The Goddess Inheritance

Zeus reluctantly agrees to intervene in Aides’ quest for vengeance.

Figment’s The Goddess Inheritance Flash-Fiction Contest WINNER selected by Figment and author Aimée Carter!

“The tension in this piece leaps off the page, and the conflict feels so real and modern. Love Demeter’s strength and their back-and-forth!” –Aimée Carter

Zeus walks into the cafe, the air thick with fried bacon and coffee. He scans the crowd, shaking his head at the meals drowning in meaningless chatter. He spots Demeter near the window, her head bent over a stack of worn books, her hand stirring the contents of a steaming cup.

Zeus slides into the empty seat across from her. “Why do you waste your time reading that drivel?” he sighs.

Without so much as a glance, Demeter casually folds the pages on either side of the book inward, forming the shape of a heart. “I’m fond of Greek tragedies, they amuse me. This one’s about us, dear.”

“Skip the theatrics Demeter, why am I here?” Zeus asks, pinning an unsuspecting waiter with a disapproving glare.

“It’s the best coffee house in Nashville,” Demeter banters, “You’ll need a clear head if you’re to meet my demands before your precious mortals slowly starve to death.”

“If you’re referring to my brother’s recent domestic dispute with your conniving daughter, I can’t say it’s any of my business.” Zeus rises from his chair.

Demeter seizes his wrist. “OUR daughter is being hunted by your barbaric brother’s wretched beast!” she cries. “Kore could be killed by Aides’ pride and you’re just going to sit back and do nothing?”

If he intervened, Zeus would incur Aides wrath. If he sat idly by, Demeter would make good on her threat and destroy mankind’s prime sustenance.

Zeus concedes with a sharp nod, inwardly cursing Aides.

“Good,” Demeter grins, “You’re buying me coffee.”

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