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Chapter 21
“What?” Hades barked.
“Ford?” Eloise asked at the same time.
Hades’ mind reeled. Today was just a day full of blows. And he’d have to take them all. “How did they enter the place?” he asked.
Lucien swallowed. “The secret passage. William led them in.”
Hades’ eyes closed from the impact of Lucien’s words. He turned toward Eloise. “You stay here.”
“No! He won’t harm anyone if he sees me, if he sees I am well. I am coming with you.” Eloise rushed forward without waiting for his permission. Hades followed closely behind.
His instincts screamed at him to keep her away, but she was right. Her brother would never harm her, and he was not about to turn the place into carnage with his sister watching the proceedings.
They made their way down the stairs. Four thief-takers stood, their guns trained on the inhabitants of the house. Sal, Garric, Grace, Verity, and a few more people were in the hall, most of them armed and ready to retaliate. This could all turn into a bloodbath and fast.
In the midst of it all stood William, watching the proceedings with utter curiosity.
Hades had to restrain himself from snuffing life out of the traitorous bastard.
“Welcome,” he said evenly.
Ford Gunning raised a pistol, aiming at his head. Eloise stepped forward in an attempt to cover his body, but Hades shoved her back.
“Eloise!” Gunning cried, his nostrils flaring.
“Ford, I am unharmed. Please, put down your guns!” she pleaded.
“Not until we are safely out of here. With you.”
“I remember you promised me something,” Hades said quietly. Yet his voice boomed in the tension-filled room.
“I delivered on my promise. I swear,” Gunning said, still not lowering his gun. “You were right. Bradshaw had nothing to do with the death of your sister. We’ve made inquiries, and we found out as much as we could.”
“Do tell.”
“She was not alone that night,” the thief-taker said.
“What?” Hades took a step forward.
“She did not come to the masquerade alone. She was escorted in. Whoever the person was, it was someone she trusted. One of your own.”
Hades’ heart constricted painfully. Another traitor, or the same one? He turned to William, but the bastard didn’t react.
“Nobody knows who he was. Nobody had ever seen him. He wore a black cloak, similar to the ones the Shadows wear. His face was never seen.”
Hades tensed, his fingers clenching and unclenching in fists. A touch to his arm took him out of his stupor.Eloise.
“Stay away from him, Eloise!” Gunning yelled.
“Ford, just stop!” she cried. “Please.”
“You are going home with me. Right now,” the thief-taker said.
Eloise blinked up at Hades as if inquiring if he was well. Was he? Hades couldn’t quite answer.
Hades finally raised his head and looked directly at the thief-taker. “You could’ve just said so. Arranged a meeting like a civilized person. There is no need for guns.”
