Love Lines

22: Hades's Story: A Tale of Two Lovers

Chapter Twenty-Two

"Can I say one thing before you whip out the knives and try to filet me?"

He looked at me with a quizzical expression, even went as far as clasping his hands behind his back and tilting his head to the side. "You don't believe I'm not here to hurt you."

"You've tried to kill me. A couple of times, so no. I don't believe your presence here is benevolent."

The corner of his mouth streaked out. "Been studying for the SAT's?"

"You know about the SAT's?"

He shrugged. "I know about a lot of things, μαντείο. You'd be surprised how much."

That was the creepiest thing he could ever say to me, other than the fact I had to die but that's not important at the moment.

"So...back to why you're here."

"Do you remember what you saw the last time you were in my presence?"

"Are we talking vision wise or in general?"

"Don't play impudent with me."

I sighed and continued to stare at him even though I really wanted to roll my eyes. But something told me I shouldn't take my eyes off the Lord of the Underworld, not right now. Plus it would be disrespectful and I figured that wouldn't a good idea.

"No. I don't remember what I saw. Cecil told me it's because I'm considered an Oracle."

The first genuine smile I'd ever witnessed from him, blossomed across his face.

"Cyrus is indeed very informative in these matters. However, I do believe you're not allowed to speak with him." I shrugged and his eyes followed the gesture before moving to my wrist. The smile turned into a bit of a sneer, his dark eyes glittering unhappily. "I see my niece has been meddling again."

"What do you mean?"

"Your bracelet, μαντείο. It's a gift from my niece to lovers in desperate need of assistance."

"You do realize you have plenty of..."

"I speak of Aphrodite, or Venus in your case. Although I have the impression you are sticking more with the Greek names than the Roman. She has a soft spot for forbidden love."

"You think what I have with Cecil is forbidden love?"

"It's not I who thinks it's forbidden but a certain goddess who gifted the bracelets. If you want my opinion, I'll give it to you. Those bracelets bring nothing but trouble and if you have to use them in order to be with someone, it's not worth it. Best for both of you if whatever it is between you is allowed to fade. It will complicate things in the future if it's not. Trust me. I know."

I frowned at him. "If you're omniscient, why are you here?"

"Some things I can't see." He held his hand out flat. "And others...I see more than I'd like to."

An image of two people fighting materialized above his palm. Both were pushing to their limits but neither was going to give up. It froze with their swords crossed over their heads, their bodies ridged with tension. I squinted at it, trying to see who it was.

"Is that..."

"Cyrus and the last remaining descendant of Lycaon." We both looked at each other at the same time. "I feel I should tell you that one of these two souls will be residing in the Underworld soon." He fisted his hand and the image was gone. "You should listen to my warning. Now, back to why I'm here." He reopened his hand and stark against the white of his skin sat a blood red pomegranate seed. "I need you to tell me where she is."