“I’m fine,” I snap.
We follow her into the elevator as it zips upward. Another explosion sounds. It is much smaller than the last one, but it’s still enough to make me flinch. Erik wraps an arm around me, and Phaedra wrings her hands together.
When we step out, the chaos is streaming on the television. The screaming is unbearable.
I cover my ears and double over. The dizzying sensation of still moving while my eyes are squeezed shut makes me want to vomit.
“Helena,” a powerful, ancient voice says.
When I look up, the King’s casual style has vanished. My uncle is covered from head to toe in tactical gear, a large gun strapped onto his hip. His black crown stands out in a lethal way, and his eyes are pure green. Red sparks fly off his body, casting a smoky haze around him and his enormous wings. He is death personified.
“We need to get you to safety, Helena. I have a car waiting for you—“ he glances at my state of undress.
“No.”
“What? It isn’t safe here. It will take time to contain everything.”
My voice is filled with false bravado. “I said no, Uncle.”
“Helena,” Erik says gently.
I take a breath, allowing the realization that bloomed the moment I saw the extent of the destruction to settle within me. “My father did this.”
I don’t need Uncle Aidoneus to acknowledge my words. They ring true. My uncle is silent, his gaze locked on mine.
I let out a bitter laugh. “I don’t know how he knows I’m not dead… but who else would be insane enough to pick a fight with the Daemons? If he did this, it means his team of Elite is here. I must send him a message: I will kill every last one he sends after me.”
“Princess, it isn’t safe.” Phaedra glances at the King when she speaks. The strange connection between them is alive and well.
“No, she’s got a point,” my uncle says. “Her fatherisbehind this. His Elitearerunning through the streets as we speak.”
I square my shoulders. “Give me back my legs. Erik and I will kill them all.”
“We will?” my lover says.
I smile up at him. “Yes, we will.” I turn back to my uncle. “I need my legs and my voice. Erik and I will need to communicate.”
My uncle’s mouth compresses in a tight line. “That’s not possible. That’s why your father couldn’t do it. The magic doesn’t work like that… you get one or the other. There is a price.”
“Then give me my legs. I will go alone.”
Erik starts. “You will not. I am still coming,” he insists, looking at my uncle. “I understand her just fine without a voice.”
King Hades’ gaze studies us for a long moment, and my stomach roils with anticipation for what waits outside. “It would seem so.” Aidoneus pauses. “You would do that for a city you have no ties to?”
“You would risk my father’s wrath for harboring me?” I shoot back. He nods. “I thought so. We are family. Regardless of whether or not we have history.”
My hands shake, but my sentiment rings true.
“Yes,” my uncle says finally. His gaze flits over to Erik. “If you survive this, I will grant you a boon. I cannot give you both a voice and legs… but perhaps I can offer you something of far more value.”
“WhenI survive, I will come to claim your offer. We will see you soon.”
“See you soon? Phaedra and I are coming.”
Phaedra and I. So casual for a business relationship.
We smile at each other, and we all watch as the green magic snakes around me once again. This magic is… far kinder. Instead of ripping, it gently replaces. It lifts me into the air, turning gently, and then sets me down.