Page 268 of Blood of Hercules
Chapter 31
Wicked Bonds
Alexis:End of January
Some revelations you could never recover from.
You’re a murderer. A butcher. You’ve slain multiple people. How can you live with yourself?
The thoughts—the truth—wouldn’t stop stabbing through my skull.
Guilt was a boulder on my shoulders.
Crushing me.
Face numb, body frozen, I plodded down the aisle with a bouquet of black calla lilies clenched between my fingers as harp music played.
All of Sparta turned to stare at me, their crowns and jewels gleaming. Hundreds—Spartans, protectors, and creatures—were crammed into the grand palace. Most were standing, but the Chthonics, crowned guests, and Charlie were seated.
At least he’s here. You’ll never be apart again.
It wasn’t enough.
I wanted to murder everyone, and the kicker was—I actually could.
They won’t even be your first, second, or third victims.
I’d done the impossible—I’d accidentally become a serial killer.
Help?
A spiky, ruby-covered silver crown was heavy on my head.
Ribbons were tied around my throat in a delicate noose, a white diamond-encrusted toga draped off my shoulders, and matching silk flared into a cape, dragging across the floor.
My will to live dragged with it.
War paint completed the pretty (morose) picture: blush colored a corpse’s cheeks, mascara brightened dead eyes, and lipstick kept the screams inside.
Chandeliers sparkled over black marble floors in the high-ceilinged atrium, and grand windows framed the snow-dusted banks of Lake Como.
Where are the pitchforks? The fire? The ghouls? The blood? The demonic energy?
Hell looked different from what I’d imagined.
Up ahead, my birth people—my parents?—sat with a three-headed dog and dragon at their feet. Persephone leaned into the petal-covered aisle and mouthed, “I love you.” She wiped at her eyes, lips quivering.
Hades wrapped his arms around her and mouthed, “I’m so proud of you, daughter.” Male twins with unique crowns sat on his other side.
Hades smiled at me.
I wouldn’t be.
I wasn’t smart enough to see the trap they’d laid.
I’m just a loophole.
Forcing my lips up, I gave them a reassuring smile.
