chapter 13

“is this what it is?” a voice said, causing me to freeze up. I snapped my head, looking at the makeshift door where Hades stood, having this look of …. I stared, trying to decide what exactly that look was
"Valerie” he said, looking at me briefly, before looking anywhere but at me. He looked like he wanted to say something but thought against it and instead faced Kharon
"Kharon, that will not be necessary." Hades' tone was icy, and his expression was one of barely contained ire. He strode towards us, his dark robes billowing like shadows in the wind.

Kharon bowed his head slightly, stepping back with a look of resignation. "As you wish, my lord."

I watched the interaction, a knot of confusion and apprehension forming in my stomach. Hades' eyes, usually so composed, now flashed with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. He turned his gaze to me, his expression hardening.

"Valerie," he said, his voice low and controlled, "you are here for one thing and one thing only, your rare soul. So I would explain something to you, until I am able to get it. your every move.." he took a step closer
“every step”
“right down to you blinking, it belongs to me”
He looked like he was biting the insides of his mouth to prevent himself from saying something
I blinked, trying to process the sudden shift in his demeanor. Just a while back, he seemed like he wanted me nowhere his presence, so what was this? “you acting like a possessive …." The look in his eyes shut me real quick “if I want Kharon to keep me company, he would.”
“I think you forgot who assigned him to you. Don’t test me Valerie” he said, taking my chin in his hands. “your very soul is mine, and till I get it, you will not be with another man!”
Jealousy
That was the look in his eyes. It was obvious from miles away that he was indeed jealous.
But why?
Surely he…
I shook my head at the thought that wanted to make way in my mind, there was no way that…
“do you understand me! Or do I have to spell it out with his worthless and pathetic soul!!”

The atmosphere had become both a comfort and a confinement. Surely, there was something wrong with me. I felt my body relax as he came closer to me, even though it was in a threatening manner
“no” I said despite myself, forcing myself to get tensed so that I did not seem too vulnerable
His expression hardened, and for a moment, I feared I had pushed too far. But I pressed on, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside me. "If you truly believe that I am incapable of making my own choices, then go ahead. Ban me from seeing whoever I wish. It is my body, my soul and if you are not going to collect it, right here and right now, then I would continue to live as I want. I am tired of living in fear." I looked up at him, not looking away and not breaking eye contact with him.
“so go ahead, do it. do it right now and let me leave, I have nothing to live for at this point!!!
The silence that followed was heavy, charged with unspoken tensions. Hades' eyes bored into mine, a tempest of emotions flickering within their depths. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and measured. "You have indeed grown some confidence since you came here” he said giving me a dangerous smirk

I met his gaze unflinchingly. "Yes, I believe I have my lord”

For a long moment, he said nothing, his expression unreadable. Then, to my surprise, a wry smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "You are brave, I'll give you that. Foolishly so, perhaps, but brave.” He drew his hands along the side of my face. Causing my body to shiver.
“very foolishly so” he repeated causing my heart to race.
His face came closer to my face, not breaking eye contact from me, I felt his lips on mine.
It was soft and simple, barely touching my lips as he had done the first time when he tried to take my soul.
‘damn! This was it, I was going to die! My big mouth has finally caused the death of me. My mum always warned me about this. I thought about them.
Were they looking for me? Did they care enough to check on me at the earl’s estate?
Several thoughts were running through my head as I braced myself for my soul to be taken away and for me to stop existing. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for death when I felt the most shocking thing ever
It was faint at first but then it happened again. i felt the wetness of his tongue on my lips as he asked wordlessly for permission to deepen the kiss.
I snapped my eyes opened, looking at him with shock
“this did not happen the first time!!!!” I thought to myself.
“the heat, the butterflies…”I said gripping my stomach as if to get rid of them.
It took me a while to realise that I had said it out loud. I looked away from him, flying to the other side of the room before I embarrassed myself further