Dark Destiny

By Kelly Hashway

To the world, she was a monster. To the gods, she was a pawn.

Years later, Dusa Gordon opens her eyes to find herself in the underworld with no memory of who she is. Hades is only telling her what he wants her to know, and Persephone’s cryptic warnings aren’t much help.

Sent to be a student at a university near the sea, Dusa meets all kinds of characters. But Dorian seems so familiar—especially his deep-sea blue eyes. And the closer she gets to Dorian, the closer her memories come to the surface.

But how can she live with the truth that her one true love betrayed her and sentenced her to life as a monster? Worse, her return brings back the war between the gods.

Will Dusa’s wrath and desire for revenge turn her into the monster again, only to have her suffer the same dark destiny?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kelly Hashway
• Release date: Apr 23, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463010129

Kelly Hashway

Kelly Hashway fully admits to being one of the most accident-prone people on the planet, but luckily she gets to write about female sleuths who are much more coordinated than she is. Maybe it was growing up watching Murder, She Wrote that instilled a love of mystery, but she spends her days writing cozy mysteries. Kelly’s also a sucker for first love, which is why she writes romance under the pen name Ashelyn Drake. When she’s not writing, Kelly works as an editor and also as Mom, which she believes is a job title that deserves to be capitalized.

Book preview

I

Then

1

The wind blows, tossing my long golden hair across my face as I sit by the sea’s edge. I catch my reflection in the water and tilt my head to the side. I love the sea. I feel drawn to it, actually. But one thing I can’t stand is seeing my reflection stare back at me in the blue-green surface. It’s a constant reminder that I look so different from the rest of my family. Something I’ve never been able to figure out. I’m mortal—always have been. Being born to sea Titans hasn’t seemed to have an effect on me, at least not in the way it’s affected my sisters. Though my appearance isn’t exactly befitting a mortal either. Beautiful is the word I’m called more than my name. My sisters hate it—hate me for it. They’re Gorgons through and through, and they’ve never been called anything but.

Admiring your reflection again, Medusa? Euryale asks, drumming her brass claws on her arms and walking up alongside me.

I cringe at the scraping sound Euryale’s claws make against her scaly skin. Even though I’m the anomaly, I sometimes can’t stomach looking directly at my sisters. I turn my head and run my fingers through the water. If she only knew how I feel about the way I look. Not that she’d believe me anyway.

I was just watching the ripples in the water. Sometimes small fish tickle my toes. I wanted to see what they looked like. I hate lying to Euryale, but if I admit my growing curiosity about the sea, she might figure out I’m really watching for Poseidon. Lately, he’s been all I can think about. And if Euryale finds out, she’ll tell our sister Stheno, and then the entire world will know, starting with our parents and ending with the goddess Athena. How my goddess would punish me if she discovered my attraction to the god of the sea. She tries to hide her feelings for Poseidon, but I know the truth. I know she seeks his favor, despite the supposed feud the two have going.

Are you sure you weren’t doing something else? Euryale bends down and studies my reflection in the water. The sun even catches your golden hair in the water. How is that possible? She reaches for my hair, running her claws through it.

I inch away, scooting across the sand. It doesn’t. The sun’s only reflecting off the water. I know it’s a lie. It could be the dark of night and my hair would still shine like a thousand stars. Why my hair isn’t straggly and serpent-like as my sisters’ is a mystery to me. Although, since I fear snakes above all creatures, I’m thankful for this difference between us.

Euryale stands up, giving me a stern look. You never were a good liar. She turns on her heel and walks away, leaving me alone with my reflection. I’m mesmerized by it. Everyone is, really. Men can’t seem to take their eyes off me, which is another reason why I like to sit alone by the sea. I don’t want attention from just any men. There’s only one eye I want to catch. Poseidon’s. But I’m a mortal, and he’s a god. It’s forbidden. Still, I can dream. And I do—every day.

My eyes close, and Poseidon’s image fills my mind.

I like having you all to myself, he says, wrapping his strong arms around me as we sit by the water’s edge.

The waves lap at my ankles, keeping me cool despite the sun beating down on me. I could stay here with you forever. I smile up at him, getting lost in his eyes and the way they convey such warmth.

Then you shall. He dips his head toward mine and claims my lips with his.

The breeze stirs my hair again, rousing me from my daydream. I stand up and walk into the water far enough to allow the waves to wash over me until I’m completely submerged. Tiny fish swim around me, playfully brushing against my arms and legs. I laugh and dunk my head to swim among the fish. To my surprise, I can see clearly under the water. My hair fans out around me, my golden strands wiggling, shiny and full of light. The fish swim through the strands as if my hair is a playground.

They like you, says a deep, melodious voice not at all muffled by the water.

I jerk my head up to see Poseidon floating in front of me. I swim to the surface and inhale deeply, thinking my imagination has gotten the better of me. No way is the god paying me a visit. Perhaps I’m still dreaming. Yes, that must be it. I’m lost in yet another daydream.

Poseidon’s head breaks the surface only two feet in front of me. I didn’t mean to startle you, he says with a kind smile.

Something weaves between my fingers. At first, I think it’s the fish, but Poseidon raises our interlacing fingers out of the water and kisses the back of my hand. I don’t think we’ve been formally introduced. I am Poseidon.

My heart pounds as I stare at the god of my dreams. His long golden hair almost matches mine. His perfectly sculpted chest is only inches away, glistening with water droplets. He couldn’t be more intimidating—not even if he had his trident pointed at my head. I open my mouth, realizing I haven’t spoken a word and am being rude to a god of all beings, but all I can manage is a squeak.

Poseidon smiles again. You’re Medusa, am I right? Daughter of Porcys and Ceto? Younger sister to Stheno and Euryale.

Of course, he knows who I am. He’s the god of the sea, and my parents are sea Titans. It makes sense, but everything inside me is giddy with excitement because he knows my name. My real name, not the word everyone else uses to refer to me. I reach my free hand to my hair, a nervous habit. I hide behind my long tresses when I’m uncomfortable. Now it serves that purpose, but it also highlights one of my best features to the one person I want to impress with my beauty. Yes, I finally manage to say.

Would you care to go for a swim with me? There’s something I’d like to show you. Poseidon gently pulls me farther from the shore, not allowing me to say no. Not that I could. He’s a god. As a mortal, I’m not supposed to have any contact with him, but being a god, he has to be obeyed.

If that is what you wish, I say, answering the only way I know to respond to a god.

Poseidon stops and stares deep into my eyes. "Is it what you wish?"

My heart melts for him. My entire being screams, Yes! This is what I’ve dreamed about, but it’s wrong. It’s not supposed to happen. If Athena finds out… No, I won’t think about that. Torn between the two gods, I answer with the desire in my heart. I’d like that very much.

His smile widens, and he kisses my hand again. Then I’d like to take you to my palace.

His palace? I’ll drown! Does he wish me harm? Is he here to punish me for my inappropriate thoughts? My heart races, thinking Athena must have found out about my feelings for Poseidon and sent him here to exact her wrath. Everyone knows she always gets what she wants.

Do not look alarmed, Poseidon says in a soothing voice. I assure you nothing will harm you when you are with me.

I lower my eyes, unsure of how to argue with a god without insulting him. But I cannot breathe underwater, and from what I understand, that is where your castle resides.

Poseidon cocks his head to the side. Do you not trust me, Medusa?

I don’t really know him. All I know are stories I’ve heard, mostly from my sisters, and they aren’t the most reliable sources. Of course, there’s Athena, too, but even though my sisters and I serve as priestesses to the goddess of wisdom, we aren’t exactly privy to the details of Athena’s personal life or her relationship with Poseidon.

I see, Poseidon says, lowering his head.

Oh! I raise my hand to my mouth. I didn’t mean to let his question go unanswered. I’m sorry. Please, forgive me. Of course, I trust you. I bow my head to show respect.

He raises my chin with his finger so we’re eye to eye. Please, do not be intimidated by me.

How can I not be? He’s a god! But, my lord—

He holds up a finger and presses it to my lips. Poseidon. You may call me Poseidon. When I remain silent, he persists. I insist.

Yes, Poseidon. The name feels funny coming from my lips. I’ve said it a thousand times, but only in private and never louder than a whisper.

Good. He gently tugs on my hand, which is still in his, and swims deeper into the sea. He lowers himself into the water, completely submerging his head. I take a long breath before going under, and the second he sees my puffed cheeks, Poseidon shakes his head. You can breathe when you’re with me—just like you were able to see clearly under the water when you swam with the fish. Once again, his voice isn’t muffled at all by the water. Trust me. He squeezes my fingers.

I let out the air in my lungs, unable to disobey him. My eyes linger on Poseidon’s. What do I have to lose? If he wishes me dead, it will be so. But I don’t think he wants that. He wants my company. I inhale, and my lungs fill with air, not water. I smile and let out a laugh, completely overjoyed that he’s bestowing this gift upon me. My sisters would never believe this—breathing underwater or being with Poseidon. It will be my secret. My secret from everyone, even the goddess I serve. Especially from the goddess I serve.

We dive through schools of fish and the deepest blue of the sea. But the darkness has no effect on my vision. As Poseidon said, with him, I can see and breathe normally. He’s gifting me with his abilities, and it’s the most alive I’ve ever felt. With Poseidon, I feel like a goddess. It’s unheard of for a mortal to experience this, and I’m treasuring every moment.

The castle comes into sight. All white stone with pearls shimmering as if the sun is shining on them. The archways remind me of dolphins leaping from the water. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I glance at Poseidon, who is watching my reaction. It’s incredible, I say. Absolutely breathtaking.

As are you. He raises my hand to his lips. His kiss is like tiny air bubbles dancing across my fingers. Everything about him is magical.

He leads me inside and to a throne room. I pull back slightly, suddenly uncomfortable. Amphitrite should be sitting upon her throne, but the room is empty. Where is your wife? I ask, knowing the term only loosely applies to Amphitrite. It’s common knowledge that her marriage to Poseidon is more of an arrangement than anything else.

She likes to be at sea most of the time. She doesn’t stay here much. He says the words without care.

That’s sad, I say. A marriage without love.

Some unions are meant for other reasons. Poseidon sits upon his throne and motions for me to take the seat next to him, but I stare in horror at Amphitrite’s throne.

I couldn’t, I say.

I just want to see if you like it more than she does. He nods toward it, urging me on.

Poseidon. I stare at my hand in his. He hasn’t let go of me yet. I mean no disrespect. I’m honored you’ve allowed me to see your castle, but I can’t help wondering why you’ve brought me here.

He closes his eyes for a moment as if deep in thought. When he opens them again, he says, You are well sought after, are you not?

My cheeks warm. No more than others, I suppose. Lying to a god is a punishable offense, but how else can I answer the question? To boast of my looks would be far worse.

You are being modest. Your beauty is known even among the gods. Why do you shy away from it?

As you know, I serve the goddess Athena. She has taught me much about what is wise and what is not. Mentioning Athena’s name causes me to lower my head again in shame, but Poseidon lifts my chin with his index finger.

Athena believes she knows what is best. However, being the patron god of Athens has gone to her head. There’s no compassion for my goddess in his voice. Perhaps that’s the real reason for the feud between them. Athena’s love for Poseidon goes unreturned.

But why? Poseidon is second to Athena in the eyes of the people of Athens. Is that why he dislikes her? You rule the sea. Do you still wish to rule Athens as well? The moment I say it, I shrink in on myself. To talk in such a way to a god, to be so bold and question his thoughts… I’m so sorry. Please, forgive me. I’m not used to speaking with the gods. Even though I serve Athena, I have only spoken with her a few times. I do not wish to offend—

Poseidon pulls my chin toward him and presses his lips to mine. I freeze, unable to pull away or return the kiss. This is surely a crime punishable by death, but to disobey a god would be no better. He pulls away only enough to speak. Do you not find me attractive?

Very. The word leaves my mouth before I have time to think about it. I’ve never been more attracted to anyone, I add.

He smiles, clearly pleased with my answer. Then do not think of Amphitrite or Athena. Think only of you and me.

You and me? He’s speaking as if… His lips meet mine again, and this time I don’t hesitate. I kiss him back, exactly like I do in my dreams each night. I let my feelings well within and swim to the surface.

He pulls away, staring into my eyes. His fingertips trace my temples. Your eyes are as green as the Aegean Sea. His fingers lower to my lips, brushing them lightly before kissing them again. Your lips are redder than roses and sweeter than any fruit.

My cheeks warm again at his words. I’ve heard compliments like this before, but never from a god. You are being kind.

You think I’m only flattering you. Poseidon lets go of me, and I lower my head, afraid I’ve offended him.

So much about this situation is wrong. My very presence in Poseidon’s castle is a betrayal to Athena. I lied to Euryale. And now, I’ve offended a god. I want to bury my head in the sea grass and pray this has all been a nightmare. Sometimes being a mortal among gods is the most difficult thing in the world.

Poseidon gently takes me by the shoulders and turns me so I’m facing him. Look. He hands me a small mirror, from where I’m not sure. Although not grand in size, it’s spectacular in design. The handle is pure gold with a delicate design of a seahorse.

How is it that someone as beautiful as you does not even glance at her own image? Poseidon asks.

This mirror is exquisite, I say, studying it from all angles. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.

That’s because you haven’t yet looked at your reflection in it. Poseidon places his hand over mine and raises the mirror, forcing me to look at myself.

I stare at my long golden locks, my piercing green eyes, and my smooth skin. But all I see is a reminder that I’m different. I’m not like my sisters or my parents. I’m not like the other mortals either. I’m alone in the world. Except for Athena. Athena is good to me. She allows me to be a priestess in her temple. And now, here I am…with the very god Athena desires.

Feeling the sting of tears in my eyes, I push the mirror toward Poseidon. Please, take it away. I must go. I shouldn’t be here. Athena will be looking for me.

Poseidon takes the mirror and places it on his throne. Do you fear Athena will find out about us?

Is there an us? We’ve only just met. She is the goddess of wisdom. She knows things others do not.

Does she know of my feelings for you? Poseidon reaches for my face. Does she know I’ve been watching you as you sit by the water’s edge? That I visit you in your dreams?

My dreams! Poseidon has been there in my dreams. They aren’t just the creations of my vivid imagination. He actually comes to me in my sleep. You—

He puts a finger to my lips. Yes. I had to see if your feelings for me were true, so I visited you under the pretense of dreams. Forgive me, but it was necessary as I take great risk in coming to you, in bringing you here. He gestures to the castle.

It’s a big risk for me, too. More so. I could lose everything because of this. We can’t do this, I murmur under his finger.

Poseidon lowers his hand. Don’t say that, my love. I am a god. That should allow me certain privileges. Don’t you think? His arms wrap around my waist, pulling me into his body. You feel the same for me. I know you do.

I nod without thinking of the consequences. Poseidon doesn’t need any encouragement, yet I’ve just given it to him anyway. He leans forward, kissing me passionately. All thoughts of Athena leave my mind. It’s only Poseidon and me.

2

W here have you been? Euryale asks, her hands on her hips as I swim to shore. You were supposed to report to Athena’s temple.

I step onto the beach, looking away from my sister and back out over the water. Poseidon’s head sinks below the surface before Euryale can see him. I smile and turn back to my sister so she doesn’t get suspicious. I—I was feeling ill. I thought a swim might help. Looking up at the setting sun, I realize I’ve spent the entire day with Poseidon, or more accurately in Poseidon’s arms. I feel dazed, as if I’m waking from a magical dream, and all I want is to go to sleep so I can be with Poseidon once again. Will he come to me tonight, too?

You look fine to me, Euryale says, studying me from head to toe.

I’m feeling much better now. I think the salt water has healing powers. I turn away, hoping my sister won’t see the look of love that must be all over my face. How can I conceal my love for Poseidon? Surely, I have to figure it out because I can’t let Athena see me like this. I’m very tired. I think I’ll be heading to bed now. Goodnight, Euryale.

Stheno is furious with you, Euryale calls after me. She says she’s tired of you making us look bad in the eyes of Athena!

I figured as