Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 99201 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 496(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99201 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 496(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
“Since when?” My eyes are still narrowed down into little slits. Because this is also a lie. “You’re not concerned about me. You want to break your curse, you want to go on your trip, you want me to help you. None of this has anything to do with me aside from the fact that I must help you tick these things off your list.”
“You know what you are, Callistina?” He’s pointing at me. “A cynic.”
I scoff at the incredulity of his accusation. But can’t even find the words to object, it’s so absurd.
“You’re a cynic. And it’s… sad. I’m sad for you. Because here I am, a god, and I’m offering you a friendship. I’m telling you that I will be loyal. That will be your reward. And you’re scoffing at me.”
“So let me get this straight.” I sit up in bed so I can look him dead in the eyes. “You will sacrifice for me?”
“Are you not sacrificing for me?”
I’m taken aback a little at this turn in the conversation. Because I think I have, actually. Not even meaning to. I was, after all, the one who offered to help him first. So it was me, not him, who set up this… friendship. “You didn’t answer the question. And do you know why you didn’t answer the question, Eros? Because you haven’t the first clue what a sacrifice is.”
“A sacrifice. The act of surrender, or the suffering of a loss, in order to gain something. I know what it is.”
“Your definition is the literal act of giving up something precious to gain something better.”
“No. My definition is the giving up of one’s self to save someone else.”
My laugh is so loud, it bounces off the ceiling. “Good night.” Then I turn over in bed and sigh. Shaking my head at his nerve.
I close my eyes and try to put him out of my mind. But even though he’s quiet, I’m unable to do this.
Sacrifice for me. That’s… a lie. He would not sacrifice for anyone. He’s as selfish as they come.
“Fine,” he suddenly says. “You don’t have to think of me as your friend. But I consider you one and I don’t make friends easy so I’m not giving up on this. I am a selfish god and a sorry excuse of a man.”
“Well, at least you’re being honest now.”
“I don’t deserve your friendship. But you do deserve mine. So I will offer it to you without any expectations in return.”
“Right.” I lift my head up and punch my pillow, trying to fluff it up, then set my head back down.
“You’ll see. I will stand by you, Callistina. I will deliver you to the destination of your choice. Even if it’s here in this god-forsaken city of dark magic. And, after that’s done, if you still truly despise me, then… well, what can one say to that? It’s a heartbreak, I guess.”
I scoff. “If I deny you friendship, it will break your heart?”
He lets out a breath. “I just know it will hurt.” I feel him shrug behind me, unable, I guess, to find any more words to explain himself.
“You have no idea what heartbreak is, Eros.”
“And you do?”
“No. My heart has never been broken. But this isn’t about me. I am, at least, capable of loving someone enough to understand the meaning of the word sacrifice. You are not. You are cursed. You are the god of love and you will never fall in love.”
“You’re right. I don’t love you. I will never love you.”
“At least we’re on the same page now.”
“But it won’t be because I don’t like you. And it won’t be because I am not loyal to you. And it won’t be because I am unable to sacrifice. It will only be because of the curse. And you know what?”
His hand is suddenly on my shoulder. His fingertips gripping it tight enough to urge me to turn and look him in the eyes.
He’s rather compelling right now. And telling the truth, at least a little bit. So I allow him to turn me and when I meet his eyes, he’s smiling. “What?” I ask. Answering his question with one of my own.
“I think it’s perfect.”
“What’s perfect?”
“That I will have no reward for this. That you will get all the benefits.”
“Whatever.” I start to turn again, but he’s gripping the opposite shoulder now. So I allow him to let me hesitate. And when I lift my eyes to his once more, they are bright green again. Almost glowing.
“It’s OK if you don’t believe me, Callistina.”
“Good. Because I do not.”
“But I’ll show you anyway. And even if you don’t consider me a friend, I consider you one.”
“That is your choice, Eros.”
“You’re right, it is. But you know how I know that you’re just trying to be difficult here? That you’re just in denial about our mutual friendship?” I don’t even bother acknowledging this. He continues anyway. “You came to me, Callistina. Back in Savage Falls. I didn’t go to you. You came to me. And do you know why you came to me and not anyone else?”