Captured (Shadow Guild Hades & Persephone #3) - Linsey Hall Page 0,15
That much, I do know. They certainly won’t chalk it up to magic.”
That was a blessing, at least.
“Was it prophesied that I would stop it?” Please, please, please.
“It is one of the possible futures, yes.”
“But you can’t say for sure.”
“As an oracle, no. As your grandmother, yes. I do think you will stop him.”
Think.
It wasn’t the most certain verb, but I would take it. Any kind of confidence helped right now. “Who bound my magic?”
“Ah.” Her eyes gleamed. “You have discovered that it is bound.”
“I have. Do you know who did it?”
“That is for you to find out.”
“That’s what you said about my parents as well.”
“It is the same.”
Damn it, I needed more. “Don’t you even have one clue for me?”
“Indeed, I do.” She released my hand and reached into a pocket of her robe, drawing out a slender golden chain hung with a blue gem. She pressed it into my hands. “This was your mother’s.”
My mother’s.
My heart clutched at the idea.
I raised the delicate piece of jewelry to my face and inspected it, wondering what my mother had looked like. I’d grown used to the lack of memory. Nana had filled that gap in my life admirably. While I’d missed my parents and longed to know them, it hadn’t been a grievous wound.
Holding this necklace, though…
It was almost like it tore that wound open.
I’d never known her or my father. That lack was apparent now, as was the realization that there was much about myself that I didn’t know.
“You really can’t tell me who bound my magic?” I asked.
“I cannot. But I can tell you how to find that information.”
“Thank fates.”
She smiled. “Always so dramatic.”
“The world is freezing over, Nana. I don’t think I can be too dramatic.”
She grimaced. “Well, when you put it that way… I supposed it is quite dire.”
“An understatement. Now, tell me what I must do.”
“Take that necklace home to Cyprus. Find your last living relatives and show it to them. They will know it’s time and direct you toward the next step of your journey.”
“Aunt Aurelia and Uncle Stavros?” I asked. “It’s finally safe to talk to them?”
“Yes. They will give you guidance.”
“How long will this take?” I asked. “I’m kind of on a deadline.”
“You have time if you move swiftly. Do not worry.”
“It’s all I can do, lately.”
“I suppose you do have quite a bit on your plate.” She reached out and took my hand, closing my fingers over the necklace. “Do not lose this, for it will aid you on your way.”
“I won’t, I promise.” I slipped my hand from her grip and put the necklace on, tucking it under my shirt. “Thank you, Nana. I’ve missed you so much. It’s been so good to see you.”
“It has indeed, my dear.” She reached for my hand again and squeezed it. “But before you go, just one more thing.”
“Yes?”
“Hades, your man? Bring him with you. It is only together that you can defeat Chronos. You are two halves of a whole, stronger together than apart.”
The words made me shiver. Perhaps they were true, but she had no idea what was going on with us right now. “He still wants to take over the Earth, Nana.”
“It’s all he knows.”
“How do I save him?”
“That, you must determine for yourself.”
Before I could ask anything else, she disappeared. For the briefest moment, I was surrounded by nothing but white mist. Then the world shifted, and Eve’s flat reappeared.
I blinked, my head spinning, and caught sight of three faces peering at me. Eve and Mac leaned in far too close, but even Hades watched me intently from the other side of the room.
“Well?” Eve asked. “Did it work?”
Mac’s gaze dropped to my chest. “Looks like it did. She’s got some new sparkles.”
“Ooh!” Eve reached out and pulled the chain gently, dislodging the gem from my shirt. “Did your Nana give you this?”
I nodded. “She did. We need to go to Cyprus.”
“To your home?” Mac asked. “It was lovely there.”
I nodded. “We need to find my aunt and uncle.”
“Give them my best if you see them.” Mac grinned. “And compliment Aurelia on her picnic.”
A small smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. The three of us had gone to Cyprus earlier this year to help Carrow, and my aunt and uncle had helped us. It had been the first time I’d seen them in years, but I’d kept contact minimal as Nana had always advised.
This time, though, I was going back to get to know them better.
I was