He suppressed the instinct to chuckle.All those times she’d fought him in their early days, screaming for her freedom and swearing she would rather die than remain there with him, and then, when he finally decided to give her that liberty, she seemed thoroughly unsettled.
“You are ready for The Advancement.”
He had planned to discuss their time together before making the announcement, but Shelley was as sharp as ever.He might have conditioned her to please him, but beneath her mane of dark hair, there was a bright woman, one who’d learned to intuit his moods.
“You mean, I am to leave?”She blinked up at him.
“I thought that was what you wanted.”He ran his thumb over her lower lip.“You have told me so many times in the past.”
“I thought it was, Master, but…” Her words dried up as she sighed.
“But what?”he coaxed, allowing her time to digest the news.
“But you have given my life structure, Master,” she murmured around his thumb.“You’ve given me purpose.How do I go back to a life with someone like Joel?”
Her tone was mournful, but his lips stretched into a smile as she sought clarity on the most significant issue of all.
“You do not, beautiful.”He cradled her face in his hand.“You have knelt wonderfully for me, Shelley-Ann, and in doing so, you have proven far too good for children masquerading as men like him.I told you when I took you that you were more than he deserved.”
Her eyes flickered fleetingly closed.“I remember, Master.”
“And I meant it,” he reiterated.“You have proven your worth to me, little mortal, but more importantly, I hope you now see your value for yourself.You do not need a man, but if you choose to attract one, then I foresee he will align with your new values.”
Kronos would make sure he did.He never tracked any of the women he released, but he made them a vow; if they ever truly needed him, if they were in danger, he would be there to help them.
“Thank you, Master.”
“And even when you leave my side, you should know, a part of you stays with me.”He never revealed the lasting connection between them until the mortal was set to depart.“If you are ever in jeopardy, simply think of me, and I will come to you.”
“You’ll come?”Her eyes sought reassurance.
“If you’re in trouble, Shelley-Ann, then I’ll be there.”
It was an oath he’d made to many others, and one he’d always stood by.He would remain her protector until she passed to the next life.
“This is a lot, Master.”
“You are capable of coping.”He had every faith in her.“You have learned to serve me well, and along the way, I have helped you to release many of the burdens you carried.Now you have space for what lies ahead.”
Her expression was nervous.“I’ve told you about my childhood and the things my uncle did to me.”
“Yes.”Kronos suppressed the familiar wave of fury that rolled over him at the reminder.
It was just as well Shelley’s uncle had already moved to the next life, although he wasn’t opposed to tracking him down in the underworld and demanding that Hades enact revenge.
“May I tell you something else, Master?”She leaned into his palm, her eyes fluttering.
“Yes.”His hand shifted to stroke the side of her face.“In fact, I command that you do.Tell me everything on your mind.”
There wouldn’t be much more time available to them.He wanted to hear it all.
“When I first came here, I didn’t think I could survive.”Her smile was sad suddenly.“I didn’t think I could survive you…” She paused, swallowing hard before she went on.“But you’re right.Being here and surrendering has quieted my mind.It has given me peace.”
His lips curled at her admission.“Peace is what you deserve.”
It was the least she warranted after her long months of faithful service.
“I don’t worry about the same small things I used to obsess over anymore.”She blinked up at him.“And even though I don’t understand why you chose me, you have helped me, Master.It’s been good to get that old trauma out of my body and refocus.”
