Swallowing, I found my courage and met his eye. “You can’t stop me from doing what I have to.”
“Think, Aethra,” Seth said, voice hoarse. “If countless maidens have walked into the Acheron before you . . . why would your fate be any different?”
“I don’t think I’m the answer. I never have. But if there’s achanceI can help Seraphim and Eleos find the cure, I’m not leaving their side.” I looked away. “We don’t have to speak again. You can pretend I’m not here.”
“Aethra . . .” he said softly, voice cracking.
“I offered as much on the beach. You should have taken it.”
“That would have only brought me more pain. Did you forget what I said? Every step you take away from me only makes me want you more.”
“There are countless women in the world, and plenty who’d throw themselves at you.”
“I don’t care,” he spoke through clenched teeth.
“So, if you do lose me, you won’t have to suffer. You won’t have to bury another love.” I steadied my voice. “Because I won’t be that woman to you.”
A flurry of emotions crossed Seth’s face. A countenance I’d seen in the mirror so manytimes before.
Heartbreak.
Turning on my heel, I returned to Eleos’ side. The scholar side-eyed me. “Done talking with the weasel?”
A laugh erupted from my lips, though I wasn’t amused. “Weasel. That’s a perfect name for him.” Forcing my head down, I resisted the urge to look at Seth again.
Gods, my heart hurt.
A rush of annoyance joined the pain. Twisting my arms, I stepped over my shackled hands, bringing them around to the front. Flexing my hands into fists, I dug my nails into my palms, hoping to distract myself from the ache in my chest.
“I’m sorry,” Eleos said, following me across the cavern to a quiet spot. “I should have—”
“Eleos,” I interrupted. “None of this is your fault.”
He sighed, surveying the scene. Percy tentatively approached Seth, while Seraphim and her brother talked quietly in the opposite corner.
“First, we have to escape,” he said, glancing at Phaedrus. “Then, we’ll need to decide what to do about our unwanted guest.”
Gasping, I grabbed Eleos’ hand and dragged him further away. “Maiden’s grace, El. I never told you! Phaedrus is yourfather.”
“My . . .” Eleos trailed off, as though I’d spoken a language he did not understand. “What?”
“He’s the noble that gave you up. The timeline matches—and you look like him.”
Blinking rapidly, Eleos gazed across the cavern. Under the soft light of Seraphim’s flame, sage-green eyes peered back at us before quickly looking away.
Face blanching, Eleos turned back to me. “How did you find out?”
“He told me as much.” I touched his arm. “Oh, gods, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have just blurted it out.”
Eleos shook his head. “No. No, it doesn’t matter. Whatever he might have been to me, he’s not.”
Grabbing Eleos’ hand, I brought my face close to his. “But itdoesmatter. I think we can turn Phaedrus into an ally. He’s not evil—far from it. He’s kind, deep down. And we can revive the man he used to be. The man Seraphim remembers.”
“How?”
“You, Eleos,” I whispered. “Helovesyou. He regrets losing you.” I paused. “We need him on our side for what’s to come. And you’re our key to winning him over.”
“Why?” Eleos’ brows lowered. “Why do we need someone like him?”
