Page 24 of Touch of Death
“Step out of the way, Persephone,” he says low in warning.
“Wait,” she says, as Death makes an impatient sound, “I know someone who might be able to help you win Cerberus to your side.”
“I do not need any helpwinningCerberus over. I will make him see—”
“You will get nowhere with Cerberus using force,” Persephone snaps. “You need to find a way to persuade him that letting the mortal’s soul go is a noble act. Prove to him that his loyalty to Hades, his duty, is worth sacrificing for you.”
“We do not have time for gentle persuasion. Cerberus—”
“I willgiveyou time,” she interrupts.
“How,” Death hisses.
“Let me deal with my husband. I will find a way to keep Cerberus away from the city for as long as I can. In the meantime, I will take you to meet someone who will understand the weight of your bond and be willing to take a risk trying to save it.”
“Who?”
“Anteros.”
Death is still for a long moment as he considers her suggestion. I search my mind, but I can’t seem to recall any stories about whoever they might be.
Biting back my curiosity, I wait patiently for Death to respond. Finally, he lets out a sigh.
“Very well, take us to him,” he says with a wave of his hand.
Persephone smiles before turning to glance around the hall.
“Good. I will meet you in the city. Go to the bottom of the stairs and take the second alley on the left. Do not stop moving until I find you.”
With that, she hurries out of sight.
11
Hazel
As we slip out of the palace and make our way down the stairs leading back into the main part of the city, I continue to rack my mind for any knowledge I might have of Anteros. I’m starting to grow frustrated with myself for not paying more attention to the gods and their stories, but aside from my prayers and the occasional book that I helped father with, they rarely concerned me.
Especially when I had more pressing matters to consider, such as Merelda and her son.
Suddenly, it clicks.
Anteros, I know what he is the god of … Love. True, requited love.
I frown, but how will he be able to helpus? What did Persephone mean by saying that he would understand the weight of our bond?
Surely, she can’t think that Death loves me.
Cares for me? Yes.
Feels guilty that my life was cut short? Sure.
But love?True love?
I shake my head. I would have to be a fool to think that.
How could someone like him possibly fall in love so fast, let alone ever consider someone like me his true love? After all, as everyone likes to keep pointing out, I am but a mortal, and he is …Death.
He deserves someone who can spend an eternity by his side. Someone who won’t be a hindrance to his power.
