He hesitates for a moment before saying, “You should know how much it pains me to say this. Truly, I hate to even mention this, but I have never known Death to take payment for a deal andnotfulfill his side of the bargain.”
“What?” the word barely makes it past my lips as my breath catches in my throat.
“All I am saying is that—”
“You can’t be serious,” I snap as I’m reminded of Death’s broken promise. “You saw my father’s soul on the other side of the gates.”
“You were right that he should not have died so soon. But how can you be so sure that Death broke his side of the deal?”
I open my mouth to answer this before blinking.
Slowly, I close my mouth.
My heart skips as I consider what Eros is suggesting. Is it really possible that despite our deal, despite my bargaining, my father still met an untimely end?
“Is that really possible?”
Eros shrugs, but it’s enough to plant a seed of doubt in my mind.
My heart races as I consider this.
I can’t help but reflect on everything I’ve said and done since seeing my father’s soul at the gates.
At the harsh words I snapped at Death, and the way I was too quick to rush into Eros’s arms.
And yet, despite all of that, he still came for me when I needed him the most.
A lump begins to form in my throat as tears mist my eyes.
“What am I to do?” I ask Eros.
He gives me a gentle smile as settles on the edge of the bed and reaches for me.
I let him gather me in his arms, rocking me softly as he runs a hand through my hair. Offering me comfort when I need it the most.
“Listen to your heart,” he says, his voice all too gentle and soothing. “When you face what is to come.”
I glance up at him, just as he presses a palm to my cheek.
The next thing I know, he’s bent his lips to mine, stopping just short of kissing me. He remains frozen there for a moment, before quickly pulling away, a curse on his lips as he puts distance between us.
“What’s wrong?”
He shakes his head.
“I am sorry, Hazel. I have to go.”
“Why?”
He opens his mouth but then forces it closed. His expression hardens as he stares down at me.
A question forms and dies on my lips just as the door swings open and Anteros strides into the room.
He nods at Eros.
“It is time.”
Without so much as another word or further explanation, Eros offers his hand to me. I take it, allowing him to help me to my feet.
