As soon as I am standing, he drops my hand and steps away, as if he can no longer stand to touch me. As he moves to exit the room, his brother stops him to lean in and whisper something.
Eros looks surprised, but then nods.
I frown after him, wondering what was just said, as strides silently from the room. Anteros watches after him for a long moment before looking back to me.
Motioning to several guards, they lead me from the room.
30
Hazel
Not a single word is spoken between us as I’m escorted through the palace and out into the city. I was beginning to think I would only ever know the four walls of Hades’ castle, and I can’t help the way my heart leaps with joy as we put it behind us, but as we move deeper into the City of the Gods, I realize that my excitement may be short-lived.
Leaving Hades’ palace may not have been such a good thing after all.
The streets are already lined with spectators.
Their eyes bore into me as I’m led past them. I can hear their whispering, laughter, and jeers, but none of it makes any sense to me. Most seem to be celebrating which only makes me warier as I’m led to a part of the city that I’ve yet to step foot in.
The crowd only thickens here, the faces all blurring together as the creatures of the Underworld jostle one another for the chance to look upon me.
A large arena made of bright white stone looms ahead of us, and I can’t help but stare up at it, craning my neck back to make out the shining golden top of it.
It’s stunning, the delicate columns and stones begging to find themselves captured by a paintbrush. My fingers twitch in a way I’d almost forgotten at the thought, and for just a moment I allow myself to be distracted.
Panic is quick to overcome any daydreams about painting though as Anteros leads me into the arena. I barely manage to catch a glimpse of the beautiful marble floors as I’m led to a small room.
“You will await further instructions here,” Anteros tells me.
Heavy metal bars fall over the doorway, efficiently trapping me alone in the room. I watch as he moves away, the guards leaving with him.
Turning back to look around the empty space, I let out a sigh.
There’s not much to do here but wait and wonder about what’s about to happen.
Will I find myself standing before the Judges? Or perhaps this is a trial for some crime they believe I have committed against love?
I suppose it’s possible. Here, I’m starting to think anything is possible, but the more I try to imagine what I’m about the face, the faster my heart begins to race.
Unable to stand still, I begin to pace as my mind runs wild.
“Hazel.”
Blinking, it takes a moment to pull myself from my thoughts as I turn to find Cerberus standing at the gates, watching me with concern in his gaze.
“What are you doing here?” I ask as I frown at him.
I’m still too anxious and overwhelmed by my thoughts to want to deal with him right now.
“Please,” he whispers, “we do not have much time.”
The urgency in his voice breaks through to me, and I have no choice but to step toward him.
“What is it?” I ask, something about his face and voice making me realize that I should listen to him.
He shifts forward, slipping his hand through the bars. Opening his palm, I stare at the small piece of paper that lies there.
I eye it warily for a moment before quickly reaching to take it.
