Tumbleweeds
drifted down the dirt road, kicking up dust and debris to carry in the
wind. The pitch sky stretched for miles
in the horizon, meeting flat, bleached terrain.
Celestial bodies illuminated the three way crossroad in the distance. My destination.
Not
a soul traveled these streets, silence and heartache my only companion.
It
was no coincidence she chose a crossroads as her summoning point. A choice must be made. Either you accept the deal and all it
encompasses or you chose another, more righteous path.
Once
most reach this far they have already decided.
But
for me, that choice was never offered.
It was demolished the moment I heard the truth.
This
is my only salvation.
I
momentarily paused at the decrepit, rusty stop sign.
There
was no stopping for me.
“Well,
well… What do I owe the pleasure of a visit from you Zeus?”
My
gaze met the woman standing on the other side of the crossroads, illuminated
under the single ancient lamp post. Her
hair was the color of fresh blood and eyes of moss. She wore a purple corseted dress that
revealed her shapely figure.
“Hello
Hecate, goddess of witchcraft and protector against the dead.”
A
knowing smile curled her plump lips as she slinked forward and met me in the
middle, the scent of sage and other herbs wafting around her. “How are you dear king?”
As
if she didn’t know. The entire world
seemed to know my recent troubles.
I
crossed my arms against my chest defensively, a feeling of melancholy I was
unaccustomed to staining my insides. “I’ve
been better.”
Only
a few days have passed since Hera told me of the prophecy written about Hartley
and me. We were meant for each other,
fated and destined. And yet Hartley
remains with my brother.
Her
words in the Underworld were like dull, burning blades to my very soul. She renounced our bond and vowed her love for
Hades. She claimed the girl who was
meant for me died and the prophecy broken.
“I
never thought I’d see the day when you and Hades vied for the same girl,”
Hecate said, breaking the thread of painful memories.
“She’s
my girl,” I snapped, lighting buzzing
down my arms.
Hecate
toyed with the ancient necklace around her neck, unaffected by my outburst, as
her mossy eyes surveyed me. Her gaze was
so intense it felt invasive and disturbing as if she was peeling back my flesh
to reveal my inner desires.
My
feet shifted awkwardly and I cleared my throat.
“It’s why I’ve come to you. I
need a spell…”
Hecate’s
palm lifted, stopping me mid-sentence.
“I know what you seek.” She
tilted her head to the side, scrutinizing me.
“Are you sure this is what you want Zeus? The spell is powerful. Many things will be altered.”
“Yes. I’m sure.”
“I
have one stipulation. Persephone gets to
remain unchanged.”
“Fine.”
“All
right.” She stepped closer, her eyes
glistening with an otherworldly sheen.
“I must warn you Zeus. There
could be consequences, big
consequences.”
I
raked my fingers through my hair, impatience multiplying with every moment
Hartley is not with me. “I don’t care
what the cost is. No price is too
high. It’ll be worth it.”
Anything
was worth having Hartley.