Chapter 14 - Some bargains don’t take your soul—they wait for your future to bloom, and then they claim it.

Nyra's POV

I've seen the strangest creatures in my lifetime, from the shadow-breathing Wraithborns to the creepy beast I'd just fought with Kade. But standing before me was a creature like none other.  

Unbelievably attractive, with a perfectly shaped and symmetrically aligned face, carefully sketched and framed by the artist himself, His eyes drew me in and whispered secrets hidden for ages.

And his smile? He had a mischievous smile that promised ruin but somehow made you hope it meant salvation.

With bold steps that made no sound on black stone, the god of death waltzed into the chamber as if it were a ballroom.

"I've waited so long for this moment; however, you have made my patience worthwhile. What a show that was. I haven't seen an Alpha wolf bleed in centuries. Very rewarding."

Nyra steadied myself with Kade's arm, forcing myself to stand upright because my legs felt like jelly.

Kade drew his claws back in, but his body pulsed with emotion, "It was you. The trail, the beats, the mirrors, everything, it was all you. Torturing me in your own dark twisted way."

Hades let out a low, jovial chuckle. "Oh, on, Alpha. Dreadmoor has its own cravings. Apparently, even the Dreadmoor couldn't resist the urge to mess with wolf blood. She has a mind of her own. All I am is the last hand. And I have the honour of deciding whether you'll leave in chains or with the gift you seek."

His eyes moved slowly and purposefully to me. My head stopped beating. 

"It appears you have company. That's a first. For centuries, many Alphas have journeyed into the Dreadmoor, but none of them dared to bring company; you broke the rule and brought in a woman. "Your woman." He added with unspoken meaning.

My spine stiffened, but I remained unflinching. Somehow, Kade seemed to have noticed the slight trembling in his eyes as they met mine, hooded with worry. I quietly assured him that I was fine.

Tilting his head to the side, Hades studied me as if I were a complex puzzle. "As pale as starlight." He whispered.

"A wolf with a hidden heartbeat. Oh, what men would give to have you when the power that sings beneath your skin fully ripens."

A gentle yet ruthless smile curved his lips. "How long do you think you can hide it from him, little flame? Tell me."

I choked on my own breath. Kade's jaw tightened as he looked between us. He either hated how my eyes fluttered with uneasiness, even if it was just for a heartbeat, or didn't quite understand the underlying meaning of Hades' remarks. 

"Keep her out of your mouth," Kade snarled.

"Oh?" Hades grinned broadly. "Are we already protective? Considering your... history with women, I'm curious.

"Don't you want something? If you have something to say, just say it and let us be."

"Hitting the nail on the head. Great." Hades commented as he moved in closer, filling the room with his aura until it seemed too cramped and oppressive.

"Alpha of the Blood Moon line, you came here to gain power. And you'll have power. But not without a price."

"I already fought your beast. What more do you want?"

"Losing Cyrion was painful, but it was not enough. It was only a starter." He sounded really amused. "Now, we're about to get into the main meal." Silver-edged and dark, fire flared over his palm as he raised it. "You are one of the strongest wolves Dreadmoor has ever received, and when you leave, if you succeed, the gods will be torn apart by your bare hands, and the moon itself will obey your voice. However, all gifts come with a cost.

"Name your price." Kade retorted.

I tightened my grip on his arm, sharply and urgently, I warned, "Hey, you need to think this through. Deals with gods are always doomed. They always take more than they give."

Hades' smile deepened as his gaze returned to me.

"Good advice. Little wolf, haven't you struck a few deals of your own? Blood-buried secrets? Do you think he would ever see you the same way if he knew?

I froze on the spot. Mouth agape but without words.

Kade growled and said firmly, "I already told you to keep her out of your mouth! Now, name your damn price."

Hades' eyes glistened. "Excellent. What you would love the most, that's what I want."

Kade's expression changed, "What do you mean, what I would love? Why don't you want what I already love?"

"You don't have a strong passion for anything as it is currently, but you would eventually, when you find your mate."

"My mate?" Kade laughed. "I see you've finally lost it. The time you've spent locked up in here has messed with your pea-sized brain. I do not have a mate. She died many years ago."

"Are you sure?" Hades asked in a soft tone. 

"I watched her die. She would have found me and initiated the bond if she were alive. I'm the most powerful Alpha alive; women would be anything to have me."

"If you insist. If you eventually happen to have a mate, I would take what she would have given you."

"And what is that?"

"Your first child. Your wife's eldest child. A child born of your bond, bound to you. That's my price."