Page 121 of The Games Gods Play
A plea.
“I’m here.” His voice surrounds me in the smoke, like he’s everywhere. Like he’s touching me. But he’s not.
Fear urges me forward despite my body’s violent protests. Whimpers pour from my lips. Tears roll down my cheeks. And out of the smoke that billows away in the wake of the flames, I see Hades.
All of him.
Can’t he run to me?
Obviously not. His lean body is rigid as he remains firmly in place.
His eyes lock on mine.
I can’t hear his voice, but his mouth forms the words, “Come on, my star.”
Then his gaze jerks up, right above me, eyes widening slightly before shooting back to mine, and he gives the tiniest jerk of his head to the left.
I dodge that way without hesitation, just as the dragon’s mouth chomps down on empty air where I was a second ago. The monster jerks back with a frustrated roar.
And I know it’s coming again.
I’m not going to make it.
Hades’ gaze shoots above me once more, and I know this is my last chance.
I put on an extra burst of speed.
And Hades’ arms snap closed around me.
In an instant, the dragon and smoke and the overwhelming doses of fear, confusion, and pain all disappear. Lightheaded, I’m vaguely aware that we’re now standing in a field of lush, green grass with the most beautiful blue skies above. My arms wrap around Hades’ neck, and he holds me so that my feet dangle off the ground, his face buried in my hair.
He’s breathing hard, like he ran that race with me. “Fuck, Lyra. You scared the shit out of me.”
A laugh tumbles out of me, more from shock than anything. It cuts off, and I realize I’m shaking. “I thought you wouldn’t be here.” The words come out as a harsh whisper. “I was so scared.”
He runs a soothing hand over my hair. “They couldn’t keep me away.”
Eyes still closed, I breathe him in. Bitter chocolate. I might associate that smell with safety for the rest of my life after this. “I only have my Heart left to give you,” I tell him. I’m talking about the flag.
He makes a sound that might be a laugh or a groan. “I know,” he says. “That’s all I need.”
part 5
trust must be earned
Are we having fun yet?
Not asking for a friend. Asking for me.
61
The Gods Have Their Eyes On Me
I glance over Hades’ shoulder—straight into speculative blue eyes.
Zeus is watching us.
Beside him on the ground, Samuel sits very, very still, his face ashen, staring at the dirt like he saw a ghost and is trying to pretend he didn’t.
