Page 80 of Hell On Earth
Zotera gave me a sad smile.
“Mother never looked at Hades like you do.”
That familiar ache returned to my chest as I looked at the hallway Hades had taken. I could guess how I looked at Hades—like a lovestruck human who didn’t know any better. Yet, I wouldn’t want to take back what had happened to my heart even if I could. It was his. Completely and permanently his.
The need to go to him prodded me to get to my feet. I didn’t listen, though. I knew what he was doing and didn’t think either of us could handle the outcome if I went to him now. Well, he would probably be elated. I wasn’t sure I was ready for the next step yet.
Hades joined us a few minutes later with three slightly luminous corked vials.
“Spells and tricks will not save you if you misuse this, druid,” Hades said.
“I understand.” Zayn glanced at Megan. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll get to work.”
“Go for it,” she said.
He disappeared with a snap of his fingers.
“Are we done for today, or do we want to try something else?” Megan asked.
“We’re done,” Hades said.
The room warped around us, and we reappeared in Nicolette’s living room.
“Thank you for your help in today’s efforts,” he said with a nod to Nicolette.
Since he seemed ready to leave, I didn’t linger over any farewells. Without waving—I’d learned my lesson on that one—I called goodbye to the room at large and left with Zotera and Hades.
The ride home was quiet, and I kept glancing back at Zotera to see if she knew what was wrong. But every time I did, she would shrug.
As soon as I pulled into the garage, she got out of the car and hurried inside, leaving me alone with Hades.
I turned in my seat to look at him.
“Frustrated?” I asked.
“Beyond reason,” he said.
“I’m sorry.”
He sighed and finally looked at me.
“You have nothing to apologize for.”
“It’s not an apology. It’s empathy. I’m sorry you’re frustrated. I’m sorry you went through everything you have. And I’m sorry we aren’t any closer to answers after today.”
He stole my hand and kissed the back of it.
“Come. I wish to bathe with you.”
I went from sitting in the car to sitting on the lounge beside the steaming pool. Hades was already in the water, his hair wet and his chin just above the surface.
“Will you join me, Ashlyn?” he asked.
“I will. But first, can we talk?”
He didn’t get mad or pout. He just tilted his head like I’d said the most interesting thing ever.
“What would you like to discuss?”
