“No, the part where he’s using my magic?”
“When he was possessing you, he was able to siphon the magic out of you and he’s been using it for himself. One of his many tricks.”
Salem’s face turns bright red as she puts her hands up as if to reject what she’s hearing. “That motherfucking asshole. How can I get it back?”
Nyx nods her head in agreement like this isn’t the first time she’s witnessed this reaction. She goes over to Salem and puts her hands on her shoulders. “Let us help you. It’s unnatural for him to possess your powers. They belong to you, and I want to help you. We both do. In order to get your powers back, we’d need to get both you and him in the same space, and unfortunately, he’s heavily protected. Once you’re in the same vicinity, you should be able to call your powers back to you. We’ll have to wait for him to make a move against us or see if he comes back to the palace with Hades gone though, for that to happen.”
“And what of the box? The fates wanted me to retrieve it.”
“It should never be opened, unless you wish to unleash horrors long contained into the world. You hold both keys. The physical one, and your blood. The blood of a god and a witch. Both are needed to retrieve the box. Should either Persephone or Chaos capture you, they could use you to get what they desire and wield the box for themselves.”
“What’s in the box?” I ask.
Hecate’s gray eyes slice into me, chilling me to the bone with her stern look. “The worst things imaginable. Power that the world should never see again. We shouldn’t linger here much longer. Come.”
“You good?” I ask Salem, once we’ve started walking again.
“Yeah, just seething with rage. Imagining myself cutting off that fucker’s balls with a machete for stealing my magic. I want to make them pay for what they’ve put us through.”
I kick at a rock, watching it roll away.
“Salem, I know we’ve been going through a lot since we’ve met, but I just need to take this moment to tell you how fucking sorry I am for my part in it. I fucked up. I know I need to make it up to you and the guys, but I don’t know how.”
She grabs me by my forearm, spinning me into her and slaps me across the face. I clutch my cheek. I’m so surprised that I let out a laugh.
“Fucking hell. That hurt!” Tears prick at my eyes, but her eyes are full of mischief, a laugh pulling at her lips.
“You could start by not being such an ass all the time.”
“I guess I could try that.”
“I know it’ll be hard.”
“The only thing that’s hard, is not knowing where I stand with you.”
Shock coats her beautiful face. “Well, I haven’t changed my thoughts about you just yet. But you could work a little harder at earning my forgiveness.”
“I’ll do my best.” I promise. She smiles at me. Even with everything we’ve faced so far, she still finds a way to hold on to her joy, and her hope. It’s inspiring. I would have given up at the first sign of trouble if it hadn’t been for her pushing me. Watching her believe in herself and in us is a sight to behold. I can’t help but follow her on this journey, because to be apart from her? The thought alone causes me physical pain. I’ll make it up to her, and all of them for what I’ve done.
CHAPTER37
Chapter Thirty-Seven
SALEM
SONGS: BETWEEN TWO WORLDS BY TAL RICHARDS AND CLOSER BY NINE INCH NAILS
We make it to the town in a heap of achy limbs, but at least we’re all in one piece. The roads are bustling with people who seem to not have a care in the world. Demons mix in with the humans as they meander through the streets. They’re clad in clothes that range from all decades and fashion trends. The buildings are spaced far enough apart to allow for privacy, but close enough to feel a sense of community. Lush trees line the sides of the road and flowers of all types are in full bloom. It’s a hodgepodge of design traits that gives the place a touch of whimsy. I fucking love it.
Hecate and Nyx are swarmed the moment we enter the gates. Satan limps closely behind, still in pain. I pat his head, as a few people turn to stare at the beast.
“One at a time.” They scold playfully to the people who clearly know and love the two women.
“Go with that group over there in front of the ‘Welcome’ banner. We’ll check in with you once they show you to your accommodations.” Hecate says, while handing a jar full of herbs to a woman in 16thcentury clothing.
We obediently shuffle through the throng, making our way into the center of town where they’ve pointed us to. Several people crowd the space waiting patiently, looking about at the pandemonium that surrounds us. A red headed woman is clutching her child’s hand. They’re wearing matching dresses and have a dazed expression that evokes a kernel of empathy in me.At least they’re here together, I think.
There’s a peacefulness surrounding us that I haven’t experienced before. It’s almost enough to make me forget about why we’re here. But underneath that feeling, is a sense of dread that I can’t seem to shake.
