AllFreeNovel
Share Us
A drawing. The most beautiful drawing of the meadow where the Titans threw their party that first night, but this scene was how it was meant to be enjoyed. No people, no drinks, no debris.
Foxgloves, cornflowers, and poppies practically burst from the page—their color and detail lifelike in an almost fantastical, playful way. Dancing among their petals were the dryads and naiads as men saw them. Tiny, beautiful, naked goddesses—mesmerizing in their harmony with nature.
Sebastian snapped the book shut, snatching it away in a blink. It quickly disappeared under his pillow.
“How did you know Sirena was there?” I asked, not remarking on the sketchbook.
“I have someone watching her at all times,” he replied easily. “I’d be stupid not to. She’s dangerous.”
Irritation lit me up. “You admit it just like that. Even though we had a deal, you’re still spying, blackmailing, intimidating, and selling secrets. I saw Marinos leaving the infirmary when I came back from the library. Even with Healer Helena’s potions, he looked awful. What’s wrong with you? Why would you do that?”
“Marinos isn’t worth your time or your pity,” he growled. “You think you have a right to be mad at me when it’s the other way around. I should’ve killed him when I had the chance. You got in the way.”
I recoiled.
“Now he’ll be on his guard.”
“Fuck’s sake,” I breathed. “Why would you say that? What did he do?”
Sebastian reared up. “Oh, now you want to stop accusing and start asking questions? I’ve held up my end of the deal, Vanda. I always keep my word, and I’m really getting tired of you paintingme as the monster in your story. Last I checked, your monster’s name is Selene.”
A roaring sounded in my ear.
“—him! Kill him!”
Sebastian fixed on me—a bare-chested trickster god relaxing on his throne. “Trixie thinks you really are crazy. A deluded lunatic talking and whispering to yourself in empty hallways and bathrooms, but you and I know better. Someone is pulling your strings and using your mom to do it.”
He tipped his head, peering into my face. “You weren’t lying when you said monsters broke into your little mortal home and stole her, but that they brought her here?” Sebastian tossed his head. “That was a hard idea for me to swallow. The wards around this place are impenetrable.” He grinned. “For most people, anyway. Still, knowing that there’s a trapped goddess spreading her influence from this place to manipulate monsters and you into doing her bidding—”
“Kill him!”
“What do you want, Sebastian?” I sliced in. “Go ahead. Spare me the recap and name your price.”
He smirked. “I keep telling you, Vanda. I’m not in the blackmail business anymore. I’m not going to repeat a single thing Trixie’s told me to anyone—” He winced, flicking off my face. “I never said I was going to ruin her life,” he said to someone I couldn’t see. I assumed Trixie. “No, you said that. You said—!”
Sebastian shook himself, taking a breath. “My apologies,” he told the shaking, sweaty heap that used to be me. “Lost souls can get fixated on problems they never resolved in life. Trixie never did get a chance to—these are her words—fuck that pretty face up.
“Anyway. I don’t want to hurt you.” Sebastian slid off the bed, planting his feet between mine. “I want to help you.”
“Help me? Ha!” I barked a loud, shrieking laugh that blew his brows up. “That’s rich coming from you.”
“It’s not a trick. This is your mom,” he said, tone steady. “If I could have a soft spot for anyone, it’s someone trying to save their mom.”
I was quiet for a long time, studying him.
Selene was not.
“End this now. The Hades spawn lies. He’s dangerous. Kill him! Kill him or I’ll have it done myself!”
“How?” I croaked. “How are you going to help me?”
“I’ll tell you what stood here before Deucalion Academy did. Better yet, I’ll show you.”
Selene’s tirade cut off so quickly, the silence shocked me. Suddenly, she had nothing to say.
“I had a chat with the dryads,” he continued. “So kind and sweet, they told me everything I wanted to know immediately. I barely got the question out first.”
My eyes narrowed.Douchebag.“And you’re going to tell me just like that? You don’t want anything in return?”
