Chapter 91. Hades

“I—” Althea stammered, her heart thudding so loudly she thought it might give her away.

“Yes, Sire!” a voice called before she could say another word.

It was the mage from earlier. He stepped forward swiftly, hands moving as he began weaving the incantation to open the portal. The air rippled, the glow forming into a swirling gate of light and shadow.

Althea let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. For a terrifying moment, she had thought Gavriel was ordering her to do it. The weight of his command was so absolute, it had felt directed at her. Relief washed through her when she realized it wasn’t.

“Your hand is cold, Althea,” Gavriel’s deep voice brushed against her ear, making her tense. His grip tightened, pulling her closer against his side. “Why is that?”

Her throat went dry. She swallowed, forcing a faint smile. “It’s… a bit cold, don’t you think?” she muttered, trying to sound casual though her voice wavered.

He said nothing