I wanted to ask why, but when my mouth opened, blood bubbled and trickled out.
Sorry. Linard yanked the blade free. I slumped over, unable to make a sound. He gave you a chance to live, at least, he whispered.
Hey, I was expecting Leon Aiden came to a halt just a few feet from us, and then he slammed into Linard. An inhuman, animalistic sound tore from Aiden as he wrapped an arm around Linards throat.
My back hit the wall beside the counter and my legs gave out on me. I slid down as I clutched at my stomach, trying to staunch the flow. Warm, sticky blood gushed between my fingers. There was a yelp and then a sickening crunch that signaled the end of Linard.
Aiden screamed for help as he dropped beside me, knocking my trembling hands out of the way and pressing his own down on the wound. Aidens stricken face loomed over mine, his eyes wide with horror. Alex! Alex, talk to me. Talk to me, dammit!
I blinked and his face formed again, but it was fuzzy. I tried to say his name, but a hoarse, wet cough racked my body.
No! No. No. He looked over his shoulder at the door. Guards had gathered, drawn by the commotion. Get help! Now! Go!
My hands spasmed at my sides and then a numbness settled deep in my bones. Nothing hurt really, except my chest, but it ached for a different reason. The way he looked when he turned back to me and his eyes darted to my stomach. He pushed down harder. His gaze was frantic, shocked, and terrified.
I wanted to tell him that I still loved himthat I always hadand I wanted to tell him to make sure Seth didnt lose it. My mouth moved, but no words came out.
Its okay. Everything is going to be okay. Aiden forced a smile, eyes glistening. Was he crying? Aiden never cried. Just hold on. Were getting help. Just hold on for me. Please, agapi mou . Hold on for me. I promise
There was a popping sound, followed by a flash of light, brilliant and blinding. And then there was nothing but darkness and I was falling, spinning, and it was all over.
CHAPTER 16
THE GROUND UNDER MY CHEEK WAS DAMP AND COLDa musky, wet scent filled the air, one that reminded me of being deep inside a mossy cavern. Come to think of it, shouldnt I feel cold? This place was dark and dank, the only light being provided by tall torches thrusting out of the ground,
Maybe it was because I was an oracle.
Shock forced my mouth to gape. Waityoure the oracle?
It runs in my family.
I leaned closer, inspecting the deep hue of her skin and those dark eyes that suddenly looked way too familiar. Youre not related to Grandma Piperi, are you?
Kari laughed throatily. Piperi is my last name.
Holy
Yeah, weird, right? She shrugged, dropping her arm. I had the huge purpose in life, but my love for shoes kind of ended it all. Takes the term killer shoes to a whole new level, right?
Yeah, I said, totally wigged out. So, are you the oracle that came into whatever when Grandma Piperi passed?
A few moments passed and then she sighed. Yes, I did unfortunately. I was never big on Fate and destiny, you see? And visions well, they suck most of the time. Kari looked at me, her obsidian eyes narrowing. Youre supposed to be here.
I am? I squeaked. Aw, man
She nodded. You are. ThisIve seen this. Like I knew I was going to meet you, but I had no idea it would be here . See, oracles dont know when the passing of their own time will be, which blows. She laughed again. Gods, I know whats going to happen.
Now that caught my attention. You do?
Her smile turned secretive.
My fingers dug into my sweater. And are you going to tell me?
Kari fell quiet, and did it matter now that she was making little sense? She was an oracle and I was dead. Wasnt a thing I could do about anything, right? Shaking my head, I took in the rest of my surroundings. I couldnt see where the river led to; it flowed to where was nothing but a deep, black hole. To our right there was a small opening, and a strange, bluish glow emanated from whatever was beyond this place.
Wheres that go? I asked, pointing at the light.
Kari sighed. Back up there, but its not the same. Youre a shade if you go that way, and thats even if you can get past the guards.
The guys on the horses?
Yep. Going down or up, Hades does not like to lose any souls. You shouldve been here when someone tried to make a run for it. She shivered delicately. Gross.
A commotion by the river had us turning around. Kari clapped her hands together. Sweet gods, finally! Kari took off toward the ever-increasing throng of people by the river.
What? I hurried after her. The guards on the horses were forcing people into lines on both sides of the river. Whats going on?
She looked over her shoulder at me, smiling. Its Charon. Hes here. Its Paradise time, baby!
But how do you know where youre going? I struggled to keep up with her, but when I reached the fringes of the group, I froze. Oh, crap .
You just know, Kari said, pushing past those who I assumed had no money for passage. It was nice meeting you, Alexandria. And Im about ninety-nine percent sure well meet again. Then she disappeared into the crowd.