I took it, letting him pull me up. His grip was warm, unnervingly strong.
“You know this terrain?” I asked as he led me across the barren rock.
“This is the edge of the Fae realm. A buffer between mortal and immortal lands.” His tiger-gold eyes never stopped scanning the horizon. “Even the Fae avoid this place. It was the only back door into that chamber.”
Because no god could enter the Fae realm directly. Not the way I had.
He didn’t mention the Fates, but I was certain he knew exactly whose lair it had been. He shot me a sideways glance, waiting for me to volunteer information.
The tidal pool had been heavily warded. Sebastian hadn’t been able to breach it. He’d waited in the deep, either gambling I’d jump or expecting to witness my end.
“There were three women in that cave,” I said, letting a shudder through. “My kidnappers. They were batshit mad—said things that made no sense, then tried to kill me. I panicked. Used some flint I had. All those yarns…they caught fire so fast.”
I hugged myself. “While they were distracted, I ran.”
A strange light sparked in Sebastian’s eyes.
“That explains the sound I heard,” he said slowly. “Those… yarns were likely their most treasured possessions. I don’t even want to consider the consequences. For them. For everyone.”
“They had only themselves to blame!” My jaw tightened as I maintained the act. “They shouldn’t have kidnapped me and tried to kill me just because I’m a redhead.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” he said, his voice hardening. “They brought their own downfall, and I have no sympathy forkidnappers or murderers.” He paused for a beat. “What else did they say to you?”
“A lot of nonsense. Something about keeping the universe balanced, no one appreciating their work, needing to off me because I ‘shouldn’t exist.’” I let my voice climb with indignation. “What the hell?”
Sebastian wrapped an arm around my shoulders; a gesture meant to comfort. “It’s pure madness. Let’s put this behind you. You’re out now. You survived. That’s what matters.”
“Thank you for coming for me,” I said, quickening my pace and letting his arm fall from my shoulder. “We need to hurry. Those women are powerful. They’ll send guards.”
“They’ll have to get through me first,” he said, a low heat in his voice. “I’ll topple kingdoms for you if I must.”
I swallowed, letting gratitude show in my eyes, and I wasn’t faking. “How did you find me?”
“I have my resources,” he replied. Of course he did. He was an insider. One of the Twelve. He must have seen the suspicion flicker across my face. “But know this, Bloom. I may be of Kingsley House, but I am on your side.”
“Of course.” I nodded, though I reminded myself to hold my guard close. Especially here, in this barren place where I could not weave a single thread to defend myself.
I was not utterly defenseless though. As Persephone, I’d been well-trained in combat. I knew how to fight without magic if necessary.
We reached the edge of the volcanic field.
“Where do we go next?” I asked. “How far must we walk?”
Sebastian slid two fingers between his lips and let out a piercing whistle.
A thunderous sound vibrated through the ground. Then a giant stallion trotted toward us as if emerging from thin air. It stood at least seventeen hands, its coat gleaming in the dull light,mane flowing like silk. Its eyes were intelligent, fierce. Steam plumed from its nostrils with every breath.
The horse halted before Sebastian and lowered its head. He stroked its nose, a gesture of familiar affection.
“This is Helios,” he said. “He’ll get us out.”
His hands firm around my waist, Sebastian lifted me effortlessly onto the tall stallion. Then he swung up behind me in one fluid motion, settling close.
One arm wrapped around my waist, holding me secure. The other took the reins.
Helios surged forward. Sebastian’s body pressed against my back. His breath ghosted across my ear with every shift of the stallion’s gait. The closeness coiled tension through my limbs.
Apollo had been obsessed with Persephone. He’d tried to court her when she was still a maiden, but her mother had done everything to discourage his interest. While Demeter had fixed on Apollo, Hades had slipped into the garden and stolen her daughter away.
