Page 59 of Love and Death
“I would blame Anteros, but it is my own fault. My brother informed me that Hades intended to use your father against you in the trial, and I could not let that happen.”
“What are you saying?”
“Was it not obvious?” I question, surprised. “I took his form. I stood in for him during the trial.”
She frowns, shaking her head slowly.
“But, if you stood in for him, then why is his soul trapped here with you?”
I blink several times in thought before recognizing the misunderstanding.
“My dear, it is not your father’s soul trapped here with me.” I pause, not quite ready to speak the name that will put an end to this moment between us.
“Then whose soul do you speak of?”
Sighing deeply, I answer, “It is Death’s.”
“Death? He’s here?”
I feel the tremor, deep within my mind the moment she speaks his name. She is drawing him out, like an ancient god awoken from his slumber, and I know we do not have much time left.
“Yes.”
“Can I speak to him?”
“No.” I see the disappointment on her face and feel the bitter sting of it in my heart. I turn my face, unwillingto let her see how easily she wrecks me.
“Why?” she asks, distrust and betrayal rolling off her in soul-crushing waves. “Why did you really bring me here, Eros?”
Her questions, the way her eyes narrow on me, I can hardly bear it. Though part of me is thankful that I cannot let him visit her here, another part of me knows that I would not allow him to, even if I could.
Not here, not in my own sanctuary, where I should not have to share her with anyone but myself.
“You cannot speak to him because that would end us all. I am only still alive, because I have not given up. My mind—my body would break beneath the full weight of his soul,” I try to explain. “I have fought to hold on, fought to carry him, but I cannot contain him forever, Hazel. His soul must be severed from mine and returned to his own body, or together wewill die.”
“What would you have me do?”
I close the distance between her, grabbing her arms and turning her to face me, urgent in my need for her to remember what I tell her next.
“Find Hypnos, tell him exactly what I have told you, and he will know what to do. Youmustbring both our bodies to him and reunite Death’s soul with his own, whatever the cost.”
“What do you mean by whatever the cost?”
“That is not for me to tell you or to decide,” I answer. “You will know ... When the time comes, you will know the choice you must make, and youwillmake it.”
“What makes you so certain of this?”
“Hazel, you forget, I have seen your soul.”
The air ripples in warning.
“I can save you.”
As if I were ever worth saving.
Large, unbidden tears slip down her cheeks, and I smile down at her.
“I know. I know you can, my dear mortal,” I say softly, bending to kiss the tears from her face. Her heartache is bitter, but I can taste their sweetness, her warmth in them still.
