51 Chapter 51: Mother May I?

Shaye

I can't stop trembling as I make my way to the Warden's office, with Xanth by my side. The other two are in their cells waiting for my return, but I can't stop panicking about what in the world the Warden wants with me.

"Are you okay?" Xanth asks.

In truth, I want to cry. The deadline is speeding toward me, and my solution is giving up part of my soul. How the hell am I meant to address that? Except what other choice do I have? I don't have the information on Project X, only that Hades tried to get Nelos to kill me so I would be in the Underworld.

"Not doing too well," I answer.

Xanth sidles up closer and his hand squeezes mine. "I'm by your side no matter what. You are not alone in this."

My eyes prick and now I know I'm going to cry. "There's too much for me to handle."

"I know, and it's why we need to find another solution. Blaze is not going to work."