“We all got possessed the night of our fraternity initiation. None of us expected it. We were led down to the cave and given a drink. After we drank, our bodies were infused with the demons. We found out later that our fathers had struck a deal with a devil in exchange for wealth and prosperity. The catch was that we needed to be used as a vessel to contain the demons until Salem could be brought to open the veil. They wanted to let out all the souls trapped in purgatory. The ones that were from the island originally.” My mouth vomits the story out as quickly as I can, knowing he holds my fate in his hands.
He clasps my on the shoulder, fingers digging into my muscle. “Thank you.” His eyes level with mine, I feel like he can see straight into my soul, and he probably can- I mean the guy isHades.“Well, goodnight. Don’t wander too far.”
He turns to head down the hallway. I wait a beat before turning back the way I came, giving up on the idea of finding a library. Hopefully Walker has finished fucking Salem so I can get some sleep.
CHAPTER19
Chapter Nineteen
SALEM
SONGS: THE UNFORGIVEN BY APCALYPTICA, I’M COMING FOR IT BY UNSECRET, SAM TINNESZ, GREYLEE
My whole body is sore upon waking. I wish there were clocks in this place, so I would know what time it is. Instead, all I have to indicate the change of time is the bustle of servants bringing us a decadent breakfast tray. I dip my finger in a plate of whipped cream and lick, letting the sugary goodness melt into my tongue.
“Gimmie some of that.” Walker grumbles. I chuckle grabbing a large glob of whipped cream onto my finger and smearing it onto his stubble.
“Oops. My bad.” I chuckle. Relishing this moment of semi-normalness. Although, having people flit about me seems anything but normal. Especially since I have the sheets wrapped around me like a toga. I dig into the pancakes, making a mess of the melted chocolate chips and syrup that saturate the plate. I sip at the latte that came with the tray, letting the caffeine infiltrate my veins. I need the boost since I didn’t get much sleep last night.
“Milady, would you like to return to your chambers to get ready for the day?” One of the servants asks, holding up a black silk robe. I finish my last sip of coffee and stand reluctantly.
“I guess I should get ready for the day.” I toss Walker a napkin and kiss him soundly on the lips before shrugging on the robe and tossing the sheets at him, hitting him square in the chest. He grabs them easily and smacks my tender ass with his hand as I turn around, making me let out a small shriek. The servants seemed unfazed by our interaction, letting us indulge in each other’s antics a little longer. I have the urge to usher everyone out and take him one more time, but I need to get on with the day.
I leave his room with a bounce in my step. While I was tossing and turning last night, I came up with a plan to free Pierce and get the hell out of this place. I’m not letting him rot down there another day if I can help it. I’ll play the part of the prodigal princess, then put my plan into motion. If everything goes well, we’ll be out of here and back home by tomorrow morning.
I pad back to my room, my bare feet slapping against the black marble floor. They’re surprisingly warm as I make my way back through the long corridor that leads to my chambers. The palace is bustling with people and demons cleaning every inch of the space. I have to careen around a few making sure not to bump into anyone as they watch me walk back dressed in my robe. They’re good at not making me feel judged, keeping their heads down or offering a curtsey as I pass by.
I slink into my room and take in the disheveled bed, feeling a twinge of anger and disgust as I remember what transpired the night before. Remembering how Pride manipulated me and took advantage of me. Fuck that bitch ass demon. Next time he decides to show his face around me, I’m punching him right in that monster cock of his. My mouth twists up into a smile imagining that satisfying moment.
I push the intrusive thoughts of the demon from my mind and begin searching my room for any hidden passages. My fingers grip around a mounted candle holder. It doesn’t budge. I try the next one and the next. Nothing.
I stand back, observing the room, hands on hips. I take in the four-poster bed, the murals, the candles.
If I were a hidden passage, where would I be?
Off to the side is a bathroom that I haven’t checked yet and a large walk-in closet beyond that. I walk through the bathroom, twisting knobs and pushing against the large mirror and the tiles that line the walls. I let out a frustrated sigh. I’m losing time, but still, I won’t be able to rest until I know for sure. I walk into the closet, moving a heavy opulent dress to the side so I can shimmy behind. My hands hit the wall, landing on the wainscoting lining the back. I run over the length, fingers pressing down as I go, dodging the imposing dresses that billow out in a mess of satin, lace, and tulle. Tucked away in the corner I feel a difference in texture, and as I press, the wall gives way beneath me, opening up into a dark tunnel.Bingo.I smirk to myself. I knew a place like this had to be riddled with secret passages.
This must be how he snuck in.
I stand gaping at the entrance, listening for any sounds that might filter through. A soft breeze grazes my cheeks, rustling the dresses placed in front, but I don’t hear anything. I swallow hard, contemplating going in, but if I do, I’ll be wasting more time. I could lose my way and not be back in time to spring Pierce from the dungeon, and I won’t risk that. I set my shoulders, and shut the door, satisfied in being right.
I hurry to pick out a garment that’s easy to move in, shrugging on my Doc Martins underneath. If I need to run from danger, I’m not getting caught in heels again. I take care with my appearance in the mirror. The bathroom is well stocked with all the products I might need. Hair curler, makeup. It makes me wonder why there aren’t more modern conveniences here, like a t.v. Not that I plan to be here long enough to use it, it just niggles at my brain like a puzzle piece that doesn’t fit properly.
Once I deem myself put together, I head out, noting the new guards that have been stationed outside my door. I think back to last night, knowing I didn’t see anyone on my way out. I wonder if it was a shift change or perhaps orchestrated by Pride. Maybe he paid them off, which leads me to wonder if he just walked through the front door of my room.
My head is practically spinning as I enter the grand hall. The décor from last night’s feast has been carted away, replaced with what I assume must be their normal decorations. Reserved for times they don’t have a celebration or airs to put on. It’s more muted and less in your face, which just a few candles and a plain table runner. My father sits at the head of the table sipping from a teacup. The sight of him looking so laid back and unbothered and at home, twists my stomach. I wonder what it would have been like to grow up with him, if he had chosen to stay or even take us down here. But I doubt Persephone would have been keen on having us in her space. And there’s no way my mother would have played nice with another woman in the picture.
“Ah. Salem, come and sit.” He beckons me over to the empty chair next to him. I oblige, picking up a grape along the way and popping it into my mouth. Sitting next to my father, I take this chance to study him. Finding the similarities in our faces, and in Skye’s that I hadn’t picked up on before. I hope she and the rest of the guys are doing alright up there. I miss my friends and the life we have at the house.
We sit together in a strained, awkward silence. A million questions bubble inside me, yet none slip out from behind my lips. He picks away at his breakfast, looking unbothered that his daughter sits beside him. I pick at the end of the tablecloth, running the fabric beneath my fingers. An unfamiliar desperation claws at my chest, wanting something other than this placid interaction. I wish to know him, despite all my mother’s warnings about ever going looking for him. I’d been kept in the dark my whole life and I deserved to know more than just his watered-down explanations. I pull my badass pants on and remind myself of who the fuck I am. I’m not going to let this dead-beat father fuck with my head any longer, making me feel insecure. Fuck him up the ass with glass shards for these daddy issues.
“So, are you going to elaborate any more on what you told me last night? How did you end up with my mom anyway?”
He glares at me, paused mid-bite with a forkful of eggs. I feel like he’s judging me, assessing me, and waiting for me to slip up so he can pounce. He has the air of a predator, one that makes me wary to place my trust in him. I know so little of him. Myth, legends, memories. I don’t know what the truth is. This man who looks so much like me, and carries the title of my father, is nothing more than a stranger to me.
“Is now really the time for this? I’ve barely woken up.”
“No, please. I’ve only waited years and don’t even know you but keep putting me off.”
