Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 92659 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 463(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92659 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 463(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
It’s an art studio.
An unused one. I drop Eurydice’s hand and move about the space, my mind empty of thought. It’s not an exact replica of the one in my old apartment, but all the pieces are there. The easel with the oversized canvas I prefer to paint on. The oil paints in my favorite brand, all unopened and untouched. A slightly smaller selection of brushes than I normally use, but all of my favorite ones are there.
I turned to look at her. “What is this?”
“An…invitation. I know this is high-handed, and I’m only slightly sorry for it. You need something to do, Orpheus. You need this. I saw your face when you had the brush in your hand last night.”
I feel exposed. There’s an impulse to strike out, to do something to burst this fragile moment where she sees me all too clearly. But then, Eurydice has always seen me more clearly than others. Before, I was arrogant enough to think it made me almost godlike in her eyes. Now I understand that, for all the good she sees, she is equally aware of my flaws and dark underbelly. All the things I would hide from the world, laid out for her perusal. “You spent too much.” That, at least, is a reasonable response.
“It might’ve been my idea, but this gift isn’t from me.” She moves to the comfortable-looking chaise positioned in such a way that someone sitting on it can watch the person at the canvas while still being out of the way. “If you want to throw a fit about it, take it up with Charon.”
I turn slowly, taking in the room through new eyes. “Charon did this?”
“I suggested we collect your things from your apartment in the upper city, but he muttered something about new beginnings. I provided the information about the products you prefer to work with, but he did the rest. Or rather, he sent one of his people to do the rest.”
I don’t know if that changes things or not. I don’t know how to feel at all.
Without meaning to, I run my fingers over the plastic that covers the canvas. It’s been so long. I don’t know if I even know how to paint anymore. Last night was as much about Eurydice and caring for her as it was about the paint itself, but she’s right. It felt good to have a brush in my hand again. I turn to find her perched on the chaise, watching me closely. “You didn’t really answer my question, you know. About what would make you feel better while we wait for Charon.”
Her smile is soft and sweet. “I thought it was obvious—I’d like to watch you paint.”
Something almost like fear tears through me. What if I’ve forgotten everything? Surely painting is just like any other skill—use it or you lose it, or however that saying goes. Can a person lose their inherent talent? I’m sure it’s possible, even probable.
“Could I paint you?” The question’s out before I can think of all the reasons she’ll tell me no. Before, the only way she’d agree to it was if I promised no one would see those pieces but the two of us. I held to that promise, even at my most selfish. Truth be told, that impulse was selfish too. I didn’t want to share her with the world.
Eurydice stares at me, and there’s a moment of perfect understanding between us. We can never change the past that got us to this place, can never erase the scars she has because of my carelessness. But right here, right now, we can begin again. Maybe we can even do it right this time.
She smiles. “Yes.”
26
CHARON
I know my long day is about to get even longer when I’m summoned to Hades’s office again. I walk through the door to find him glaring at his computer, which only means one thing—he’s about to meet with the rest of the Thirteen. Since the new Zeus took over the position, Hades has been venturing into the upper city for these meetings. I will admit more than a little relief about the fact that he’s not doing it tonight. After the attack on the club, we need to lock down.
He won’t give that order. Not until he absolutely has to. He doesn’t normally care about public perception the same way the others seem to, but he’s certainly more aware of it since he married Persephone.
“I want you sitting in on this meeting. I’m sorry I’m not able to give you an update before I deal with the rest of them, but time is of the essence.”
“Of course.” I take position just off his right shoulder where I can hear what’s said and see the screen, but no one on the screen can see me.