I nodded.
“Ghosts?” Hel asked.
I nodded again. We were being cautious with how much we said within these walls. Who knew what spies might be hidden within? He reached out and wrapped his arms around me. I automatically stiffened and started to pull away, but saw that Rhu had his arms wrapped around my brother as well. We were both here by choice, but this was a nightmare for both of us. I sank into my Bonded’s embrace. This was truly the only place in the world I felt completely safe. Even though, logically, I knew we were in greater danger than ever, his arms made me feel safe.
“I’ll be okay,” I said.
“I know you will,” Hel said, resting his chin on my head. Sometimes it bugged the hell out of me that he was so freakin’ tall, but other times it comforted me.
The moment was interrupted by a knock at the door. We all froze, then separated quickly, Hel heading into one of the bedrooms that appeared off the main suite. Master B opened the door to the sight of two eunuchs standing at the door, their heads bowed, their shaved heads gleaming in the lamplight.
“Honored guests, we are here to serve,” the one on the left said quietly in a voice so similar to one I loved. I would have recognized that voice any day, but I had to hide my jubilation.
“Please, come in,” Master B said, extending his hand and sweeping the two inside. “Thank you for responding so quickly. My friend is in here.”
Kyris’ gaze skipped over me quickly, only to dance back, a look of astonishment quickly suppressed. I smiled grimly at him and I saw first confusion, then recognition cross his features.
“This way, please,” I said. I saw his eyes flick to his companion, then back to me. He shook his head subtly and I nodded. He didn’t trust his companion.
We led him to the room where Hel lay, his “wound” oozing pus. If I hadn’t seen Sylvi create it myself I would have believed the injury real.
Kyris approached Hel, who still had his mask on. I sensed his shock through our Bond as he saw his father again for the first time in years. His eyes were suspiciously bright as his father approached the bed. We could only hope the other eunuch put the brightness down to pain from his injury.
“May I examine the wound?” Kyris asked quietly. The Illyrians held great reverence for the art of healing and personal autonomy. They always asked permission before extending their powers on another person.
“Of course,” Hel responded, pulling his shirt up to reveal the fake wound.
Kyris took in the faked injury and hummed slightly, his fingers dancing lightly over Hel’s skin, careful not to disturb the paste that Sylvi had used to create it.
“I am called Kyris, Honored Guests, and this is Nigelo. We are honored to serve in the House of Eros,” he said. “Nigelo, I believe I am going to need some additional supplies. You should find them in the infirmary. There is a pack of chamala root I need, and I will absolutely need some willow bark tea. I’m not sure if we have any remaining so I will need you to look through the containers until you find it. If we have none, you will need to go to the apothecary and purchase some.”
Nigelo nodded and turned, his glance raking over our group, his eyes halting and raking over Sylvi’s form. He paused and licked his lips as he perused her form until Kyris interrupted him.
“Now, please, Nigelo,” Kyris said. “Request one of the guards accompany you. Master Hestus would not be pleased if a guest were to perish under his roof.”
Nigelo snapped his eyes away from Sylvi and huffed before leaving to attend the errand.
When the door closed behind him Hel almost leaped out of the bed, but Kyris had his finger to his lips as he looked around. Taking the hint I created an Air shield that deadened any sounds outside the room. Sylvi and Rhuyin moved to the sitting area. Rhu had been practicing a trick that he and I had worked out, using Air to mimic voices so we wouldn’t raise any suspicions by creating a soundproof area. He wasn’t as good at it as I was, but it should allay any suspicion.
“Air shielded? Master Bacillus—” Kyris began, but his eyes caught on Helios’ silver ones.
“Goddess save me,” he whispered. “Helios?”
Hel nodded, his face a devastating mix of joy and sadness.
“Father…” Hel breathed.
Kyris didn’t wait for him to finish whatever he was going to say. The father and son embraced, and the emotion I felt through the bond was a jumble of joy, grief, regret and a stark sadness. It was overwhelming and made me feel a little like I was eavesdropping on their hearts. The two men finally separated, and we all pretended not to see the tears they each dashed from their eyes.
“Helios, my precious son,” he whispered, taking Hel’s face in his hands. “How in the name of the goddess did you end up here?”
“I’m a Soma. We’re here to rescue you,” Hel said. “You and Stergiou.”
Kyris’ eyes went wide.
“How—what—Goddess, this is insane,” he said, shaking his head. “Sit. None of that is real, is it?” he asked, gesturing to Hel’s wound.
Hel shook his head.
