“I have your raven,” I replied.
“That’s right,” he explained. “My raven will enable you to come and go. All I ask is that you don’t bring anyone else with you—in or out of the underworld, without my permission.”
I nodded. It seemed like an easy enough promise to make, but I knew it mightn’t always be that way.
“Then come, let me take you home.”
I knew the next day was a weekend, so I wouldn’t have to contend with class, but I wanted to return before the time I’d naturally awaken.
We walked through the castle, but I stopped several times to look around. More than once I caught a hint of an aroma from the kitchen, or music from the castle’s upper floors. I knew I didn’t have time to explore it in more detail, but perhaps next time I would if I came back. I knew I intended to.
“Tell me something—I had a dog that passed on when I was nine. His name was Bailey. Is he here in the underworld? I would like to see him again.”
Hades nodded. “There’s another part of the realm for animals, but yes. You can visit him the next time you’re here.”
Even in my dream, I felt my eyes grow damp with tears. “I would love that. Thank you,” I said, squeezing his hand.
He paused to look in my eyes, and I lifted my chin as I leaned in to kiss him.
It wasn’t because of his promise to let me see Bailey; or at least, not just that. Hades had stolen my heart in such a short time, and as he drew me closer, I knew I didn’t want to lose touch with him. The thought of this world waiting for me when I fell asleep each night, and Hades with it, was pure magic.
I don’t know how long we were there, kissing in the entrance hall of his castle, but by the time we left, I had to hurry home.
No sooner was I back through the arch and into his house, I woke up in my own bed. The covers were tangled around me, and the sun was already shining through the curtains. It was still early. I thought about going back to sleep, but the events I’d experienced were still vivid in my mind, and I wanted to think about them and remember them. Hades had told me that I would soon forget them, so I climbed from bed in search of a blank notebook to write them down.
I lay there in bed and began to describe each detail in my diary. It was only when I carefully examined my hand that I noticed a slight shimmer on my skin. The mark was subtle, but it was there. An outline of a raven, which might have been so easy to overlook. My visit to the underworld might have been easily dismissed as a dream, but I knew it was more, and now I had proof. I didn’t intend to tell anyone else, and even if I had, I was sure they wouldn’t have believed me.
Chapter Eight
I thought about my dream all morning, and during breakfast with my parents and my sister, Deanna.
“How was your night out?” my mother asked, as she tucked into her breakfast cereal. “You must’ve got back late.”
“It was fun,” I said. “Ellie and I went to a masquerade party, and we ran into some other friends there.”
“Was Ryan there?” Deanna asked.
She knew him because his younger brother, Michael, was in her class at school.
I nodded. “Yeah, he was there with Adam.” I remembered his half-brother’s clown costume.
After breakfast, I decided to take a walk to get out of the house for a while. All that awaited me at home was work to do. There were still some signs of Halloween scattered around the neighbourhood. Plastic toys on people’s lawns, Jack-o'-lanterns, drink cans laying out beside fences, and a lone mask on the ground that someone might have worn to the masquerade. I couldn’t remember who it belonged to, but then so many people had been at the party, including spirits of the dead.
As morning turned into afternoon, I couldn’t remember much of anything about my dream, but I knew I’d written it down. The mark on my hand seemed to have disappeared, but every so often I would catch it in a beam of sunlight, and the faint shimmer would return. My thoughts felt the same way too, but something that had remained was my memory and interest in Hades. I still remembered the look in his eyes as we’d danced together, as though there was no place he’d rather be. I hadn’t known him that long, but I found the thought of him intoxicating.
I read back over my diary entry before I went to bed, and it was disconcerting, because I didn’t remember dreaming about the things I’d written down. They felt familiar, though, and summoned images like snapshots in my mind. I knew how the hillside had looked, with a view of that majestic castle, and yet I couldn’t remember being there. I wrote the words ‘Please read before you go to sleep’ on the cover of my diary, and tucked it away beneath my bed before I went to sleep that night.
As soon as my eyes closed and I began to drift off to sleep, I felt my consciousness coalescing in the dream world. I stood on the street outside my house, and the air shifted almost unnaturally with a heavy mist. I was still not entirely aware of myself and that it was a dream, but when I looked at my wrist, I saw the raven outline was glowing brightly. As soon as I touched it, my full awareness returned, and the raven on my hand moved. It burst forth from the shape on my hand, a miasma of black feathers and flame at first, before it took form as a large black raven that circled in the air above me.
“Take me to him,” I asked, and I knew without being told that the raven understood me.
He flew ahead of me, along the street. I thought at first that he was guiding me toward the house, and knew it was a long walk, but it didn’t take that long. The fog rolled in, and it seemed we were walking in a sea of mist. Within moments, the mist began to recede, and I found myself before the arch I’d seen the night before, only I wasn’t in the haunted house this time; I was still standing outside on the street, and the hour was late.
“Thank you,” I whispered to the raven.
His response was silent, but I knew he understood. He glided into the archway, disappearing behind another wall of fog, and I followed him in, holding my breath until I reached the clearer air on the other side. Once again I stood on that hillside, only this time it was early morning. The sunshine felt warm on my face, and the breeze was refreshing.
I’d once feared death, but some of that fear had fled since I’d met Hades. I didn’t feel sadness in his realm, just calm, and I felt him, wherever I went.
I walked to his castle the long way this time, and when I reached the castle gates, he was standing outside with a familiar figure. I knew as soon as I saw the massive German Shepherd that it was Bailey. I rushed forward to kiss Hades and then embrace my dog, who I’d missed since the day he’d gone away.
I knew as I patted Bailey and gazed up at Hades that I wanted to visit them both here, time and time again, and I would.
Many decades passed before I took my place at Hades’ side as his Queen and Goddess of the Underworld, but I’d loved him for so much longer than that. Ever since that Halloween when we’d first met, there hadn’t been a place for any other man in my heart. If I could change one thing, it would be the myths about him, because Hades is the kindest and most loving man I know. Each Halloween we return to the mortal world and dance together as we once did, and every year we return more in love than before. This is the story of Hades I want known, and it is why he will always be my love, my King and my raven.
Find Mara Amberly Online
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Recent Books by Mara Amberly
The Valteran Ascension (A Paradox of Time Book 1)
The Ghost Moon Enigma (A Paradox of Time Book 2)
A Key to Worlds (A Parallel Worlds Novel)
About the Author
Mara Amberly is an author of epic and urban fantasy, time travel and military science fiction, and roleplaying game content. Sh
e's a trained journalist, editor and web developer, and she has experience working in the computer game industry in a support capacity.
She works as an author and graphic designer, and lives in Ireland with her husband.
Tricks, Treats, and Trials by Fire by Sapphire Winters
Genre: PNR
Copyright Sapphire Winters 2020
Blurb
It's All Hallows' Eve, and Andrea Ralowski is ready to get over her ex and live it up and let it go down at her town's masquerade ball.
But the sleepy little town of Briarwood Hollow just outside Salem is hiding more behind its masks than Andrea knows. Turns out the werewolf she got her howls on with is literally a werewolf and now alpha Rex Rivers wants to make her one too as his fated mate. But it's her choice. After all, he says, someone like her could become too powerful once bitten...
As cryptic as that is, it prompts her to dive into her past, sure her life couldn't get weirder than a predestined wolf man mate... but it does. She learns that she doesn't just have a little magic in her past, but a lot. The kind that got her ancestors burned and could make things around Briarwood a little hot for her too.
But resisting all Rex offers might prove more trick than treat as Andrea must decide who she is and what she could be if she dares...
Chapter One
The last place I want to be is at a masquerade, but as executive assistant for the mayor – a fancy way of saying I’m his secretary – I don’t really have a choice.
Mayor Goodwin is hosting a gala on raising more for the Environmental Defense, a nonprofit organization in our small town of White Willow, who plans to use that money to help clean up the lakeshore. It’s post-tourist season, and as much as the economy flourishes because of the tourists, they leave such a huge mess on the shoreline that it’s almost not worth having them come at all. At least, in my opinion. The mayor doesn’t care. He just wants the money the tourists spend here and he’ll worry about the clean up later.
The gala is at the only luxury hotel in this place, built right on the lake so guests have access to a private part of the lake. It’s five floor and recently remodeled so it looks sleek and modern. I frown, taking it in, as I adjust the ridiculous mask on my face. I miss the red-orange color, the powder-blue trim. It opened in the seventies, after all.
“You okay, miss?”
I blink. One of the valets is addressing me. He’s attired in a black and white suit, his dark hair combed to the side. He can’t be more than twenty, twenty-two. He’s looking at me with such concern that it makes me uncomfortable.
I clear my throat. “I’m here for the gala,” I say.
I’m still unsure if I have to check in or not. My boss didn’t tell me anything except he expected me to be here, all dolled up.
“It’s in the Costa ballroom, just down the main hall,” he says. “You can’t miss it.”
I thank him and step inside. Thanks to the air conditioning, it’s drastically cooler in here than it is outside. White Willow is notoriously humid during the summer, even when fall starts to creep in. I can feel my underarms perspire, and I was in a sleeveless dress. The fact that I’m sweating for no reason isn’t something I’m terribly fond of.
I head to the Costa ballroom. It’s a large room, about three times the size of a regular conference room.
I check in at the table, forcing a smile as Betsy Harmon flickers her brown eyes over my dress, her lips curling into a frown. It’s clear she doesn’t think my dress is appropriate enough for a place like this. What Betsy needs to realize is she has big city dreams but still lives in a small town, and the judgmental look on her face is just asking for a fight.
“Cute dress,” she says as I pin my nametag to my left breast.
I flip her off without looking back.
I’m not in the mood to deal with – or anyone else’s, for that matter – shit. I don’t even want to be here. There’s something strange about everyone here.
I step into the room and I’m immediately offered a cocktail, which I take. I’m not much of a drinker but whatever. I’m at a party I don’t want to be at and though I recognize the people here, there’s something strange about the atmosphere but I can’t quite put my finger on what that is.
“Didn’t think you’d show up here,” a gruff voice says from behind me.
I nearly choke on good alcohol. I frown. Anyone who makes me want to spit is usually not a good guy in my book.
I peel my eyes away from the people, all donning masks. Some line up at the buffet while others are seated at the assigned tables, leaning over them and gossiping like they’re in the quad back in high school.
Sure enough, Rex Hammond is beside me, bottle of draft beer in his hand, his golden eyes taking in the room just like me.
“Didn’t think this was your scene,” he says. There’s something about him that gives him away. I would have recognized him if he was wearing a ski mask. He’s big, powerful, filling out his tuxedo in a way that definitely should be illegal. My pelvis pulsates just looking at him. I’ve never seen him cleaned up like this before.
“And what’s that supposed to mean?” I ask, my voice flat. I shift my weight, returning my gaze to the people. “I know it’s the full moon and everything, but doesn’t it seem strange to you how everyone is so… I don’t know… graceful?”
“So because people aren’t tripping over air like some people, they’re weird?” he asks, arching that damn eyebrow I should have shaven off.
“You’re an asshole,” I mutter.
An old lady arches her eyebrow at me at my use of language before sipping on a flute of champagne. I consider shaving her eyebrow off as well but don’t.
“And you have a mouth on you, I see.”
I shoot him a glare. “The last thing you are allowed to talk about, Rex, is my mouth, okay?”
He took a step closer to me, invading my personal space. Not that he cared.
“I remember telling you not to boss me around,” he says, reaching for my neck so his thumb can tilt my chin back and I’m forced to look up at him. Because he wants me to see just how tall he is compared to me.
“Then stop acting so juvenile,” I tell him. He doesn’t intimidate me, and I know that’s not what he’s going for, but still. I don’t want him to boss me around.
Before I can comprehend what he’s about to do, he ducks his head and captures my lips with his. What the hell he’s doing, I have no idea. He’s a cop, he shouldn’t be publicly kissing me at some fancy gala, but he doesn’t seem to care.
And, if I’m being honest, neither do I.
Chapter Two
When we break apart, my first instinct is to slap him, so I do.
At least, I try to.
He intervenes, but catching my wrist. I pull against him. He refuses to release me. I frown. He snarls.
Suddenly, his mouth is on mine again and I’m not pushing him off of me, even though every instinct inside of me tells me I should. His tongue slides between my lips, causing heat to spark in my pelvis. I don’t want to remember what it feels like kissing Rex again, what it does to my body.
As he deepens the kiss, his hands trace the curves of my body, outlining my breasts, my waist, until his hand rests on my hips. My stomach gets light, my heart skips a beat. I pull back, suddenly needing to breathe. My head spins. If Rex wasn’t holding me, I’d be in a pile on the floor.
“We should go somewhere more private,” Rex says. I have no idea how his breathing isn’t ragged like mine, but it’s not. “Finish the conversation.”
I blink, and suddenly, I’m reminded that Rex and I aren’t alone. We’re at some charity function the more put on. I had been making out to an audience.
Jesus.
My cheeks pinch. Hopefully, my mask is still doing its job and masking my identity. Then again, this is a small town and everyone knows everyone and it’s not like I went out of my way to hide myself.
“S-sure,” I manage to force out.
He nods
once, takes my hand, and leads me out of the gala. We head to the elevators. It’s only when we’re tucked safely inside do I shoot him a look.
“Where are we going?” I ask.
“I got a room.”
I wrinkle my nose. “Were you expecting this?” I ask. “To have sex with me?”
I give his shoulder a push.
He grins, baring his entire set of straight teeth. It looks predatory and makes my pelvis burn with desire.
“I wouldn’t say I was expecting it.” His gold eyes turn a shade darker. “You are, after all, a hard one to read. I’m never sure what I’m going to get with you.”
“I’m not sure if that’s a compliment.”
He shrugs. “Take it as you will.”
The elevator pings and the doors slide open. Rex latches onto me again, all but dragging me to his room. He takes out the key and dangles it in the slot. The light flutters to green and the door pops open.
The second we’re inside, Rex pulls me to him and crashes his mouth to mine. I should push him away but I don’t, I can’t. I want his hands on my body and these clothes are making it too hard for him to touch me the way I want him too.
“You… are… such… a dick,” I get out through the kisses as I unbutton his shirt. “You think… I’m just going… to fall… in bed with you.”
“Well, aren’t you?” he asks.
I break away from him, realizing he’s right. His shirt is undone and my eyes gone over that toned body, my mouth watering at the sight. I’ve missed him. Badly.
“Tell me to stop,” he commands in a low voice. “Tell me to stop and I will.”
A Cursed All Hallows' Eve Page 60