Page 44 of The Cursed Chalice

Soraya places the tray on the table and smiles. “Yes, please; the lamb is sort of heavy to carry.”

Hecate raises an eyebrow at me. “You’re so helpful, Ares.”

Soraya disappears into the kitchen again.

As I go to the kitchen, I stop to whisper in Hecate’s ear. “You bring me such joy when you stop talking.”

Hecate pulls back and looks at me. “Ah-deh gha-mee-soo.”

I was about to tell her to go fuck herself back, but then I remembered there was a child at the table.

“Same to you, Hecate. Same to you.”

SORAYA

Nisa and Hecate had already set the table. I just needed to get all the food out. I wasn’t nervous until Ares volunteered to help me. That was unexpected. Hell, everything that has happened since I drank from the chalice has been unexpected. While I was cooking, I hurried to my room to use the bathroom. When I entered, I saw a stocked closet. Everything I touched and didn’t get at the mall was now in my room. At first, I thought I was crazy until I saw the music box on the bed. He was there, following us. I should feel upset about it. But I feel secure…safe.

I feel his presence before I see him. I lift the bowl of charred vegetables and pass it to him.

“I can carry more, trust me.”

Cat got my tongue. I almost shouted, “Well, carry me.” Instead, I passed him the rack of lamb.

“I will carry the potatoes.” I haven’t looked at him since he entered the kitchen. I should stop being a silly woman and just say thank you.

“Um, Ares?” I pick up the potatoes, holding them like a shield between us.

Ares turns and watches me with that intimidating blue stare.

I throw my shoulders back and shrug. “I want to say thank you for buying me all those things today.”

“It was a pleasure,” he says, then leaves. The way he said “pleasure”made me clear my throat.

I follow him out of the kitchen and into the dining room. Phobos reaches for the potatoes in my hand.

“Thank you.” I look at the table and wonder where I should sit. There are only three seats available. The one at the head of the table feels like a throne. I know that one’s not for me. The other is at the end of the table. Then there is the one right next to Ares on his left. I watch as he sits and smirks at Nisa. As if sensing my distress, he kicks out the chair closest to him.

I walk around the table and sit between Ares and Nisa, who hasn’t stopped smiling since we came back from shopping.

As the food begins to be passed around the table, I take pride in watching everyone dig into the food. All except Ares. He is sitting there with his knife and fork in his hand, just looking down at his plate.

“Is there something wrong with the meal?” I whisper to Ares.

Phobos leans forward to get a better look at his father.

He blinks like he was trying to come out of a trance. At first, I think he isn’t going to answer, but then his shoulders drop as he sighs. “The last person who made this for me…died some weeks later after making it.”

I didn’t know what to say. “I am so sorry; I didn’t know.”

He shakes his head. “It’s not your fault. It looks amazing.”

“Oh my god, Ares, you are so melodramatic,” Hecate groans out and shakes her head mockingly. “Eat the food and say thanks.”

“Thank you, Soraya. You honor me.” His scar twitches slightly.

I give him a smile. “It is I who am honored, and I will try my best not to die in the coming weeks.”

The table gets quiet again until Nisa thankfully interrupts. “Can you come shopping with us tomorrow, Mr. A?”