Retribution

He didn’t utter a single word to me as I finished putting my hair up into a high pony tail and stood up to face him. Adiran remained in the corner, looking at him with utter disdain and murderous intent. I’ll admit I hadn’t been happy about that, but knew I could not question him with Malachi present. He already believed me to be insane and I didn’t think it would be wise to add to that belief.

“Why, Unya?” That was all he said as he stared at the nymph, she still had some of her intestines dangling from her mouth.

“I needed to blow off steam, plus she’s so much easier to handle now that she’s no longer locked inside her weak flesh. She thought it would be fun to taunt me about you, she now knows how wrong that was. She’s also asking me to tell you, that she hopes we can all be friends.”

Malachi just looked at me gob smacked, and then the voices began to talk to me yet again.

“I told you to shut up, mummy is talking, do not make me punish you children,” I stated, as I slapped the side of my head, repeatedly.

“Maybe we should give tonight a miss, it isn’t compulsory for us to attend,” he stated, giving off the air of worry.

“Don’t be silly, they will be quiet now, they just needed a little reminder to not interrupt. Come on lover boy, let’s go see our Lord.”

For the first time since I had awoken, Persephone was in attendance. She had taken her seat besides Hades, but I got the impression she was not happy to be there.

Troy was once again sitting across from me, with his gaze never leaving mine for long. The rest of the night was un-noteworthy, with the usual suspects unable to stop themselves from staring at me.

Malachi was quiet, only speaking when it was required of him. He placed one hand upon my bare knee, but other than that, he would not acknowledge my presence.

“Before the festivities draw to a close, I have an announcement to make,” stated Hades, which made every being refrain from speaking, and every set of eyes fall straight to him, none wavering in the slightest.

He placed a hand upon Persephone’s shoulder, squeezing until she flinched and stood by

his side.

“As you are all aware, the ebony child has once again returned to us. This comes as no surprise, seeing as none of you have seemed to be able to refrain yourselves from staring, whenever she is within your presence.

Now, as we all know my siblings will soon conspire a way to take this realm from me, and end her life in the most delicious way. We will not allow that to happen, and with Unya beside me we will win the battle that is on the horizon.

None of that was the announcement, so you should hold any premature cheering back, until I am done. Now this dear girl has been through a lot, how could she know who she can trust when she no longer remembers everything we have done for her. With that in mind I have decided that it is high time we had something to celebrate. So with that said, I am here to announce, Unya will be married in a month’s time.”

No one clapped or made a sound, except from Malachi who drew in a harsh breath once he had made the announcement. It pissed me off that I hadn’t been granted any say in the matter, but it did not stop me from noticing the fact that Hades never mentioned Malachi’s name when he spoke of my wedding.

“Who is the lucky groom then, my lord?” Asked Troy, his gaze still burning into mine, a hunger so intense it shook me to my very core.

“Our girl has many suitors who wish to take on the title of groom, but it is for Unya to choose the two finalists.”

The choice words confused me, but despite his place in the hierarchy, it did not stop Malachi from pushing himself up and sending his chair flying backwards into the wall behind us.

“Finalists, you led me to believe I would be the one to marry her, after you announced to Unya we were engaged.”

The rage was clearly written across his gorgeous face, which just made him all the more enticing.

“That is true Malachi, but we are all aware you have both been having a few problems adjusting to one another. It is only fair the other suitors get a fair chance.”

I stood up and joined Malachi, before demanding to know who the other suitors were. It was easy to tell Hades hadn’t appreciated me demanding anything of him, but he relented and all the suitors were soon standing.

He introduced them to me as Nero, a shapeshifter who could take on the appearance of any living creature. Dorian, who was a dream walker, Lewis, a centaur and Troy, part incubus and part dream walker.

“So how do I choose between my suitors?” I inquired, not really caring, as I already knew Malachi would hold the first spot.

“That is by all means, your choice my dear girl. Date, torture or kill them, the ball is in your court.”

I saw Malachi glance around, but I could tell the nerves were not for his safety, but for the others.

He knew me too well, already able to tell which option I would choose.

I closed my eyes and focused on those I didn’t wish to survive, before honing in on my targets.