Scarlet Rain (The Escaped #2) Read Online Free PDF

incredible,” she breathed.
    “I was certain I used the phrase correctly,” Maiden continued. “I had Alek explain its meaning several times in hopes of avoiding any confusion when I used it myself.”
    “No, you definitely used it right.” Eva stepped to the first rack of clothes and brushed her hand through the fabrics. “I just didn’t know you knew any of our sayings.”
    Maiden collapsed on a mound of puffy pillows in the center of the ring of candles. “What do you think?”
    “This is crazy. I’ve never seen anything like this before. It’s practically a ballroom. I feel like Belle in the Beast’s library. It’s amazingly fantastic.”
    Maiden twirled the ends of her hair and blushed. “After the curse infected our realm, I was confined to a small area of Tartarus. To keep from losing my mind, I started to sew. It was something I learned as a little girl, but had not practiced in decades. It took time for me to become skilled enough to produce what you see before you, but it soothed me and helped the hours pass. It was well worth the work.”
    “Do you think I’ll be like you? Crappy in the beginning, but eventually incredible at what I do?”
    “Eva, given enough time and practice, you will be a great and powerful Oracle, like those before you. You must believe in yourself. First, however, we need to find you attire better suited to your title,” she said, springing up from the pillows.
    “You’re going to have to meet my friend someday,” Eva said as Maiden sorted through the dresses. “You and Bridget would definitely connect over your gorgeous closets. Although, I’m pretty sure she’s never made anything before in her life. We’ll have to schedule something for the next time you come up to the Mortal Realm.”
    Maiden shook her head. “We have never ventured to any realm outside of those in the Underworld.”
    “Well, you should come visit sometime. I can show you all around Tulsa. It’s not as exciting as someplace like New York City, but it sure is different from here. There’s a lot more light, for one thing.”
    “Thank you for the offer. I am sure I would enjoy exploring the Mortal Realm of Tulsa with you, but I cannot.”
    “Sure, not right now. I mean after everything has settled down, and the curse has been obliterated. I get why you wouldn’t want to go on a vacation until after then. Hopefully all this will be over soon,” Eva mumbled.
    “I cannot go at anytime. I am a part of Tartarus, and it is a part of me. Just as you cannot separate yourself from your body, I cannot separate myself from the Underworld,” Maiden explained.
    “Then how do you ever meet guys or make any friends?” Eva asked.
    “I was in love. Once,” she said quietly.
    “Really? With who? I love a good love story, but I didn’t think I’d hear one in the Underworld.”
    Maiden dabbed her cheeks with her fingertips.
    “Oh, Maiden, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize it was a sensitive subject. You don’t have to talk about it.”
    “No, it is fine.” She shook her hair away from her face, and took a shaky breath before continuing. “His name is Galen. His soul is sentenced here for an eternity for a crime he did not commit. Although it was forbidden, we fell very much in love.” Tears streamed down her face and dotted the delicate gold fabric of her dress. “In all the years of my existence, I have never yearned to be with someone more than I crave to be with Galen.”
    “What happened? Did he get set free?”
    “He remains here. He will remain here until the end of time.”
    “Then why not go be with him? You said yourself you can travel anywhere down here.”
    “The curse, our love, is the vessel in which it was created. I cannot imagine what would have become of Tartarus if we had continued our affair.”
    “Oh, Maiden.” She wrapped her arms around the youngest Fury. Citrus and honey scents burst from Maiden’s hair. “I’m so sorry. That’s awful. After Alek and I have fixed