Page 19 of Love and Death
And now, with Death gone, I can only do so much to protect her from Hades while the nature of the bond between us remains undecided … and my loyalties still remain pledged to the king.
I need help, and quickly.
But from whom?
A heavy sigh escapes me, only one name coming to mind, as I run a hand over my face and look up in exasperation at the spiraling staircase.
Eros.
As much as I dislike … no,hatethe thought of seeking him out, I cannot see another way. Though, now that I think of it, I have to wonder where he stole away to during the trial.
And without so much as a care for the girl.
Hmm, maybe he has not changed as much as he led me to believe. If that is the case, then there is only one place in this forsaken realm where he could be.
His palace.
My lip curls up in disgust at this and the prospect of what I may encounter there. Despite being sworn to Hades, I cannot claim that I have ever approved of the gods’ ways. I have been forced to dwell among them, to comply for so long, that I hardly dared to believe there was anything more for me.
Now, for the first time since I was pledged to the Underworld, I see a glimmer of hope.
A chance to do good.
Something …Someoneworth fighting for.
And, if I play my cards right, a chance of escape.
For her, for me, for us all.
Pushing away from the wall, I bound down the remaining stairs. Reaching the bottom step, I freeze, my nose wrinkling as I take in a faint, familiar scent in the air.
So, more than one being came to check on the mortal after all.
I should have known.
Absentmindedly, I trace the outline of the key in my pocket before deciding that thisparticularheadache can wait, for now.
Leaving the tower behind, I take note of the shift in atmosphere, not to mention the guard. There are far fewer men patrolling the halls now than there were earlier, and by all accounts, far fewer than there should be for the king’s palace.
Why was I not informed of this change prior to returning?
I can only hope that I was not informed simply due to the king’s unexpected need to house Death’s body within these walls … and not on purpose.
Still, I keep my head low and my eyes and ears sharp as I move forward, not wanting to draw unnecessary attention to myself.
My efforts are in vain, however, as I round the next corner and come to an abrupt stop.
Of course.
Deimos stands before me, blocking the main entrance, his arms crossed in front of his chest as if in challenge. Before I can duck out of sight, he spots me. His eyes flash with annoyance, his expression tightening ashis arms drop away from his chest.
“I see your leg has healed relatively well.”
My words hit their target.
“What are you doing here?” he demands, fingering the sword at his side. “Are you not supposed to be watching over Hades’ little mortal pet? You should know better than to wander off from your duties.”
“And you should know better than to question me.”
