into thin air a half second later.
So that was her magic.
Could she transport me out of here if I made friends with her? Or threatened her, maybe?
With Mac’s life on the line, I wasn’t above it.
If I found her again, I’d try it. For now . . .
Hades was my goal.
I turned and headed back down the hall. She must have been coming from the servant’s quarters. I needed to find them.
Anxiety chilled my skin as I crept through the hall, keeping the cloak closed over my clothing.
I heard it before I saw it, the sound of pots and pans and voices.
Jackpot.
I hurried up to the door and lingered outside, peering within. The large kitchen bustled with people, all dressed in dark clothing. There were about eight of them, mostly women.
Such a dire place. I wasn’t much for fashion, but even I could tell their outfits were chosen more out of misery than preference.
How did I approach this? By making friends? Or by sneaking in and stealing?
“My, my, what a pretty bird lingering on the sill.”
The voice rolled over me, deep and warm. Still, a shudder raced over my skin. Dread hollowed out my stomach as I turned to see a man looming behind me.
Not Hades.
Was that good or bad? He was fair where Hades was dark, and almost as attractive, which I hated to admit. Aristocratic features and an athletic build gave him the look of an Olympian.
His magic, however . . .
That made me shiver. It rolled over me in powerful waves, stronger than almost any other magic I’d felt.
Except for Hades.
It didn’t feel as nice, though. It felt like the hot lick of flame and sounded like screams in the distance. Tasted like soot and smelled of ash.
“Who are you?” I asked, going for boldness. My only other options were running or the letter opener, and neither was going to work on this guy.
“Lucifer.”
“The Lucifer?” I looked him up and down. “Wasn’t expecting a blond.”
“I’ve just been to the salon.” His tone was wry.
“Sure. Are you really the devil? Just here to pay a visit to your bestie, Lord of the Underworld?” There were many hells, with many rulers.
“Yes, in fact.”
“Setting up a mixer? Hell and Hades date night?” My mouth was running away with me, something stupid I did when I was nervous.
He grinned. “I quite like you.” He looked either way down the hall. “What do you say we go find a nice private spot to get to know each other.”
“You have to be kidding me.”
“No.”
I swallowed hard. “Well, also a no from me. But if you really do like me, could you get me a bottle of water?” No way was I telling him what I really wanted. “I’m deathly thirsty.”
“A bottle of water? Like this is a damned Starbucks.”
“I have my loyalty card if you want to see it.”
His brow flattened. “I’ll get you your water, but then I’m taking you to Hades.”
It was exactly what I’d wanted, though I didn’t really want to be escorted. There’d be no outrunning this guy, though, so I just scowled. “Make sure it’s in a bottle.”
“Prissy, aren’t you?
“Very.” Not really, but it suited my purposes for now.
I stepped aside so he could enter the kitchen, then turned to watch. Every one of the women and two of the men rushed to help him, their eyes wide and excited.
This place was weird.
As they fetched the water, I memorized the place and everything I could see. Knowledge was power, and I was going to need it.
A few moments later, Lucifer returned with a glass bottle stoppered with a cork. The liquid inside glinted under the light, and suddenly I was desperately thirsty.
“Thanks.” I took the bottle, my hand brushing against his.
Electricity shot up my arm, jolting into me. Actual electricity, not a sexy spark.
“Sorry.” He didn’t sound sorry.
I took the bottle, lifted it to my lips, and stopped.
Do not eat of the underworld.
It was a commonly known tip. If you ate the food of the underworld, you were required to stay there.
Did this count?
I looked between the bottle and Lucifer. His brows were raised as he watched me. “Well?”
“Quit staring. Aren’t you going to take me to Hades?”
“Yes. But I’m waiting to see if you’re going to drink that water.”
“I’ve changed my mind.”
“What?”
“Frankly, I don’t want to be trapped here.” I wasn’t revealing something he wouldn’t already know. I’d been freaking kidnapped for fates’ sake and it was far too early for Stockholm Syndrome to have set in.
“Water