Page 3 of Ignited Spirits
Bishop nods. “Ready whenever you are, sweetheart.”
Blowing out a deep breath, I visualize Hades’s throne room and direct my power to create an interdimensional rift. I’ve never created a gateway between realms, but there’s a first time for everything, I guess.
I know there are no portals allowed within fifteen miles of Acheron, but I don’t think Archer has that time. Our group is also too vulnerable right now to portal directly to the Styx. In the state we’re in, someone could easily pick us off before I manageto heal Archer and Levi. So, I just have to hope my weird magic and desperation can bypass the spells Hades has set up.
A pitch-black rift ringed in purple sparks opens directly in front of me. I momentarily feel excited that I actually managed it before trepidation creeps in. With it being a big black hole, I can’t see where we’re going. So, I might’ve opened a rift into Hades’s castle or a maximum security prison.
The only way to know is to go through. Blowing out a breath, I make sure my hold on Archer’s soul is secure and walk through the rift.
CHAPTER 2
IZZY
Sound comes rushing back before I can see anything. A cacophony of shouting, barked orders, and general chaos is overwhelming after the total darkness and silence of the rift.
As I step through fully, I glance around. The good news is that I’m in Hades’s throne room. The bad news is that I’m completely surrounded by hostile guards pointing their weapons or magic at me.
Sighing, because I would like something about this day to go right, I open my mouth to ask for Hades when one of the guards yells, “Halt!” He isn’t super intimidating when his hands shake as he holds his magic out to me.
Any other time, I’d grin about how much I’m intimidating these guards. But, right now, all I can focus on are my injured mates.
“I don’t have time for this,” I growl. “Where the fuck is Hades?”
“I’m right here, earthling. No need to get testy. You are the one who showed up unannounced, after all. How did you even get in here?” Hades strolls over to me, and his eyes widen whenhe gets a good look at me and what’s clutched in my hand. “Why in fate’s name are you holding a crushed heart?”
I wish he wouldn’t remind me. The blood is rapidly cooling and congealing in my palm, making the whole holding-an-organ thing even worse.
“I have no idea how I got here. I opened a rift, hoped it was the right place, and walked out to your overdramatic welcoming party. And it’s a gift from your certifiable off-her-rocker mother. As much as I would love to chitchat, I need water from the Styx. Now.”
Hades’s face turns serious when he hears the desperation in my voice. His eyes widen at something behind me before fury darkens his expression. “What happened to my brother? I swear to fucking fates, if that’s his heart, I will hunt down my mother and murder her with my bare hands, even if it kills me.”
My mates must’ve made it through the rift okay if Hades can see Levi is knocked out.
“Levi’s okay. At least, I think so.” I turn to look at him. My lips twitch down when I see that Levi is still unconscious where he’s draped over Cain’s shoulder. “He passed out when Lua broke his shield. And it’s not his heart. It’s Archer’s.”
Hades briefly closes his eyes before opening them and letting me see past the mask he normally wears. Understanding and sorrow soften his harsh features for a moment before he shutters it.
“Fuck. I’m sorry. I assume you’re going to try to heal him with the waters of the Styx and put his soul back?” Hades waits for my nod before he scrubs a hand over his face. “I can’t say that I would make a different decision if I were in your shoes, but this has never been tested on a human before. Your mate will come back different afterward. It’s not a question ofif,buthow.”
I swallow hard before dipping my chin. “I know. Cerberus told me that his magic will change, but I think it’s worth the risk.”
“If it’s only going to be impacting his magic, then it absolutely is,” Luca agrees from behind me, his voice rough. I turn to look at him in surprise, not expecting him to agree with me for some reason. It makes me feel a little more like I’m doing the right thing to have Luca’s approval. He sees my expression and sighs. “None of this is your fault, wildcat.”
I’m not sure I agree with him, but I nod anyway before turning back to Hades.
“Other than the psychological trauma of getting murdered, yes, his magic should be the only thing affected.” Hades glances around the guards assembled behind him before pointing at a skinny dude with purple hair. “You over there! Go get water from the Styx! Quickly!”
The guard jumps in surprise and looks behind him. When he realizes that Hades is talking to him, the guy cowers. “M-m-me?” he squeaks.
Hades rolls his eyes at the terrified soldier. “Yes, you. Now, go before I lose what little patience I have. Trust me, you don’t want to see what happens when I’m feeling peeved.” Letting his eyes turn fully blood red, Hades stares down the guard until the guy scrambles away.
The poor dude looks like he’s about to pass out, he’s so scared, but I don’t have it in me to care right now.
I look at Hades expectantly. “What exactly am I supposed to do to heal Archer?”
Shaking his head, Hades shoots me an apologetic look. “I’m not exactly sure. Perhaps Cerberus has more helpful suggestions. But a good start is laying both Leviathan and your other mate on the ground. That will make healing them easier.”
“Why Levi?” I ask. As far as I know, Levi just needs time to wake up. I didn’t think it was serious enough to require any treatment.
