"Lose... a hand?"
Hades laughed softly. "It's a jest, silly."
Eva's cheeks flamed. Of course it was a joke— how foolish she must have looked, taking his words so seriously, like a naive little lamb lost before the wolf.
"But," Hades continued smoothly, stealing her attention back to him, "if you won't tell me, how about I make a guess?"
Her stomach knotted.
"You have a sister," he said, as if he could see through her life when he had never seen her family before. "A younger one. She must have seen you wearing the dress, saw how it suited you well— and thought to take it for herself. You refused, and then..."
Each word struck closer to truth, and with every one, Eva's eyes grew wider, three times wider even, until she was staring at him as though he'd just plucked the memory from her mind.
Seeing her reaction, Hades laughed, rich and low. "Ah. I see I've guessed correctly."
Embarrassed, Eva turned her face away, her voice flustered. "It was just an argument, milord. Like any other sisters have."
"You're wrong there," Hades said quietly.
The shift in his tone made her look up.
"Arguments happen in many families," he went on, "but in most, both are punished. Not just one." His gaze lingered on her face, and his words slowed, each one piercing her heart, reminding her that her situation wasn't normal in all household, showing her that she was getting the short end of the stick. "You were beaten badly and I assume because of the dress. But tell me— was your sister punished as well?"
Eva froze.
Hades turned from her then, his back straight, his hands clasped behind him. The light from the tall window stretched his shadow long across the floor.
"If she was," he said, almost to himself, "wouldn't she have been walking beside you that night? Weeping as you did?" He hummed softly, voice low and thoughtful. "No... I think not. It seems your family's cruelty is reserved for you alone."
He glanced over his shoulder, violet eyes gleaming faintly. "How peculiar."
Just a few words that was all it ever took to sway someone's heart.
But today, Hades didn't use his silver tongue to lead anyone into darkness. Instead, he used his words to open Evangeline's eyes—to make her see that what her family had done wasn't something she should simply forgive and forget.
How much longer would she stay in that house? Foolishly, like a lamb led to slaughter?
When he turned back, she was staring at the book before her, her expression tangled between hurt and confusion. Leaning forward slightly, Hades wondered if she might finally free herself from that wretched home. If she did, it would be so much easier to draw her to his side.
She didn't have to keep wishing for her family's love. No—she didn't need them at all.
If it was love she wanted, he could give it.
If it was family she longed for, he could create one for her.
As long as—
"Milord—Milord!"
A thunderous voice shattered the stillness of the library.
Apollo burst into the room, breathless, clearly having searched the castle for him. He stopped short when he saw a young woman seated beside Hades—her troubled expression framed by a face so striking that he froze in place, utterly stunned.
Noticing his stare, Hades stepped aside with a small, amused smile. Of course Apollo would be surprised, he never once treated a woman as well as Evangeline, not that she knew.
"Apollo," he said lightly, "I thought you'd been taught better manners."
Apollo's head dropped lower, his voice small. "My apologies, milord."
Hades sighed. "Well? What is it?"
Apollo hesitated, glancing between his master and the girl. Whatever he needed to say was clearly sensitive, so he leaned closer, whispering near Hades's ear. Evangeline couldn't hear the words, but she saw the slight furrow in Hades's brow, the way his easy expression hardened into displeasure.
When his gaze flicked back to her, she quickly looked away, pretending to focus on the book again.
"Evangeline," Hades said after a moment, his tone returning to warmth, "my apologies, little angel, but it seems my attention is required elsewhere. You may stay here to study if you wish, and bring the book with you. If you find any words you don't understand, circle them, and I'll help you tomorrow."
She rose quickly and shook her head. "I'll go home then... thank you for the book, milord."
Hades chuckled. "Are you certain you wish to return home?"
At once, the image of her father's furious face flashed in her mind. Fear twisted in her stomach—but where else could she go?
"If that's the case," Hades said, turning toward Apollo with a small nudge of his chin, "bring me the medicines."
"The medicines?" Apollo blinked, confused—until his eyes fell on Evangeline's hands and the bruises she'd tried to hide. His expression darkened.
"I didn't do it," Hades said sharply before Apollo could even think to ask.
Apollo managed a sheepish smile, awkwardly bowed, and hurried of- returning moments later with a small, neatly wrapped packet.
Hades took it from him and pressed it gently into Evangeline's hands. His touch was careful, almost reverent.
"If things become too difficult," he said softly, "you're welcome to come to my castle. Anytime."
His words—so gentle, so unexpectedly kind—sent a tremor through her heart. She blinked rapidly, afraid the tears gathering at her lashes might spill, and lifted her head to meet his violet gaze with a trembling smile.
"I couldn't possibly burden you, Lord Hades" she whispered.
"Of course," Hades replied, his tone smooth but carrying an edge that sent a shiver down her spine. "It's not without something in return."
The long sweep of his black lashes cast shadows over his eyes, deepening the fire that burned within them— far too intense for her to understand.
"My castle doesn't usually allow anyone to escape," he murmured, voice dipped in something darkly amused—an enigma disguised as a jest. She blinked, unsure whether to laugh or shiver, still turning his words over in her mind, searching for meaning she wasn't yet ready to grasp.
Hades stepped back, his coat brushing the marble floor as he turned toward Apollo.
"What are you waiting for?"
Apollo, who had stood frozen through the exchange, startled. His gaze flicked between them before he hurried to open the door, his hand tight around the handle. As Hades passed him, Apollo cast a brief glance at the young woman still watching his master with dreamy eyes—eyes that did not yet understand.
Poor girl, he thought. She doesn't realize she's already in the snare.
"I'll see you again soon, little angel."
The door shut softly behind him, sealing his words in the air like a spell. Only then did Eva release the breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Her hand flew to her chest, feeling the wild rhythm of her heart as her knees weakened and she slumped into the nearest chair.
"What's wrong with me..." she whispered, pressing a palm to her temple as if she could shake away the lingering warmth in her veins.
Her eyes fell upon the book he had given her. Nestled between its pages was something fragile and red, the ribbon lace she had woven by hand. He told her that he needed it didn't he? Then if he had left it here, it must have been an accident.
"He must have forgotten this," she murmured, frowning softly as she pulled it free. The silky lace felt delicate against her skin, serving for one last reason for her to hear his voice before she return to her chaos called home.
Clutching the book in one hand and the ribbon in the other, she hurried toward the door, determined to return it. But the task proved easier than she thought—everywhere Hades had gone, whispers followed.
Servants lingered in the halls, cheeks flushed, their voices hushed yet trembling with awe.
"Did you see him?"
"He smiled—at her, I think—"
"Impossible. He never smiles."
Following the trail of murmurs, Eva reached the grand entrance. Hades's tall figure stood beneath the archway, his long black coat sweeping across the chessboard floor as he came to a stop before two familiar faces.
Lady Anny—and her father.