Page 120 of The Duplicity of Thieves

The necklace is suspended between us. We’re at a standoff.

“Why?” I ask, looking at the rotating eye warily. It’s frantic, rolling around inside of its spherical glass cage. Yet another Mondurian tale that is now more fact than fiction. It catches sight of me standing before it and freezes.

“I’m curious. Who else knows that you speak the language of the monsters?”

I didn’t realize Aedon told him that. I guess I should have known, but he failed to mention it during his little briefing or at literally any other time for that matter. I should have asked more questions.

“Alive or dead?” I counter.

“Alive.”

“My sister, Aedonaeus, and whoever he has told. So, you, I guess.”

“Since the extinction of witches and oracles, I’m sure one would believe that the Eye can answer their questions or guide them, but they would be wrong.” He shakes it at me, forcing me to take it. It vibrates in my hand, and Hades watches it with delight. The eye is shivering.

I’ve held plenty of eyes, even tore them from someone’s face, but this feels weird. “And why is that?”

“I’m glad you asked.” He flashes me a toothy grin. Clasping his hands behind his back, he starts wandering again. “What people fail to remember is that the Graeae are monsters of sorts.”

“They only speak Mondurian,” I realize.

“Correct. As Destiny would have it, whatever secrets they have to tell are meant for you.”

“So, you want me to speak with them?”

“If you wish.”

“And what would I ask them?”

“I’m not sure.”

“How am I supposed to even find them?”

“I don’t know that either.”

“Then what do you know? Because this feels intentional.” I close my hand around the eye and shove it between my breasts in the bodice of my dress. Guess they’ll get a good look at my tits.

“Very little, I’m afraid. My gift is intentional, not motivated. You may contact the monstrous women, or you may not. It isn’t my business, however; I am a curious man and wouldn’t mind being allowed at the party, so to speak.”

Aedon shouts from somewhere above us.

Hades' dress shoes snap together, and he gives me a wink. “Now that that business has concluded, let us do our best to enjoy this dull affair. I believe you do know how to liven a place up, yes?”

Chapter twenty-three

Josephine

To spare Hades from the wrath of his son, I avoid Aedon entirely and head to an outdoor balcony overlooking the garden. I won’t lie. It’s attractive to see the way Aedon loses his shit. I watch him from my spot on the railing. He’s choking Minos out for probably the third time since I went missing. Vivian catches sight of me and takes leave without saying a word. She appears at the bottom of the private stairwell and rushes over.

“There you are. Enjoying the show?” She leans back next to me.

I laugh. “Is it fucked up if I say yes?”

“He loves you.” She lays her head on my shoulder.

“I suppose you would know.” I lean my head on hers.

“It’s different than me and Bella. Don’t get me wrong, I love her. It’s amazing and wonderful and everything I could have dreamed of. Aedon, though, he loves you in a way that’s kind of disturbing.” She entangles her arms around me.

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