Page 45 of Hades' Shadow
I race downstairs, careful to watch out for any grabby demigods, but I doubt I will have to deal with that again after the display Jayden gave on what happens to people who touch without asking. He was pretty clear to everyone in the cafeteria.
I scan the quad, relieved that everyone is still in class, and I race across to the admin building.
“Beth,” Jayden calls to me.
His own bag is thrown over his shoulder and his black uniform is replaced by jeans and his leather jacket that makes me drool.
He’s too hot for his own good and it pisses me off. Why did I tell him that we aren’t a good idea again? Oh yeah, we are toxic.
“Where are you going?” Jayden breaks me from my wandering thoughts.
“I need to return this to Cross. I don’t feel comfortable leaving it in my room while we are in the underworld.” I pat my bag gently.
“And taking it to the underworld would be a terrible idea.” He nods and opens the door to the admin building for me.
Maybe that talk was a good thing. He’s already being nicer to me. It’s weird. I think we have been angry with each other more than we have been civil.
“Sorry, but I just think it’s safest with Cross.” I walk ahead of him into the admin building.
“You’re right. My father may say he’s not trying to take over anymore, but that book is too tempting to bring to the underworld.” Jayden shakes his head as he lets the door click closed behind him.
We stroll through the empty halls to Cross’ office and wait. He’s still in class this early, like the other students. I just hope that he comes to his office. I don’t think Rebecca would be very happy about us going back out to the staff quarters again.
“Class should be out in a couple minutes.” Jayden sighs and leans against the wall.
I avert my eyes as I hum an affirmative response. The careless bad boy look does too much to me. I need to stop. I made a choice. I am an adult and need to stick to it.
My hand tightens around the bag as the halls start to fill with students. I don’t think anyone in the school would steal it to use for nefarious purposes, but the book is dangerous and I don’t trust anyone but Cross with it.
“Beth?” Cross says as he steps into the hall. “Jayden?”
“I have to give this back.” I pat the bag at my side.
Cross’ eyes widen, and he nods and hurries to unlock the door to his office. “Was it helpful?”
“Are you serious? This was crazy helpful,” I say, walking into the office, Jayden following close behind me and closing the door with a soft click.
“It’s also dangerous.” Jayden leans back against the door, crossing his arms.
I take a seat in the chair in front of Cross’ desk and carefully pull the book from the bag and hand it to Cross.
“I’m not entirely sure we won’t need it again, but I didn’t want to leave it in my room while we are in the underworld,” I say with a sigh.
“You’re going to the underworld?” Cross’ interest is piqued, and I can’t help but grin. I’m guessing it’s one of the only places that he hasn’t visited relating to ancient Greece.
“Hades is weakening.” Jayden stands up straight and steps forward. “His helm was stolen and that means the underworld is weakening too.”
“That is bad. Very bad indeed.” Cross scrubs a hand over his face.
He is still weak and hunched and guilt eats at me that we can’t help him now. “Maybe we will find something while we are there to help you break the magic.”
“Focus on stopping the underworld from crumbling, Beth. I’ll be okay.” He smiles but it doesn’t reach his eyes.
I nod but I vow that if something comes up that will help him when we are in the underworld, then I will get it.
He’s taking the brunt of the problems with the gods weakening and I wonder if there is a reason for that. Is he the only child of Poseidon?
“We will fix this,” I say and I have every intention of keeping that promise.
