The Queen’s Blessing

Sleep? Yeah, that wasn't happening.

I had tried everything—changing positions, counting Cerberus heads, even attempting meditation (which, by the way, is just fancy sitting). But no matter what I did, the only thing I could think about was the tournament tomorrow.

The glorious, blood-pumping, limb-shattering tournament of doom where I was probably going to get my butt kicked.

So naturally, instead of resting like a smart person, I made the completely rational decision to go see my mother in the Underworld.

Because, hey, nothing says "preparing for battle" like a nice chat with the literal Queen of the Dead.

I whistled softly. A second later, a shadow slithered through my window and formed into Cyrus, my ever-loyal pet and professional bad-idea enabler.

The shadowy creature tilted his head. "You're supposed to be resting."

"Yeah, well, sleep and I are in a complicated relationship," I muttered, swinging my legs over the bed. "I need to see her."

Cyrus huffed but didn't argue. Instead, the shadows beneath us shifted, swallowing me whole. The world blurred, melted, twisted—

And then, just as suddenly—

I was in the Underworld.

The Garden of the Dead (Not as Creepy as It Sounds)

Now, I know what you're thinking. Kael, you went to the land of the dead! Was it terrifying? Was it filled with tortured souls screaming for freedom?

Nope. I was in a garden.

And it was beautiful.

Vines twisted like living things, curling around marble archways. The flowers glowed faintly, shifting colors like they couldn't decide if they wanted to be blue, silver, or something in between. A river of liquid moonlight shimmered through the center, flowing over obsidian stones.

And right in the middle, lounging on a stone bench like she had all the time in the world, was my mother—Persephone.

She was humming to herself, running her fingers through the glowing water, when she suddenly froze.

"…Kael?"

Her head snapped toward me.

And then, before I could react, she was on her feet, sprinting toward me like a demigod linebacker.

Death Goddess or Not, She's Still My Mom

I barely had time to brace for impact before she tackled me into a hug.

"Oh, my sweet child, look at you!" she gushed, cupping my face. "It's only been a week and you already look thinner! Have you been eating? Are the mortals treating you well? Did you remember to wear warm clothes at night?"

I groaned. "Mom—"

She grabbed my arm and inspected me like I was a wounded soldier returning from war.

Persephone pursed her lips. "Mm-hmm. And what exactly brings my son to the land of the dead in the middle of the night? Not that I don't appreciate a visit—you never visit anymore."

"It's been a week."

"Exactly! A whole week!"

I sighed. "Mother, I have come seeking your blessing before I march into war."

She froze.

Her violet eyes flickered with something unreadable—something sharp, protective, ancient.

Then, very calmly, she asked,

"…How many soldiers do you need?"

I blinked. "Uh. What?"

Persephone gestured toward the vast lands of the Underworld. "Our armies are endless, Kael. If you wish it, they will fight for you."

I stared. "Wait—are you serious?"

"Completely."

I opened my mouth. Then closed it. Then opened it again.

"I CAN SUMMON AN ARMY?!"

Persephone tilted her head. "You are my son. More than that, you are Hades' heir. The moment you choose to wield your power, the Underworld will answer. The dead do not defy their king."

My brain short-circuited.

"Okay, but like, is there a beginner's tutorial for 'commanding armies of the dead'? Or do I just yell 'Attack!' and hope for the best?"

She chuckled. "In time, you will learn."

I exhaled. "Well, as much as I'd love to storm the tournament with an undead horde, I feel like that might be… frowned upon."

"A shame," she sighed. "It would be entertaining."

I snorted. "Mom, you're terrifying."

She smiled. "I know."

Where's Dad?

The moment of levity faded, and I hesitated before asking,

"…Where's Dad?"

Her expression shifted. The warmth didn't vanish, but it dimmed.

"Your father left some time ago… on important business."

Something about the way she said it made my stomach twist.

"Business?" I frowned. "Where?"

She hesitated. "He didn't tell me."

My stomach dropped. "Wait—what?"

Persephone's face was unreadable. "The last time he was here, he said he had something urgent to take care of. He promised he would return."

A cold feeling crept up my spine.

Dad didn't just leave the Underworld. He was Hades. If he left, it meant something was very, very wrong.

"You really don't know where he went?" I asked carefully.

She shook her head. "No."

I clenched my fists.

Something wasn't right.

Hades wouldn't just disappear.

And if even Persephone didn't know where he was…

Then whatever took him was serious.

I forced a smirk. "Well, if he is in trouble, at least he's got a cool son to bail him out."

Persephone laughed and ruffled my hair. "That he does."

The Blessing of a Queen

Before I left, she placed a hand on my forehead.

A warmth spread through me—deep, powerful, ancient.

"My blessing," she murmured. "For strength. For wisdom. And for victory."

The power settled in my bones like a second pulse.

I took a slow breath, standing taller.

"Thanks, Mom."

She smiled. "Go. Win. And do not forget—you are not alone."

I stepped back into the shadows.

And with a rush of darkness—

I was gone.