If that’s an apology, it’s pretty pathetic. Do better,I write.
“You wish, Blondie, you wish.”
We fall silent again and keep moving. I focus my magic on guiding the earth beneath us in the right direction. The spell itself is pretty easy. I infuse it with slightly extra magic so even if my concentration is broken, it will remain airborne for at least two minutes after my spell is destroyed.
He moves slightly and leans forward. “So, tell me, what was the second trade you made with Hades?”
My heart thunders, not expecting that. Isn’t he supposedto be an idiot? How did he remember that?
For me to know, and you to never find-I’m mid-writing when he pushes my hand down, not letting me finish my sentence.
“Oh, come on, I know Hades. It has to be something big. He gave you a lot, and he doesn’t give things without a huge price. Sure, he thinks he took your voice, but I don’t know, I think that second one locked it in for him.”
Maybe he’s not as dumb as he looks, but I can’t tell with him.
Like I said, mind your own business.
“Oh, come on, Shawty, your secret’s safe with me.” Our eyes meet, and I realise this is my chance to ask him another question at the expense of sharing what he wants to know.
And yours are safe with me. I’ll tell you if you tell me what trade you’ve made with him.
Although I have no idea why, I trust him. I know he might be an idiot, but he can keep a secret.
“Oh, we’re not going there.” He shakes his head, his white locks falling in front of his face.
Then I’m not sharing,I write, turning away only for him to remove his arm and instead step around to face me.
“Fine, let’s do it. Don’t be so stubborn.”
Well then, start. I went first last time,I remind him, tilting my head.
He smirks. “So, this stays here, alright? Cause I swear I don’t need anyone knowing shit.” I nod, and I mean it. “I’m fucking crazy,” he mutters, so low that I barely catch it.
That I agree with.
I wait, watching as his eyes scan our surroundings before he massages his jaw. “The night Ares was attacked at the Academy, he died.” He now looks directly at me, and I feel as if someone has just slapped me. My eyes widen as I stare at him. “I asked Hades to return his soul since it hadn’t crossed yet… It wasn’t like he had been dead for hours…”
I nod slowly, wanting to know what he gave in return for that. I was right; something odd happened that night.
He sighs. “Man, I need a fag.”
So, what did you have to give in return?I write, unable to stop my curiosity.
He grins. “Call it karma, and please don’t push me off when I say this, but my ability to dream, or escape into nothingness. I can no longer escape my thoughts. Every time I close my eyes, I see the faces of those I’ve killed for Hades. Twisted, init?” But for the briefest flicker, the edge of that grin falters, and a shadow passes over his eyes.
My heart thuds as I feel pain crushing my chest. For the first time, I feel pain for him. That’s cruel.
“Don’t look at me like that, Blondie,” he murmurs,stepping a fraction closer, the faintest brush of his arm against mine sending a shiver up my spine. “Or I might start thinking you care.”
I look away, not sure why I feel suddenly emotional.
Control, Heaven. Control.
In our own twisted ways, we both hide our emotions, just behind different masks. Mine behind stoic indifference and his behind playful amusement.
No wonder he’s always tired… When he’s sleeping, he’s not really resting; he’s constantly being reminded of the lives he’s taken. Is that why he doesn’t sleep much?
And Ares doesn’t remember anything, does he? He doesn’t know what you did for him?I ask.
