Page 31 of Taming Winter

Hermes coughed into his elbow as the video paused on a torrent of flames and a furious wraith's gnarled face. Hermes’s expression was one of horror. He had always been a talented actor.

"Marshals and Ares’s cabals mobilized quickly to limit the damage, but there is no question who caused this terror. Witnesses state that Hades led this swarm of violent undead into Zones 8 and 3. She directed this destruction, leading to multiple marshal deaths and the destruction of millions of dollars’ worth of property."

Hermes’s gaze flickered away from the screen, but he refocused within a second. He shook his head. "In the wake of this destruction, one of our investigators has discovered our beloved god Apollo is missing. Authorities believe that Hades is behind his kidnapping to prevent the healer from slowing this terrible blight."

Hermes produced a tissue from his pocket and dabbed his crocodile tears. "It is truly a tragedy. We pray to Hades for Apollo's safe return."

The tissue disappeared, the theatrics apparently over as Hermes switched topics. "Our beloved Zeus has been quick to react to this destruction. Tomorrow, the immortal council will implement a new mechanism for tracking and reporting monsters and wraiths within Olympiara. Every camera and speaker will be utilized to aid in the search for threats that seek to harm our way of life. We have also opened a new hotline for citizens to submit tips on the whereabouts of threats, whether from abroad or within. Stay vigilant, Olympiarans, remember your safety is our top priority."

Hermes put a fist to his chest in solidarity. His wings stretched out, great sheets of down that blocked out the destruction shown behind him, as though he himself were protecting the citizens.

"In times like these, we must remember Hades’s wrath. Each citizen has the power to control their destiny, and whether they suffer an eternity of Hades’s fire in the afterlife. It is imperative now more than ever that you seek solace in the churches of Olympiara. Repent for your sins and begin anew. If we all work together and find our faith, maybe Hades will stop her reign of terror. Up next, are virtual headsets the next big⁠—”

The television exploded in a shower of sparks that caused Apollo to recoil, though Hades slept on. Thane glared at where the remote now protruded from the pocket-sized screen. They weren't even showing the recording of Apollo. Oh no, Zeus had played them all for fucking fools. A sharp growl tore from Thane's lips, and Apollo's low chuckle reverberated through the limousine cab in response.

"They can force the narrative to whatever is beneficial to them, and the people will believe them because they want to. The truth is much harder to handle than a sweet lie,” Apollo said in a low, indifferent tone.

Thane bared his teeth. "If they want us to be the villains, then so be it. We'll be the greatest villains Olympiara has ever seen, and we won't stop until Zeus’s throne is bathed in ichor."

His hand continued its soothing strokes through Hades’s silky hair. He let the rhythmic movements lull him into a sense of calm. Though, when his eyes closed, they flashed with the vision of burning buildings and ash in his palms. They may have just been words, but he would make sure he brought them to life. For the sake of the woman in his arms. He would tear it all down for her.