They finished their conversation as I approached. Seraphim turned to leave, but paused by my side.
She took a deep breath. “I’m exhausted.”
I laughed. “I didn’t realize youevertired.”
She chuckled. “We only have a few days to rest.” Taking my chin, she turned my head. “Your color’s not quite returned. Take it easy today. Maybe finish the book you were glued to in the tunnels.”
“That sounds great, actually.”
Smiling, Seraphim looked like she wanted to say something more, but changed her mind. Squeezing my shoulder, she walked away.
Joining Eleos by the mantle, I glanced over the stack of parchment in his arms.
He sighed. “Seraphim fired the old scribe and steward. And the bookkeeper. I’m doing the jobs of all three, right now.”
“Why?”
“They were loyal to Eris.”
“Oh.” I nodded. “Do you need any help?”
“No. I don’t trust anyone but me, anyway.”
“Are you sure?” Tilting my head, I studied his face. His skin was pale, his eyes shadowed. Walls still defended his mind, keeping his thoughts from me. “Are you okay, El?”
“Fine.”
“You can talk to me, you know?”
“I know.”
Unsatisfied, I wrestled the stack of papers from him and set them on the coffee table. Before he could grab them back, I wrapped him in a hug.
Eleos froze. He hesitated for a long moment. I almost pulled away.
Finally, he enveloped me in his arms and pulled me close. I reached for his mind again, but he wouldn’t let me in.
“El . . .”
“I’ve lost count,” he murmured into my hair. “How many times have you and Seth asked if I’m alright?”
“We’re worried about you.”
“I’m okay,” he promised, smoothing down my hair. “And if I’m not, I will be once we know the next steps of the plan.”
I didn’t want to let him go, but he pushed me back.
“There’s still a long road left,” he said quietly. “And for how difficult this was, approaching the Acheron will be much worse. To say nothing of what might await us within.”
“I know.” I looked down.
“Now, if you’ll excuse me.” He gathered up his papers. “I have a lot of paperwork to do.”
I lingered by the fire, listening to his footsteps as he walkedaway. Raising my head, I called after him. “El?”
He paused and glanced back.
“I love you,” I said.
