Page 106 of The Cursed Chalice

“What the hell is going on?”

When her eyes settle on me, I can feel my clothing deteriorate, and my old gold and red armor appears.

My cape unfurls at my back.

“It’s all true,” Soraya says, and she looks down at the chalice in her hand. She slams it down on the counter.

Hecate approaches Soraya like a hurt animal.

“Soraya, let us talk.”

Soraya shakes her head, and tears stream down her face. “No, Hecate. You were like my sister. I…I trusted you.”

Before Hecate could continue, I state, “Leave us now.”

Phobos and Deimos disappear. I hear Soraya’s breath hitch.

Hecate looks down at Soraya like she has so much to say.

“This is fate, Ares,” she says, then she disappears with her dogs.

SORAYA

“You want me dead to free Talia.” The words rip out of me before I can stop them. I bend my head in shame. “You were using me.”

I can see Ares’s shoes as he steps in front of me. His arms rise toward my shoulders. “Don’t do that, Ares. Don’t touch me.”

His hands drop to his side. “Soraya, please.”

“I need to know if any of this craziness is real. I have questions.” I try to steady my voice. The small twinkle of the cup gives me courage. “Do you want me dead?”

Ares’s voice sounds pained. “Never. I love you, Soraya.”

“Stop lying to me.” I close my eyes to center myself.

“Let me explain.” Ares begs. I can hear a hint of desperation in his voice.

I shake my head and lift my gaze to his. I need to see his eye as this news crashes over me.

“Explain what? No, does my blood buy back Talia’s soul?”

Ares closes his eyes, and exhales hard, his fists clench.

“We are trying to figure it out. They’re…” He slams his jaw shut.

A hollow laugh escapes me. A tear slides down my cheek. “You’re no better than Elias or my aunt and uncle. It’s crazy that I am worth more to you all dead than alive.”

Ares takes a step toward me, and I back up until I hit the doorframe. “Do you want me?”

“I want you.” His hands move toward me.

I study him. I can see the pleading, and I can also see him calculating. “You lied to me.” My breath hitches. “You wanted me to fall in love with you. You made me love you so that I would be malleable. Easy to manipulate.”

Ares’s nose flares. “You are anything but easy.”

“When were you planning to kill me, Ares? Next month? Next year?” I know each reply will feel like small cuts on my soul.

“Hecate is looking for a loophole. I don’t want you dead.” His voice somber, his fists clench at his side.