Page 14 of Until Death
“Is that it?” I spit. “You seek me out simply to satisfy your own lust? Do you care so little about those around you that you would put your pleasure before another’s well-being?”
“My lord?”
“Leave me.”
“Eros …”
“I told you to leave me!” I roar, rising to my feet as anger burns through me, my wings unfurling and causing a gust of wind to whip about the clearing. “Get out of my palace, the lot of you. I will have no one but my own court left within these walls.”
Her stunned silence lasts a moment longer before her sob fills the garden.
Immediately my fury abates, but it is too late as I listen to her retreating footsteps as she hurries from the garden.
Letting out a shout of frustration, I sink to my knees. I do not understand what has come over me. I am not one to reprove someone for seeking pleasure from me, let alone lost my temper in such a way over it.
I am losing control over myself, and I cannot help but wonder if my worry over the mortal’s well-being is getting to me. Even now, as my head spins, she is the one constant thought that remains.
I feel lost … starved without her by my side. Just knowing she is out of my reach is tearing me apart from the inside out, and I cannot stand the thought that her absence may stretch on indefinitely.
Let alone that she is lost to the confines of Hades’ palace, the last place I would wish anyone to find themselves held captive. The unwelcome thought of her being forced to find refuge in the king’s arms wheedles its way into my mind, making my stomach twist.
No, I would be a fool to think she would fall for Hades so easily. Hell, even I could not compel her to fall for me, and I am the veryGodof Lust and Desire.
Enough of these ridiculous thoughts, I simply need to think of a plan to rescue her.
My mind continues to spin before finally landing on my brother, Anteros.
Perhaps I can go to him for help. After all, he still owes me for allowing him to take up so much time in my own, far more pleasurable, palace.
With Anteros’ help, not even Hades has the power to keep two lovers apart.
I frown as I let this thought settle in, hope dying in my chest.
Love.
My brother deals in love, and true love at that.
It suddenly seems impossible to seek his help.
After all, love is not what I dabble in. No, that is my brother’s business … one that I have never understood nor wanted anything to do with.
And yet, I cannot shake the thought that when it comes to the mortal, I might be starting to understand.
Pressing a hand to my chest, I realize that I am lying to myself. I cannot begin to understand or explain the feelings I have for her. I crave her with every fiber of my being; yes, but I cannot claim that it is love.
Besides, I do not know what she feels for me, and if my brother is to become involved, I must be certain. Otherwise, we may end up in far more trouble than we are now.
As much as I hate to admit it, there is only one being left whom I can turn to. The only one I know who will do whatever it takes to save her, no matter the cost.
I have no choice.
I must find Death before it is too late.
5
Hazel
The guards herd us out of the throne room and through the palace until Deimos stops and orders one of his men to pull me aside. I watch the others continue on without me, flinching as several women shoot dark looks my way.
