Page 109 of Bride of Death

Serapina studies me. “By accessing her memories.”

I shrug. “Perhaps. Another option is to make Demeter talk. But regardless of the method, I need you to believe that your soul isn’t evil. Because even if Persephone helped her mother, I don’t think her intention was ever to harm the Omegas. I think she wanted to save them.”

“From the Alphas who were enslaving them,” she says.

I dip my chin. “Yes. And maybe something went wrong. Or perhaps Demeter tricked her into that fate. Irrespective of that, I know without a doubt that Persephone’s soul isn’t evil. And on top of that, I know thatyouare not evil. Nor do you deserve to pay for the sins of another person’s choices.”

She swallows, her gaze glittering with unshed tears. “Then why has fate forced us together?”

“Because fate knew you could handle whatever is coming,” I reply without missing a beat. “You’re strong, Serapina. You’re brave, too. And you have compassion.” These are all traits I’ve identified throughout the months of observing her but have positively confirmed just in the few times we’ve met.

Serapina is an amazing female.

And she’s going to be an incredible Omega.

Leaning in, I brush a kiss against her forehead. “I think that’s enough for today,” I whisper. “Besides, I hear you have a date with Hades later.”

She shudders as I pull back. “Yeah. He left me a dress.”

“Is it sexy?” I ask.

Her brow furrows. “Excuse me?”

“Is it a sexy dress?” I repeat.

“I… I guess.”

I smile. “Good.” I lean toward her again and tap her on the nose. “Make him beg, Omega. Because the God of Death deserves to fucking crawl.”

With that, I stand and leave her gawking up at me as I walk back to the bag I left on the patio floor.

“Pip?” I call again.

The little soul zips right over and stands at attention.

“Can you please put this next to her plant?”

He gives me a mock salute and takes the handles gingerly in his hand—which he covers with the cloth like I showed him—and disappears into Serapina’s new quarters.

Casting my intended one final look, I say, “If you ever want to talk to me, just dream of me. I’ll be there for you in a breath, sweetheart. Always.”

Chapter 28

Sera

I stareat myself in the full-length mirror of my closet.

About an hour ago, I received a note telling me that Hades would be here in sixty minutes to escort me to dinner. I don’t know who wrote it, just that it appeared shortly after Morpheus left. I saw it on the table next to my pot and the gift bag Pip brought in for me.

After setting up the plant light, I went to shower and prepare myself for dinner.

And now I’m wondering if Morpheus’s idea to make Hades beg is a good or a bad idea.

Because this dress is… revealing. I don’t think I’ve ever worn something so risqué. The gown is backless, and the V-neck exposes a lot more of my breasts than I’m used to.

And the slit up my left leg… yeah, that’s going to be dangerous for sitting.

Plus the shoes—which I’m holding in my hand—are probably going to make me fall.