to dress myself from the wardrobe against the wall. I chose sturdy trousers and boots this time, something that would allow me to fight and flee.
But first, I needed to go practice my magic.
I could feel the urge tugging at me, the spell winding itself around me. I had vowed to do it and had taken the potion that would ensure I upheld my end of the bargain. That magic would not be ignored—it pulled at my muscles like strings had been woven through them, forcing me to keep my word.
I’d hoped to be gone from here, in another realm where the potion didn’t affect me. I hadn’t come close.
Hades, that bastard, was probably waiting for me right now.
It was time to leave, but first, I would pack for war. Carefully, I filled my pockets with the remaining protein bars and the potion for Mac. I no longer had Hades’ knife—that had been lost last night—but I’d find a weapon somehow.
Ready, I left the room without a backward glance. He’d probably be up in his quarters, so I went there first. I’d do what I’d promised, and then I would find a damned way out of here.
The key.
He’d mentioned a key last night, and surely, he had it.
Plan set, I headed up to the tallest tower, seeking Hades.
But he wasn’t there. The room was locked unfortunately, so I wouldn’t be able to search for the key. I turned around and descended deeper into the castle, following my instinct.
If I calmed my mind, I could sense where he might be. Maybe it was wishful thinking or bullshit, but it worked. I eventually found him in one of the libraries at the back of the castle. I hadn’t been to this one, but it was a lovely space inside a tall, hollow tower.
The ceiling was at least fifty feet overhead, but the tower itself was only twenty feet wide. It felt narrow and close, but in a cozy way with the fire burning and the fat leather armchairs gleaming in its light.
Or at least, it would be cozy, if not for the man within.
Hades stood in front of a potted plant, his black cloak sweeping down from his shoulders and his dark hair messier than normal.
He turned to look at me. There were shadows under his eyes that I’d never seen before. His shoulders looked slightly bowed as well, the first time I’d ever seen him with anything less than military posture.
My lips twisted and hatred rose in my chest. I couldn’t believe I’d kissed him. That I thought there was any light in him at all.
If there was, he’d crushed it when he’d killed Beatrix.
“Seraphia.”
“Monster.”
His jaw tightened, and he looked away.
I vibrated with rage, wanting desperately to tear his throat out with my bare hands. It was a gruesome, horrible image in my mind, but I clung to it.
All the amazing orgasms in the world weren’t worth the life of my friend. He was dead to me.
The plant in front of him vibrated, as if it were responding to my anger. The vines trembled and twisted, and I could feel them waking up from their long slumber. Connecting with me.
I let the rage fuel me, feeding it into the plant.
He wanted me to practice?
I would practice.
The vines moved quickly at my command, creeping up the front of his cloak with silent force. His gaze was glued to me, and he didn't notice until they’d wrapped around his neck and started to squeeze.
He jerked, his eyes widening as he reached up to grip them and tear them off. They came free easily. His strength was too much.
Frustration surged. “You bastard!”
I tried again, but he was too quick, moving out of the way of the plant and striding toward me. He reached me and gripped my arms, pulling me toward him. He didn't wear his black gloves.
I didn’t care.
Tears sprang to my eyes. “How could you?”
“I didn’t kill her.” The words ground out of him, sounding like they’d been beaten out of his soul. “I didn’t harm so much as a feather on her body.”
“What?” The air whooshed out of my lungs. “Really?”
“Really. I sent her back to wherever she came from, unharmed.”
I took a shuddering breath, my heart thundering. “I don’t believe you.”
He closed his eyes and drew in a steady breath. “I will show you.”
“How?” I wanted to pull back from his touch, but I didn’t have the strength. We were so close, my chest nearly pressed against his. The air