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“Whatever do you mean?” His slim lips curve into a grin.
“You said I could have anything I want. That isn’t true.”
Straightening, I see longing in his eyes. “I would hope one day the only thing you’ll want will be the same as me.”
“I want you to let me go…” My voice breaks, and I squeeze my eyes shut. I can’t believe I’ve lost control. Control is the only thing I have left.
Anger flashes across his perfect features, and he turns in a swirl of black. “I’ll give you a little more time to yourself.”
My door slams, and a sharp CLATCH! tells me the bolt has been locked behind him. I won’t be leaving this room today.
Lifting my arms, I study the elegant, flowing gown I’m wearing. It perfectly matches Hayden’s long black robes, only mine are the diametric opposite. I’m rainbow and light, while he’s darkness and shadows. My hair falls around my shoulders in rippling raven waves, and I see on a small table a crown like Hayden’s. Queen of the Underworld? I’m no immortal.
Reaching forward, I crawl on my hands and knees into the center of the enormous black bed. Everything is darkness here, from the walls and ceiling to the sheets and blankets covering me.
Closing my eyes, I focus on last night, Koa’s strong arms around me, his words. He promised he would come for me. He promised. Despair tries to overcome me,
and my mind says it’s impossible. No one can save me. Still I focus on his words. His promise.
My panther is so sleek and gorgeous. I remember the first time I saw him. His lashing tail, the power in his muscled shoulders as he commanded the forest. If anyone can save me, he can. My insides relax ever so slightly as I envision his lined torso and imposing physique. Squeezing my eyes tightly, I think the words I hope he can hear. I love you, my Koa. I love you my beautiful panther. I believe you will come for me. It’s the only thing that gives me hope.
I’m here because his life is more important than escaping my fate. Still, if there’s any way out of this, I know he’ll find it. I have to believe in him. His words have become my words: I can’t live without my soul.
Searching
Koa
Every moment I’m away from Mercy, my desperation builds. She’d been confident she could handle Hayden, but I know my beautiful little lynx. She’s strong, but she’s young.
Hades or Kanaloa or Hayden — whatever label he chooses in the mythology of the culture — has been around since the dawn of time. He might find my beautiful little cat amusing, but she won’t tweak his nose for long. The myths and legends describing him starving and beating his captives propel me from my bed. It’s early Saturday, and Jim might have word for me on what I hope is the passage to the underworld.
Naturally, I didn’t tell him that’s what I’m trying to find, but if there’s a fault line in the vicinity of Nightmoon Lake, I’m confident it’s the gateway. It lines up with where I was the night I felt him and with what the cemetery caretaker said.
Pulling on dark jeans and a black tee, I dig further in the closet and find a leather jacket. I don’t remember it being here before. My brow lines, but I pull it on. It’s a perfect fit. I can only assume this is more of Dora’s work. Black boots on, I head out the door and down the stairs. Jim’s truck is in the driveway.
“Any news for me?” Doris and Jim are sitting at the small table finishing breakfast when I pull open the metal screen door.
“Sit down and eat,” Doris is on her feet pulling a plate from her cabinet. “You need your strength.”
“Did you give me this jacket?”
Her frown tightens as I hold out an arm. “I guessed it was your size. Looks good on you.”
“Thanks. You have to stop giving me gifts like this. They’re too expensive.”
“You planning to run around naked this winter?”
“Don’t do that, bro.” Jim’s expression is serious. “You’ll get arrested.”
“I hope I’ll be gone before winter sets in.” I’m standing in the kitchen watching them move.
“Going to Mercy? I knew you would.” He nods, taking his last bite of toast. “Oh, I got that intel you wanted. Sally’s cousin said a meteorite or something formed a rift near where the cabins meet the creek. It’s about impossible to find, from what he said. In fact, he said he’s never seen it.”
My chest tightens. “Mind if I borrow your truck?” I don’t wait for an answer. I’m already out the door.
“Put some gas in it, dude!” Jim’s shouting behind me, but I’m in the cab, pulling down the sun visor. Keys drop in my lap, and I ram them in the ignition. I’d rather be doing this in my panther form, but I have to be able to communicate. Also, the last thing I need is to be naked in the underworld.
It’s a grey day, and rain threatens in the sky. The temperature is fifty degrees, but the wind and gloom make it feel colder. Pressure builds in my head, pressing against my temples as I follow an enormous Lincoln Towncar down the narrow, two-lane road.
