Chapter 56

“I can’t leave because we have another problem. She killed the king of the underworld and dead people can rule hell. By law, she would be taking over. She has to become Queen whether she likes it or not and I am here to grant that power.”

I exchanged looks with everyone around knowing that I didn’t have a choice because, whether I wanted to or not, I controlled the underworld. How does that make anything better? But I know now that with me in charge things could change. Could I shine a light in the darkness? Do I have to stay there, or can I go visit at any time?

“Wait, if I do this does this mean I will be damned from having a mate? Will that get taken from me?”

Zeus took a step toward me and placed a hand on my shoulders. I was terrified that he wasn’t answering but I had good faith that things could be different. I wanted something different.

“My son was damned from having a mate because he was unworthy to feel that type of love from someone. You anger me because that is my son but you’re a strong woman in the end and you deserve happiness after everything. From this day forward you will Ryleigh, Goddess of the Underworld.”

With that, the darkness filled my body, and the power radiated off of me. I felt different. Like I had a purpose and that voids Persephone which I knew she wanted more than anything. She could live in a free world, and I was happy for her.

“You have large responsibilities now, please be better with this amount of power.”

He nodded before exiting the room. I wasn’t this weak woman anymore and my consequences had actions, but I didn’t expect it to be this wonderful. I turned to Alizac who didn’t look too pleased and then to Jax who was smiling at me and that made me feel something. Even in my dark days, I was appreciated. We all went outside to see Zeus with Hades as he walked in shame. I felt my hand be interlocked and realized it was Persephone. We were about to live in peace without Hades who played us both. My Dad came with my mother and it’s the first time I’ve really seen them and that reminded me that they weren’t my parents. My mom was here holding my hand and not abandoning me.

“We are free, Mom,” I said.

Persephone looked at me and the tears in her eyes started to form before she wrapped me in her arms. All I ever wanted was the acceptance and motherly love that was taken from me. If things were different, she would have been there for me but for now, I am glad for the few months I’ve known her.

“Can I ask who my father is?”

She bit at her lip like I do when the answer isn’t good. Who was it she had an affair with?

“His name was Vincent. We crossed paths back once and then I was locked down in hell, so he never knew either.”

I scratched my head thinking who it could be until I saw Athena. She was saying goodbye to everyone before she headed back home to her kids and two mates. Jack and Vincent. I gulped hoping this was a misunderstanding because there is no way he could be my father, right? I walked over but stopped mid-walk.

“We all are going to begin training today because in a month we take control of the human world.” Alizac announced.

He started organizing everyone with different fighting skills. It was happening really fast, but he wanted me to fight knowing no one would mess with me but I could still die. My mind was somewhere though. I think Athena’s mate Vincent is my father and he has no idea either.

Three weeks passed and I was finally healing. I felt myself finally coping with the fact that I lost my kids, and it was time to move on. I quit drinking and started running again to not think about it.

I walked over to Alizac where he was training some men.

“Hey, can we talk?”

He looked at me before informing everyone to take a break before giving me his undivided attention.

“So, I came over here to thank you.”

He was confused I know but crossed his arms to listen more. There were a lot of things I had to say but I know sometimes less is enough.

“I want to thank you for being my crutch for the short period we were together. If it weren’t for you breaking up with me, I wouldn’t have spoken with Jax and finally decided I needed help. I am getting better and just know I have no hard feelings.”

I smiled at him and tried to walk off, but he caught my hand and spun me around.

“I am glad you are better. Maybe we can continue and live happily again.”

The old Ryleigh would argue and try to prove she is worthy, but that’s not who I was going to be again. I had a duty to myself and happiness to be true to myself. I didn’t have anything to prove to anyone.

“Alizac, you abandoned me when I needed you the most. You’re amazing all around, but you aren’t present the way I need you. One day you are going to find someone who is everything you could ask for. We tried, we failed, let’s not force it.”

It was the closing of a chapter now. I held on to my loyalty to him and ended up breaking my own heart. Sometimes you have to stick to what you know because you’re afraid of being the same as others. I wasn’t anyone special, but I do what I am worth. I turned away after that knowing that it’s time to find who I was.