Page 97 of Bride of Death
I note that as something to mention to Hades. It gives even more reason for him to allow the little soul to stay.
Unless, of course, being a soul makes him capable of flying through wards. But I doubt it. Otherwise, we would have stray souls all over this part of this palace. Hades is a damn magnet for them, thanks to his ties to the death world.
Clearing my throat, I say, “Shall we continue, then?”
Ossa growls in response, making me shake my head.
“We’ve been over this, little beast. You don’t scare me.”
She snarls again.
I roll my eyes. “Nice to see you again, too.”
Ossa humphs in response.
“Can she understand you?” Sera asks slowly.
“Yep,” I drawl. “All three of them can, but Ossa is the leader of the pack. And she happens to hate me.”
The alpha-like female snaps at me, confirming my commentary.
“Meanwhile, Mort and Howl love me.”
Both heads look my way and give me toothy grins but almost immediately go back to studying Sera.
Pip circles the beast while they’re occupied, his head cocked. When Ossa notices him, she gives a little sniff but otherwise ignores his presence.
Because Sera asked them not to attack him,I realize, fascinated.She’s tamed Hades’s pet just by walking through the enchantment.
I nearly laugh.
But I’m too engrossed in the situation to let my amusement show.
Instead, I start to walk by the seated beast and smirk when Ossa doesn’t even acknowledge my presence. Normally, I would be covered in dog drool by now from Mort and Howl and have at least one puncture wound from Ossa.
However, my sweater—which I grabbed before we left—and jeans are perfectly intact.
Excellent.
I continue down the hall as Sera skirts around the three-headed beast to follow me.
When I glance back, it’s to find her nervously checking over her shoulder as the dogs trail behind her, their stances suddenly guarded.
They’re protecting her,I marvel, still utterly captivated by this development. Their behavior, coupled with Pip’s ability to pass through the ward, has me floored.Hades is going to hate all of this.
Which just adds even more enjoyment to the situation.
Unlike Sera, Hades doesn’t deserve to feel happiness. He needs to fucking grovel.
And I plan to tell him that as soon as I see him again.
Chapter 25
Sera
This sideof the palace feels different. Colder. More remote.Deadly.
And not just because of the giant wolf creature following me down the dimly lit corridor.
