Page 30 of Until Death
What the hell is going on around here?
I have to find Death, and quickly.
But at this rate, I will have to set off in a random direction and hope luck is on my side. Before I can act on my frustration though, I am startled by a low growl; the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end as I slowly turn.
Cerberus, I wrinkle my nose at the smoky scent of him, frustrated with myself for not having noticed his presence before. The giant hellhound approaches slowly, obviously less than thrilled to find his gates have collected a god.
“What are you doing here?” he asks, making a sound of disgust as we both shift into our human forms.
“Well, hello to you as well,” I say, plastering a smile onto my face.
“Why are you standing before my gates, Eros?” Cerberus asks again, his voice low and threatening. “It is unlike you to leave the pleasures of your own home for that of the mortal world.”
The way he spits outpleasureshas my smile wavering. I am no stranger to what others think of me and what I stand for.
And yet, given the chance, all of them would climb into my bed if I were to so much as suggest it.
I am accustomed to ignoring the looks that are sent my way when I leave the walls of my palace behind, as if they are not guilty of indulging in the same pleasures themselves … and often behind the backs of their own wives and husbands.
As ifIam to blame for their unfaithfulness.
“I am flattered that you know anything about me,” I say. “I cannot imagine you have much free time to know much of anything when all you do is prance about as Hades’ loyal lapdog.”
“I know enough.”
I snort at this.
“Still, I am impressed you have the capacity in that little head of yours to have a single thought of your own.”
“I know more about the Underworld and its inhabitants than you could ever dream,” Cerberus growls.
“Is that so?”
“Yes. For instance, I know that it must be something vitally important to have dragged all the way out here, alone.”
I scoff at this.
“You could say that about anything.”
“So, it would not be an issue to delay whatever it is you are trying to accomplish by hauling you back to the palace?”
My jaw hardens at this before I finally let out a deep sigh.
“Fine. If you must know, I am searching for Death.”
Cerberus lets out an exasperated sound at this.
“He is still here then?”
“Yes. Now, if you will excuse me, it is important that I find him before it is too late.”
“Be my guest.”
Cerberus steps out of my path, surely just as eager to have me gone as I am to leave this horrid spot. I do not know how he is able to stomach watching the souls stumble as they do little more than mutter nonsense while awaiting their inevitable fates.
It is only as I think this that I realize this will be the girl’s fate too, if we cannot find a way to save her.
I quickly move past Cerberus but stop a few steps ahead, turning back to face him.
