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“I’m not your future wife, kid,” Daisy replied. Page flip. “I met the condition, Unwanted. Rathbone was able to control the orb, but so was Lore.”
“She’s the Wanted,” Rathbone stated at the same time Neeka said, “I’m the Wanted. And stop making perfect sense! It’s annoying.”
“I’m not a kid.” Maximus punched a fist into his open palm. “I’m older than you are, harpy.”
“Then grow up!”
As the different arguments rolled on, Neeka lost sight of the conversation. But that was okay. The most amazing contentment spread through her. These people were her family. With all their faults, weaknesses, and mistakes. The holidays were going to be oh, so fun.
More and more mátia on Rathbone’s chest glanced her way and stayed put. Soon, Rathbone himself was peering at her, each of his irises glowing with an assortment of colors. Oh, wow. She marveled at the beauty.
“Rathbone, did you know your mátia is changing colors?” she asked.
Her beautiful crimson consort looked himself over and floundered. “I don’t understand.”
“They look the same to me,” Maximus said.
So only she and Rathbone could see the switch? “It’s never happened before?” she asked.
“Not to my knowledge.” He canted his head. “Do you think...”
“Oh, yeah.” It was a sign she belonged with him. Forever!
She stepped into him, gliding her palms up his chest. “The queen is ready to retire for the—” Flash. Rathbone tumbled her into bed. “Day,” she finished with a laugh.
“One step ahead of you, oracle,” he said before kissing her.
Neeka spent the next two days relishing all things Rathbone. If they weren’t making love, they were listening to Maximus drone on and on about Daisy, who rebuffed him at every turn.
Though Neeka hadn’t viewed a new vision, she’d pondered the others. Noted the smallest details. She’d also returned to her beach hideaway with Rathbone to collect the vial of Azar’s blood. In her spare time, she exchanged carry pigeon messages with Hades, brainstorming contingency plans for the upcoming event.
Still nothing had happened with Lore. Neeka was beginning to think she’d screwed up the elixir somehow. Nothing required this much baking.
When the morning of the ceremony finally dawned, she and Rathbone shared a passionate embrace before he did as prearranged and chained her to their bed. At least she hadn’t gotten this wrong. At some point, they’d changed the future for the better. She knew it. Even without a vision, she knew it.
“You will be protected at all times,” he assured her. “Hades’s men surround the realm and the palace and Hades himself is standing guard at your door even now.”
Said door swung open and Hades peeked inside the room to say, “Hades is listening to everything you’re discussing, so keep things PG.” The door shut, then opened again. “That means perfectly graphic, in case it wasn’t clear,” he added, and Rathbone rolled his eyes.
“I hate missing seeing you in action,” she pouted. And yes, she remained a bit leery. She hadn’t attended the ceremony in her visions, either. What if—no. No going there today. They’d schemed, plotted, and bargained. They’d taken precautions. In none of the visions had Rathbone shifted into Azar. This was new. A twist she hadn’t foreseen. “You’re going to save the day, I just know it.” Right? That’s what she felt the strongest, yes? “You’ll take Azar out of commission, assume his identity, and slay Lore before the shadow monsters are freed.”
“Exactly. But first, I’m off to collect the necessary tools.” He bent down to cup her jaw and softly kiss her lips. When he lifted his face from hers, he studied her for several beats while tracing the pads of his thumbs over her cheekbones. “If you want to watch, Peer through me. Or save your strength and I’ll tell you all about it after I’ve gotten inside you. Twice. The festivities kick off in an hour.”
Despite Hades’s nearness, she was vulnerable while chained. Peering would drain her, leaving her doubly vulnerable. “Whatever you do, stay safe and return to me.”
“Always.” Rathbone kissed her again, then he was gone.
Ugh. She missed him already. And dang it, she regretted the need for chains. She should be by his side, aiding him. Predicting moves and taking names. Why, why, why had instinct led her in this direction?
Hey! What was that strange tugging sensation in her chest?
She grimaced as the sensation amplified until—Neeka’s body shot off the mattress, pulling her chains taut. Uh-oh. The straining metal cut into her wrists and ankles. Deep. Deeper. Pain arced through her limbs.
What was happening? She opened her mouth to scream for Hades, but the words coagulated in her throat. Odd thoughts bombarded her head.
Almost time. Untapped power awaits me. First Harpina, then the Realm of Agonies, then Nova. No one can stop me. Fools all! So why am I so unhappy? What will it take to feel joy?
Sparks erupted throughout her body, and she wheezed. Flames grew beneath the surface of her skin, licking at her insides, burning, scorching, blistering. Literally! Glowing embers began to spark from her pores. No, not embers. Not fire, either. She was breaking apart and fading.
