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“I know,” I reply, and I do. My heart aches for Kaif, for the loss of his son, and all the pain he has endured. I hold him tightly, trying to provide him with the comfort he needs. But even as I hold him, I know that nothing can fully ease his pain.
The loss of a child is one of the most devastating things a person can go through, and I can only imagine the agony he must feel. As we stand there in silence, Kaif's sobs slowly quiet down until he's left with a soft trembling.
“I'm sorry,” I whisper into his ear, causing his whole body to stiffen.
“I need to go,” Kaif murmurs, and I lift my head to see Kaif gone and Kyan's red eyes return, yet he is in no better state than Kaif.
I know Kyan loved Thomas just as much as Lucas. I'd often catch him talking to Thomas or playing with him. He pulls me closer as Jonah's arms wrap around both of us. His guilt through the bond at what he made Kaif do is palpable, strangling even.
ChapterSeventy-Six
Eziah
Cold gusts of air pierce through me, sending shivers down my spine. The stone castle seems endless, and we trudge along continuously. The weight of why we are here becomes increasingly palpable with every step. After what feels like hours, we finally find ourselves standing before The Mnemosyne.
Kyan pauses and turns to Dominic and me, an uneasy look on his face. “The Mnemosyne is Hades's realm's reservoir of memories,” he begins. “Through it, we can access any of Hades's memories.”
I'm not sure what unsettles me more: the thought of stepping into someone's memories or the general feeling of unease that emanates from the waters of the Mnemosyne.
The darkness surrounding us is a physical, imposing presence , the only respite being the dim, otherworldly glow of distant phosphorescent flora.
“Do you know of Mnemosyne, Eziah?” Kaif's voice cuts through the quiet, resonating with an age-old wisdom, showing Kaif's true age. Looking at Kyan I see Kaif is now in control, and now Kyan is in the back seat.
“I've heard the tales,” I answer cautiously. “It's a pool that allows the dead to recall their memories, isn't it?”
Kaif nods, “Exactly. It's where memories are preserved, while the river Lethe makes the souls forget.”
Kaif's gaze grows distant. “Memories are a potent force. They shape us, and there's a belief that water holds memories, retaining the energy and emotions from times long past.”
“Ancient civilizations believed so. And this pool,” he says, gesturing to the shimmering expanse ahead, “is the epitome of that belief.”
“But how can we access Hades's memories if the dead can only access theirs? How are we to access Hades?” I ask, skepticism creeping into my voice.
“It's not simple,” Kaif admits. “It requires a merging of sorts. Kyan's blood, intertwined with Celeste and Hades, is the key.”
“But I have no lineage tied to Hades,” I point out.
“That's why you need to drink my blood,” Kaif clarifies. “By drinking my blood, it will serve as a conduit, letting us step into the pool where Dominic will stop our heartbeats, rendering us dead, so we can access its memories.”
I stagger back, realization dawning. “Hold on! Are you saying our hearts need to stop to unveil the past? Are you nuts?!”
Kaif holds my gaze steadily. “Not stop, but find stillness. Dominic, will assist. He'll immerse us, pausing our heartbeats for a mere moment. But fear not, with him as our anchor you'll be safe.”
My mind races. “So, to uncover Hades's secrets, I have to dance with death? Ever heard the saying curiosity killed the cat? I think it is referring to this damn death pool! Kaif, I'm a werewolf, not a cat. I won't let curiosity be my end!”
Kaif chuckles. “It's not death, Eziah, but a journey through the Shadows of Hades.”
“By drinking your blood?!” I gape at him, and he raises an eyebrow at me. Kaif turns to Dominic, who pulls a knife from his pocket and passes it to Kaif who cuts his palm deeply when he fists the blade, the blood pooling and running down the blade.
“How much do I have to drink again?” I ask, still in disbelief we’re even having this conversation.
“Until I say stop,” Kaif tells me, holding his hand above my face. I squeeze my eyes shut, sticking my tongue out. A drop falls on my tongue and I shake my head at the taste. “Well, this is new. I've heard of sharing a drink, but this is a bit… iron-rich for my taste.” I gag at the taste of his blood when Kaif, using his other hand, grabs my face, squeezing it as he tilts my head back.
As Kaif squeezes his palm above my mouth, I smirk, “Man I've heard of some kinky stuff, but this is next level. Instead of a money shot, I get a blood drop?” Kaif rolls his eyes.
“You need to drink more, a couple of drops won't be enough!” Kaif tells me. “On your knees and open your mouth.”
“This feels so wrong! I know she is my twin, but I never thought I would have to share the experience of being on my knees before you.”
