Chapter 19

The rapid beat of Hestia's heart filled Neal's senses, sending warmth flooding through him. "Were you hurt? I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner." Hestia's voice was trembling. As she spoke, she scanned him from head to toe, only breathing a sigh of relief when she saw that he was unhurt. Then, she wrapped her arms around him again. Neal recovered from his shock. Feeling her lingering fear, he patted her lightly on the back. "I'm fine. Don't worry about me." Even so, he couldn't stop thinking about the terrifying scene earlier. Just a little bit closer, and he would've been the one stabbed. Hestia still held him tight, refusing to let go. She was afraid that she would wake up and realize that this was all an illusion if she did. "I'm so glad you're all right. I was so scared." She was relieved until she recalled how Joyce had embraced Neal to save him. A hint of frustration crossed her eyes. She had been too slow. That gave Joyce the chance to save Neal. Hestia was worried that Jo