Page 33 of Touch of Death
“Do you think so?” Eros says uncertainly, turning to look at me again. “They are from my private collection. I could not bear to part with them when I agreed to lend my palace to Anteros. They were meant to capture some of the happiest moments of my life, but I do not know if they succeeded in doing so.”
“I think they have,” I say, my eyes taking in the bold strokes of paint as I try to read the story told within them.
“I think it would be best if we were given a chance to rest and prepare for the task ahead,” Death says, clearing his throat. “Hazel will also require food before too long.”
I’m taken aback by this remark and wonder if it’s actually true or not.
“Ah, yes, right this way,” our host says with a small nod. I am reluctant to leave the paintings behind before I’ve had the chance to admire them properly, but I do ... after making a mental note to try to sneak back here to admire them if I can.
We walk in silence for a few minutes, and I get the distinct impression that Eros is reminiscing over a fond memory as I watch him.
Until he opens his mouth again.
“Speaking of food. It is a shame, Persephone, that you missed my party last year. I had all the best champagne imported from the mortal realm and chocolates as well. Even managed to sneak some strawberries past Cerberus.”
“You know very well why I was unable to attend your party,” Persephone says.
“Well, you must admit that Midsummer is the best time for a party.Especiallyone of mine.”
Persephone snorts at this but remains quiet, and I don’t miss the way Eros glances over at me as if he expects me to be impressed. I supposed I should have known better than to think he was actually recalling something meaningful.
The more Eros talks, the less and less I seem to like him, despite the allure of his voice. As beautiful as he is, he lacks depth and is far too full of himself.
I am starting to worry that he may not actually be capable of helping us.
Perhaps trusting him was a mistake. A mistake I can blame on no one but myself but could end up costing us our future.
Chewing my lip nervously, Eros leads us into a vast greenhouse, and yet again, I find myself looking around in awe. The room is full of life—vibrant sun-kissed petals spill out in every imaginable hue—vines weaving through intricate lattices and overflowing with a profusion of blooms that fill the air with a heady fragrance.
“Oh,” Persephone gasps in delight, “Eros, is this your doing?”
“I thought you might like it,” he says with a bright grin, surprising me as he glances back at her. “I had to brave the mortal realm in order to gather some of these, and it is a good thing I did. Many of these have gone extinct since I was last there.”
My eyes flicker between them, watching as his eyes soften at her delight, and yet again, I question whether I’ve been too quick to judge Eros. Perhaps there is more to him than meets the eye.
And then, he has to go and ruin everything by opening his mouth again.
“In fact, the last time I was there, I came across some of the most fascinating mortals. The stories I could tell you about my time amongst them … thethingsI taught them,” he boasts, arching his brow at me. “I would not be surprised if they still whisper about them behind closed doors. Not that I ever stooped so low as to join them, of course.”
This is met with an uncomfortable silence, and Eros’ smile slips.
“Ourrooms, Eros,” Death presses through clenched teeth.
Persephone snorts at this, and I take a step closer to Death. The chill of his body so near to mine is a welcome reminder that we’re in this together. That I’m not about to face whatever lies ahead, or Eros, on my own.
My faith in Eros may be wavering, but at least I’m not alone. For that small fact, I’m eternally grateful.
“This way,” Eros says, his smug tone suddenly distant.
None of us says a thing as we walk, our footsteps ricocheting off the pearly marble of the halls. Distantly, I can hear the gathering we’d walked in back in full swing, the sounds of pleasure floating through the air making my cheeks burn.
Suddenly, I’m not sure how I’ll ever be able to fall asleep in a place like this, and I can’t help but miss the dark, quiet halls of Death’s palace. Despite how cold it was.
It suddenly dawns on me how comfortable I have been here, even standing so close to Death. The heat of Eros’ palace balanced out by Death’s chill.
“I am assuming you will not be staying with us, Persephone,” Eros says, finally breaking the silence between us as we make our way up several flights of stairs.
“You would be correct,” she says.
