AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Sol seemed incapable of speaking. His mouth hung open as he stared at her as if he had never seen her before.
Several tense moments passed. Neither of them looked away, but neither of them spoke, either. Pandora could barely breathe as she waited for him to respond.
Then, his movements swift and panicked, Sol pulled his trousers back up and fastened his belt, then began backing away from her.
No, no, no.
“Sol,” Pandora pleaded, drawing closer to him.
He was shaking his head, his face still ghostly pale. “No. I can’t.”
“Sol!” Pandora shouted, grabbing his shoulder. She would not let him leave this room without answering her.
“Ah, there you are,” said a loud voice.
Pandora and Sol both jumped. Pandora’s hands went to her hair, quickly patting it down and smoothing it as she looked to the entrance doors of the library.
It was Apollo, looking as regal as ever in robes of luminous gold that swished with every step. “I must speak with you at once.”
Sol turned from Pandora and bowed low to Apollo. “Of course, my lord.”
Apollo waved an impatient hand. “Not you. Hecate.”
Pandora stiffened, her spine tingling with alarm. “Me? I—Well, surely your apprentice must also remain.”
“Not at all. He has been reassigned. It is I who will continue to work with you to strengthen this realm against the attack of Pandora’s magic.”
Pandora’s gaze shot to Sol’s. He was watching her, his eyes wide with warning.
As if he wanted her to keep quiet.
What the hell did that mean? Why would he wish her to keep his outburst quiet from Apollo?
Her hands were itching to grab him, to snatch his collar and demand answers until he shared everything.
She realized Apollo was expecting a reply. Curtsying, she dipped her head in submission and stammered, “I-I am at His Majesty’s disposal.”
Apollo nodded with a smile. “Very good. Leave us, Sol. You are dismissed. For now.” His eyes flashed with fury as he glared at his apprentice, and Pandora remembered Sol had just been reprimanded.
Because of her.
A riot of emotions crashed through her. She was not ready for this. She was unprepared to face Apollo. This was happening too quickly. She needed time. She needed a plan.
Sol turned on his heel and strode away from them.
Before Pandora could stop herself, she blurted, “Sol, wait!”
Apollo straightened, eyes narrowing at the shrill note in her voice. Sol turned warily, his shoulders tense as he turned to face her.
Pandora’s face was on fire as she met his gaze. She had never seen him look so lost and helpless before. This was Sol, the arrogant bastard who treated her like dirt, who gloated over his grandness and finery, who cared nothing for serious matters like the safety of the realm.
And yet, that was not the man who met her gaze. This man was someone completely foreign. A stranger.
“I will see you at the ball?” Pandora asked hesitantly.
Sol’s gaze flicked to Apollo, who was frowning in confusion. After a moment, he nodded once. “Yes, Trivia. I will see you then.”
Without another word, he left the library, his quick strides implying he couldn’t leave fast enough.
