Page 54 of Until Death
He grins at this, his sharp canines glinting in the light, and I realize I’ve just given him exactly what he wanted. Pressing my lips firmly together, I train my eyes forward again, determined not to speak to him again.
Of course, this doesn’t stop him from talking to me. He tells me about his day, the errands he was sent on, and the beings he met. I try not to ignore him, but I can’t help myself. Cerberus’ day seems almost entirely consumed with carrying out Hades’ every menial demand.
Peeking up at him, I frown as I wonder why this massive creature would allow Hades to treat him more like a working dog than a trusted companion. Though, I suppose he is a hellhound.
It’s only when we turn down a hallway and up a new set of winding stairs that I realize I’m not being taken to the main dining room. Instead, Cerberus stops outside a new set of doors. Pushing them open for me, he steps aside to allow me entry into a much more private room.
There’s a table in the center of the room set for two. Hades stands behind a chair, one hand gripping the back and an impatient look on his face. Behind him, is a large open balcony that looks out on the bustling Underworld, and for a moment I’m lost in the scenery.
“Leave us,” Hades says, dismissing Cerberus with a wave of his hand.
I find myself more than a little shocked by the rudeness with which he speaks to perhaps his most loyal subject, and I can’t help but glance up at my guard. His silence feels odd after all the talking he did on the walk over.
With a nod toward Hades, he leaves; but not before shooting a strange look my way. The doors are pulled shut behind him, and I turn back to Hades feeling more perplexed than ever.
“Come, join me,” Hades orders, motioning toward the chair across from where he stands.
I do as I’m told and quickly take my seat. He joins me at the table, and I can’t help but glance about the room.
The table is simple, but elegant, with a black tablecloth and silver plates. A decanter of deep red wine sits in the center of the table, surrounded by untouched platters of beautifully plated food. The room is dimly lit, the only source of light coming from the candles that flicker throughout the room, and the strange glow of the darkening Underworld through the open balcony doors.
We’re completely alone here, and I instantly find myself missing the presence of the other women. Even a guard would be a welcome sight.
“Will no one else be joining us?” I ask after a moment of silence.
Hades says nothing as he moves to pour me a glass of wine.
I stare at the bright red liquid as it fills the glass. It reminds me of blood and I’m unable to bring myself to reach for it, even as he pours himself a glass and raises it to his lips.
His eyes remain fixed on me over the rim of his glass as I sit nearly frozen in my chair. Lowering the glass, he motions at the food before me.
“Eat.”
I glance down, taking in the bread, cheeses, roasted meats, and vegetables. They look amazing, but I suddenly find I have no appetite, not when I can feel his eyes watching my every move.
Meeting his gaze, he raises an eyebrow as if expecting me to challenge him on this.
It’s not like I really have a choice, anyway. I need sustenance, if my earlier reflection is anything to go by, and Iamhere to dine with him. Hopefully, the sooner the meal is finished, the sooner I can retreat back to my room.
I take small nibbles, barely tasting the food.
Hades doesn’t eat. Instead, he leans back in his chair, watching me as he sips from the glass of wine in his hand.
My stomach grows tighter with each passing moment, making the process of eating that much harder. I’m not sure how I’m meant to finish the entire meal under his scrutiny. The silence seems to thicken around us, making it nearly unbearable to sit still.
“The dress Cerberus chose for you suits you,” Hades says, his deep voice shattering the silence and startling me into dropping my fork.
I flinch at the jarring clink of it meeting my plate. Then, as slowly as I can, I glance up at Hades. He watches me, his eyes dark and calculating.
“Thank you,” I force myself to mumble as politely as I can.
With a satisfied nod, he takes another sip from his glass.
My skin burns under his scrutiny, and I’m thrown off balance by his compliment.
“I find myself curious about you, mortal,” he says, as he finishes his glass. Shifting forward to set it down before leaning back in his chair and waving offhandedly at me. “Tell me about yourself. Tell me about the life you led before you found yourself in my kingdom.”
Swallowing the food in my mouth, I reach for the wine. My throat is dry at the thought of speaking as I take a sip, the wine doing little to quench my sudden thirst. And yet, as I set the glass down, I feel as though I’ve just downed the entire bottle as my mouth opens and words begin to tumble from me.
