Page 11 of Summer's Seduction

Something about the way his golden eyes glinted or the flashes of hurt that flashed across his face before he could school his features had me believing he was far smarter and much more of a threat than he let on.

He reminded me of one of those carnivorous plants, the ones that were shaped like deep pitchers. Their flowers were bright and welcoming, with enticing fragrances and sweet nectars, creating an unavoidable allure. It wasn’t until the insects had fallen in that they realized the promised nectar was indeed acid.

I knew Morpheus wasn’t someone I could trust, yet I couldn’t help but want to draw nearer, like a moth drawn to a blazing inferno. With a shake of my head, I reminded myself of all the horrible things he’d done under his father’s command. He may not have been the one making decisions, but how many other innocents had he locked away and tortured?

Morpheus chose a chair in the center of the table, his fingers wrapping around the intricately carved wooden backing. Zeus’s eyes narrowed on him. The God of Gods was the exact opposite of Morpheus in every way. Zeus was fair and bulky, composed of straight lines and short, cropped golden curls, whereas Morpheus was dark, the muscles of his body chiseled in a wild animal sort of way.

Zeus’s icy blue gaze was harsh and unyielding as he tracked Morpheus’s unbothered movements, his hatred so strong I felt it from across the room. Zeus was used to adornment and praise from everyone he met. He expected it, but Morpheus fixed his attention on Hades and Persephone, bowing to each of them in turn for their blessing to take a seat. He waited there, head dipped head in respect as the chill in the room lessened.

“Let us all take a seat and discuss matters,” Hades said as sparks pricked through the air, their light reflecting the scowl etched across Zeus’s face.

Morpheus smirked as he stood, enjoying the God of Gods’ anger where others would have trembled. Hades ignored the tension and guided Persephone toward the head of the table at the opposite end, choosing to take a seat on her left as he ushered her into the head position. The Lord of The Underworldand I may not get along, but I knew he would die before letting any harm come to Persephone. And that was something I could respect.

“Over here, Larkspur,” Morpheus called. The low rumble of his voice as he said my name made it seem as if there was more between us than hatred and suspicion. Narrowing my eyes, I watched as he pulled out a chair in some long-lost display of manners.

“I’m not hungry.”

“Sit,” Zeus growled, cracks of electricity pinging off the diamonds overhead. There was no room for argument, no chance to avoid the command as Zeus leveled me with his cold gaze. The way he spoke rang of millennia of being at the top of a powerful family and ruling unchallenged.

I sat in the chair Morpheus had pulled out for me, ensuring to keep as much distance between us as possible.

“My brother is right,” Zeus said, exhaling slowly as he leveled Hades with a glare swirling with anger and jealousy. “We have much to discuss with Hypnos spiraling out of control. If what my sources tell me is true,youwere one of his accomplices.”

I opened my mouth and then promptly closed it. There was nothing I could say that wouldn’t make me appear guilty. To deny it was to accept there was something to deny, an action I’d done that needed explaining, but every second the silence stretched, it grew heavier with Zeus’s promised retribution.

“Lord Zeus, it is an honor to be in your presence.” Hecate’s cheery voice rang from the edge of the hall. Her heels clacking across the obsidian floors sounded as she headed straight toward The God of Lightning.

She bowed low, waiting for his leave until his thick hand landed on her shoulder. I expected her to withdraw, but she raised her gaze and closed the distance between them. I might have believed she genuinely enjoyed Zeus's company if I hadn’tseen the slight flare of her nostrils and subtle tension along the corners of her smile.

“Hermes was a pleasant surprise. I trust she informed you how I personally peered into Larkspur’s mind and have guaranteed her goal was never to harm the realms or Lady Persephone.”

Those shrewd blue eyes glanced at me before looking down at Hecate. She smiled at him, coming the closest I’d seen to batting her eyes. As a witch skilled in persuasion, the whole thing looked forced to me, but the prick of electricity in the air calmed as Zeus nodded.

“I trust in your abilities to control the witches, Hecate.”

“Thank you, Lord Zeus.” Hecate dipped her head again as she withdrew and sat across from Morpheus.

“The unfortunate ordeal with Demeter was only possible because of the death magic running wild,” Zeus rumbled. “Isn’t that right brother?”

Hades’s jaw clenched, but I was surprised to find his shadows carefully in check. Persephone slid her hand across the table, weaving her fingers through her husband’s.

“Demeter was convincing in her lies about The Underworld,” Persephone answered, the fire in her green gaze scorching. “Luckily, Hades found me before it was too late. With Lark’s help, we defeated her and restored balance.”

My stomach twisted at her compliment, feeling both relieved and undeserving simultaneously. Persephone knew better than anyone just how far I would’ve gone to ensure my sister’s freedom. I hadn’t allowed myself to believe there was even a possibility that we would’ve failed because if it had come down to Persephone’s life or Psyche’s, the realms or my sister… I would’ve gladly greeted her in the reformed Underworld. It was better than having her soul shredded by Demeter.

“Balance may be restored, Lady Persephone, but I assure you, this war is not over.”

The conversation was halted as servants swept through the room carrying glasses and bottles of wine.

“Thank the gods,” Morpheus said far too loudly. He tore his gaze away from the red liquid pouring long enough to spare a glance for both Zeus and Hades. “Well, not you two. The two of you are the reason I need this drink.”

I couldn’t stifle the laugh that escaped me. Morpheus was in The Dark Palace, seated between the two most powerful gods in existence, and he really didn’t give a fuck. He might be the bastard son of Hypnos and a skilled liar, but I couldn’t help but understand why people were drawn to him. Hades and Zeus, however, looked like they wanted to drown both of us in the Phlegethon.

“Forgive me,” I breathed, looking away from Morpheus’s satisfied smirk. “It’s been a long day.”

Zeus looked like he was seriously considering incinerating me on the spot, and Hades looked as if he might let him, but Hecate spoke before either of them made a decision.

“Quite a long day,” she nodded. “I think dinner is in order. Will Hermes be joining us?”

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