Page 11 of Queen of Shadows and Roses
The ceiling shimmered with the brilliance of a cloudless sky, glowing as though it had been enchanted to mimic the sun. I blinked several times, disoriented, before slipping out of bed. A glance down made my stomach twist—I was dressed in white silk shorts and a matching cami. Not mine.
The room around me dripped luxury: a golden satin quilt sprawled across a bed big enough for a small army, while a velvet sofa in regal purple was plush and soft beneath my hand as I trailed it across the cushions.
I tested the doors. One was locked. Another opened to a lavish ensuite with a rainfall shower, a soaking tub, and toiletries laid out neatly in a wicker basket. A gilded mirror loomed above the vanity. I caught my reflection—hair mussed, eyes wild—and smoothed myself down. Still a hot mess.
The last door revealed a walk-in wardrobe overflowing with clothes: leather fighting gear, sharp trouser suits, glittering ballgowns. My pulse kicked.What the actual hell?
Feeling queasy, I sank onto the velvet sofa and pinched my arm hard. ‘Ouch.’
Not dreaming. Definitely awake.
A door clicked open and Tee stepped inside, leather pants hugging her long legs, a sleeveless top clinging to her frame. ‘Sephy.’ She gave me a sheepish smile.
‘Where am I, Tee?’
‘You’re in the Underworld.’
‘The nightclub?’
She hesitated for a heartbeat. ‘No. The real Underworld.’
I sucked in a sharp breath. ‘You’re kidding, right?’ I glanced at my feet, briefly wondering if that crack on my head during the Lamia fight had rendered me unconscious and this was all some elaborate coma dream. I reached out to touch her, and she took my hand.
Tee shook her head, nervously licking her lips. ‘I’m not joking, babe.’
I snatched my hand back. ‘What the fuck, Tee? Why am I in the Underworld?’ My voice pitched higher.
‘You don’t remember…anything?’
‘Remember what?’ I threw my hands up and squinted at her.
‘Shit,’ Tee muttered, her hands curling into fists. ‘Then you really do need to talk to Hades, Sephy.’
At his name, my belly cramped, and my mouth went dry. ‘Hades?’ I squeaked.
‘He won’t hurt you, Sephy,’ Tee said, raising her hands like she were trying to soothe a wild animal.
‘He’s a god. And I’m a…’ I stopped myself before I said ‘witch’.
‘He’s a good guy, Sephy. A fair god.’
‘The gods, fair?’ I barked out a laugh, my fear turning into anger. ‘Selfish, overindulgent pricks would be closer to the truth.’
‘Sephy.’ Tee sighed and shook her head.
‘Don’t Sephy me! You’re supposed to be my friend. Was it all lies?’ My voice cracked as tears pricked my eyes.
Her eyes sparkled, lips trembling. ‘Never think that. I’ve always been your friend. Even before.’
‘What do you mean “before”?’
‘Once again, a story I’m not at liberty to share.’
‘God!’ I shrieked.
‘Gods. Remember?’ She placed her hands on her hips.
‘Tell me why I’m here,’ I spat. ‘What’s Hades’ problem with me?’ My heart was racing.
