Seven took a step forward, his chest heaving as he tried to bridge the distance between them. But almost immediately, the heavy front doors groaned open again, and Hades stepped out into the courtyard.
Almost instantly, the entire courtyard fell into a suffocating, graveyard silence. The ambient chatter of the guards died mid-breath, and even the bitter winter wind seemed to hold its tongue against the high stone archways.
Ruri slowly lifted her head, her teardrop-blurred eyes locking onto him. Every hair on her arms stood on end, a wave of primal dread washing over her skin. Hades stood at the top of the wide stone steps, imposing and immovably broad. His dark cloak hung heavy over his shoulders, framing a posture that radiated absolute authority.
