Captured (Shadow Guild Hades & Persephone #3) - Linsey Hall Page 0,44

saw her again, I wasn’t surprised at all.

She was the most important thing.

Her gaze caught mine, and she stepped forward. “Well? Did Pyroeis tell you what we need to do?”

“Yes. We should leave immediately.”

She drew in an unsteady breath. “So, you were worthy.”

“Yes.” I couldn’t tell her what was coming. Pyroeis had said she’d have everything she needed to defeat Chronos. I had to have faith in that. The stars had ordained it, after all. I’d seen it for myself. “Come.”

I gripped her hand, my heart aching at the feel of her, then strode from the room. As soon as we reached the outdoors, I swept her into my arms, holding her close. I relished every moment of it as I called my wings from the ether. There was no pain this time, just light.

She wrapped her arms around my neck, and I breathed deeply of her scent, then launched myself into the air.

I prayed I could remember the feel of her while in Tartarus. It would get me through an eternity of suffering if I could remember.

The wind tore at my hair as we flew, finally reaching the portal that took us back to my realm. As we soared into the chamber beneath my castle, my heart raced.

When I set her down, I’d be embarking on a path that would take me away from her forever.

But she would be safe.

Heart aching, I lowered her to the ground. My gaze was snagged by hers, and I wanted to disappear into her eyes.

Instead, I said, “I must go prepare something. I will find you shortly, and we will begin.”

“Okay, but—”

I turned from her and hurried up the stairs, taking them two at a time until I reached the main floor. I strode through the castle, headed toward the back.

The garden that Seraphia had created in the courtyard—her first garden—was a riot of plants in shades of green, black, and red, a wonderland.

She’d changed my entire realm.

Would she rule it when I was gone?

Someone had to.

I shook the thought away and cut through the garden toward the apothecary’s little cottage. I’d overlooked her many transgressions with Seraphia, knowing that my end goal would still come to fruition. Thanks fates I hadn’t punished her, for I needed her help now.

I reached the door and knocked hard. A moment later, it swung open to reveal the dark-haired apothecary with the glowing tattoo by her eye.

Surprise flashed across her face. “Hades. What brings you here?”

“I need a potion. Immediately.”

“Alright. Come in.” She looked around me. “Lucifer come with you?”

“No. Now go.”

“All right, all right.” She walked into the small cottage and gestured for me to follow.

I did, heart thundering as I entered. These would be my last minutes in my realm. My senses were on overdrive, taking it all in. I could smell the dozens of herbs hanging from the rafters in her workshop and feel the faint warmth of the fire. Overhead, the ceiling soared, but I had eyes only for the apothecary.

She turned to me. “What do you need?”

“Seraphia has been cursed in my stead to be dragged to Tartarus. I have spoken to Pyroeis, who assures me that you can give me a potion that will allow me to break that curse.”

Her eyes widened. “You’re going to Tartarus in her stead?”

I nodded.

She whistled. “I did not see that coming.”

“Can you do it?”

“Yes. It is a simple potion. It has nothing to do with Tartarus even.”

“What?”

“It’s a binding potion. A dedication potion. You drink it, and with the potion fresh on your lips, you must kiss Seraphia and think of the curse that you are taking from her. When you go to Tartarus, the magic will know who you are going for. It will break the curse on her.”

I drew in a breath. “Yes. Make that. Now.”

“On one condition.” Her eyes hardened. “As soon as you have it, I am allowed to leave this place. For good.”

I nodded. “You have my permission.”

She brightened, then looked over her shoulder at the black cat sleeping by the fire. “Hear that? We’re getting out of this hellhole.”

“After you make my potion.”

“Won’t take but a moment.” She turned and got to work, mixing herbs and lighting a fire under the little gold cauldron that sat on her desk.

I waited impatiently, my blood racing through my veins. Thoughts of Seraphia flashed through my mind, every memory I had of her.

What would I have done if I’d known this was coming for us? Would I have done things the