Page 78 of Bride of Death

It’s an interesting disparity, one I contemplate for a moment too long.

Or maybe it’s her eyes that render me silent.

So incredibly blue. So beautiful.

I used to think Persephone’s brown eyes were the most beautiful color in all the realms. Yet I find myself conflicted now. Because these new irises of hers are simply exquisite.

“I know you think I remember everything and I’m tricking you,” she goes on with a sigh. “Given what little I’ve learned about my soul, you’re justified in that feeling. I won’t fault you for it. But I need guidance, my… my lord. Alina seems to have naturally turned into an Omega. I have not. Can you tell me what I have to do?”

Her stammering over my title pulls me under her spell even more.

Persephone hasneverreferred to me asmy lord. Alwaysmy love. Or simply,Hades.

“Please?” she adds. “I understand you hate me… or my soul… or…” She clears her throat. “It doesn’t matter. But if all this is true, then I need someone to help me figure out how to activate my inner Omega. Can you see past the hatred enough to help me do that? So I can try to access the memories of what really happened?”

I… I’m so astounded by everything she’s saying that all I can do is blink before looking at Maliki. “What exactly has she been told?”

“That my soul is responsible for what happened to your realm,” she says before Maliki can reply. “And while I understand now why you haven’t wanted to talk to me at all over the last thirteen months, I would appreciate not being treatedas invisible. I would also really like an answer to my question, please.”

There are a thousand inquiries boiling in my head, starting withWho made you think I hate you?But rather than voice them, I focus on the need my mate just mentioned. “Which question?” I ask her, unsure of what she’s referring to.

“Why do you want to marry me? My soul is responsible for a sin I can barely even understand. Your hatred is justified. But I don’t understand the point of the nuptials. Is it to inspire my Omega to come out?”

I search her features, the sincerity doing something to me.

Is it possible…?

No. No, it can’t be possible. She’s playing me.

But then why ask me such innocent questions?

And she keeps telling me I hate her. I… I do. But I love her as well. As my wife, she should understand that.

She blows out a breath when I don’t reply, her gaze finally leaving mine. “Never mind. I’ll do whatever you want, my lord. Just… I only ask that you guide me. Please. I want to remember… to… to help.”

Maliki wraps his arm around her, the move startling me. “It’s not your responsibility, Sera.”

“Maybe not,” she replies, giving him her gaze—something that makes me narrow my own. “But if I can access the memories like you all seem to think I can, then it’s worth taking on that responsibility, don’t you agree?”

“Actually, no, I don’t. I prefer delivering justice to those who deserve it, not to innocent parties. I’ve also never been into the martyr role. Executioner, assassin, enforcer, all fine. Martyr? No, thank you.”

She just shakes her head, though I catch the hint of a smile on her lips.

Because of Maliki.

My gaze narrows even more.

I told him to convince her to marry me, and it seems he’s done too good a job. Not only does she seem ready to do whatever I ask, but she also appears to be falling for my best friend.

Hmm.

This game no longer makes any sense.

I thought Persephone might try to use me again, perhaps to free her mother from Pandora’s Box. Maliki can’t help with that. Morpheus could, though. Yet her adoring focus is on Maliki.

So what’s your goal, darling mate?I wonder.What will you use Maliki for? His protection?

That’s almost laughable.