Page 138 of Hell’s Weapon

In any other circumstance, I absolutely would’ve ignored that order, but when I’ve already got a list of ways I’ve recently fucked up, I decided it is probably best to obey this one. Even if it is driving me crazy.

On the plus side, at least my humans had access to their shifter forms again. They were thrilled with the delivery.

Another advantage of finally being home is having my wardrobe back, no more untailored prison scrubs or mass produced gym gear. It’s fucking fantastic. I’m revelling in changing outfits at least three times a day. And the looks the guys give me every time I walk out of my wardrobe are priceless. I am currently wearing one of my more expensive dresses, it’s a dark plum, embroidered detailing on the bodice, and a halterneck–meaning it's backless–so I can release my wings at will without having to concern myself with whether I’m wearing panelled clothing or not.

The double thigh slit might be Wyatt’s favourite part of it though. The fabric nearly hits the floor but my legs are exposed with each step I walk. It might be a bit fancy for the apartment but it’s so comfy. And I kind of like turning the guys on simply by wearing a slightly slutty outfit. There’s barely a surface left that we’ve not fucked on.

Garrick brought some clothes over for Milo and Wyatt also, so they’ve not been naked the entire time, or forced to wear their contestant gear from the compound. Milo prefers to cover up a bit more, but still looks delectable in the shorts and t-shirts he’s chosen. Wyatt is living in swim trunks, and taking full advantage of my small infinity pool. Neither Milo or I are complaining.

“I want to fly,” Wyatt whines from the sun lounger next to mine. I can empathise, having been grounded myself, but at least my wings are small enough that I can let them free inside the apartment.

Wyatt shifted on the roof yesterday because his dragon basically gave him no choice, but it’s not really big enough for him to move around in that form. And I spent the whole time anxious that he would take off and I’d have to track him down. Thankfully, he seemed content to sunbathe his scales after letting off several streams of intense fire.

“Soon,” I respond. Hopefully, I add mentally. I have no idea when this house arrest is going to end. Even Garrick hasn’t heard from Hades in over twenty-four hours. The graduation ceremony has been set for two weeks’ time. If Wyatt and Milo are going to attend, then we should hear from Hades soon.

Wyatt sits up, swinging his legs so he’s sitting sideways on the lounger, facing me. We’d been soaking up the sun for the last hour. Milo was somewhere inside. He liked his own company and we were respecting that and giving him some space.

“Do you think Milo is okay? You don’t think the Angels have been in his head again do you?” Wyatt speaks in a low voice.

“I hope he’d tell us if they’d tried.” We’d spoken at length about it and he’d promised that he’d let us know immediately if they tried to reach out now that we knew the whole truth. He’d not woken us with any nightmares either which I think is a good sign.

“I wish we’d noticed sooner,” Wyatt says.

“You weren’t looking out for the signs like I was, how could you have known? You don’t have to feel guilty about it.”

“I hope you’re not berating yourself about it.”

“Wyatt, it’s my job. I should’ve seen it.”

He’s quiet for a minute. Clearing his throat, I can tell his next question is hard for him to voice. “Do you think if you had discovered that he was linked to the Angels early on, that you would’ve killed him?”

The honest answer is probably. But my chest aches just thinking about it. “I don’t know. He wasn’t trying to kill anyone, not like Cameron was, so if I had found out, I probably would’ve sent him to Garrick to be interrogated. His answers there may have swayed us but it’s doubtful he would still be in Elysium. Even if we’d believed that the Angels were using him, rather than him being a willing recruit, we’d probably have killed him and let his soul decide on another life or not. I can’t think like that though. I’m so fucking grateful Garrick put us together as roommates.”

Wyatt picks up my hand and gives it a squeeze. “Me too.”

Milo has told us bits and pieces of his life before the Angels recruited him. I’d known a fair chunk of it because of accessing his file but having him tell me, and seeing Wyatt’s reaction made me even more thankful that things had played out as they had before I’d found out about him providing the Angels with details about the games.

“Wow, the mood is rather sombre. I’d thought you’d be relishing the free holiday you’ve had the last few days.” Khaos’s voice makes me jump and I automatically pull my blade from my thigh and raise it in his direction before my brain processes who has managed to gain entry to my apartment.

“Khaos, I gave you full access for emergencies. You’re still meant to message me first,” I chastise him, replacing my knife.

“And since when have I ever done that?” He laughs. It’s true. Before the games he would come and go as he pleased.

Launching from the lounger, I swing my arms around his neck in a tight hug. Despite the current circumstances I am happy to see my best friend. “Please tell me you’re here to say everything is sorted out and Hades wants to talk.”

“Sort of.” Khaos hugs me back before gently pushing me out of his arms. “He’s about to teleport in.”

“What?” I say, suddenly feeling icy cold even though we’re still outside with the summer sun beating down on us.

Dark smoke explodes from thin air beside Khaos and Hades appears as I take a step back. I was expecting him to summon us to his offices. If he wants to talk here, he wants it kept private. That can’t be good.

“Hades, I’m sorry.” I drop my eyes as the apology bursts from my lips.

“Has Hell frozen over? Did you just apologise to me?” Hades’s tone is one of shock, but also mirth. “And since when do you bother showing me any respect?”

“I abandoned my position during a battle. I fucked up and I’m sorry.” I lift my eyes.

“Tacita.” Hades grabs my hand. “I say this lovingly, but where the fuck is my Death Bringer? If you don’t snap out of this apologetic person immediately, I may think you’ve been body swapped.”