Chapter 49 | The Devil of Siren City

Skylar

I spend the day in my room, leaving only to check on Adrian's condition now and then before returning to be alone. As alone as one can get with Persephone in their head, that is. But strangely, she is far from the most pressing matter in my thoughts today.

The Devil of Siren City.

I knew there was something about Adrian Price. Something powerful. And dangerous.

I can’t say I expected this, though.

“There is no honor among thieves, Skylar, and we are a nation of villains. As... beloved as those brothers were, they had it coming, too.”

The Devil and his city.

The villain and me.

I stare out my window from my bed. The harbor is alive even this late into the night, with boats and the lighthouse glimmering over the water. Questions swirl in my head as the day repeats in my memory. From waking up with Adrian to kissing him to saving his life. To saving mine. Candy seemed eager to use that gun, after all.

My stomach twists with guilt. I don’t want to hurt them.

I never wanted to hurt anybody.

And if I didn’t take over, we’d both be dead right now. So… you’re welcome!

I ignore her. At least, I attempt to.

What? Not talking to me? I’m the one who should be mad at you, you know. I told you not to drink that tea, and then look what happened. Adrian almost died.

“I saved him,” I say weakly.

Did you?

“Yes.”

Who do you think stopped his heart?

I say nothing, fear of the truth filling me with silent dread.

He needs me. More than you can ever know.

I rest my head on my knees. My heart fills with ache, an ache that first struck this morning when I heard their names together.

Hades and Persephone.

Him and her.

Her little joke, Adrian said.

Even so, I wonder.

“Why did you bring me to Adrian?” I ask.

Because you and I are one, and he needs me, Persephone says. Adrian and I are destined to be together. It was written in the stars long before you set foot here.

My heart aches again.

Oh, don’t be sad. If it makes you feel any better, you never had a chance. But don’t worry. I’ll make him very happy. All you have to do is… let go.

“No,” I say. “I won’t let you tempt him.”

To that, Persephone laughs.

“Stay away from him,” I say.

You think you can stop me? You have to sleep eventually.

“The tea,” I say. “It shut you up before.”

And Adrian suffered the price. Are you really willing to risk his life like that again? Some healer you are.

“Try me.”

Persephone doesn’t reply. I wait for a few minutes, but still… nothing.

Good.

I rest my head on my knees again and watch as boats drift into the night.

***

PERSEPHONE WALKED INTO ADRIAN’S ROOM.

She stepped softly and slowly. She cherished each step, happy for the opportunity to stretch her legs, enjoying the cool touch of hardwood against her bare feet and toes.

Standing over his bed, she looked at Adrian. Fast asleep. Exhausted.

“Poor boy,” she whispered. “You’ve taken quite the fall, haven’t you?”

Adrian didn’t move, her voice too far away.

Persephone sat down on his bed, light as a feather. She reached out, allowing her fingertips to touch his face, his cold cheek. In his sleep, Adrian turned his head, instinctively drawn to her healing warmth.

Persephone smiled. She placed her hand on his chest, just over his heart. He inhaled deeply. Exhaled slowly. Another pain come and gone.

“Rest, my sweet boy,” she whispered. “Soon, it’ll be just you and me against land and sea.”

Adrian shifted again. “Skylar,” he whispered, his eyes closed. Content.

Well, that’s disappointing.

But she won’t be a problem for much longer.

Persephone stood up. She silently gathered the empty water glass and dinner plate from his bedside table and took them to the kitchen. She refilled the glass and set it back where it was before.

Then she left him to his sleep. He would need it.

For there were dark days ahead.