by T. G. Ayer
What made Evie's heart beat all the faster was the strange light that glowed within the engravings when she passed her fingers over them. As if her fingers gave the writing the power to glow from within the hard rock.
Her fingers lay against the rough stone as Evie contemplated its meaning. Just as she was about to withdraw her hand, a pulse of white-hot energy surged through it and travelled through her entire body.
She shuddered. Visions flitted through her mind's eye.
A valley spread below her, filled with bodies and blood and broken wings. A bright light bathed the bloodshed below, uncaring that such carnage should remain hidden.
Evie shut her eyes, but the vision did not cease.
Two warriors rose, battered and almost broken. They advanced on each other, circling, stepping over the bodies of fallen friends and comrades.
When their swords clashed, an almighty crash sounded through the valley and through Evie's mind and body. The sound was vicious thunder, roaring with anger. Evie wanted to block her ears. She was on her knees, unable to stop the sound from piercing her mind.
Light flashed, and the storm of the battle became more vicious.
As suddenly as it began, the vision ceased and Evie became aware she was on her knees, her forehead against the cool stone. She got up, her legs shivering, threatening to give way beneath her. She turned to see Gavriel and Pollo staring at her as if she'd just lost her mind.
How was she to tell them she suspected exactly that?
Before Pollo could leave his ministrations to check on Evie, she said a hasty good-bye to the pair and rushed out of the cell.
Evie stumbled through the tunnels to the rooms assigned to her. They were not very far away from both Julian's and Persephone's quarters, and Evie preferred neither of them were alerted to her presence for the moment—she could not bear the thought of a visitor.
Her head pounded, and the smallest bit of light hurt her eyes so badly that nausea gripped her. She retched as she opened her room door, then lifted her chin, hoping that would stem the rising tide. She leaned her head against the door and breathed rapidly until the tight band around her head began to release.
Evie lay down on her bed, deciding to rest and tackle the problem of Julian later. For now she needed rest.
Evie fell asleep and dreamed of angels battling to the death, of rivers of nectar running red with blood and a furious god who made the earth shiver with his anger.
Chapter 23
Restless, Evie went for a walk, allowing her feet to lead her and ended up in an auditorium. Carved out of the rock, the circular room could only have been modelled on the galleries of the Parthenon. The center of the room lay bare, awaiting its next occupants who would act out a scene from the Aeneid or the Iliad.
Evie sat on the highest level, close to the roof of the cave. She brought her knees to her chin and sat staring into space, desperately wanting to go home, desperately missing Patrick. But leaving meant she would forfeit the right to reverse the curse of those damned Seals.
That's what she thought of what the Seals had done to her. A curse. How did she hope to help her friends or the rest of the members of the Irin when she was stuck here?
Footsteps sounded in the hallway outside the auditorium. The long, slow, shuffling gait was so familiar that Evie's heart began to race in anticipation. But she tamped it down. It was hardly likely that Castor would be taking a stroll down the tunnels of Hades any time soon. Evie sighed and leaned her head on her knees glumly.
When Castor walked into the auditorium, she almost died with shock and joy.
"Castor." Evie rose and scrambled down the large steps. "Oh, you have no idea how happy I am to see you." Castor submitted to Evangeline's hugs and returned them with equal affection. "How are you? What happened after I left? Did Barry give you my message? What did Marcellus do when he found the Seals were gone?"
"Yes, Baa'ruk gave me your message. I was worried about you, so I am glad you sent him. And as for Marcellus, he is why I have come to find you, Angel."
Castor caressed Evie's hair and face, his eyes blank as his thoughts went to what he needed to say. Castor's pallid skin was lined with red whorls and lines, the curse of his demon blood. But it was his eyes which freaked most people out. Castor's pupils were a blood red, a sight that made the hair on most human's necks raise in bone-chilling fear. Evie couldn't understand that fear at all. Castor wouldn't hurt a fly.
"Marcellus...he doesn't know who helped you. He thought it was me. That's why I came."
A chill settled on Evie's chest. What had she done? "I'm so sorry, Castor. I put you in danger."
"No, Angel. Marcellus...he killed Father." Tears glinted in Castor's strange eyes.
Evie frowned and stared at the half-demon, curious now how he would know of the Master's involvement in Patrick's death. "How do you know that?"
But Castor's eyes remained a little out of focus and he shook his head. "He is a very bad man. Barry told me Marcellus wants to become Hades, Lord of the Underworld, and we have to stop him." Castor began to shake his head and looked much like he wouldn't stop. Evie knew this behavior. Had seen it many times before. He was agitated, worried, and grieving. And her heart ached for him.
She placed a palm on either side of his face and forced him to stop shaking his head. At last, he stopped and looked at her, his expression sad and forlorn. This is also what Marcellus had done—taken Patrick away from Castor and left him alone in the world.
For now, Castor had to focus on why he'd come. And how he'd gotten here.
"Baa'ruk helped you get here, didn't he?"
"Yes. He was good to me. Showed me where the cave was and told me to take the coin for the boatman and he told me to take something of yours with me. He was right, Angel. The big scary dog smelled your scarf and let me go through."
Evie was so grateful to have someone familiar with her that she didn't care how Castor got there. But she did care what Marcellus was up to. "Come. Tell me about Marcellus." Evie sat down and patted the stone seat next to her.
Castor sat heavily, massaged his club foot, and sighed. Evie's heart ached to think he'd walked all that way just to find her.
"Marcellus knows how to enter the Underworld. And now that he has discovered the Seals are gone, he is furious. He searched everywhere. And he thinks it was me that took them. He burned my house, Angel."
Castor fell forward into Evie's arms, tears seeping from his red-rimmed eyes. Evie gasped, shocked. Tears built up in her throat and threatened to overflow. Castor's house was his most special place; it gave him a purpose and a meaning to his life.
He had lived most of his life in solitude. Most people gave him a wide berth, and more people just didn't have the time for him. How could Marcellus do such a thing? It seemed he was as thoughtless and evil as Evie had suspected.
Evie cradled the half-demon in her arms as he grieved for the loss of his home. "So what is Marcellus doing now?" she asked, more to distract Castor than anything else.
"He is coming to find you, Angel." Castor sat up and stared at Evie with wet eyes. "He is coming to Hades."
How did Marcellus know I took the Seals? How did he know where I was? Evie's mind went to the dark creature that had lurked within the shadows of Marcellus' office. It made sense that the Master would know more than he should, considering he had the help of dark magic.
"Let him come, Castor. There is nothing he can do to me," Evie assured him, but Castor shook his head urgently.
"He is coming to take back the Seals."
"Castor, don't worry. Even if he takes the Seals, there is nothing he can do to make himself Hades, at least not for the next month."
"So you are safe?" He stared at her, eyes filled with worry.
"Yes, dear Castor. You need not worry about me." At least not for now. "Now, there is something you need to know."
"What is it, Angel?" he whispered.
"Two things, Castor. One. Please do not mention the Nephilim to anyone
while you are here in the Underworld. Do you understand?" Castor nodded, his face serious. "Two—something happened when I brought the Seals to Hades. An accident, Castor. The Seals made me the ruler of the Underworld."
Castor uttered a cry of horror, bringing both hands to his mouth. "Oh no. Angel, you cannot be Hades. A Nephilim as the Ruler of the Underworld? If they find out, they might kill you." Castor still whispered. Horror lurked in his voice.
"Don't worry. Nobody knows, and I have no intention of telling anyone."
"Telling anyone what?" Julian stood in the doorway, his eyes dark and watchful, making her think of something dangerous.
Something lethal.
He'd overheard the last bit of their conversation and Evie had no idea how to get out of answering his question. There was an uncomfortable pause in which Evie flailed around for something to say.
"About me." Castor stood up and drew the hood of his cloak off his head to reveal his face in the weak light of the auditorium. Julian met his eyes, and Evie was glad to see his expression did not reflect disgust or dislike in any way. Glad he was the type of person she would happily associate with. "I do not wish for anyone to know about my bloodline. Is it not true that demons are not welcome here in the Underworld?"
Julian shook his head in disagreement. "It is clear you are not a full demon, Castor. Thus, there is none who can claim you are demon for you are half human too." Julian met Evie's eyes over Castor's head and smiled in understanding.
Evie, although relieved, felt a spasm of guilt. She gave Julian a grateful nod and lowered her head as she supported Castor, walking with him across the uneven stone floor of the gallery toward Julian. He surprised her again by taking Castor by the forearm, an ancient respectful greeting that had the half-demon's eyes widen in surprise and pleasure.
"Castor, know that you are as welcome here as Evangeline is. This is your home and you are safe here. Whatever your needs, they will be met." Julian's tone was firm, as if someone was listening.
Then, Julian walked to the doorway and leaned outside. He called out to someone, probably one of his wait-staff, Evie suspected. Seconds later a short, wiry faun trotted to Julian and leaned forward to catch his master's instructions. He glanced as Castor with curious eyes, then beckoned to the half-demon.
Castor glanced at Evie, frowning. She patted his arm. "Don't worry. Go with him. He'll look after you." When Castor didn't move, she gave him a small shove. "Go on. You'll be safe. Right, Julian?" She looked over at Julian who nodded and smiled.
At last, Castor seemed convinced. His frown relaxed a little and he followed the faun. At the door he paused, a look of fear filling his eyes. "Evie? What about Marcellus?"
Evie smiled, hiding the hard edge to her anger. "Don't worry about Marcellus. I'll deal with him."
Castor smiled, apparently satisfied that Evie would fix everything. And he and the faun disappeared down the passage.
"So, who is Castor?" Julian asked after a short silence.
For a moment Evie wanted to refuse to talk about Castor—her protective instinct kicking in automatically, but what would be the use? Besides, she'd seen the understanding and acceptance in Julian's eyes.
"He is one of my mentor's charges. Castor was born to a human woman. She discarded the child when she discovered what he was. Patrick took him in and brought him up as one of his own. Now the new head of my organization—the one who wants the Seals—thinks that Castor had something to do with them disappearing from his office."
"But you stole them from his office." Julian laughed, his eyes sparkling and oh-so-sexy. "You know, you would have done well in the Roman Army. No doubt you would have been the first female general in the history of the Roman Army."
Evie liked Julian's smile, and she smiled back. Only, on the inside she was no longer smiling. A deep sadness entwined itself around her heart, threading itself through her soul. She had made Julian mortal and it was all because of her own stupidity. Her own foolish need to be a heroine and stop Marcellus.
And so, she had sentenced Julian to death.
Evie's own immortality would not be jeopardized whether she was ruler of Hades or not. But in Julian's case, Persephone was right. This was the beginning of the end of Julian's life. From the day she took his place, he would grow old. And if Evie was unable to find a way to get herself out of the imprisonment of the job of King of the Underworld, she would be sentenced to watch the beautiful Julian age day by day, only to see him die.
Evie grieved somewhere deep inside herself ,where tears could not express her deepest emotion.
"So when do you expect to see this Master of yours?"
"No idea. Castor means well. But he can be unclear at times. He is a bit simple-minded but he's also fairly competent." Evie eyed Julian, trying not to think of the both of them in certain compromising positions. "Why are you so accepting of him?"
"I am a Roman," Julian answered simply, his eyes not leaving her face. "When I was growing up, there were many lepers on the streets and leprosy sometimes appeared among the slaves. Even among the wealthy too. One of the servants in Marcus's household contracted the disease. He was a playmate of mine. And I was with him until his last hour. Even when Claudia forbade me from seeing him, I still went. I had no understanding of the disease then. Only later did I realize how I had endangered my own health. The experience taught me to appreciate the suffering and needs of those less fortunate."
I nodded at Julian, understanding a little more now of what Julian Ceasaris was about.
Chapter 24
As soon as Julian left the auditorium Evie hurried to her room. Marcellus would not be far behind Castor. Knowing him, he would have had Castor followed. She needed to be ready for him. She shut the door, her heart thudding at the prospect of meeting Marcellus head on in a fight. But from what Castor had said she didn't seem to have any other choice.
The Master was coming to Hades to get her.
She rummaged through her bag and strapped on her weapons. At last she grabbed her sword and rang her bell for service. A faun arrived within minutes, leaving hurriedly with a message from her to Castor to meet her in her room.
Minutes later, Castor arrived out of breath. "You didn't have to run, Castor," she said gently.
"But your message said it was urgent," he answered simply, an expression of dismay darkening his demon coloring.
Evie smiled. "That's all right, Castor. You did fine." Evie tucked her hand into his and drew him to the doorway. "Now, come with me. I have someone I think you would like to meet."
Evie led Castor all the way to the entrance to the Underworld. Chains clinked in the cave and the sound of ragged breathing reached their ears. The three-headed dog jumped forward, lowering himself on his forepaws, wagging his tail and staring at Castor.
Castor let out a shout of laughter at seeing Cerberus again and went straight to him. "Castor, this is Cerberus. Cerberus, this is my friend Castor. Make sure you look after him." The gigantic dog stared at Evie and snuffed as if agreeing to her instruction.
After they were properly introduced, Evie said, "Castor, I need you to do something for me."
Castor turned to her, a huge grin on his face as he rubbed the ears of one of the dogs while another head licked the side of his face. The third whined, clearly unhappy that he couldn't get to Castor.
Evie shuddered and prayed they wouldn't lick him to death. "I need you to take Cerberus into the tunnel. Just a little bit away from here so I don't disturb him."
Castor nodded and obeyed without question, taking the dog away from the entrance to Hades. Castor had a way with animals and it seemed he was just as good with the three-headed monster. Evie had to admit the creature had wormed its way into her own affections too.
Now Evie stood at the center of the cavern, waiting for Marcellus. The air was cool on her face, as if it knew she was overheated with thoughts of anger and revenge. But it was unable to douse the fire and rage inside her.
She stood stock still, ha
nd at her weapons, staring into the dark maw of the tunnel leading to Cerberus, waiting for the treacherous creep to arrive. She had come prepared, strapped with her scimitar and her daggers. And she had even brought her short-sword, carrying it at her waist just in case.
Hatred built within Evie, overflowing as her mind focused on the burning fact that Marcellus was responsible for the death of her beloved father and mentor. Her heart thudded against her ribs as fury sent blood rushing through her veins.
Faint sounds travelled to her through the warren of the passages. Booted feet splashed into small streams of water, rushing toward her. Somebody was making their way down the tunnels toward her. Someone who had brought company.
If it was Marcellus she was more than ready for him.
At last, the darkness blended together into the diminutive shape of Marcellus as he walked toward Evie, so confident, so arrogant. His contingent of guards followed, gathering behind him, ready to fight his battles for him.
Coward.
"Ah, Evangeline. I didn't expect to find you so easily." He looked around, made a face of distaste before his eyes alighted on her again. "Nice place you found to hide out in."
"Thought you would appreciate a welcome party." Evie strengthened her stance, clenching thigh and arm muscles in anticipation of kicking his sorry ass.
His face darkened with anger, his eyes narrowing on Evie's face. "You know what I'm here for, Evangeline. Now, hand over my Seals." Marcellus had the gall to open his palm and waggle his fingers at Evie.
She was barely able to keep herself from laughing at him. Instead, she shook her head and answered him coldly. "Even if I do, they won't do you much good." The Seals were still tightly set into the stone table and would remain right there until her twenty-eight days were over.
Not something she planned on telling Marcellus though.
"Why is that?" Marcellus moved slowly, his boots rasping on the stone floor as he circled Evie. She kept her eyes on him as he went. A vein throbbed at his temple. "What have you done with my Seals?"