I couldn't help admiring her courage, but Hades glanced nervously at the

ceiling. "Maria, please. I told you, Zeus gave me a deadline of last week to

turn over the children. His wrath will be horrible, and I cannot hide you

forever. As long as you are with the children, you are in danger too."

 

Maria smiled, and again it was creepy how much she looked like her daughter.

"You are a god, my love. You will protect us. But I will not take Nico and

Bianca to the Underworld."

 

Hades wrung his hands. "Then, there is another option. I know a place in the

desert where time stands still. I could send the children there, just for a

while, for their own safety, and we could be together. I will build you a golden

palace by the Styx."

 

Maria di Angelo laughed gently. "You are a kind man, my love. A generous man.

The other gods should see you as I do, and they would not fear you so. But Nico

and Bianca need their mother. Besides, they are only children. The gods wouldn't

really hurt them."

 

"You don't know my family," Hades said darkly. "Please, Maria, I can't lose

you."

 

She touched his lips with her fingers. "You will not lose me. Wait for me while

I get my purse. Watch the children."