Page 63 of The Games Gods Play
I’m seriously considering hurling my axe at his face. “I can’t just cower in here and hope I make it through the next Labor without being eaten alive.”
He slashes a hand through the air. “Don’t be stubborn about this, Lyra.”
Stubborn? That’s what he thinks this is?
Being dumped with the Order so young and carrying the curse I do, I had to grow up in a godsdamned hurry. I take care of myself, and always have, because no one else was going to. Even trying to throw a rock at Zeus’ temple had purpose.
I cross my arms, glaring daggers at him. Instead of my axe, I hurl words. “Now that I’ve been through today, I know for a fact I won’t survive all these Labors without at least one ally. I don’t have time to sit around and wait on you to get back from… Where are you going? You didn’t answer that yet.”
The muscle in his jaw is clenching and unclenching now. “I have an Underworld to run.”
“Delegate,” I snap. “This is important.”
“And souls like Isabel’s aren’t?”
I take a step back, hurt tumbling into my anger in a toxic mashup. “You know that’s not what I meant.”
Blowing out a sharp breath, he spikes a hand through his hair, rumpling it in the sexiest way, and I resent the fuck out of the fact that I notice at all. “Can you put it off?” I ask.
“Not this.”
So much for being eternity to this god. I’m just another butterfly. Can’t he see that going through another Labor alone is a one-way ticket to the Underworld? Or is he such a loner that it’s not glaringly obvious to him? “I can’t, either.”
He eyes me sharply. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”
“Would you?”
“Fuck,” he mutters. “Fine.” Then he gets right in my face, his eyes glinting like sharpened knives. “You have that damned axe and one pearl in your hands at all times. I’ll try to be fast.”
This close, I can see lighter silver around his irises. “Fine.” I echo his terse tone.
He hesitates, gaze dropping to my lips. Is he checking that his mark is still there to keep me safe if I have to use one of the pearls? The heat that sneaks through me turns to ice in an instant as he suddenly steps back.
…And then he’s gone.
I stare at the empty space where he was just standing, not entirely believing my eyes.
He did it. He really left me.
Meanwhile, I now get to attempt the impossible with my lack of charm, my curse, and my tether to the god of death, whom no one wants to see become King of the Gods. Ever.
Why is this my life?
Knowing that I’m right, that the chance to find allies before tomorrow is too important to miss, I make myself push through the gate and out into the street.
My skin prickles in the cool breeze. Not the good kind. The kind that feels like eyes are following my every move.
32
The Strongest Power
I should have asked Hades where to start looking before he left.
I stare out over the peaks and valleys connected by the flowing rivers, with pristine buildings scattered among the lush landscaping, and try not to dwell on the fact I may not be here to enjoy the view ever again after tomorrow.
I sigh, pulling out a pearl and rolling it between my fingertips as I walk aimlessly.
Eventually I get to a crossroad and decide to turn right. Off the bat it becomes apparent Hades’ home is one in a row of fourteen all lined up on the same side of the street, with views out both the front and back. Ten guesses as to who claim the other homes.
