Free Goddess of Spring by P. C. Cast

stone.
    Eirene stumbled and almost bumped into her from behind.
    â€œYou must hurry,” the old woman said in irritation. “We have no time to—”
    She was silenced by the expression on Lina’s face. Sensing trouble, Demeter had already turned when Lina’s next words sliced through the air between them.
    â€œThe Rape of Persephone.” Lina crossed her arms, hugging herself defensively. “I remember the myth now. Hades, the King of Hell, abducts the maiden goddess, Persephone. He rapes her and tricks her into staying down there with him by getting her to eat six pieces of fruit.” She searched her memory and came up with the name. “Six pieces of pomegranate. That’s why for six months there’s fall and winter—because her mother, that would be you, Demeter, went into such mourning at the loss of her daughter that she refused to let anything bloom until she returned.”
    Lina gulped for air, fighting down her fear. She wasn’t an innocent young virgin. She was a mature, middle-aged woman, and she would not be led docilely into a trap. “You’re setting me up. You want me to take your daughter’s place so that it’s not actually Persephone who is raped.”
    Lina could hear Eirene’s shocked gasp at Lina’s words, and before she could say more, Demeter covered the space that separated them so quickly that Lina’s vision blurred. The goddess took Lina firmly by the shoulders and met her gaze unblinkingly. “You must not believe this lie, Lina,” Demeter said.
    â€œI’ve read the story; it’s how it goes.”
    â€œNot here, Lina, not in this world.” Demeter could feel the girl’s body trembling under her hands. She focused the power of her will on Lina’s eyes. She had to make this mortal daughter believe she was telling her truth. “I would not allow such a thing to happen. Not to my own daughter, and not to you.”
    â€œBut I remember it. That’s what happens,” she insisted stubbornly.
    â€œThe stories you know of this realm are only the shadows of truth. Think of them as tales too long repeated by too many gossips. Truth has been twisted and changed and used to explain away mysteries. Think logically, daughter of mortals. Do you honestly believe that I would allow anyone to steal my daughter from me?”
    Lina met Demeter’s eyes. The goddess filled her vision. Her power was a tangible thing. Suddenly Lina was reminded of her mother, and her grandmother. She recognized in Demeter the protective, earnest tone of another mother who would do anything to ensure that her daughter wasn’t harmed. And Demeter had the strength of an immortal to support her maternal instincts.
    â€œWhen you put it like that it doesn’t seem very logical that a goddess would allow her only daughter to be abused.” Lina said slowly. “But then again, I’m not really your daughter.”
    A genuine smile softened the goddess’s expression so that Lina saw clearly the love Demeter had for Persephone. “You stand in my daughter’s stead. You speak through her lips; you are housed in her form. I would not allow harm to come to you, child.”
    â€œAnd the King of Hell doesn’t want to rape me—or Persephone?”
    â€œNo, Lina. Hades is a reclusive, somber god. He does not cavort with nymphs; he has no mate, nor has he shown amorous interest in any goddess in”—Demeter scoffed, her handsome face twisted in disdain—“longer than I can remember. His dour existence is consumed with the workings of the Underworld. He cares nothing for love or life. And always remember that you are under my protection. All of the gods and goddesses know it. No one, mortal or immortal, would dare abuse my daughter.”
    Demeter’s words felt logical. The goddess who stood before her exuded power and authority. It didn’t seem likely that she would allow her