The way her forehead crinkles tells me she hasn’t before she even replies with, “Er, no.” Because if she had, she would know what he meant by that. Instead, she’s glancing at the rock walls of the maze now like she’s trying to envision me wearing that sort of texture as armor.
Any other time, I might have smirked at the idea and teased my mate.
But we’re not in a place for that right now.
So instead, I return to her commentary on Persephone’s soul. “I don’t think you had a vision of amemory,” I tell Serapina. “I think Demeter reached out to you somehow and tried to manipulate you into altering the protective barrier surrounding this labyrinth.”
I go on to say that only Serapina and I have the ability to change the security parameters surrounding this maze, which Demeter must have figured out.
“That makes sense,” Morpheus says when I’m done. “I knew that as well.”
“I assume that’s why you initially went to her in her dreams?” I guess.
He smiles. “Initially, yes.”
I don’t remark on the taunt lingering in those two words and instead focus on Serapina once more. “I’ve already removed Demeter’s influence, but she will absolutely try again. I’m going to have a word with Ares to see if he’s noticed anything strange happening in Pandora’s Box. However, I suspect this is linked to whatever Demeter has done to you… and perhaps all of Omega kind.”
Serapina’s throat works as she tries to swallow. It’s clear this has all unnerved her.
“You’re going to talk to Ares?” Morpheus asks, sounding surprised. “You don’t want me to talk to my best friend?”
I look at him. “Normally, yes. But Serapina needs you right now. So I’ll be talking to Ares instead.”
I’m about to leave when Morpheus halts me by saying my name.
Sighing, I meet his gaze again and say, “Yes?”
“You’re a good Alpha, Hades, and while Serapina may not know it yet, she needs you, too. So hurry back.” Those last three words seem to be layered in warning.
We’re running out of time.
Because Serapina’s heat is imminent.
He can smell it, and I can smell it, too.
It’ll be maybe a handful of days now.
Likely less.
So I nod.
And disappear.
All while hearing my cousin’s words play through my head.“You’re a good Alpha, Hades.”
I’m not.
But I’m trying to be better.
For Serapina Everheart.
Chapter 30
Sera
Two Days Later
No more dreams.
