Hades' Cursed Luna novel Chapter 202

Hades

"So when do you propose the meeting should be held?" Someone asked.

I snapped out of my thoughts to find everyone staring at me, concerned.

"Yeah, I...um..." I ran my hand down my face.

"We lost you there for a second," Kael looked concerned despite his light tone. I was not the type to get distracted, especially with a case like this one.

"Are you alright?" Eve asked, worry making her brows bunch.

"Peachy, my love," I replied.

"Oooooo," Kael teased. "I like the ring of that one. Red will always be classic, but my love?..." He kissed the air "is exquisite."

I rolled my eyes as Kael waggled his brows, clearly finding amusement in my response.

Before he could say something snarky, he placed his hands together, eyes looking up at the ceiling dramatically. "Goddess, I have seen what you have done for others—"

I swatted him upside the head before he could finish.

"Ow!" He yelped, rubbing the spot where I hit him. "That was uncalled for, you brute!"

Eve let out a genuine chuckle, the sound light and unrestrained, filling the room like a breath of fresh air. It was rare, these moments of ease, and I found myself relaxing ever so slightly at the sound.

Kael grinned despite his supposed suffering. "See? At least Eve appreciates me. Unlike some people."

I sighed, shaking my head. "This is a serious discussion, Kael. Try to act like you have some level of decorum."

Kael placed a hand over his heart, feigning offence. "I am nothing but the picture of professionalism." It had been a while since this side of Kael had shone through.

Eve laughed harder, and for a moment, I could pretend that things were normal. That there weren’t threats waiting outside these walls, that we weren’t preparing to face the very people who had destroyed her.

But reality was a cruel thing.

Amelia cleared her throat, drawing us back to the matter at hand. "So, when do you propose the meeting should be held?"

The weight of responsibility crashed back onto my shoulders. I exhaled sharply, running a hand down my face.

"We need to move fast," I said. "The longer we wait, the more control they believe they have. We set the terms, and we set them now."

Eve’s smile faded, but she nodded. "Tomorrow. No more delays."

Kael whistled lowly. "Straight into the lion’s den. Alright then. I’ll make the arrangements." Trying to lessen tension.

Amelia hesitated before nodding. "Eve, I want you to check in with me before and after the meeting. No exceptions. The fact that you want to do this without any prompting tells me your body is ready, but the fear remains, but despite fear, creatures--"

"Still walk forward," Eve finished softly.

Amelia gave her a small, approving smile. "Exactly. Courage isn’t the absence of fear, Eve. It’s moving forward in spite of it. But you need to be mindful of how much you push yourself. Just because you’re ready doesn’t mean you won’t feel the weight of it later."

Eve inhaled slowly, absorbing her words. "I understand."

"Good." Amelia leaned back in her chair, tapping a finger against the table. "And what about safeguards? If things go south, what’s the plan?"