We’re trapped. I swallow hard as large chunks of rocks rain down, barely missing us. “I’m going in.” I say, making a run for it. The guys try to grab me, but I manage to evade them. I didn’t come all this way for it to end like this. I dodge a bolder careening straight for me by twirling out of the way just in time. My hands clasp around the box, sweat dripping down my nose as I hold the coveted trinket in my hand.
As soon as my skin meets the gold, everything stops. Plumes of dust settle, and a small laugh escapes my mouth. “We did it.” I say in disbelief. Turning the box over in my hand I examine the intricately carved details along the smooth surface. “This is it?”
“What were you expecting?” Garrison asks helping Emmet to stand back up. His arm is bleeding from a long gash.
“I don’t know, I just expected it to be bigger.”
“That’s what she said.” Pierce quips, his lips quirked up into a smile. Dirt stains his face, and he looks so damn proud of himself for that stupid joke.
“God, I fucking missed you.” I say my smile wide. “Let’s get out of here.”
I turn to see Persephone standing in the way. “Thank you for retrieving the box for me.” She interrupts blocking the only exit. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
The Seven guard the door behind her, and my stomach plummets to my feet. “Shit.”
CHAPTER52
Chapter Fifty-Two
WALKER
SONG: NEVER SURRENDER BY LIV ASH
Asword digs its tip into my neck. “So nice to see you again.” The demon taunts, pointed teeth glinting in the candlelight.
“Wrath.” I acknowledge, coming face to face with the bane of my existence. The source of my torment for the last two years.
“Did you miss me?” He asks, head tilted down. I’ve never wanted to tear someone’s head off more than I do in this moment.
“Aren’t you tired of doing their dirty work?” I ask him, feeling the blade draw blood.
“Maybe, but it’s not like we have a choice. Selling your soul comes with strings.” He grunts out. I look into his eyes and see a flicker of regret. I know how it feels to be used, because he’s the one that did it to me. I never stopped to think it might have been outside of his control too.
“Just hand over the box, and no one gets hurt.” Persephone says as she walks down the steps to meet Salem. Her blonde hair glitters as she moves with a practiced regal air.
“Where is my sister?” Salem puts the box behind her back and I fucking love how brave she is.
“Somewhere safe.” Her grin makes her look unhinged as she comes toe to toe with Salem. “I don’t want to do this the hard way, but I will if you don’t hand over that box to me, in 3…2…”
I see Salem’s hand twitch as she debates what to do, her eyes meeting mine. I tug on that bond between us, letting her know it’s alright. She can do what she needs to do.
She shuts her eyes tightly and a bang goes off, knocking the sins to their feet. I scramble and manage to grab Wrath’s sword from him and turn it to face him.
“What do you think you are doing to my daughter, wife?” My mouth drops open as Hades strides between Persephone and Salem. She scrambles backwards, hands up like that will protect her from his ire. He looks downright murderous.
“Ha-Hades. You’re back.”
“And just in time I see. You want to tell me what the fuck is going on, or should I just throw your ass into Tartarus with the rest of the traitors?”
“There’s no need for any of that. I’m just simply stopping Salem from making a dangerous mistake. Could you imagine if I didn’t get here in time? She would have opened Pandora’s box, unleashing those horrors upon us all.”
“Oh, you lying bitch.” Salem spits out.
“I’m onto your games, Seph. Either come back with me now and we can sort this out, or I swear I will send you to the depths of Hell.” Hades towers over her and she drops the act. Her doe eyes turn ice cold.
“And you wonder why I do not wish to stay shackled to you.” She waves her hand between them and manages to push him back with a blast of air, making him hit his head on the stone table. She scrambles for the door, and the sins follow after her.
“Dad! Are you okay?” Salem says kneeling to wipe the blood from his head.
