Page 19 of Hades

“Hey,” she replies, and I couldn’t be happier.

My mind is awash of every memory we have shared, and without thinking, I lean in, ready to press my lips to hers. The only thing that stops me is the sound of Alastor clearing his throat.

“I hate to interrupt this moment you two are having, but do you really think this is the best time?” he chastises. Unfortunately, I know he’s right, so I pull back and sit on the floor at her feet. The symbolism isn’t lost on Alastor, who audibly scoffs. “Anyway,” he continues as he takes the seat I had previously occupied. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine. A bit tired and confused.”

We both perk up at the wordconfused. Is she confused because she has memories she can’t explain, or for another reason?

“Confused?” I ask before Alastor can get the words out. “What are you confused about, beautiful?”

“That,” she says as if I know what she’s referring to. “I should be at least angry that you’re calling me beautiful, as if we’ve known each other for longer than a few hours. But I’m not. It feels… right somehow. I can’t explain it. And you.” She glances over at Alastor. “I know in the deepest depths of my soul that we know each other. But it feels different than the way I feel towards you,” she adds, looking back into my eyes. “Does any of that make sense? I feel like I have a connection to the two of you, but I don’t know what it is.” Aradia’s voice cracks, and again, I want to comfort her by wrapping her in my arms. “Does that sound crazy to you?”

“No, it doesn’t sound crazy. Neither of us has the answers to those questions. I wish we did, but I can tell you, I feel it too.” All I can do is sit and watch as she ponders my answer. I hate telling her lies, or at best, half-truths. But the whole truth right now would only add to her confusion.Fuck. It adds to my confusion, and I have at least some idea of what’s going on.

Aradia is quiet for a few minutes as she strokes the fur below Argos’ ears. “And did someone call my dog Argos?” she innocently asks, and the dog perks up at mentioning his name.

“Well, that’s his name,” I answer as I laugh. “Besides, having the same name as your dog might chip away at one of our egos—his, not mine,” I add, trying to make light of the fact that there is a memory of me someplace buried deep in her mind.

“We should get going and let you rest more,” Alastor interrupts, probably for the best.

“But I have so many questions,” Aradia pleads.

Begrudgingly, I get up from the floor and hold out my hand for her to take. To my surprise, she doesn’t hesitate but clasps her tiny fingers around mine. I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face and the warmth encompassing what’s left of my heart.

“Will I see you again?” Aradia whispers.

Without thinking, I pull her closer and kiss her on the forehead. “Most definitely,” I inform her, because I know I won’t be able to stay away. “Keep Argos always close to you. He’ll protect you with his life.”

I expect her to question me on my demand. Instead, she nods her head in agreement. “I promise.”

“And this guy behind me.” I motion to Alastor, who is waiting by the door. “He’s a good guy, and I hope you remember him soon.” She’s about to question me, but I place a gentle finger over her lips. “Trust me?” Aradia nods again. “Get some rest. Hopefully, all will start to make sense soon.”

Stepping back as I hear Alastor open the door to leave, I don’t break eye contact with her until I’ve crossed the threshold into the hall.

“Sleep well, Aradia,” I say as I shut the door. The moment it’s closed, I rest my forehead on the wood. I can feel her standing directly behind it, knowing her hand is exactly where my head is. It takes everything in me to follow Alastor down the hall, but I know it’s for the best.At least for right now.

“I’d say you earned a real drink,” Alastor proclaims as we wait for the elevator. “And you’ve never seen The Firehouse.”

It only takes me a moment of internal debate to agree. “Lead the way.”

HADES

Stepping through the gateand not seeing the Inferno but a blazing red sign that reads “The Firehouse” is a bit unsettling. Almost as unsettling as leaving Aradia behind. Glancing back at the gate, I debate going back to her.

“She’s fine,” Alastor reassures me, but the cycle has started, and I won’t be able to stay away from her for very long. Even now, being here, I can still feel the pull to go to her.

Walking through the doors of The Firehouse, I’m floored by the similarities. The pits, the bar, and even the clientele are the same nefarious group I’ve come to expect, yet it doesn’t feel as if I belong here.

Alastor raises his hand to the stunning bartender, who gives him a wave back. “That’s Val. She’s been with me forever and knows where all the bodies are buried,” he jokes as we walk past.

Despite never being here before, I know the bar’s layout like the back of my hand. We’re heading toward my office, or rather his office. The basic set-up is identical. Same view of the Phlegethon and general disarray. But that’s where the similarities end.

“Do you have a seeing basin too?” I ask as I walk the perimeter, running my finger along the shelves as if inspecting them for dust.

“I don’t think so. What’s it used for?”

“Seeing, obviously. It’s how I’ve been able to watch Aradia without actually going to her,” I admit for the first time.

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