The Gorgon Queen

Chapter 31

Perseus, Athena and Aspasia were all tied up against separate pillars when Orion and I were shoved into the cave like lair. There was a well in the center of the cave that appeared to lead down to the inner depths of the Earth. I didn't miss the cliff that was about a few feet away from us, a threat that Hades must enjoy. My shoulder slammed into the pillar as the guard shoved me into it and tied my arms around. Orion was tied up to one to my left.

When I glanced to my friends, I saw a mix of worry and the look of people getting ready to fight. Perseus's face was focused on his bindings, trying to find a way out, while Athena's was stone. I still wanted to know what was going on inside her head. Aspasia looked as if she had given up, for she rested her head back against the pillar, her eyes partially open.

"Now," Hades said, dusting dirt off his hands, "I want to make this quick, for I'm a very busy man," his eyes latched onto to me and I fought with every fiber in my being to not flinch away. "I want the stones and I know that you are looking for them for Zeus," Hades rolled his eyes as he said the God's name, "But what if I can offer you something better?"

I forced my rapid heart to slow as I stared at him, "What do you mean?"

Hades began to pace, "I know that if you find these stone and give them to Zeus, he'll bless you and make you a God, correct?" without waiting for my response, he continued, "But I can offer you so much more, not only the power of a God, but the gift of immortality."

Perseus huffed, "Zeus and the Gods are already immortal, you idiot! Don't listen to him, Medusa!"

Hades came towards Perseus and swiftly backhanded him across the face. "At this moment, I'm not talking to you. So keep your mouth shut."

Perseus tilted his head back against the pillar as blood ran down the corner of his mouth.

"Your little soldier here might be correct, but the thing that I can offer you that Zeus can't is something you don't want to pass up."

"What is it?" I asked, curiosity getting the best of me.

"How badly do you wish to see your parents again? Since they were ripped away from you so suddenly? I can give you the gift of seeing them again."

My heart shuddered and all but stopped. I would give anything to see my parents again, to hear their words of wisdom. But how could I trust the man who took them away from me in the first place?

"You killed them?" I said, tears pricking my eyes. Hades stood before me, head tilted to the side, "That could have been avoided if they only helped me and took the offer that I am now giving to you."

A part of me wanted to say yes, to take the deal and see my parents again. But the more rational side told me to ignore it, for this was Hades, a man known for tricking people into doing his bidding and wishing their souls away.

"Another part of this offer that I'm deciding to give you is this," Hades started saying, "I know where the stones are, I can easily send you there, save you the trip."

"If you know where they are, why didn't you just take them yourself?" Athena asked. Hades chuckled, "Because why would I miss out on all the fun?"

"Don't listen to him, Medusa. He's lying." Orion said. Hades's attention locked on him and my blood ran cold. I didn't like the way he was staring at Orion.

"I'm tired of people speaking when they are not being spoken too." Hades snapped his fingers to one of the guards and they untied Orion, dragging him across the dirt floor to Hades's feet. Hades took Orion by the neck and started to inch towards the cliff. I tried to move forward but my restraints held me down.

"I think you need a little pressure, Medusa." Hades said as he inch closer to the cliff with Orion dragging his feet but still trying to fight to no avail. Once they were at the edge, Hades held Orion out by his neck, if he let go, Orion would fall to his death, along with my heart.

"Let's try this again, shall we?" Hades turned to look at me, "If you agree to my offer, I'll let your lover here go, refuse and I might have to loosen my grip. Your choice."

My vision was going in and out, I was sure I was going to pass out any second. I couldn't let Orion die, but I also didn't trust Hades to abide by his deal. But the look I was seeing on Orion's face made me want to run to him and grab him in my arms and drag him away from this hell. I forced my breath to steady itself.

"His path was foolish, this is his price." Aspasia whispered. I turned my head toward her, "What are you talking about?"

"Medusa." Orion's voice cut through my thoughts and I turned to him, the look he was giving me was the look of someone resigning to his fate. "Remember the promise."

Promise me, that no matter what you will free yourself from this place and find those stones and fulfill your mother's wish.

Even if I am not there to join you.

His words came back to me in a rush and tears began to stream down my face. I would not let this happen.

"Last chance!" Hades shouted as he leaned his arm out more, forcing Orion more towards the edge.

"Don't do it, Medusa."

"It's not worth it."

"We can find another way."

Athena and Perseus voices were muffled in my rattled thoughts. I couldn't think straight. I knew what I had to do and the words were coming out of my mouth before I could stop them.

"I accept your deal!" I practically shouted.

A wicked grin spread across Hades's lips, "Fantastic."

Before my eyes, he extended his arm out fully and released his grip on Orion. I watched as his sapphire eyes disappeared into the abyss, far from view. I couldn't help the guttural scream that escaped me, echoing through the cave.

"Oh, there's no need for that, darling. After all, you'll be able to see him again."