Revelation (Redemption of the Underworld)

by S. A. Gibbs

  “It’s all right, Amberleigh. It’s only the mark which denotes your legitimacy to the throne. It won’t hurt you.”

  Throne? I must be going crazy. But the mark on my arm was something I couldn’t explain.

  “Pull up your sleeve.”

  Mitch and Ryle sat in dining chairs opposite us. I hitched up my sleeve. The line from the black circle had swirled into a pattern along my forearm. I gasped. “It’s spread even more.”

  “Take off your jumper and let me have a look.”

  Never shy about my body and panicked that something could be really wrong, I did as Lucas asked and gasped again. The black mark had traveled from my wrist to my inner elbow. Other lines had sprouted from the original pattern, swirling out and encompassing my whole forearm. I could have mistaken it for a tribal tattoo if I didn’t know any better.

  Lucas let go of my arm. “It’s stopped for now.”

  “For now?”

  “Yes, it will spread until it covers your body or...”

  “Or what?” What else was there he wasn’t telling me?

  “Or until you claim the throne.”

  “Really?” It had to be bullshit.

  He nodded.

  “And what if I choose not to claim the throne?”

  He sighed. “Then you’ll be stuck with the mark.”

  “So you’re saying I’ll be marked for the rest of my life?”

  “Yes. Unless you are successful in taking the throne from your sister. Then will it vanish.”

  “Sister?”

  “Half sister, in fact.”

  My eyes widened, and I glared at Ryle. “Is it true?”

  He nodded. “Amberleigh, what you have to understand is there are other places in this world that people don’t know about. Humans think stories about the gods are myths, tales made up by the ancient Greeks to make their history seem more interesting. But they’re all real.”

  I pointed my finger at them. “So you’re gods?”

  He chuckled. “Far from it. We’re immortals created by Hades.”

  “The devil.”

  “No.” Mitch shuffled his chair closer. “Hades isn’t the devil. He’s the original ruler of the underworld. When he and his brothers overthrew the Titans and the giants, they drew lots to decide which part of the world each would rule. Zeus chose the sky. Poseidon, the seas, and Hades was left with the underworld. It’s not a terrible place. It’s where a soul rests in the afterlife, but to what part of the underworld they are relegated, really depends on the kind of person they’ve been.”

  I flopped back against a cushion. It was too much to take in. Lucas patted my leg. “Take as long as you need, Amberleigh. When you’re ready, we’ll start from the beginning.”

  I’M SURE MY MOUTH HUNG open while they explained the past. Once they’d finished, I sat up straight. “Let me see if I have this right. Hades ruled the underworld. He made you three immortal. His daughter Esme, my half sister, has ascended to the throne. She stuck to the rules and you three didn’t like it, so you fought. She banished you, and you ended up here.”

  They nodded.

  “The dead can’t cross the river, and now you want to overthrow the queen. So you begged Hades for an heir. Me.

  “He abandoned my mother. She died, and I was shipped off to an orphanage. When I ran away, Jed took me under his wing. He treated me better than my own father. Oh, and I forgot to mention—you three drank my blood. And now I find out you’ve been stalking me my whole life—”

  “Correction.” Lucas held up a finger. “We were only given one drop of your blood, and we’re your protectors. Your flippant description of the facts makes it, well, makes it sound creepy.”

  “That’s because it is creepy.” I flopped back in the chair. How could they not see it from my side? Ryle and Mitch must have just understood because they shifted uncomfortably in their chairs.

  “Amberleigh.” Lucas stared at me, his eyes almost begging. “Am I sensing it’s a no at the moment?”

  He was unbelievable.

  Mitch rose from his chair. “Don’t make a hasty decision, Amberleigh. You have a year to take the throne.”

  “Are you telling me I’m stuck with you all for a year?”

  He didn’t reply.

  “Well?”

  He crouched in front of me and placed his hands on my knees. His touch sent a ripple of warmth up my legs. My breath quickened. “If you choose to become queen or not, we can’t leave you. Esme will send her thugs, even if you don’t challenge her.”

  “What! Why?”

  “One day you may have a child.”

  Reality hit me.

  Any children I bore would be heirs to the throne.

  Chapter 9

  Ryle

  In the early morning hours, Lucas and Mitch left Amberleigh’s apartment. She needed time to think. I understood that. We’d just dumped a heap of craziness on her.

  Maybe she’d asked me to stay because we already had a connection. Or it could’ve been because Lucas sometimes acted a little strange. But it really didn’t matter. She could no longer be alone.

  The mark would also be inching along Esme’s skin, alerting her to a challenger’s presence, and as ruler of the underworld, we knew she had the power to find Amberleigh.

  Sitting at the breakfast bar, I watched Amberleigh tidy the kitchen. I don’t think she’d eaten, and she probably wouldn’t now. “You should go to bed. Get some rest.” She turned on the faucet and added a dribble of detergent to the water.

  “I can’t. My mind’s racing.”

  “Do you want some help?” I could do a dish or two. I wasn’t beyond domestic duties.

  She swished the water in the sink, making the soap bubble.

  “You could decant the sauce from last night’s pasta if you want.” Opening the corner cupboard, she took out a plastic container.

  I slipped off the stool, took it from her and set to work. After stowing the sauce in the refrigerator, I snatched up a towel and began drying the dishes. There was a comfortable silence between us as we worked. The pattern on her arm was actually quite lovely. The straight line crossed the circle at the inside of her wrist, then branched off. She continually glanced at it but remained silent. While scrubbing the sauce-covered pot, she yawned and her eyes watered. I glanced at my watch. It was a little after three. “Amberleigh, you really need to get some sleep.”

  Her shoulders tensed, and her auburn locks bounced as she shook her head. “I... I can’t.”

  I dumped the plate and cloth on the counter. Gently gripping her arms, I turned her to face me. “You’re fine. Nothing’s going to happen to you. I’m here.”

  She dropped her shoulders as the tension in her body eased.

  “I’ll watch you until you fall asleep.” I smirked. “But it totally won’t be in a creepy way at all.”

  The glimmer of a smile danced on her lips. “I’d like that.”

  Taking her by the hand, I led her from the kitchen, and she flicked off the lights behind us. A “wumph” came from the couch. I almost chuckled. I peered over the back; Rumple was asleep, his feet flicking as if he were running. “I might take him out while you get ready for bed.”

  “Will you be long?”

  “I’ll be no more than a couple of minutes. Don’t worry; I’ll keep an eye on you.”

  Her shoulders relaxed. Good. Besides, I’d be able to smell a demon before one could get close enough to the house to be a problem.

  “The keys and his lead are on the coat stand near the door.”

  We walked up the hall, and she went into her bedroom. I grabbed Rumple’s lead off the stand, and the small piece of chain hooked to the leather jingled as I picked it up. Within seconds, Rumple was nudging my leg. I smiled. It was funny how that one sound could bring a hound running.

  We weren’t gone long. Just enough time for Rumple to rummage around the front yard and do his business. The chill in the air nipped at my cheeks, and we were both eager to head back ins
ide.

  Amberleigh was already in bed when I entered her dimly lit room. Taking off my coat, I then hooked it over the corner of the door. She watched me through half-closed eyes.

  “The bathroom’s in there.” She waved toward the door on the far wall. I gave a quick nod and walked over.

  Switching on the light, I shut the door behind me.

  I’d never imagined I’d be sleeping in a chair during our first night together. But it was for the best. Her needs would always come before mine.

  Looking in the mirror, I raked my hands through my hair and then stopped. Was I preening? Idiot. Squeezing some of her toothpaste on my finger, I cleaned my teeth as best as I could.

  The bathroom door creaked when I opened it, and I froze, afraid I might wake her.

  “Are you going to stand there all night?” Her voice was groggy. Good. She was still relaxed.

  “I’ll grab a chair from the lounge room.”

  “Don’t be silly.” She yawned and patted the bed next to her. “You can’t sleep on one of those.” Amberleigh forgot momentarily about the fold-out couch, but even if it had crossed her mind, she wanted Ryle close. Not in the next room.

  I hadn’t been looking forward to it, but I’d slept in worse positions.

  Sitting on the empty side of the bed, I unlaced my shoes and kicked them off. Her mattress was firm yet comfortable, and after fluffing the pillow, I lay down. Locking my fingers together, I rested my hands on my stomach. She made no move to turn off the lamp, so I closed my eyes. Lying only inches away from her, the light citrus scent of her perfume tickled my nose, and I breathed deeply, my canine senses detecting the warm scent of her body beneath the fruity perfume. Blood rushed to my loins and I wanted to groan.

  Her breathing slowed, and the gentle ripple of each breath washed over my arm, making the hairs stand on end. I released a heavy sigh and thanked Hades that she was finally asleep. My pulse pounded. The aching throb of the hound’s blood within me drove my primordial urges. It roared hotter than any human’s. Ignoring it, I turned over. I wouldn’t sleep tonight. I was grateful Amberleigh had let us into her life, and just to be with her was enough for now.

  Chapter 10

  Amberleigh

  I woke to find Ryle gone from my bed. The tinge of disappointment surprised me. Had he already left?

  The clatter of crockery echoed from the kitchen. I smiled. Maybe he was cooking me breakfast. It seemed funny. I hardly knew him, but I felt safe with him around.

  Reaching over, I ran my hand over the cool coverlet. He’d been up for a while. The black pattern on my arm no longer shocked me. It could have passed for a tribal tattoo. It was strange. In fact, I found it quite sexy. Or maybe it was because I’d just woken up.

  I hadn’t shared my bed with a man since Dan split. And even though there’d been nothing intimate between Ryle and I, the memory of lazy Sundays in bed made me wish there was. Maybe I was just relaxed, warm, and horny.

  Thrusting back the covers, I left my bed and my thoughts of lazy Sundays canoodling in bed behind and headed for the shower.

  While drying myself, I smelled the delicious scent of bacon as it wafted into my room, and I quickly pulled on my jeans and a long-sleeved top before heading for the kitchen. Ryle stood at the counter buttering toast. He glanced up as I approached.

  “Good morning.” I flashed him a smile. “It smells great.”

  He grinned. “I found the coffee beans. Do you want a cup?”

  I nodded and slipped onto a barstool. Rumple sat in the kitchen, watching the cook. “Should I take Rumple outside?”

  Ryle handed me the coffee. “He’s already been out.” Then grabbing both plates of toast, he returned to the stove. “One egg or two?”

  “Two, please. I’m extra hungry this morning.” My stomach grumbled. He dished up the bacon and eggs and then cracked another two eggs into the pan.

  I smiled. “You must be starving.”

  He whisked them around. “They’re for Rumple.”

  “Oh.” I hadn’t even thought about feeding him breakfast.

  Ryle scratched Rumple’s head. “Won’t be long, old man.” He brought over our plates. “Just another thing to add to our list.”

  What did he mean, our list?

  I eyed him as he whizzed back to the stove, stirred Rumple’s eggs and then took them off the heat. Returning with his coffee, he sat beside me. “Eat up or they’ll get cold.”

  I frowned. Was he already trying to take over my life? The eggs on top of my toast were perfect. Firm whites with glossy centers. I cut into one of the yolks, and it oozed out. I sliced off a piece of toast, making sure I had a good portion of the runny egg on top, and stuffed it in my mouth. God, it was good.

  “I’ll have to go home and change before we head to the shops.”

  I paused mid-munch. We? “What do you mean, we?”

  “We need to buy food for Rumple.”

  We. There it was again. The clatter of my knife and fork stopped him eating, and he looked at me. “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m quite capable of taking myself shopping,” I snapped. I wasn’t about to let a man I’d just met take over my life the way Dan had.

  “I’m sorry, Amberleigh. I thought you understood.”

  “Understood what?”

  He put his knife and fork down and faced me. “Esme could—”

  I held up my hand. It was too much. Esme, thugs, rival to the throne of the underworld. “I can’t do this, Ryle. You need to go.”

  He stared at me.

  I wasn’t going to give in like all the times I had with Dan. “Please, Ryle.” My arm began to burn, but I ignored the sensation.

  His shoulders drooped and he nodded. “I’m sorry, Amberleigh. I didn’t mean to upset you, but you have to realize...”

  “Please go, Ryle.” Sure, I was frightened, but I wasn’t a basket case.

  He stood and walked away. The latch clicked as he shut the apartment door behind him. Rubbing my arm, I moved to the window and peered through the lacy curtains. He walked out the gate and paused. After a quick glance up at my window, he walked away.

  My breath came out in a rush. Had I done the right thing? I wasn’t so sure. My arm ached. I pulled up my sleeve. A faint yellow bruise extended past my elbow. Shit! It was starting again.

  There was nothing I could do. Tugging down my sleeve, I went into the kitchen to feed Rumple his eggs.

  I HADN’T GONE SHOPPING. Heck, I couldn’t even afford a loaf of bread. If Rumple stayed another night, he’d have to eat the leftover spaghetti. I was hoping Jed would be back.

  At three o’clock, Rumple and I set out for a walk. The park was deserted, and so I let him off his lead for a run. He headed to the nearest tree, and after sniffing the grass, he peed and moved on. I dawdled along the sandy track, waiting for him to have his fill of each new scent. His head jerked to attention, and his ears pricked forward. I looked behind me. A large black dog disappeared into a bush not far away. I rushed over and clipped the lead onto Rumple’s collar. He yapped and wagged his tail. His body tensed with excitement as he waited for the other dog to reappear.

  I gently tugged his lead. “Come on. He might not be as friendly as you think.” I walked off, the lead stretched tight, but after another yap, he reluctantly followed.

  At the edge of the park, we crossed the road and cut through a narrow alley that would bring us out on to Way Street. At Jed’s corner, I turned down the alley. Rumple pulled, and the leash slipped from my hand. He raced over to Jed, nearly bowling him over, his tail whipping from side to side. I smiled.

  “Looks like you fared well, my friend.” Jed ruffled his black-and-white fluffy coat. “Thanks for taking care of him.”

  “He wasn’t a bother. Did you find Hilda?”

  He shook his head and frowned. “No. No one’s seen her.”

  I shoved my hands in my coat pockets. “Will you come and stay with me for a few days?”

  “No, lass. You know I can’t
do that. Someone might take all our stuff.”

  God, he was a stubborn old goat. Even if I begged, I knew he wouldn’t change his mind. He must have seen my brow furrow.

  “Stop worrying about me. You should be thinking about that job interview tomorrow.”

  I couldn’t help worrying. My stomach whirled with unease. Jed was the only family I had. I kissed him on the cheek and ruffled Rumple’s ears. “I’ll let you know how the interview goes.”

  He locked two fingers together. “I’ll be keeping them crossed for ya.” He flashed me a grin.

  “See you soon.” Reluctantly, I walked away.

  When I reached the park, my stomach still hadn’t settled. Someone had to know where Hilda was. She just couldn’t have vanished. I hurried along the path that would take me to the old bridge by the creek. Jed and I had lived there for years before I’d moved to a shelter, found a job, and saved enough money to get an apartment. It was a dry place to stop for the night, and someone might just have seen Hilda pass through.

  I hurried by the empty playground and buttoned my coat against the evening chill. The path sloped away from the grassy park lawns, leading down to the creek. The bushes rustled behind me, and I glanced over my shoulder. Surely that couldn’t be the same dog Rumple had wanted to play with earlier? I slowed my pace as the bridge appeared between the tree branches. The smell of smoke wafted on the breeze. Good, someone was there. The path curved away, following the line of the creek, and I stepped off it and headed toward the bridge.

  A hooded figure standing near the stone arch pillar of the bridge stoked the fire in a steel drum. Orange sparks shot into the air, disappearing quickly as their heat burned out. I walked closer, and I realized it was a man. The way he moved reminded me of old George, but that was impossible. He’d passed away almost three years ago.

  “Hello.” He ignored me, and so I walked closer. “I’m sorry to bother you, but do you know Hilda?”

  He looked up, and his hood fell back, revealing his grimy long hair. His blinded-white eyes locked on to me, and he chuckled through his rotten, leery grin. I stepped back. Two men emerged from the shadows behind him. Their looks almost mimicked his.