I swallowed and nodded, feeling the darkness even now. “I’ll have to return.”
“What?” Mac dropped to her knees at my side. “What do you mean?”
I looked between her and Eve.
“Beatrix has been keeping us updated, as much as she can,” Eve said. “You’re Persephone.”
“Apparently.” I gave a bitter laugh. “Can we go get some real food, and I’ll tell you the whole story?”
Seraphia
It was surreal to walk to the Haunted Hound, our favorite pub and Mac’s usual place of employ. We made a stop by the library to relieve the woman of her guard duty and bar the door, then we set off. Though I desperately needed a shower and a change of clothes, more than anything, I needed food and my friends.
Both could be found at the Haunted Hound.
Yet, I’d been with Hades just minutes ago. Not even an hour. My throat was still raw from our fight, and my eyes still burned from the tears.
My soul still tugged, the pomegranate potion trying to do its work on me.
I drew a shuddery breath, trying to ignore it. Eve and Mac gripped my hands, and I squeezed back, grateful for their friendship.
The city was bustling as we walked, full of people out for shopping and lunch.
The ancient buildings of Guild City watched as we passed, the mullioned windows glinting in the sun. Supernaturals filled the tiny patios in front of restaurants and browsed in the windows of charming shops. Apparently, it was a Saturday, though the idea seemed surreal.
As we walked, the memory of using my magic to escape the Underworld flashed into my mind. That wall of vines had been spectacular, fueled by my fear and desperation. But it had also felt almost entirely out of control. Terrifying in its intensity.
I shoved away the thought. Tonight, I’d pull that thought out and examine it. For now, I’d focus on my friends.
When we arrived at the Haunted Hound, the pub was half full. Supernaturals sat around tiny wooden tables, dark wooden rafters supporting the ceiling overhead. Two ghostly dogs lay by the fire that flickered at one end, and the long wooden bar sat at the other, the brass taps gleaming.
Quinn, our leopard shifter friend, stood behind the bar. He had the tall build and broad shoulders of a male shifter, with golden red hair that matched his coat. He was a big man, but not as big as Hades.
Hades.
I squeezed my eyes shut. I should not be thinking about him. Slowly, I drew in a steady breath, trying to drive him from my mind. When I’d finished—though who was I kidding, I’d never fully banish him from my thoughts—I opened my eyes and looked at Quinn.
His gaze fell on Mac, and he grinned widely.
“Mac!” He leapt over the bar and swept her up in a hug. “It’s about time you got better and returned to work, you layabout.”
I stepped back, giving them space. The words were joking, but the tone wasn’t. The relief was strong in his voice.
Mac hugged him tight, then pulled back and smiled up at him. “How about a beer?”
“And some food,” I said.
Quinn grinned at me and hugged me, wrapping me up in his strong arms. He smelled of soap and something pleasantly spicy, instead of firelight and ash.
Somehow, horribly, it made me miss Hades.
It was insane.
I hated him.
I really did.
I shoved the thoughts back and tried to smile at Quinn. We hadn’t been friends long—the Shadow Guild crowd had existed before I’d joined the periphery of their number—but I still liked him a lot.
“Food is coming right up.” He grinned and went back to the counter.
We found a table in the corner and sat--Beatrix, Eve, Mac, and myself. Quinn brought out beers, and I gulped mine down gratefully, knowing I’d be lightheaded within minutes.
I’d just set my mug down when Carrow, the last of our number, arrived with her boyfriend. Tall and blond, Carrow was the leader of our small guild. Her boyfriend, the Devil of Darkvale, was as intimidating as usual—the only man I’d ever met who could give Hades a run for his money. Yet even he didn’t hold a candle to him.
Carrow grinned widely when she saw me and yanked me up into a hug. “Seraphia! I’m so glad you’re back. We tried everything we could to get you out. Thank fates Beatrix could go to you.”
“She saved my life.” I hugged Carrow back.
Fates, this was the most hugs I’d gotten in my entire life. It felt good.