Page 99 of The Cursed Chalice

“I said no.”

Heat rushes up my neck, and I curl my fingers into my palm. The bite of my nails keeps me calm. I blink, trying to understand what he is saying. “Yousaid?”

“Is there an echo in the room?” He pulls another file and begins to read.

I can feel my temper simmering. My jaw clenches until I feel a dull ache. “I am getting an apartment this week, and I am out.”

“Try it.” He finally looks up.

“What possible reason could you have for wanting me here? No, I am leaving. My decision is final.” I have to get out now, before rage bubbles over.

“You said what you said? Soraya.”

I don’t bother to answer, and I leave. I need to find people that love me, that want me around. It’s not a pity thing; it’s just a fact.

“Soraya, I am talking to you.” I hurry my steps to the living room, and as I turn to head up the stairs, I feel my body jerk. Lightning flashes through the house, and I swear my heart skips a beat.

“I’m talking to you.” Ares holds my hand in a vice grip. My skin feels hot under his touch.

“Let me go, Ares.” I pull my hand away and turn, stepping into the living room. The large two-story windows show the dark, cloudy sky and the sliver of silver light through the clouds.

“What do you have to say? Make it quick.” I rub my arm where he held me.

“You think leaving me will keep you safe? You think I would fucking allow it?” His words sound final.

“That’s the thing. You don’t allow anything, Ares. You control, you command.” I begin to pace. “And I am left to wonder, am I his wife or prisoner? I can’t live like this. I won’t live like this.”

My voice shakes. All these emotions are bubbling up inside of me.

Ares stands still. “I have to keep you safe.” Thunder roars as if it’s on his side.

I roll my eyes. “Story of my life. Now that Elias is dead, do you want to stay married to me?” It comes out louder than I intended.

Ares drags his hand down his face. “You think I don’t want you as my wife? Soraya, I will burn the heavens down to ash before I let another person take you from me.”

I stay silent because if it were a different day, that line would have been so romantic. My hands twitch at my sides; they won’t stay still.

“It’s a yes or no question, Ares.” I needed a clear and concise yes or no for my peace of mind.

“Yes, I want to stay married. I keep my distance because people can use you against me. They will use you, and I will kill every last one of them. But you will hurt and bleed too.” His muffled pacing has caused a small crop circle in the dark green carpet.

“So your solution is that you will make me bleed here, alone in this house?” I watch as he stops pacing.

I chuckle. “Come on. My fingers grip the cold side of my mattress every night. You don’t come upstairs. You treat me like I’m a disease, like you can’t bear to be near me.”

He pins me with a stare. My breath stalls.Be strong, Soraya.

“You know nothing about what I bear, Soraya.” His fist curls at his side.

“No, I know nothing because you don’t share anything.” I walk up to him, watching his eyes. “Do you love me? At all?” My voice is thin because the question is small but loaded.

ARES

I swallow. Do I love her? “I will burn the world to ash if anyone touches you.”

“Mortal or god, they are dead.”

Frustration flows through my veins. I step into her personal space, watching her cute chin tremble, and a single tear runs down her cheek. “Love is power and destruction even the gods can’t escape. I don’t want to escape it. I love you, Soraya. Your very being completes me. You are my fucking wife.”