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Orrin’s eyes narrowed, and he tilted his head, clearly skeptical of the offer. “What position?”
“Guardian of Lost Souls.”
Erus shrugged when his mate looked over at him. He had never heard of it, either. He did suspect it would involve helping people in some way, though, which made Orrin the perfect candidate for the job.
“There are thousands of wandering souls in the village.” Hades motioned toward the top of the hill. “Each one of them has a reason for not moving on. Mostly, they are too afraid to leave behind the familiar for the unknown. Your duty will be to help them let go of that fear so they can get on with their afterlife.”
Orrin’s expression vacillated between unfiltered enthusiasm at the prospect of providing aid to these poor souls and equally unveiled confusion. “I would love that, but I have to be honest. I haven’t seen a single person in that village.”
No, he wouldn’t. The living and the dead were never meant to co-exist. Which was why—with a few exceptions—the living couldn’t see, feel, or hear the dearly departed. He understood his mate’s confusion, though. Not being able to detect the existence of souls would make performing his new duties rather difficult.
“I can help with that.” Stepping forward, Hades placed his hand over Orrin’s eyes briefly before moving back to his original position. “Better?”
Orrin blinked a few times as he turned to stare at the top of the hill again. After a moment, his eyes widened, and his mouth dropped open. “Oh…wow. There are so many people.” A crooked grin pulled at one side of his mouth, and he chuckled under his breath. “And it’s loud, too.”
“Does that mean you’ll take the job?” Hades looked a little too pleased with himself.
Fucking showoff.
“Yes,” Orrin blurted. “Absolutely yes. Thank you.”
“You said you could help with the time issue?” Erus prompted. While pleased the elf would be staying with him in the Underworld, that only solved part of their problem.
“Ah, yes.” Reaching into the inside pocket of his cerulean blue leather jacket, he produced two small pocket watches, each connected to a thin gold chain. “Wear these when you travel between realms. They will sync time.”
“Brilliant.” Orrin accepted both timepieces and passed one to Erus before slipping the other over his head. “I am forever grateful for your kindness.”
It was kind. Suspiciously so. “Why are you being so nice?”
“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.”
“You’re smiling,” Erus accused.
“Yes, well, people do that on occasion.”
Other people maybe. “You don’t.”
“I smile.”
“When?”
“When the situation warrants it.”
“Tell me the last time you smiled.”
“By the fae,” Orrin interrupted through their connection. “Just let him smile. Why are you being so combative?”
“He’s acting weird.”
“You’re acting weird,” Hades countered.
Orrin’s eyes widened again. “Can he—”
“Hear your thoughts?” A big, radiant smile stretched over Hades’ face. “I can. Don’t worry, though. I don’t usually pry. Your thoughts are just particularly loud right now.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry.” His face scrunched adorably in concentration. “I’ll try to think more quietly.”
With a bark of laughter, Hades closed the distance and took Orrin’s hand. Linking it through the crook of his elbow, he began walking, guiding Erus’ mate along the riverbank.
