She changed that statue at least a dozen times before I squealed in excitement.
“That’s amazing,” I said, circling the griffon rearing back on its hind legs. Its head was tipped back and open in a silent cry, and in its clawed front foot, it held a torch. It looked fierce yet regal.
“Do you like it?” Zotera asked.
“I do. It’s truly beautiful.” It reminded me of Oanen, a griffon I’d often seen flying in Uttira. I’d always envied his freedom.
Zotera smiled, clearly pleased with herself.
“Father will go mad with jealousy. You are so clever, Mother.”
“Whoa. What? Why?”
“Father is jealous when you look upon any male other than himself.”
And griffons were always male. I wanted to groan.
“He really is beautiful,” I said, hating that I needed to ask her to change it again.
“And who is he?” Hades demanded, his voice echoing throughout the hall from the entry.
I spun toward him with an explanation ready.
“Mother’s new lover,” Zotera called back. She aimed a proud smile at me.
“What? No. I don’t have any lovers.”
My denial, if it was even heard over the low rumbling that shook the ground, fell on deaf ears.
“You are mine,” Hades said. One minute, he was halfway across the room; the next, his hand carefully closed around my throat. My pulse thundered under his gentle touch as he glared down into my panicked gaze.
“Who is he?” he repeated, his voice low and deadly.
Zotera danced around us, laughing and clapping her hands like the lunatic she was.
“I don’t know. I didn’t make him,” I said.
Hades leaned in, his eyes narrowing.
“That’s not what I asked.”
“I can tell you who he’s not. He’s not my lover. He’s just a creature flying free, something I envy.”
Rather than snarl or rage like I thought he would, Hades shifted his hold so his thumb stroked over my pulse.
“Tell me you are willing, and I will gladly free you, Goddess.”
Zotera’s laughing stopped , and I could feel her watching us.
“Did you find my uncle?” I asked, desperate to change the subject.
Hades’ lip curled in anger. Then his expression clouded with a hint of confusion.
“I did not yet find your soul. Creon is—” Hades shook his head. “He spent too much time in that room.”
Hades’ fingers trailed down my neck to my collarbone as he spoke. The touch heated my skin and made my pulse race faster.
“Not willing,” I whispered.
