Page 48 of Until Death
My body tenses at this; the very thought of the mortal leaving this realm sends a wave of displeasure coursing through me. I hesitate for a moment, doing my best to ignore the weight of Death’s glower as I consider.
“I cannot agree to anything of the sort,” I answer. “Not yet.”
“Why not?” Death asks.
“Because whether you like it or not, Hades still holds the key, and he is still my master.”
“Then what is the point of you helping us?”
“I have my reasons.”
“Cerberus,” Death growls, stepping closer. “What are you not telling me?”
“I simply wish to get to know her better before I decide. Is that too much to ask?”
Death narrows his eyes at me, his suspicion palpable. I can feel the tension radiating off him in waves, but I refuse to back down. After all, I am not just some pawn to be used and discarded at his whim.
Eros, on the other hand, seems to be the only one who is not affected by the tension between us. He takes a step forward, his head cocking to one side.
“You like her,” he says.
I grit my teeth, refusing to acknowledge his words. I am not like the mortals, who are easily swayed by their emotions.
“What?” Death hisses, his eyes darkening behind his mask. “Is this true?”
“I find her intriguing,” I admit.
“You better not have laid a single finger on her,” Death warns.
I snort before replying, “At least my touch will not kill her. Really, if anyone should be warned off touching her, it is you.”
Death moves to close the distance between us, his shadows swirling up around him as his rage builds, but Eros steps between us before he can lunge.
“Now is not the time to fight among ourselves,” he shouts. “If Cerberus is willing to help, then I think we should accept it.”
I blink, only just now realizing I had shifted in order to take on Death … over a mere mortal.
How strange.
Death remains where he is for a moment longer before letting out a deep sigh.
“Of course,” he says, taking a step back, and I return to my human form. “Very well, then, how exactly do you intend to help?”
I grin at this before saying, “I can start by telling you exactly where Hades is keeping her.”
“Well?” Eros presses as Death tenses, shifting forward slightly as if worried he will miss what I have to say, and I cannot deny I like the power I hold in this moment.
“Speak, Cerberus.”
“She is being kept in the tallest tower of the East wing, in a room all by herself.”
“Why? Where are the other women?”
“I do not know why, as I have yet to speak with Hades,” I answer, “but the others are being kept together in the servants’ wing.”
“She is alone … are you certain of it?” Eros asks.
“Yes, at least when she is not being summoned by Hades or Persephone.”
