Page 18 of Touch of Death
Death is quiet for a moment as he briefly glances down at me, my unease only growing as I note the way the guards are eyeing him. In this moment, I want nothing more than for us to turn and leave this place, to pretend we were never here.
Before I can voice this thought, Death straightens to his full height, squaring his shoulders as his inky shadows whip up around us.
“Iam Death,” he answers in a low growl that sends shivers down my spine.
Instantly, the guards tense, their own unease suddenly apparent as they share a nervous look. Death’s grip tightens on me, only sign that he’s as aware of their reaction to his name as I am.
“And your business?”
“I am here to see Hades, God of the Underworld. I have a personal matter to discuss with him.”
I gasp, my stomach twisting anxiously at the thought of going before Hades, but I should have guessed. Of course, Death would want to go straight to the Underworld’s ruler for help, but I can’t imagine Hades being the sort to lend it.
Although I bite my tongue to keep myself from saying as much, my small gasp seems to have given me away.
“You brought a mortal with you?” one of the guards asks, his stony gaze dropping to me.
Again, Death’s grip tightens on me as he takes a step forward and pushes me slightly behind him.
“Yes,” Death answers, dipping his chin to look up at them in challenge. “My business with Hades concerns her, and you would do well to announce my presence to your masterat once. And I suggest you leave the girl out of it if you value your existence.”
The two guards blink at him before the first guard leans in to whisper to the other. The second guard nods as the first speaks, then, without a word to us, he turns on his heel and disappears into the palace behind him.
The first guard returns his cold gaze to us, silence wrapping around us as he glares down at me, and it takes everything in me not to flinch away from his stare. Until I realize the guard has shifted slightly to put more distance between himself and Death.
Of course, if he can’t look Death in the eye, I’m the obvious second choice. Thankfully, it doesn’t take long for the second guard to return.
“You have been granted an audience,” he announces. “Hades awaits you in the throne room.”
“Of course he does,” Death says with a deep sigh.
Nodding once to the guard, Death takes my hand and pushes past the two stone warriors as they quickly step to either side. I flinch the moment my feet hit the crystal of the palace floors, but I keep my mouth shut as Death leads the way through the vast halls with a familiarity that suggests he’s been here many times before.
Turning a corner, I find a cavernous room lying before us full of curious creatures in elaborate and strange dress.
“Get behind me, little one,” Death whispers, and I quickly do as he says, hiding myself within the drape of his cloak.
Quiet falls, the heavy thud of Death’s boots echoing through the room, and drowning out my own softer tread, as we move deeper into their midst. One by one, those gathered in the hall turn to look our way before pulling back, the terror in their eyes as clear as day.
“Death,” a low voice drawls, dragging my attention away from the crowd as they part to reveal a giant man lounging on a throne of jagged sapphire that almost looks too small for him. “You look so pretty in a half-mask that I almost mistook you for one of my own harem.”
The man flashes Death a cold smile, his blue eyes narrowing on him from beneath dark brows. It’s immediately clear to me that this man is Hades, despite the fact he looks nothing like how I imagined him.
Unlike the stories, Hades is disturbingly beautiful. His face otherworldly, callous and unyielding, in its allure. His features are strong and hard but nowhere near as striking as Death’s marbled perfection.
Despite the chill of Hades’ palace, he appears to be sweating from the way his shirt clings to his chest and shoulders, showcasing the strength that lies beneath.
“Hades,” Death says in greeting, refusing to acknowledge the slight.
“Imagine my surprise,” Hades continues, leaning forward in his chair so that the deep V of his shirt falls open to reveal the hardened muscles of his chest, “upon hearing that Death was at my doorstep, so far from home, requesting an audience withme.”
Death’s jaw hardens, but he remains quiet as he waits for Hades to finish.
So, what brings you to my humble little court?”
Clearing his throat, Death steps forward, and I can’t help noticing how even Hades recoils slightly at this. The whole room seems to be holding its breath as it waits for Death’s response. Slowly, I watch those gathered lean forward in growing anticipation.
“I have come to ask for a favor.”
