The Passion of Hades - Eliza Raine Page 0,11

merged the pretty boy image from the coffee shop with the dark haired older man I'd also seen him as, and the result was quite breathtaking. He looked like a retired football player who hadn't stopped training, his muscles bulging and experienced confidence emanating from him. Even from where I was standing I could see the purple lightning in his eyes, and feel his infectious energy. Something in my blood responded to him, like it had with the rose throne. But instead of feeling drawn to him, I felt a heat that I was pretty sure wasn't passion. I didn't know what it was, but it made my body hum, and that restless sense of urgency crept through my muscles and made me fidget.

'And now, for the announcement of the next Trial,' boomed the commentator and every god but Poseidon sat down on their throne.

Oh shit.

'You may rise,' said the ocean god, his voice lyrical and strong. I stood up, glancing to each side of me at Hecate and Skop as nerves skittered through me. 'I have agreed to take some pressure off my dear brother's realm, and host the next Trial in Aquarius.' I looked at Hades. His smoke was rippling steadily. 'All I will tell you now is that you can expect to get wet,' Poseidon said, and I looked back at him to find his eyes locked on mine. I gave him an awkward smile and bowed my head. 'We will begin at midday tomorrow, and if you survive, I shall host a feast in your honor.

If I survive? Gods above, what did he have planned for me?

'I look forward to it,' I lied, wondering if he would be more likely to celebrate if I didn't make it.

'I'm sure,' he said, and I could hear the thinly veiled malice in his voice. What was his problem?

'Well, there you have it, folks! We'll see you tomorrow at midday for the next of Persephone's Trials!' the commentator said, and Poseidon sat back down as Dionysus rose.

'How's it going?' he said to the room at large, a wonky grin on his face and his dark hair screwed up in a bun on top of his head. 'I've sorted us out some entertainment, enjoy,' he said, and waved his hand in front of him. He looked every bit like a stoned seventies rock star, and each time I saw him I desperately wanted to hang out with him. The air shimmered a gorgeous green color, and then four impossibly tall girls appeared, wearing different colored little tutu skirts. A cheer went up from the crowd. As I looked closer I realized they all had pale tattoos covering their deep brown skin, of vines and flowers. A drum beat ricocheted through the room, making me start, then more drums began to beat along with the first. It was a tribal sound that both set me on edge and made me want to move at the same time, until a beautiful flute began to play over the top. A wave of happiness washed over me, and the four girls began to sway their hips in a synchronized dance. Slowly, the crowd began to chat again, some dancing too, some just staring at the girls.

'Dionysus's party dryads,' said Hecate at my side.

'They're very beautiful,' I said.

'Ohhh,' moaned Skop.

'You alright?' I asked him.

'Not that hanging round with you all the time isn't fun, but this used to be my daily view,' he said, staring at the four girls, his tail wagging furiously.

'Oh. Sorry,' I said. 'I can see why you would miss them. They're quite mesmerizing.'

'Not as mesmerizing as you.' The voice was in my head but it wasn't Skop's.

'Hades?' I whirled, and found him stood behind me, smoky and translucent. Everyone around him was giving him a wide berth, hushed and watching.

'Evening, boss,' said Hecate, then touched my shoulder. 'See you in a bit,' she said, and sashayed off into the crowd.

'You look stunning tonight,' Hades said, still inside my head.

'Thanks,' I replied, pleasure tingling through me at his words.

'You should answer me silently, or tongues will wag.'

'Fuck 'em. Let them hear one half of the conversation,' I said loudly. 'I'm not hosting or being judged today.'

My belligerent statement was rewarded with a flash of laughing silver eyes, and a glimpse of his soft lips in a broad smile. Heat pooled in my core. Those lips... Gods, I was like a randy teenager!

'As you wish. I think you will like Aquarius. You used to