Liam handed me a plate of food. It had a sandwich with meat and cheese and some apple slices on the side. He gave me a juice box, and I saw that it was apple juice.

"It's 3 AM right now, and it isn't a good idea to eat a huge meal when you're going to go to bed soon," Liam said. "If you wake up early, then I'll make you a nice breakfast in the morning."

I nodded while taking the first bite of my sandwich. It honestly felt like I haven't eaten in years. It was so flavorful and delicious. The meat was dripping in sweetness, and the sharpness of the cheese complimented the taste. Something lathered on the bread that I didn't notice at first, but it seemed to enhance the flavor of meat and cheese.

It was so amazing and I-

"Whoa, whoa! Eat slowly next time, or you'll get a stomachache." Liam laughed. He bent down in front of me, and I noticed my sandwich was all gone.

45. That sandwich was delicious.

Liam took out a napkin and wiped my face. "You have crumbs and mayonnaise everywhere. The food isn't going anywhere, so please- slow down a bit." After he was done, he took the juice box next to me and stuck the straw in it. He handed it to me, and I sucked from it slowly. It washed down everything and left my mouth tingly.

Liam took my juice box, and I picked up an apple slice. The outside of the apple was somewhat bitter, but it didn't take away from the sweetness the inside had.

It was tasty, but it left my tongue slightly itchy.

"Well, it seems like you have everything under control. I'm going to sleep, and I probably won't be awake for a while, so ask Kyle and Donna if you need anything." Xavier started for the door.

"What about Nicole?" I asked.

Xavier opened the door and stopped. "She's planning something and told me not to disturb her." He shrugged. "She'll most likely come to you first."

"Goodnight." He waved, and then shut the door.

Ember stood up from beside me. "Well, I should head out too. I have to go recharge." He stretched until an audible pop was heard from his back. He smacked his lips a bit and looked at me.

"I also need to go back and check up on what happened after I left with you. I'll go and talk to Persephone and see what she thinks. If we have her on our side, then Hades can't touch you."

I swallowed the last apple slice. "I'm sorry you have to work harder on my sake."

He waved his hand. "I need to go see her anyway to pay back Charon. So, it's fine." He patted my head. "Just rest, and I'll be back sometime tomorrow."

Ember walked to the wall and knocked three times. A flame appeared and outlined a door. Another one seemed and outlined a smaller circle, to which Ember pulled on. The familiar shrieks came from the doorway as Ember opened the door, and I cringed. Ember flashed us a quick peace sign and left. The fire door vanished, and my wall came back.

"Did I miss out on something?" Liam asked.

I told him about how Xavier asked me what questions Hades asked me and how I answered him. I told him how it wasn't me answering him. I told him about how frightening Hades was and how much he scared me.

Liam took my chin in his hands and tilted my head towards his. I felt tears prickling at my eyes, but he wiped them away. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you. I promise that won't happen again. I'll always be by your side- no matter what."

He hugged me, and I felt safe in his arms. They were warm and loving. My arms woke up and tried to wrap around his back, but I couldn't. It didn't matter, though, Liam just held me.

I felt safe.

46. I like it when Liam hugs me.

Liam shifted his arms around and stood up. I felt him carry me for a couple of steps before I heard some sheets being pulled back. He cradled my head as he slowly laid me down in bed.

I didn't notice when my eyelids got heavy, but it was getting hard to stay awake. I yawned and looked at Liam as he tucked me in.

"You go ahead and get a head start on sleep. I'll be going to bed with you soon." He brushed my cheek with his thumb and walked to a set of drawers on the other side of the room.

Just as I was dozing off, though, Liam ruffled his hair and yawned. Even in my sleep-induced haze, I could tell he was tired from waiting for me.

He then took off his shirt.

And right before sleep claimed me, I thought:

Wow. That's a lot of muscles.