Fire sparks

CH. 2 My Name is Hades

My mind woke before my eyes. Even in my half consciousness, I was aware of how cozy my body was. My feet dragged against the thing sheets, savoring how perfectly temperate they were. The moment of peace was fleeting, however, as graphic images filled my mind. My eyelids popped open.

I blinked a few times, fighting to sort nightmares from reality. Anxiety seized my heart when I realized they were one and the same. Everything had been real. My chest heaved, frantically gasping for air.  Something heavy lay across my body; something I'd been subconsciously clinging to like a life raft… until I registered the weight as someone else’s. My eyes flailed wildly, until landing on him laying peacefully beside me, content and sleeping.

His face looked as if it had been cast in marble, every feature intentional and perfect. And he was curled around my body, one arm stretching beneath my neck and the other wrapped around my waist. He stirred slightly before readjusting his face into the crook of my neck. He inhaled deeply and sighed.

The sound made my heart pitter patter and calm all at once. A contentedness settled over my body but was quickly replaced with the overwhelming instinct to flee. I couldn’t afford to feel this way. I'd finally gained confidence in my role as ruler of the realm, but I was very aware of how fragile that title was. Feelings were weakness. I couldn’t feel for this man.

Not to mention I’d allowed him to see me feel remorse and horror and regret. This man could ruin me. I was a damned fool.

Carefully, I peeled his arm from around my torso, sliding a root filled sac- a poor excuse for a pillow- between his arms in my place. I set my feet on the ground and began searching the room for my clothing. The room was small, of course. And it was not my own. 

Fuck, f**k, fuck... I looked on the floor, before sifting through the worn sheets. It was with considerable surprise that I ultimately found my belongings neatly folded on a chair in the corner. 

As I pulled my shirt over my head, I glanced back at the peacefully sleeping demon. Something within me tugged, urging me to get back into bed, to curl up beside him, to return to his embrace. I shook the thought from my mind.

No, no. None of that. Go while you can. I slipped my pants past my hips, my eyes never leaving the man’s resting face. Once fully dressed, I turned towards the door with no intention of entertaining the man again... in any capacity. Silently, I tip-toed towards the door. As I was halfway through the collection of roots tied together to make a door, whatever tugged at me before suddenly became taunt. Despite myself, I looked back.

Should I… like... leave a note? This felt so different from every other intimate encounter I’d had recently. Actually, it felt different from every intimate encounter I’d had ever. The closest I’d felt to this seemed like a lifetime ago. I’d been foolish enough to trust my heart then. My heart proved to be a damned i***t, though. I'd long since revoked my heart's privileges to have a say in any matter, especially when it came to men. Still, I didn’t want to just leave him without a trace… but I have to. 

I fought with myself to tear my eyes from his sleeping face. Instead of moving away, I found myself moving forward. I lingered by the edge of the bed. Before I knew it my hand was outstretched and gingerly caressing the curve of his jawline down to his neck. I brushed a few stray hairs away from his face and traced the outline of his plump, pink lips. 

Maybe just… The thought hadn’t had a chance to fully formulate before my lips connected with his. I only lightly brushed them together, but I could feel the ghost of what would be a tear pricking in my eye. 

What the hell! Get it the f**k together, Maeve. I stood upright, pivoted on my heel, and forced myself to push passed whatever sorcery was trying to make me stay until I was gone from the room; the shack; the cavern. I didn’t have time for such nonsense; I was queen of the damned souls, for christ sake! I had much bigger things to deal with then something so trivial as a poorly timed crush. 

****

Four short weeks came and went since I’d cast the first Judgement. Somehow, that wasn't how I'd marked the day in my memory files. The horrors seemed secondary to the warmth, support, and something else I'd felt that evening. 

Too mushy... probably just a coping mechanism. I could have at least chosen to focus on the unadulterated ecstasy I'd insisted on as a distraction from the man. Alas, it seemed the more control I gained over the realm, the more I lost over my own mind. 

I now sat as the judge at my twelfth Judgement. The first six had occurred within a week of the event's commencement, but the following six had been spread out over the next three weeks. Every single one was disgusting and traumatizing, but the decrease meant one thing: they were working. That didn't stop my stomach from flipping at each and every one.

Since the first Judgement, I’d really amplified the aesthetic of the trials. The biggest change was relocating the Judgements from the Atrium to the adjoining large cavern on the north side. Though only a short, miserable walk away from its original location the vibe was completely different from the Atrium.

The cavern just felt dark... like it was made for something so heinous. The walls arched, seemingly holding the Judgements tightly in their crumbling grasp. The second cavern was solely dedicated to the Judgements, and nothing else. It was perfect. 

As if the space needed to be any more sinister, I had a deep pit dug in the center, an ever burning fire smoldering within. A cage was built that hung above the inferno, though, we called it ‘the podium’ as a dramatic downplay of the gravity of the situation. I may have been incredibly misunderstood in the realm of mortals, but they definitely got one thing right: I did have a certain appreciation for theatrics.

The woman that currently shook within the podium had been caught conspiring to against my crown. She'd gained a small cult following of only about twenty idiots, but that seemed irrelevant given the charges.  

The podium lightly swung as her body trembled, the chain holding the cage loudly grinding in protest. Coward. Her followers all stood shackled in a single file line, unable to look at their frightened would-be queen as they awaited their turn for Judgement. 

No heroes amongst this crew. After giving so many Judgements, I knew exactly how I’d handle myself should I ever find myself on the podium: I would hold my head high, never giving the Judge the satisfaction of watching me quake. It didn’t matter what punishment they gave, I'd grit and bare it. 

As I began to issue her sentence, I didn’t let the growing discontent within my stomach show on my face. “You have been charged with conspiracy and treason against this kingdom. Do you deny it?" A cruel smirk toyed at my lips. A test; denying a charge would only make the sentence worse. To her credit, the conspirator didn't answer. "Very well. Seeing as the crimes were against the kingdom, it is only appropriate that the punishment come from the kingdom that you planned to destroy.” I let my eyes trail through the crowd, trying to gauge how they felt about my gift. 

Dark excitement spread amongst the onlookers. Perfect. I addressed the audience, never one to miss an opportunity to deepen my peoples' loyalty. “I truly hope you all take this responsibility seriously.” I lowered my eyes, emphasizing my point by placing a gentle hand against my chest. “I do right by you all. I care about each and every one of you. I know we’re all still adjusting to this new world, but together we have truly turned nothing into something… something well on its way to being spectacular. Your loyalty will be handsomely rewarded this evening. We have twenty three insubordinates to be Judged. It is of the utmost importance they are punished appropriately for trying to ruin everything we have worked so hard for- don’t you agree?” Varying forms of assent cascaded throughout the amphitheater. “Good. Do your worst, friends.” I urged my eyes to glow as my smirk evolved into a violent grin. The people loved when my eyes glowed; a gentle reminder of the beast that I was once was. To the beasts, my glowing eyes were relatable.

My stomach continued to churn and I felt vomit fighting to surface. A cold sweat broke across my forehead while the color drained from my face. It was time to go. To any onlooker, I was simply a judge done with a Judgement, but my guards knew I was unwell as I turned in search of a hidden corner to empty my gut. 

Braxis and Galen froze before I even made it past them. That could only mean one thing: the tall man had emerged from the shadows. I hadn't spoken to him since the encounter, but he'd remained as close as he'd always been. Since that fateful day, he'd ventured free from the shadows on a few occasions. He didn't need to speak for me to know he was seeking attention, though in what capacity I couldn't be sure. Still, I deflected every one of his advances to be safe. 

Now, my eyes landed on him, mid pivot. His expression was reserved; stoic. I'm sure anyone else would have said his face gave away nothing, but I didn't miss how worry flickered beneath the facade. 

Not now! Can’t you just leave me alone? It didn’t matter that he was incredibly handsome. It didn’t matter that something within me knew, despite his dangerous aura, he’d never hurt me. And it certainly didn’t matter that he’d haunted my dreams every single night since the one we’d spent together. I was a strong, powerful woman and I wasn’t going to jeopardize my crown for some man; not again.

Still, usually his presence excited me. I'd even begun to think of him as some dark guardian angel. Except for now. Now, I had no patience for the butterflies he always managed to send fluttering in my stomach- my stomach was currently dealing with enough as it was.

As our eyes met, I continued to move forward. For a moment, his mysterious onyx eyes glittered with hope, but the light went out as I continued hastening straight past him. Behind me, the roar of cruel laughter and horrified shrieks built, somehow becoming louder even as I moved further away.

I barely made it another fifty feet before emptying the contents of my stomach to the side of the clay path. I braced my hands against my knees while I caught my breath. It wasn’t until I was wiping the corner of my mouth that I realized the tall man had followed me… and witnessed my moment of weakness… again.

“Enjoying the show?” My brows lifted as I folded my arms across my body. His eyes sparkled, but he slid his hands into his pockets and hunched his shoulders. 

“Are you okay?” His voice was smooth, low, and ancient somehow. He'd said many wonderful, lustful things during the evening we'd spent together, which even the memory of sent a bolt to my core, but I hadn't heard his voice like this. The sound made my head swim, but my stomach settled momentarily.

I gave him a tight, sarcastic smile. “Never better.” He took a step forward narrowing the gap between us to only a few feet. I fought the gag that came from deep within my belly, but failed in hiding it. Luckily nothing came out.

A smile twitched at the corner of his mouth, revealing a few of those pointed teeth, but the worry remained in his eyes. “Oh come on, I can’t be that repulsive.”

Ignoring him, I checked behind him to make sure no one else had seen me puke. “Are you, like, my stalker now or are you just here to take advantage of me while I'm vulnerable again?” His eyes went wide, as he took a few staggered steps back at my words. The small smile fell completely from his face, any hint of humor replaced with something I couldn’t identify.

“I- I… I’m sorry… I didn’t… I- Maeve… I’m...” He continued to stutter and fumble over his words. I knew all too well that he had certainly not taken advantage of me. In reality, I’d never wanted something more in my life. I couldn’t help but giggle as he struggled to apologize. 

“Dude, relax. I’m just f*****g with you.” I smiled, but wiped my mouth again, suddenly self conscious of what may have remained on my face. “But for real, you always seem to be around to catch me floundering. If I didn’t know better, I’d say your timing is a little suspect.”

The tension in his face faded and he took the break in my typically bitchy front to once again move closer. “Just a concerned citizen keeping an eye out for his queen.” His lips parted revealing his uniquely beautiful smile in full force. My breath hitched in my throat as he reached forward, taking a lock of my hair between his fingers and tucked it behind my ear. 

I enjoyed the gesture far more than I’d care to admit. My pulse quickened, reminding me of how much effort I’d put into avoiding interaction out of fear of this exact reaction. 

“Eh-hem... “ I took a large side step away from his lingering hand. Inspiration struck. I had used s*x as a tool to gain the upper hand too many times to count within the realm of darkness, so why should this man be an exception? 

I squared my shoulders and angled my face to catch the low, flickering light of the torches just so- hoping it was effective in hiding me exhaustion and malnourishment. “Well, sir, I believe you owe me a favor.” His expression quickly bounced from hurt to indifference. I didn’t miss the disappointment that seemed to linger in his eyes. Interesting. 

“And why do I owe you a favor, Maeve?” His words were too quiet, but my breath still caught when he said my name. I hummed thoughtfully, testing the level of my own voice before daring to speak again.

“I gave you what you wanted, so now you will give me what I want.”

“Are you saying sleeping with me was a favor?” Disgust. He was disgusted at the thought that I’d only shared myself with him as a favor. He hated the idea. But then... there was a playfulness. 

The gravel crunched beneath his feet as he slinked forward. I hadn't realized I'd been backing away until my shoulders hit the clay wall lining the pathway. He braced a hand above my head and the other on the wall by my waist. Fury and amusement fought for dominance in his eyes, but I still felt no hint of fear towards him. I had to crane my neck to continue to meet his gaze. I realized I may have just started a game that I wasn’t equipped to win.

He dipped his head lower so that it was closer to mine. His words came out an icy whisper. “If I remember correctly, Maeve, it was you who begged for more.” He continued to move his head closer until his warm breath fanned against my neck. "Do you want more now, Maeve?"

My toes curled as goosebumps blossomed across my skin. My brain and body seemed to be in total disconnect over the man. My brain screamed 'run far away.' But everything else within me wanted to fall forward into his arms; to give myself to him and only him.

But I’m queen of the freaking Dark Place… I can’t… I needed to regain control of the situation. In a moment of either weakness or brilliance I had an idea. I brought a hand to his cheek, begging with my eyes for him to come closer. He did. I gently let my lips brush just barely against his. It wasn’t a kiss, but instead a cruel reminder of what wouldn’t happen. With great effort, I fought the urge to melt our lips together. Carefully whispering against his mouth I promised, “Tell anyone, and you’ll be on the pedestal next.” I puckered my lips and gave him one measured and light kiss.

I felt a deep chuckle rumble from his chest, the vibrations ricocheting through my own. Huh, really did not expect that reaction. I moved both of my hands to his chest and gave him a sharp push backwards. The inhuman seven foot tall block of muscle humored me by dramatically stumbling back as if the shove had actually had an impact. 

I laughed. Not the stiff or cruel or ironic or fake laughter I usually laughed. No this was genuine and melodic and happy. 

Gross, what the hell is wrong with me? Even before being condemned, I had never been one to let loose and laugh. At least not like that. I looked up to find his face relaxed, silently reveling in my giggles.I could almost see him plotting his next attempt to elicit the sound again. His eyes sparkled brightly, not faltering in the slightest at the glow in my own eyes were mirrored in his. I opened my mouth to speak, but he beat me to it.

“And what is this favor you wish of me, Maeve?” I had no idea. I’d only mentioned a favor to remind him of his place. Plus, I found people to be far more manageable when they had a task. I could have potentially come up with something, if he hadn't distracted me with all that obnoxious laughing business. 

I assessed for him momentarily. As he stood before me looking like a powerful Greek God, I knew exactly what I wanted him to do for me… but I also thought of a job for him.

“My personal guards kind of suck. I need someone better.” His smile widened. 

“Hmm… a personal guard? So, I’d have to follow you around all day? Make sure people keep their distance? Make sure you are safe?” The twinkle in his eyes worked hard to distract me, but I fought through the mesmerization, refusing to let him have the upper hand again.

I placed a hand on my hip and pointed an accusatory finger at him with the other. “Isn’t that what you do all day anyway?”

He took a slow step in my direction again, his voice lowered until it was smooth and sultry. “You’ve noticed. I was worried I’d become invisible.” 

Be still my freaking heart. Perhaps making him my personal guard was a bad idea. I wasn’t so sure I’d be able to function if he was going to act like this around me all the time. 

“You’re a hard guy to miss.” I shrugged casually, trying to squash the butterflies that wildly swarmed in my stomach.

“If I’m your bodyguard you’ll never have to miss me.” Those words, that smile; I was a useless puddle.

Re. Gain. Control. NOW! This man was going to be the death of me, I was sure of it. I’d never felt threatened by his presence, but this short conversation was quickly proving he was a unique kind of threat. Momentarily I reconsidered my proposal. Could I manage to stay in control of myself with him so involved in my life all the time? He’d been close at any given moment prior to this, but that was different. The cockiness in his eyes faded until it was fully replaced with worry. Seeing him squirm made me smile just a little. At that moment, I decided I could do this. I was the queen. I was in control.

“Then it’s agreed, you’ll be my captain of my personal guard. Braxis and Galen will still be part of my personal detail as well.” I raised my hand to shake on the deal.

I saw the anger that disappeared as quickly as it appeared on his face. He ignored the latter part of the deal. “Captain of the Guard... hmm, so formal." He glanced around thoughtfully, before noticing the lack of amusement in my expression. He smiled down at my small hand before wrapping it in his much larger one. "Agreed. But I prefer the term bodyguard.”

My eyes flared, both at his implication and the fact that he was still attempting to call the shots to some degree. “Well, Mr. Bodyguard, do you have a name?” He dipped his head low while raising our hands higher. 

“My name is Hades.” He lowered his lips to the back of my hand while my stomach did a new kind of cartwheel.

Hades. I repeated the name over and over in my mind, unsure of why it made me feel so at home.