Page 68 of Touch of Death
He is a force. He is unadulterated power.
He is life, even in death.
He could consume my entire world, and I would let him if he would but have me. Desire takes on a completely different meaning when I think of him.
It’s all-consuming to picture what we could become; of what awaits us if we were to come together.
Opening my eyes, I glance down at the water to find my reflection has been replaced with that of Death’s mask. I blink once before realizing that he’s come to stand behind me.
Our eyes meet, and I understand what Eros meant earlier. I know the feeling I want to convey more than anything. My entire body burns with it, and I no longer have to question how I want my face to look or how to hold my body. In this moment, I know exactly what I want, and so it seems, does my very being.
Death holds my gaze a moment longer as I gather every ounce of this feeling that I can muster.
I don’t stop myself from imagining what it would feel like to be claimed by him. To welcome him into my bed, and it hits me just how desperately I want that to happen. What I would do to give in to him fully.
My emotions course through me as we stare into each other’s souls, neither of us moving. I feel awake in ways I never imagined before, suddenly aware of the depth of my feelings ...
Longing for someone like I never have before.
“There,” Eros says excitedly. “That. That is how it is done!”
His voice snaps me back to reality, and I blink, my cheeks flaming as I drop Death’s gaze. Tears burn my eyes as I force myself to glance at Eros.
For just a moment, I let myself fall too deeply into my emotions. Reality and fantasy were blurred for one glorious moment. Eros grins, seemingly oblivious to the sting of tears behind my eyes.
“How do you know?” I ask.
Eros’ grin widens.
“It is impossible not to know, dear mortal. The very air is heavy with your presence, your desire. This isexactlywhat will win Cerberus over.”
“Oh.”
“Remember this power. Use it,” Eros tells me. “Keep practicing it every chance you get. Try it on anyone and everyone that you come across. You have my permission to practice on any being within my palace at your discretion.”
I snort, my hands flying to my mouth a moment too late. Shaking my head, I start to protest, but Eros stops me with a hand on my shoulder.
“That was not a suggestion. It was an order.”
“I don’t think I can, though.”
“You can and you will,” he replies with a wave of his free hand. “I am telling you to bring anyone into your bed unless that is what you wish. I am simply telling you to hone your power.”
“You’re right. I will try.”
“I am, and you will. By the time you must be tested, I want you able to bring anyone to their knees with nothing more than a glance. Then, and only then, can I be certain that Cerberus stands no chance against you.”
I frown. Surely, this is just an exaggeration. I’ve only just started to figure this out, and even then, the only reason I’ve made any progress is because of Death.
I don’t know how I will survive if I have to go about constantly thinking of him in such a light.
“Eros—”
He cuts me off by raising his hand abruptly, suddenly turning toward a thick set of overhanging vines. Eros cocks his head to one side as if listening for something.
For a moment, nothing happens, and then a slow smile spreads across his face as he rises to his feet.
“Ah, Persephone. To what do we owe the pleasure of your company?”
