Chapter 25
The days that followed passed in an uneasy rhythm.
Elara buried herself in books, hunting for answers she wasn't even sure she wanted to find. She told herself it was because of the prophecy, because of the warning. But when she was honest with herself, she knew she was also avoiding him.
Hades did the same in his own way. The business of the Underworld never ceased, and yet in every meeting, every decision, there was a flicker of distraction in the back of his mind—a shadow of a girl who wasn't meant to be there and yet was.
Neither crossed paths, and neither tried.
Until fate, as it always did, decided otherwise.
Elara was on her way toward the living area, intent on escaping the suffocating quiet of her chambers. The corridors were cool and dim, her footsteps barely making a sound. She rounded the corner—and nearly froze.
He was there.
Hades, striding from the opposite direction, his expression composed yet distant, until his eyes caught hers. For the briefest second, his steps faltered.
The air between them thickened with everything unsaid.
"Miss Everwyn," he greeted, his voice smooth, polite, a shield of formality. "It seems we share the same destination."
Her lips parted, then closed again. For a moment she considered excusing herself, but the weight of his gaze left her unable to form the words.
"Would you... care to join me?" he asked finally, inclining his head in invitation.
Reluctance warred with curiosity. After a heartbeat too long, she gave a small nod. "If you insist."
They walked side by side into the living area, the silence between them louder than any words.
The space was grand yet intimate—dark stone softened by low firelight, shadows dancing along carved walls.
A pair of couches faced one another, but instead of taking opposite seats, Elara lowered herself onto the one nearest him.
Not too close. Not too far.
Hades settled beside her, posture impeccable, hands resting on his knees. For a moment, he only studied her in silence, the flames throwing light into his midnight eyes.
Then he spoke.