Page 76 of Raising Hell
“Where?” he breathed.
“The other souls have been freed to find their final resting place as determined by their mortal lives,” Hades said. “Ashlyn has asked that you be allowed to choose your final resting place. In the fields, you will know nothing but peace, recalling only the good moments of your past life. Or you can surrender your memories if they bring you too much pain and wander the meadows.”
Uncle Trammer looked at me and tried to touch my cheek. His hand went right through me.
“Lonely.”
I wasn’t sure if he was trying to say I would be lonely without him or if he would be lonely without me. Either way, I didn’t want him to leave me if he wasn’t ready.
“Can he stay here? But maybe make it more comfortable?”
I could feel Hades consider me for a long moment.
“He may, and I will provide him with every comfort and ask only for a simple consideration in return. I want you to look at me when we speak.”
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
My stomach droppedto my toes, but I did my best not to show it. Instead, I turned my head and looked at Hades’ neck again.
“There. I’m looking at you. Better?”
“Not quite. Give me your gaze, and I swear to you I will take nothing from you even if you should offer it.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“A contract then.”
“What’s the point when you’ve been breaking them left and right anyway? You portaled me how many times before we removed that one? Three? Four?”
“We have broken our trust in one another, but it is not irreparable. Test me. Test my word.”
“That’s easy for you to say when—”
“Ashlyn,” my uncle breathed, interrupting us.
I stood, focusing on him.
“I’m sorry, Uncle Tram. I didn’t mean to bring us here to argue in front of you. Tell me what you want.”
“You. Happy.”
Tears welled in my eyes, and I wished more than anything that I could hug him.
“And I just want you to be happy too.”
Hades took my chin and gently turned my head toward him. I closed my eyes so that I wouldn’t be tempted to look.
“He will be,” Hades said gently. “Open your eyes and tell me if this room suits you.”
Turning my head, I opened my eyes. Hades had moved, though, and his gaze captured mine.
“With us, nothing is impossible. Look at me and do what you will. I vow to deny you my body but never my love.”
“Why can’t you just leave this alone?”
“And leave you in anguished wanting as I am? Never.” He smoothed his thumb over my chin then released me. “Now, does this suit you?”
I looked around the room in awe of the burst of colors that now filled the room. Art and tapestries hung on the muraled walls. Flowers and other plants floated in bowls and vases on water. There was a couch near a table in the center of the room, but otherwise nowhere to sit, which made sense.
