Page 25 of Queen of Tempests and Sin

CHAPTER 9

POSEIDON

Iawoke to the sound of murmuring voices.

Cracking open my eyes, I saw my acolytes standing with Hades, Persephone, and Thanatos. What in Olympus were they doing in my bedroom.? And where the fuck was Amelia?

‘He’s awake,’ Theseus’s voice made me turn my head. He was sitting in a chair by my bed, his face pale and drawn. Everyone turned my way.

‘What is going on?’ I barked as I threw the covers off and jumped from the bed.

‘Eww! Put it away!’ Persephone covered her eyes as Hades’ lips twitched in amusement… I looked down and realised I was sporting a rather large erection. My acolytes all appeared amused, but my death glare sobered them immediately. Tugging on a pair of sweatpants, I turned to my brother.

‘What the fuck are you all doing in my bedroom? And where is Amelia?’

‘We seem to have found the godly-infused Blade of Olympus,’ Hades said as cool as a cucumber.

I tilted my head. Why had he changed the subject? ‘Where?’ I grunted, my temper simmering like a pot of dark roast.

‘In your heart.’ His brows raised as he pursed his lips. ‘But at least we have it back, I suppose.’ The haughty bastard. Then his words registered—I let out a burst of shocked laughter and shook my head.

‘Don’t be ridiculous.’

Persephone elbowed her intended out of the way. ‘Gods, Hades. Remember when I told you a kind word, or, gods forbid, a smile, will make people feel more cherished.’ He gave a half-shrug, his lips turning down. Persephone released a frustrated breath. ‘You need to be less brusque. A little compassion wouldn’t go amiss.’

Her eyes tracked to Theseus—my acolyte looked bereft. What in the Fates was going on? ‘Poseidon, sit down.’ Persephone ushered me to sit on the bed. How could such a tiny person be so annoying?

‘Your friend… Amelia⁠—’

‘What about her?’ I snapped.

‘She tried to kill you. She’s an assassin.’

I tensed and blinked several times. My Amelia? The only woman I’d coveted for centuries? Her smiles, her chatter, her kisses, her head game… Fates, she’d enjoyed it. Doubt swelled like bitter wisps of acrid smoke. No.

‘You must be mistaken.’ I ground my teeth so hard I was surprised they didn’t crack. ‘I don’t believe you.’

‘Boss,’ Theseus said, voice low. ‘Lady P is right. By the time I uncovered her true identity, it was too late… I’m sorry.’ His head hung low, and his shoulders drooped. Tangy worry filled the air like thick smoke—they were all expecting me to blow. I remembered the last thing I tasted on my tongue from her—fear and sadness. Sharp and sour, like spicy blood and wasted dreams.

‘Who is she?’ I said through gritted teeth as anger thrummed under my skin.

‘Cordelia Hamartia,’ he said. ‘Real name. She does live in England and teaches at a private school there. But her alias is the Black Dahlia… the infamous assassin.’

I ruminated for a beat… the Greek word Hamartia means sin.

Cordelia Sinn.

An apt name, as everything about her was a lie, and the only interest she had in me was my demise. Silent anger consumed me, but I welcomed it. It was much better than the hurt and that drowning feeling of desolation.

‘Married?’ I spat. Theseus shook his head. Jason, Perseus, and Ajax all stared at their feet.

‘What I want to know—’ Hades drawled—‘Is why your acolytes were nowhere to be found? It’s a good job Thanatos, Persephone, and I were nearby.’

I stepped towards him, outrage whirling through me, mixed with heartbreaking sorrow; I was about to batter the shit out of my brother, when Persephone grabbed my arm.

‘Don’t blame him, Poseidon. It’s not his fault,’ she said in a small voice. Hades smirked at me, and I was a hairbreadth away from pummelling his face.

‘Thanatos felt your soul struggling and flashed straight here, alerting me, and Erebus informed your acolytes immediately.’ Hades said dispassionately. ‘He held your soul in place, to prevent you from going into the eternal sleep, until Persephone arrived. She healed you when we removed the dagger. It would have taken you many months to heal without her.’