Night of the Tiger(75)

Sandra’s words mocked her.

Maybe her actions had damned her, but that was a chance she’d had no choice but to take. As much as she wanted them to be her parents, she truly believed they were nothing more than demons, or shadows from the past.

She couldn’t discount the possibility that they’d been able to pull memories out of her mind and manipulate them. She’d been vulnerable to Hades many times in her dreams, and she had no idea how much power he wielded in that realm.

That cursed black hole appeared again and began to spin. Roric released her and shoved her behind him. “Give me a sword,” she hissed. She was sick and tired of being unarmed.

He manifested a three-foot blade and handed it to her. It was heavy but substantial. She gripped it tight and hefted it in front of her, ready to face whatever appeared from the depths of the black hole.

But this time, no creature stepped out. Instead, it was like looking through a window into Hell itself. It was dark and fetid. The dank smell seeped through the opening. Rotten flesh, damp earth and sulfur coated her nostrils and throat. She swallowed, but that only made it worse.

Occasional sparks lit the shadows, illuminating the craggy rocks and oil-like puddles that riddled the path. It was very familiar, and Aimee knew she’d walked that path in her dreams. Sweat coated her body, making her clothing stick to her skin. She was scared spitless. No way did she want to go back there.

But there was no choice. The scene changed, zooming in on one particular shadow. Aimee squinted, trying to bring the silhouette into focus. It shifted slightly as a flame flared from one of the oily puddles, revealing a pale hand. Was it a demon or a person? She prayed it wasn’t one of her parents. She couldn’t handle any more of the psychological torture.

She frowned and looked closer. The figure was almost familiar somehow. Had she seen it during her dream visit? Several lights jumped to life, revealing a naked limb partially covered by a tattered cloak. No, not a cloak. Hair, long hanks of matted hair hung around the poor creature, covering its body. Bare feet shuffled along as the pale hand used the wall for guidance.

The figure halted suddenly, almost as if it sensed it was being watched. Slowly, the head turned toward them, and Aimee gasped as the woman stared at them. The light picked up glints of her brown hair. Her face was gaunt, but her features were perfect in every way. Her vivid blue eyes were older than time itself.

Roric fell to one knee in front of the apparition, his eyes never leaving the woman. Aimee had a sinking feeling in her stomach that she knew who it was. His next words confirmed it. “My Lady,” he breathed.

Words drifted through her mind. Aimee wasn’t sure if the woman said them aloud or if it was all in her head.

While the demons from Hell tempt and deceive, a life must be given, a heart received. One step from the path and all will be lost. Your souls will be forfeit. That is the cost.

Aimee had no idea what the goddess meant. Was this part of the spell she’d cast on her warriors? The demons had certainly tempted both of them. Did it mean she had to die for Roric to be set free? Was she destined to lose her soul to Hades? Not exactly a pleasant thought.

“I told you Hades set her free when she told him how to break the curse.” Sandra propped an elbow on one of her hands and tapped her blood-red nails against her cheek. “Of course, he didn’t release her from Hell, just her prison cell. She’s free to go.” The demon paused, teeth flashing as she smiled. “That is, if she can find her way out.”

Aimee didn’t know much about mythology, but she did know that getting out of Hades’ realm was all but impossible without his help.

Roric bound to his feet and took a step forward. She knew he was going to go through the black hole and into Hades’ realm to save the goddess. If he did, she knew all would be lost. This was his temptation, just as she’d been tested only moments before.

Aimee jumped forward, dropped her sword to the ground and threw her arms around Roric’s waist. It didn’t even slow him down. He kept moving slowly forward, as though in a trance, all but dragging her behind him.

“Stop!” She dug her heels into the dirt floor and leaned back, desperately trying to stop him. “Roric!” She called his name, hoping for some acknowledgement. Some recognition.

Trying another tack, she grabbed his hair and yanked it hard, pulling him back with all her might. At the same time, she surged forward, getting in front of him. The black hole was swirling behind her. She could feel the tug, like a vacuum wanting to suck her in.

He put his hands on her shoulders, and she knew he meant to move her aside and keep going. Desperate to stop him, Aimee threw her arms around his neck, yanked his head down and plastered her lips against his.