Awakening (Book One of the Eklektos Series)

Chapter Ten

Kali took her time opening the main door of the building, savouring every moment and storing it away. She had already decided she would have the top floor, and she walked slowly up the stairs. It was bright in the building, with light pouring in from every side, and the walls were white with a gold border. Fitting for Apollo, Kali thought.

When Kali reached her door, she took a deep breath and used the key to unlock it. She entered with a small smile, but froze in the act of closing the door behind her when she felt someone else in the room. Mentally crossing her fingers, she murmured "Hades?"

"Lucky guess." The reply came in Hades' deep voice, soft as a caress.

Kali grinned and turned towards him, leaning back against the door. "I made it."

A gentle chuckle answered her. "Not exactly in one piece. I figured you wouldn't have any trouble with the maze, but I can't say I expected a hellhound to attack you down there." There was a slight pause before Hades quietly asked "How are you holding up?"

"I'm not in any pain." She said, cryptically, casting her eyes down.

"Kali..." He stopped, and Kali felt arms close around her, drawing her into his chest. His voice was soft, and his lips brushed her hair as he murmured "I know it is difficult, but you did what you had to do to survive."

Trembling, Kali struggled to keep herself together, but tears began streaking down her cheeks. "I know I need to move on, or get over it, or whatever...I just..."

Hades' hand closed around the back of her neck and his fingers tangled gently in her hair. "There is nothing wrong with feeling the way you do about this. You shouldn't have to be a cold-blooded killer. You did what you had to, but you can still empathise with a creature most see as a monster." A thumb brushed a tear from her cheek. "That says a lot about you, you know."

"You're...different here." It was true; even holding her, there was something...between them. She could feel him, but he wasn't as solid as he'd been before. His scent was diminished somehow.

He didn't sound surprised. If anything, his voice was teasing. "Am I?"

"I feel like you're further away from me than before. The shadows are...deeper here." Even so, she couldn't help but sink into his embrace.

"You are very astute." He whispered into her ear, and then went very still. "Give me a moment, dove."

After a few seconds, his form solidified under her hands and she felt his grip tighten slightly around her. Breathless, she stammered "What...happened?"

His finger curled a strand of her hair absentmindedly, and he explained, "I did not wish to be seen observing earlier, so I masked my presence more thoroughly than usual."

"But..." She hesitated for a heartbeat, confused. "I could still feel you."

His chuckle rumbled against her chest and she blushed furiously at her own words. "Yes, you could." He murmured silkily. "And I have to say, you were very sneaky in that meeting."

"I don't know what you mean." She replied, unconvincingly. Despite her best intentions, a small grin crept onto her face and she quickly gave up when he laughed again.

"I assume that Chiron believes you cannot lie, like your father? That was a good idea." Slowly, almost reluctantly, his arms lowered, and he took a small step backwards, away from her. "I shouldn't stay..."

Kali's heart plummeted. She was surprised by how bereft she felt as it crossed her mind that he didn't have to look out for her there. After all, Apollo had only asked him to make sure she arrived safely. "Am I going to see you again?" She mumbled, casting her gaze down.