Page 14 of Ignited Spirits
I already know the answers to those questions are that I’m not, I don’t, and nothing. But what’s done is done, so I have to do what I can to try to be enough to even slightly deserve what Izzy did for me.
Startling me out of my thoughts, Bishop asks, “How are you, man?”
My knee-jerk reaction is to brush off his question and insist I’m fine. But I know there’s something different about me since I woke up.
The new magic inside me has already shown itself to be bloodthirsty and have a penchant for violence. I have no ideaif that power could be a threat to Izzy, so I at least need to let someone know about it.
Rubbing a hand over the back of my neck, I admit, “I feel different since waking up. I’m not really sure what changed, but something did. You’ll stop me if whatever this is inside me tries to hurt Iz, right?”
Bishop clenches his jaw before he gives me a reluctant nod. “I will. I don’t think the Styx fundamentally changes who you are, so I don’t think it’ll be a problem. But if it comes to that, I will stop you.”
I blow out a relieved breath. “Thanks.”
He dips his chin in acknowledgment. I turn to leave, but Bishop says, “We’re all glad to have you back, Arch. None of us would be okay without you, just so you know.”
“Thanks.” I manage to force the word out past the lump in my throat, knowing in my bones that it isn’t true. But Izzy brought me back for a reason, so I’ll do everything I can to be who she needs me to be.
CHAPTER 6
IZZY
The purple, flowing dress swishing around my ankles as I march to the throne room isn’t exactly my style. I do like how the dress darkens from a pale lavender to a deep violet, though.
While I’m more of a jeans girl, I’m thankful I at least have something more than a T-shirt to wear to meet with Hades.
All five of us walk in silence as we wind our way through the castle, the only sound the quiet tapping of our shoes.
Levi was already gone when I walked out of his room, so Bishop, Luca, Archer, Cain, and I are attempting to navigate the maze Hades calls a castle.
After walking for a while, I’m relieved to see the entrance to the throne room just ahead. With my lack of directional sense, I had no idea if we were just aimlessly wandering in circles for the past ten minutes or actually making progress.
Luca and Bishop enter first, followed by me, then Cain and Archer.
Like every time I’ve been in the throne room, all the guards turn to stare intently at us. There’s more fear and apprehension than there was the first time, which I count as a win.
As soon as we walk in, my gaze is immediately drawn to Levi. Standing there in a black tee and jeans, he looks like the events of the past couple of days didn’t happen, which I’m thankful for. I don’t think I can handle my mates getting injured any more.
It’s weird seeing him in short sleeves with his tattoos on prominent display after more than a year of him wearing only long sleeves around me. I guess when he doesn’t have to pretend to be a teacher, he can have the markings of his creatures visible.
Hades is waiting for us on the dais in the center of the room with Levi. He has one hand casually shoved in his black suit pants, and his white dress shirt is rolled up at the sleeves. At something Levi says, Hades tips his head back and laughs, the sound genuine instead of the mocking chuckles I’ve heard from him.
I’m pretty sure the entire room stares at the intimidating king in shock at seeing him let out a real laugh or do anything other than glare.
When I shake off my surprise, I walk up to the platform and crane my neck to look at Hades. “I heard you summoned me?”
Hades looks me up and down. “Ah, there she is. How is my seventh favorite earthling doing?”
I can’t help my smile at his ridiculous greeting. “You know that many people from Earth?” I’m pretty sure a dude who calls us all Earth dwellers can’t name three people from my realm, let alone nearly ten.
Hades places his hand over his heart like I wounded him and gasps dramatically. “I know lots of people from Earth.”
I raise an eyebrow skeptically. “Like who?”
“Well, you for one. And your canines and wizard, which is five whole people.” He pauses for a long moment as he seems to be racking his brain for more names. Eventually, he shrugs and looks back down at me. “And lots more, obviously.”
Snorting, I shake my head at him. “He’s a mage, not a wizard. And whatever you say, your royal pain.”
Hades claps his hands together. “Now, that’s the spirit! If only I could convince Seph to have that attitude.”
