Three Days Before the Styx Chapter 2

Not long after Cassandra left, I heard a familiar voice in the garden. Ethan's voice. My chest tightened.

He hated my guts seven years ago.

After he caught Aiden and me hugging at the altar, he grabbed my throat. He demanded to know why I betrayed him.

When I shook and told him, "I hate the darkness in you," he punched a marble statue to pieces.

Then he crushed the obsidian amulet he gave me right in front of my eyes.

Now, he was actually here.

Through the half-open door, I saw Ethan holding a woman's hand tight.

That was Sierra. The Nymph.

Her blonde hair fell like a waterfall. She looked like a literal goddess.

"Madam Elena, are you still upset about seven years ago?" Ethan's voice was chillingly calm. "I stopped loving Elara a long time ago. I'm totally over it. I was hoping she could help my fiancée prep for our ceremony. As a friend."

The word "friend" stabbed me like a knife.

"After all, Elara was a priestess in the Underworld Temple. She knows the ritual details best," he continued. His tone was flat.

Sierra giggled. "Madam Elena, Ethan told me everything. Elara cheated. But they were young. Mistakes happen."

"Honestly, I should thank her." Her voice dripped with sweet venom. "If she hadn't made the smart choice back then, how would I have met an amazing god like Ethan?"

"After all," Sierra paused, making her point clear. "She chased the sun. Now I get the king of the dark."

I closed my eyes. I felt that familiar sting.

I used that excuse to hurt him seven years ago.

Now his fiancée was using the exact same words to humiliate me.

What a sick joke by the Fates.

"Enough!" My mother's voice shook. "You and your mother are both completely shameless!"

My heart dropped at my mother's yell. I couldn't let her take this for me. I forced my weak body to stand. Every movement burned with the curse.

"Mom, go inside," I called out softly. "Help me out. I'll talk to them myself."

Mom rushed in to help me. Her eyes were full of anger and heartbreak. "Elara, you don't have to—"

"It's fine." I patted her hand. "I need to face this."

I walked slowly to the door. Ethan and Sierra were standing outside the garden. It had been seven years. He was just as handsome. Dark hair, deep eyes. But the eyes that used to burn for me were completely dead now.

"Ethan," I said quietly.

His gaze swept over my pale face. My wasted body. His fingers twitched at his sides, but he quickly hid it.

"Elara. You look..." He stopped.

"Terrible, right?" I gave a self-deprecating smile. "I'm a little sick. But I'll live."

Sierra clung to Ethan's arm, marking her territory. "Elara, Ethan told me you two used to be so in love. But looking at you now, breaking up was for the best."

"It was," I nodded calmly. "It was the right choice."

"Good." Sierra smiled brighter. "So, will you help us plan the Bonding Rite? I heard you were the best priestess in the Underworld. You must know all about these sacred rituals."

"Sure. I'd love to help."

Ethan gave me a complicated look. "You really want to?"

"Why not?" I looked him dead in the eye. "We're friends now, aren't we? Friends help each other out."

When I said the word "friends," a flash of pain crossed his eyes. But he buried it under ice right away. The Underworld aura around him suddenly turned freezing cold.

"Then it's settled." Sierra sounded triumphant. "We're picking the venue tomorrow. Elara, you're coming with us."

"Okay."

She turned to Ethan and pouted. "Babe, we should go back. We have so much to do tomorrow."

Ethan nodded. He gave me one last, deep look before turning away. "Take care of yourself, Elara."

"I will. Thanks."

Watching them leave, I felt completely exhausted.

"Elara!" Mom rushed over and hugged me. "Why did you agree to that?"

"Because I want to see it." I leaned into her. "I want to see exactly how much he doesn't care about me anymore. I want to see how much he loves his bride."

"Then I can finally let go."

Night fell. The curse gnawed at my bones. I would face this humiliation. I would watch their happiness.

Then, I would turn to ash. No more delusions.