Page 88 of Bride of Death

I think he tries to shake his head. It’s hard to say.

“Your hair is white, by the way,” I muse. “I wonder if that’ll be permanent or if you’ll revive it?”

Now my cousin looks like he wants to kill me.

Can’t say I blame him. I often feel that way about him, too.

Though, his commentary aboutsharinghas me… conflicted.

I’ve never desired to share my Persephone. He knows this. He’s simply refused to accept it. He’s even gone as far as to blame me for her betrayal, saying that had she been surrounded by a mate-circle, it would never have happened.

I hate that I’ve wondered if he’s right.

Just as I hate that I’m considering the option of allying with him now.

“I don’t want to share her with you,” I murmur.

He rolls his eyes. “Shocking.” His voice still resembles a rasp, which has me sighing.

“When was the last time you sparred, Cousin? I fear you’ve gotten weak.”

An invisible force meets my jaw, sending me backward into the ground.

I grunt, not pleased at all when I hear the telltale sign of my jacket ripping.

I should have known better than to put it back on while waiting for my cousin to rejoin the living.

“Arse,” I mutter, sitting up again.

Only for that invisible fist to try to hit me again. I catch it this time with my hand and block the follow-up coming from my left.

It’s dream energy, making it impossible to see. However, I canfeelit.

“Enough,” I tell Morpheus. “I want to talk.”

“You’ve had months to talk to me,” he says, his voice completely normal now.

I glance at where he’s lying to find him no longer there. Instead, he’s standing a dozen feet away, completely dressed and appearing as pressed as ever.

My eyes narrow. “Did you create a mirage of yourself?”

His lips simply curl.

I scoff. I should have seen that coming. The moment his power regenerated, he no doubt crafted this entire scene and secretly pulled me into an illusion whereby I’ve been talking to a fake corpse. “How long were you listening?” I ask, resigned.

“Long enough,” he replies. “Serapina isn’t Persephone, Hades. That’s why she doesn’t know what a knot is. She doesn’t have any of her memories. But I know my word isn’t good enough for you, so I have a suggestion instead.”

I almost correct him on that last part regarding his word. I actually do trust him. I trust him a great deal. More than I care to admit.

So rather than comment on it, I say, “I’m listening.”

“Kiss her.” Two very simple words and yet they absolutely floor me.

“I beg your pardon?”

“You heard me—kiss her. I realize it’s been a while, but I’m sure you remember exactly what Persephone is like in the nest. So ask Serapina for a kiss and see if it’s anything like your soulmate’s.” He slides his hands into his slacks and shrugs. “An Omega can’t deny her Alpha’s growl. Either she’ll react the way you’re used to, or she won’t.”

I frown, not sure if I like this notion. “If she truly is a separate entity like you all claim, then wouldn’t that make her despise me more than she probably already does?” I really hate voicing that question aloud, but it’s worth a conversation.