Page 79 of Touch of Death
Just a matter of hours now, and we’ll see if I can manage to catch Hades’ eye. Hopefully, all I need to do is to intrigue him enough to delay his departure from the Underworld long enough for Cerberus to return ... or to get my hands on the gate key.
Surely, I can do that.
“As ready as I can be.”
Death looks ready to call the whole thing off, but Eros is quick to sweep in as he offers me his arm. It’s enough to have Death pushing him aside to do the same. I slip my arm around Death’s and give Eros a grateful smile as we move past him.
My nerves are on edge the whole way to Hades’ palace, my mind spinning with a million and one ways tonight could play out.
Reaching the main road, we pause in the dark alleyway, and I watch as beings dressed in extravagant outfits walk past us toward the towering sapphire palace.
“Come, let us join them before we are late,” Eros says, stepping out into the crowd. Death and I follow behind him, and I blush deeply as I hear their gasps and questioning whispers. It would appear, even among a crowd of masked beings, Death’s presence stands out.
“It is you, little one,” Death says as if reading my mind. “You who they whisper about, not me.”
“The battle is already half-won,” Eros whispers as he turns to lean in between us. Reaching the top of the stairs, we make our way into the sparkling palace, this time unhindered by stone guards. It’s only when we draw near to the main ballroom that I feel my arm slip, and turning, I realize both Eros and Death are nowhere to be seen amongst the crowd pushing by me.
Panicked, I step toward the ballroom to realize the rest of the guests have already gathered to turn and look at me, only … it isn’t just me they’re staring at.
“Hello there,” comes a deep voice behind me. “You are a pretty little thing, no?”
Slowly, I turn and look up into Hades’ masked face, blue fire burning around the edges. For a moment, every word of Eros’ training leaves my mind as I stare up at the man.
Behind him, my eyes catch on Persephone; her head is tilted as she takes me in. Swallowing past my nerves, I quickly pull myself together and drop him a low curtsy.
“Thank you for having me,” I say softly, before quickly adding. “My king.”
I can feel his eyes lingering on me, and I cautiously lift mine to peek up at him through my lashes, giving him a nervous smile before dropping them again.
He takes a step toward me, his head cocking slightly to one side, and I force myself to pretend I don’t notice.
“Excuse me, my king,” I say, rising and allowing my skirts to brush against him. Stepping into the crowded ballroom before he can say a word to me, I feel his eyes burning into me as they track me through the room.
Stepping behind a particularly tall couple, I let out a sigh. Somehow, I’ve already managed to gain his attention. Now, I just have to hope it was enough.
Finding a place near the dance floor, I watch as couples twirl in each other’s arms. Suddenly, across the room, through the shifting couples, Hades appears. His eyes find mine, and I allow color to stain my cheeks as I carefully pull my gaze away from his.
But when I next glance up, he’s already gone, a mixture of fear and disappointment twisting my stomach.
Trying to ignore this, I turn my focus back to the dancing couples. I’m so distracted watching the colorful dresses as they swish about that I don’t notice the presence behind me until it’s too late.
Turning, I once again find Hades standing there. His gaze is on the dancers, but I feel his hand slip to the small of my back. When the song ends, he glances down at me.
“Dance with me,” he orders.
I nod, and he takes my hand to lead me onto the dance floor. The moment my skin touches his, I feel his full attention shift to me, and I’m thankful he doesn’t seem to recognize me as he gives me a questioning look.
The other guests make room for us, watching us out of the corner of their eyes. I’m careful to keep my gaze trained on him, though I’m desperate to search the crowd for signs of Death or Eros.
“You have truly captured my attention tonight,” Hades says as the dance begins. “Not an easy task, if I say so myself.”
I cringe inwardly at what I’m sure must be a lie as he spins me about the room. I’m suddenly thankful for my lessons as I manage to cling to him, brushing against him just enough that I can feel his growing desire. Pride blossoms in my chest for just a moment as we dance.
Until I notice Persephone standing at the top of a set of stairs, her eyes narrowed as she watches her husband dance with me.
It’s clear to everyone now that Hades has chosen me for the night. That he’s chasing after me. Guilt knots my stomach painfully as she watches. I can only imagine what she is going through as she takes in the scene before her, knowing she’s unable to stop him from choosing to take another to his bed at the end of the night.
“I would have you,” Hades whispers into my ear, his breath hot on my neck as he pulls my attention back to him. “I will find you again once the others have left.”
