CHAPTER FIFTY NINE

—JASMINE

I look down at Hades, my gaze drawn to the way his fingers are still wrapped around my wrist, his grip firm yet gentle.

It's as if he's hesitant to let me go, even as his eyes follow mine, tracing the path of my gaze.

And then, suddenly, he seems to snap out of his trance-like state, becoming conscious of his hold on me.

His fingers release their grasp, and he takes a step back, his face etched with apology.

"I'm sorry," he says, his deep voice laced with regret, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions.

I take a step back too, my eyes darting around the dimly lit space, ensuring we're not being watched.

The last thing I need is for someone to misinterpret this situation and tarnish my reputation.

I glance sideways, my mind racing with the potential consequences of being seen with Hades in such a compromising position.

The shadows cast by the faint light seem to grow longer as if they're trying to snuff out any remaining secrets.

"What's going on?" I ask, my voice bare