful stammering follows as Python suddenly realizes who Aidoneus is and I'm growing restless with curiosity. "P-p-please 'ave m-mercy! I'll give anytin', my Lord," He pleads. "M-money? Pussy? Y-y-young ones. Trained to fuck...fit for breedin'...'ave em. Take it all!"

The children I saw caged in the dirt...is this what he does with them? Gods, I feel sick.

"This is your end, Python. I doubt even my judges are willing to allow atonement. But first, you meet my girls. They've been waiting," Aidoneus' voice flat. "Tisiphone, especially. She's eager to play with you."

Tisiphone...what is it about that name that floods me with dread?

"Look away, sweetheart." He orders me, pulling a knife from his belt. I'm rooted in fear. He can't be serious... "No..." Not this! Put Python on trial. Anything. I don't want this!

Python puts up a struggle and Aidoneus ruthlessly slams his boot down on the drakon's shoulder. A sick crack echoes Python's agonized wail.

"Stop it!" I scream, shaking my head. Biting my lower lip to hide my horror. "Y-you can't -"

"Look away, Kore!" he roars and I jump. His thunderous voice rattles me to my bones.

"You can't kill him!"

Aidoneus lunges at me as I step back and grabs my waist. "That's not for you to decide." He searches my face and spins me around. His breath cold on my neck. "Close your eyes, sweetheart."

I comply. I do it because I can't bear to watch. But what I hear is paralyzing. Slash. Slash. Slash. Blood spurting. Stab. Complete silence. I turn around, my body moving faster than my brain can protest. I see thick black smoke engulfing Python's body; I see the knife struck deep into his eye socket before the shadow swallows him whole and I throw up all over the floor. I feel a pair of hands pull me up against solid, hard muscles. In my state of shock, I don't resist. My cheek rests on soft black leather jacket. His body.

"What the FUCK?" I scream, pushing him away like I've been scalded. Aidoneus is unmoved. I can't believe it. Python was a disgusting, cruel dipshit and he deserved torment for what he did but how could Aidoneus be so unaffected?! "You killed him! You fucking killed him!"

I scream at him with all the hatred in my heart. For the briefest second, an odd emotion flashes through his gray depths. Piercing. Raw. It's fleeting but I saw it. With his hands on my hips, he pins my body against the wall. "What are you doing!" I yell as he yanks my wrists behind my back and ties them with the rope. Next thing I know, my feet are off the ground and I'm tossed over his shoulder. I start kicking as if my life depends on it but he simply holds me tight and walks out of the barn. A second later, I sense a cold bite beside my waist and I realize that he's got something around his head. I stretch my neck but it's difficult to see what he has on.

"Where are you taking me?!"

"TEN: It's weird. I mean, you're not special, you're not powerful, you're not connected, you're not clever, you're not important.

DONNA: This friend of yours. Just before she left, did she punch you in the face?"

- The Runaway Bride, Doctor Who -

~ KORE ~

Aidoneus leans forward and cups my face in his hands. Goosebumps meander over my thighs from the cold metal hood of the black jeep. I try to twist away from him but he yanks me back to face him. "Do you want to know what exactly happens to people who try to fool me, who cross me?"

No. I never want to know. Because, with him, death would be the ultimate endpoint. I stare at his scuffed boots to buy myself time. But when he steps closer I start to panic. "Untie me!" I squirm underneath him. Feeling smaller and weaker in his grip. His whole body crowding, overpowering me. The black t-shirt skims over the tight cord of his muscles. Every defense I've learned over the month replaying in a jumble of scenes in my head…I'm assessing the best moves to pull but he's so built. Tall. Jacked. How do I survive this?

Digging his fingers into my jaw, he pulls my chin up. "Why are you here?"

I have no logical explanation to offer and the truth would probably get me killed faster than Python did. "Untie me, please." I plead and drag in a breath when he shows no signs of obliging. "Untie me and I will tell you everything." I say at last.

Aidoneus wraps his hand around my throat and holds my head back with the other, scanning my face for a tell. "Lie to me and I'll finish what I started the other night," He taunts, releasing me from his grasp. I'm not sure if he's testing me but I choose to stare back at him. Afraid that if I'm the first to look away he'll know. If I speak the truth would he believe me?

Standing flush between my thighs, he brings his knife to my back. I hold my breath when my gaze drops at the sight of the bulging erection beneath his dark jeans. Is he getting off on this...my fear? Stark gray eyes pierce through me as he inches closer until we're breathing the same air. "Make any unnecessary move and I will slit your throat. Clear?" Swallowing my terror, I give him a nod. Leather jacket. T-shirt. Jeans. Black. I suspect he'd probably like it better if I disobeyed. Giving him a reason to spill more blood.

Immortals are deathless. I remind myself.

Once he releases my bonds, I rub my wrists to sooth the burn. Hyper aware of the intimate distance between us. "My boyfriend," I say for a start, keeping my voice even; pretending to examine the skin below my palm to avoid looking at him as I spin my story. Deciding to give him half the truth. "I was returning from his place when I stumbled on one of the boys and he asked for my help." I glance towards the large group of children currently being tended to by a couple of men and women whom I conclude are Aidoneus' army. They are hard at work, rounding up the wounded and handcuffed members of Python's syndicate, barking orders down the walkie talkie and handing out blankets and hot pockets to the grubby faced, frail looking children. I don't know what it is that Aidoneus does, but I can tell that the children are in better hands.

"Your boyfriend?" He trails a finger over the stinging bruise at the side of my mouth, down the side of my neck and collarbone slowly, gently. I'll admit, I didn't see this coming given the times I've witnessed his brutality. The time he tortured me. But here it is…gentleness. One that I expect would turn deadly if he catches on.

"Yes." I breathe out carefully.

"On your own? In the dead of the night?"

"My mother..." I tamper down the rising tension that comes with his line of questioning. "She wouldn't approve of our relationship."

"What were you doing?"

I can't decipher his tone. I don't know what he's thinking but I also didn't dare to look at him. I barely register his right palm circling my wrist, his finger resting on my pulse. "What any lover would do..." I settle for a vague response. His breath skates over my ear as he angles his head to the side and boxes me in with his arms. This only makes my heart beat faster and when I catch the subtle scent of smoke and liquor in his breath, making my toes curl. Heat radiates off my skin. Though I'm not sure why.

"Did you fuck him?"

I gasp when he said it. The way he said the word fuck sent a rush of wetness into my panties. I should be furious, enraged, I know but I couldn't stop it. And I hate that he brought such a reaction to my body. Stop it, Kore. He's a murderer. A ruthless, despicable monster! I turn my eyes to his direction and my lips become dry. The look in his gray eyes, deep, longing…like hunger. One blink and it's gone. Replaced by the same expression he wore the other night. Like he hates me with all the force of the universe.

What comes out of my mouth next surprises me. "And if I did, what's it to you?" I forge on, keeping a straight face. I need to get out of this. I must.

He smiles out of the corner of his mouth. Brushing my hair back from my shoulders, he gathers it in his fist. "You should see the way you're looking at me now." His eyes roam down my neck and I feel his calloused, tattooed knuckles tracing his gaze. He dips a roughened finger into the v-shaped neckline of my tank top, slowly pushing down between my breasts and up over the rounded curves. "You don't want to cross me, Kore."

"I don't." My breath comes out in a shudder. My breasts are tight and my nipples hard from his teasing. The fact that he notices makes me shy and I had to bite the inside of my cheek to pull myself together. I've never known true hatred until he came into my life so why am I reacting this way?! He's unforgivable. This is what he does. He bullies and tortures and kills. "I don't care about you. I just want to go home. I've told you everything." I say, feeling angrier at myself.

"I don't trust you, sweetheart."

"I know." I don't trust you either.

He arches a brow at me, his eyes glinting with amusement. "But I won't let you go until you've proven yourself. Quite a few people were on his payroll; how do I know you're not one of them?"

"I'm not." Fact that he is lumping me with those men irks me. I exhale sharply and stare back at him in annoyance. Like it or not, my survival is his decision to make. "Look. I can't help you there. You fucking killed him remember? If you want to know so badly why don't you go find his shade? And while you're at it please do us both a favor. Get lost in the Underworld! I'll be sure to pray to the Lord below to keep you." Dammit. The unspoken rule. I shouldn't invoke the King of Tartarus. Part of me hopes that God residing there didn't hear it.

Aidoneus bursts out laughing. A thunderous, full on, genuine laugh. Even his eyes are watering. Watching him like this shocks the living shit out of me. "Ah, sweetheart… you really enjoy pushing your luck with me don't you?"

I purse my lips and glare at him. "Is that what you think? That I enjoy being pushed around? Threatened by you?" I argue as my eyes begin to water for a reason much different than his. As if I'm not insignificant enough to the world, he had to drop right into my life and shove the truth in my face.

The shutters come back down draining the amusement from his face. I let my eyes roam over his stern features, forcing aside my pride and pleading with him silently to let go me. I'll fast and weave a thousand prayers to the Moirai to never to cross paths with him again. He looks at me dead in the eyes without remorse or kindness. Nothing that I can reason with… "How am I supposed to prove to you that I'm innocent of this?"

"A kiss."

I blanch at his words but quickly regain my composure. He wants... a kiss? "And that should help prove my innocence how?"

"I have my ways."

I look at him longer, trying to play it off. All hope dies in me when his face remains unrelenting. I had allowed myself to believe that he was toying with me. But no. Aidoneus is completely serious. My heart beats so loud and fast I am sure he could hear it already. Could a kiss be any worse than torture? But my first kiss from someone like him? What choice do I have?

I close my eyes in despair and ready myself. If this is how it has to be at least I could spare myself from watching it happen. "Fine. One kiss." I whisper my consent blocking out the tears that's on the verge of pouring out of me.

He doesn't touch me for a minute and I open my eyes wondering if he's changed his mind. Once I do he tips my chin, tracing my bottom lip with his thumb. Aidoneus leans in above me running his nose across my jaw, taking his time. Each passing second calming my body. Feeling his soft lips skate over my cheek, my eyelids drift shut and all thoughts leave me. The teasing friction of his beard against my face made me warm and strangely, I want to reach out and stroke his face. He cups my face in his hands and presses his lips against mine. He's softer than I thought he would be. He runs his tongue across the seam of my lips and I let out an involuntary moan, immediately ashamed by it. But Aidoneus doesn't pull back. He snakes his arm around my waist, hauling me closer. His erection pressing up against me, hard like rock, separated only by his jeans and my shorts. He grinds himself against me as he captures my lower lip between his teeth, sucking and tugging. Gently at first, then harder until I feel a fresh sting as he bites down on me. I hiss at the pain and grab the front of his shirt like a depraved person. He groans as he licks the blood from my lips.

The sound he made that triggers a foreign emotion in me, making my heart yearn for more. I've never experienced such a feeling before. Desire. Possessing my body, making me draw him deeper. He kisses me harder and I melt into him. My hands are in his hair. His huge palm cups me through my shorts, sending tingles up my body as he rubs me. Another moan escapes my lips, catching me in place and my eyes shoot open.

Holy Fates, what the fuck am I doing?

This is the same man who terrorized the house of Demeter, who used his powers on me. How did I forget so soon? Is this all it takes? One kiss, one touch and I fold like a cheap tent? How dare I let him get so far? I place my palms on his shoulder about to push him away when someone clears their throat and we break from the kiss.

I'm still reeling from the shock while Aidoneus pulls back and runs his hand through his hair. I don't miss the wild look in his eyes.

"Forgive me, sir." A man says. Blond with blue eyes. Dressed in a long sleeve turtle neck, black leather gloves, a long scoped rifle in one hand and a balaclava in the other. "We have a situation down with the team. They caught another guy." He spares me a brief glance. Whatever he has to say, he doesn't want to say it in front of me.

"The hacker?" Aidoneus supplies and the blond gives a nod. Aidoneus' eyes turn dim as he stares back to me. "Bring him here."

Wrapping my hoodie tighter, I cross my arms to cover my breasts. "So, you've had what you wanted." I lick the soreness of my lips, drawing his attention back to them. "Can I leave now?" I approach the subject like I'm on a tightrope.

He nods. I jump from the hood of the vehicle and spare him a glance before edging past his massive frame. Hardly a couple of steps down, I halt. The blond man returns and with him a face, bleeding so profusely I couldn't recognize it at first. Then, it was all too familiar. Hands bound at the back, blackening bruise on his cheekbone, eyes red and puffy. "What is the meaning of this?" I whip around to find Aidoneus leaning back against the jeep, ankles crossed, hands in his pocket.

"O, Lady Kore!" The blond releases him and the wounded man flags himself at my feet. "Help me. Please, my lady. Save me!" He begs, bowing his head.

"Anapos...what have they done to you?" My voice breaks into sobs as I look at the mangled face of Kyane's husband. Father of her unborn child. Blood boils in my veins and I march right up to the heinous man who kissed me not minutes ago. I tear out of my hoodie, uncaring about the cold that prickles my skin and throw it at him. He catches it easily. "What the fuck is wrong with you?!" I scream. He looks me up and down. Slowly, like he's savoring me. Suddenly I regret my decision to part with the piece of clothing. "What have you done to him?"

He holds my jacket like he's weighing it. "Answer me, Aidoneus!"

He glares at me instantly when I say his name as though I've truly slapped him. His voice is low and rough when he speaks. "Be careful how you address me, Kore." The threat is real in his eyes. Everything about him scares me. Still, I was more angry than I was afraid.

"What have you done to him? Why?"

"You heard earlier," His voice closer to a growl. "the hacker who worked for Python."

Anapos is the hacker?! The river engineer looks anything but with his vest sweater and clean long sleeve shirts. "There must have been a mistake." I argue. "He works for my mom."

"Yes, and anyone else who pays well."

But why? Why would Anapos do such a thing?

Aidoneus jerks his head at the blond who takes it as a signal to put his rifle behind Anapos' skull. "No, don't!" I yell to the blue-eyed man as Anapos begins to weep so wretchedly. But the one whose words everyone was hanging on to, the one who has a shooter waiting for his orders, a mortal man on his knees praying for mercy, the one who looms over me, he stands unyielding. No pardon from his lips.

Something in me snaps. Next thing I know I'm throwing a right hook. Before I could even land a hit, he's grabbed me by the arm and switched our positions, I'm pushed chest first against the side of the jeep with his body pressing down on my back. His lips move over my ear. Without thinking, I try to slam back my head into his face but he grips my hair and forces my face sideways, flat against the door. "You're a fiery little thing, aren't you sweetheart?"

"Fuck you Aidoneus! Get off me bastard!"

"Take his leg."

Immediately, a shot rang out. My jaw drops in shock. Blood drains from my face. Anapos is flat on the ground and he's screaming in pain. One of his legs sticks out at an odd angle covered in blood. Red. Soaking into the soil. The blond resumes his gun right above Anapos' head.

I enter a state of total paralysis when I realize what that was. Aidoneus is punishing me.

"You understand now, don't you Kore?" He whispers low, breathing in the scent of my hair.

"Please. Please don't do this."

"Save your tears, sweetheart. He's a dead man walking."

"No." If Kyane's husband is really a dead man walking...Aidoneus wouldn't dangle him in front of me. "You want something." I state, sounding more sure than I felt. He turns me around and I know I've hit close to home. "What is it then? You want my head too? Is that it?"

"You're smart. I like that about you."

So this is how it's going to be...he's playing me out again. I barely register the hardness of his jeans tight against my stomach. I gulp down the bile rising at my throat. Is he going to ask for my body?

"State your demands and let him go."

He chuckles. "You'll do whatever I say?"

I nod.

"And you will swear on the Styx to keep it a secret?"

I nod.

I don't know what was signalled between Aidoneus and the shooter but hearing the rifle click, I grab at his jacket and pull him down to me. Unsuccessfully. "What do you want?" I scream.

Finally, he tilts his head and smiles. I wanted to punch that smug look right off his face! My wrists held firmly in his hands as he removes them from the lapel of his leather jacket. Then, he drops the bomb.

"Work for me."

PREPPY: Happy New Year! Hope 2018 brings you closer to your dreams. =D

Review if you like. Or don't like. That's cool too.

Footnotes:

1. Drakon – Firstly, drakon could mean 'serpent' or 'dragon' but they are essentially monstrous snake-like beings that have rows of sharp teeth, poisonous physical attributes or multiple heads. In Greek myth, the creature is usually portrayed as a guardian to scared spring, grove or treasures. There are several types of dragons identified in Greek mythology, the serpentine Dracones, the marine Cetea, the fire-breathing Chimaera and the she-monster Dracaenae.

2. Python – Python as a drakon is often equated and/or depicted as the Dracaenae (she-dragon) Ekhidna. He was a drakon which was tasked by Gaia to guard the oracle of Delphi and was slain by Apollo when the god laid claim to the shrine. Alternate versions suggest that Apollo killed the beast who pursued his mother, Leto, during her pregnancy. The oracle and festival of Delphoi were later on named 'Pytho' and 'Pythian' from the rotting 'pytho' corpse of the beast. In the chapter that you've just read, I've separated the entity that is Python from Ekhidna, turning him into her son instead.

3. Arimaspoi & Kimmeroi - The Arimaspoi/Arimaspians and the Kimmeroi/Cimmerians are mythical tribes who, according to Homer, roamed over the lands which Typhoeus and Ekhidna were imprisoned. Some myths said the tribes were helpful to Zeus when he tried to imprison Typhoeus. The Arimaspoi were a tribe of one-eyed men who lived at the foot of the Rhipaion or Rhipaean Mountains in northern Skythia (probably the Carpathians). They were also described to have dwelt at the ends of the earth beyond the River Okeanos in a land shrouded in mist and darkness where the gates of Tartarus was presumably located. They warred constantly with the gold-guarding Grypes aka Griffins (IKR!) of the mountains winged beasts with the heads of eagles and the bodies of lions. According to Herodotos their name was derived from the Skythian words arima"one" and spou "eye". Upon further reading, there are indications that the tribe known as Kimmeroi (meaning 'of the Frost-Chilled Air') are in fact the Arimaspians. Uh huh, I was like fuck it. I'm just gonna feature both.

3. Chlorokinetic combat – The power to utilize plants in combination of physical combat. The user is able to employ plant manipulation with their physical combat. Effectiveness of usage depends on the availability of plants, making this power relatively weak when used in desert or city. (Please go to: fandom wikia to search for more details under 'powerlisting' for chlorokinetic.)

4. Zophon – Awful hopeless darkness. I'm in one currently. Looool.