Hades' Cursed Luna novel Chapter 138

Eve

I glanced at a blindfolded Hades for what was probably the tenth time as I tiptoed toward the first red flag. Sweat dripped from my brow, and I froze, afraid he would hear it.

He tilted his head slightly, and my heart flipped.

But he didn’t turn toward me.

Relief threatened to spill out in a breath, but I swallowed it down. Not yet.

I moved again, each step light against the padded floor. The flag dangled just ahead, swaying faintly as if mocking me.

I can do this.

I reached up, fingers brushing the edge of the cloth—

"Impatient," Hades’ voice cut through the silence. Smooth. Unbothered.

I snatched my hand back like the flag had burned me.

His head remained turned slightly away, blindfold covering his eyes, but somehow he still felt me.

"Slow down, Red," he drawled, arms crossed over his chest. "Or have you forgotten how this ends?"

I swallowed hard, fists clenching. He’s bluffing.

I reached for the flag again, this time slower. My fingertips skimmed the fabric, and I carefully slipped it off the hook.

One down.

I pivoted, eyes flicking to the next flag across the room. Three minutes felt shorter than I thought.

Moving toward the second, I measured each step, keeping light on my feet. The room felt suffocating in its silence, like the walls were listening.

Halfway there.

Hades shifted, and I halted mid-step.

He faced me now, though his eyes were still obscured. His head tilted like he could hear my hesitation.

"Panic’s already setting in," he murmured. "You have time, but you’re rushing."

I grit my teeth and pressed forward. The second flag hung lower, an easy grab if I stayed calm. I crouched and gently pulled it free.

Two down.

I took a step back—

"Still too loud," Hades said softly, turning his head just slightly in my direction.

I froze again, gripping the flag in my hand tighter. I didn’t make a sound.

My pulse hammered so loud it felt like even that was betraying me.

Seconds ticked by. I waited for him to move, to give me an opening.

But he didn’t.

He just stood there, calm as ever, as if daring me to continue.

One minute left.

I exhaled silently and made for the third flag, faster this time. If I keep waiting, I’ll lose.

The flag hung near the ropes. I reached out—

Before my fingers even touched it, Hades shifted again.

I yanked my hand back, but it was too late.

His hand shot out, brushing lightly against my wrist. "Got you."

I sucked in a sharp breath as he gently tugged the flag from my hand.

"Try again," he said, stepping back into the center. His blindfold remained in place, but somehow, his stare felt heavy, like he could see through it.

I bit the inside of my cheek, hating the flicker of satisfaction I caught on his face.

Thirty seconds.

I darted to the fourth flag, forcing myself to move quicker.

The moment I grabbed it, Hades spoke again. "Desperation’s louder than footsteps, Red."

I jerked around—

He was already there.

His hand caught the edge of the flag, tugging it loose with ease.

I stared at him, breathless. "You’re blindfolded."

"I don’t need to see to know where you are," he replied, voice calm and infuriating.

I stepped back, empty-handed.

Fifteen seconds left.

One flag left.

I darted toward the final flag near the exit, shoving down the rising frustration.