“That sounds good—”

  A knock interrupted me.

  “Enter!” Odin called out.

  We were back in Odin's sitting room, gathered around a table that had been set up for us to have breakfast together. I'd woken up in Odin's bed and found him asleep beside me. My men and Cerberus had spent the night on cots brought in for them. They didn't want to move me and with the urgency of the situation, they figured it was best for all of us to stay at Coven Cay. Despite being surrounded by Witches, my guys refused guest rooms, preferring to stay together. I didn't blame them. Some of the gods might be able to escape without the help of god blood, but it was still uncertain if all of them could, or if they'd even realize they could. It was likely they'd still be hunting us.

  A delicate, olive-skinned girl with blonde streaks in her acorn hair hesitantly entered the room. Her gray stare darted around before landing on Odin. She looked familiar, but I was certain we'd never met.

  “Eva?” Odin asked in surprise. “What are you doing here? You should be with your family.”

  Eva. Evan. Shit. I knew where I'd seen her before; in her brother's face. She was a feminine version of Evan, the smoke witch who died.

  “I can't mourn until this is over.” Eva lifted her chin. “I want to take Evan's place on your team.”

  “Eva, no.” Odin stood and went to take her hands. “You're not thinking straight, and I won't put Evan's twin in jeopardy right after his death.”

  Eva shook Odin off. “Yes; you will. It's witch law; in times of war, a sibling may take the place of a fallen soldier. This is war, and I'm taking Evan's place.”

  “Let her join, Odin,” Osamu said wearily from the doorway. “You know she's more powerful than her brother. You'd do well to have Eva with you.”

  “What type of witch are you?” I asked Eva.

  “Electric,” she said proudly.

  Electricity is another subclass of Fire but rarer and far more powerful than smoke. It wasn't surprising that twins had been born with subclasses of the same element but it was surprising that one ended up stronger than the other. Usually, magic shared in the womb presented equally in twins. Eva was most likely the more ambitious of the two. Basically, she wanted it more so the magic shifted in her favor.

  “She's in mourning,” Odin argued with Osamu. “We need rational thinkers with us. I'm sorry, Eva, but you're too unstable now for us to take you on such sensitive and crucial missions.”

  A thin stream of electricity shot from Eva's hand and arced above my head. I didn't flinch, but I frowned and glanced up. A spider—a big hairy one with an impressive set of pincers—fell into my lap, twitching through the zap she'd given it. I scooped it up and stood furiously. I liked spiders; they eat bugs and anything that keeps me from being swarmed by insects is awesome in my opinion. Odin appreciated them too; as evidenced by the arachnid's presence. Nothing existed in Odin's domain unless he allowed it there. The poor thing had just been hanging out, doing his job and minding his own spider business, when Eva decided to prove herself by blasting it.

  “Does that look unstable to you?” Eva asked.

  I growled at her. I couldn't even speak; I was that furious.

  “Ellie, let it go,” Cerberus said softly. “She just lost her brother.”

  In my hands, the spider struggled to its feet. I gave it a gentle stroke on its furry back and helped it up. Odin took it from me and carried the little guy over to his worktable. He laid it down, and it scurried off.

  “You're lucky you didn't kill it,” I said with soft menace.

  “That wasn't luck; it was skill,” she countered. “Forget the stupid spider; I just gave it a little zing.”

  “You're not coming,” I said with finality. “I'm not working with anyone who so casually flings their magic about; hurting things less powerful than themselves just to prove a point. It's arrogance at its worst; the pride, ruthlessness, and apathy of a damn dictator.”

  “It's a fucking spider!” Eva snapped.

  “And you're a witch!” I snapped back at her. “Witches know the value of all creatures. They don't torture anything; not even a spider. The last witch I knew who thought like you kidnapped my family.” I paused to narrow my eyes at her. “I killed him.”

  Eva gaped at me. “It's just a spider,” she whispered again.

  “There were numerous ways you could have shown me the extent of your abilities without hurting anything,” Odin said gently. “This is what I mean, Eva; you're not thinking straight. I know you're not a mean-spirited girl, but pain changes us. Don't let your sorrow pull you down into cruelty. Mourn your brother with your family and let us handle this.”

  “I can't.” She shook her head emphatically.

  “There is no revenge to be had, Eva,” Osamu said. “The yeti who killed Evan are dead. The Goddess who called to them is asleep. Odin is taking the Spellsinger to put other gods to sleep. Hopefully, they won't have to fight another battle but if they do, it will not be against the Yeti. Regardless, you cannot hold an entire race responsible for Evan's death.”

  Eva crumpled against Osamu, and he hugged her tightly as he gave Odin a grateful nod. Then he ushered her out of the room. As soon as the door closed, Odin turned to me indignantly.

  “A torturer? A dictator?!” Odin barked. “Really, Elaria? She's a young girl who just lost her twin brother. She was desperate to get on the team, that's all.”

  “She gave me a bad feeling, Odin,” I said unapologetically as I stared after Eva and Osamu. “You saw how she hurt that spider. Humans may kill spiders without thought, just squishing a thing they find distasteful, but they don't torment spiders unless they're budding psychopaths. And Witches wouldn't hurt them at all; it's an unspoken rule. Hell, even the humans know about the affection Witches have for arachnids; they're practically a symbol for your race along with black cats. There's something wrong with that girl and it has nothing to do with her brother's death.”

  Odin frowned thoughtfully at the closed door. Then he sighed deeply and shook his head. “It doesn't matter now. Eva's not joining us, and we have more important things to worry about. Finish your breakfast everyone. Fresh packs are being prepared for us. This next stop will involve another hike.”

  “Where are we going?” Declan asked.

  “Planet Urla in the Paduur Realm,” Odin said.

  Everyone grimaced except for Cerberus.

  “Sweet! I love Werewolves!” Cerberus pumped his fist into the air.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  “I fucking hate Werewolves!” Cerberus shouted as he punched one in the face.

  The forest echoed with howls; Loups in their werewolf forms swarming in around us from all sides. The ground shivered from the pound of their paws as if in anticipation. The air slapped the branches above our heads like applause. It seemed as if the whole world urged them on.

  It had been a trap.

  The Loup representative had taken us into a remote part of the wilderness on Urla and then, while we were still getting our bearings, had run off. Minutes later, as we searched for him, a lupine battle cry resounded, echoing eerily around us, and we knew we'd been betrayed. The Loups descended upon us in full force; a pack hundreds strong. Although we were more powerful than individual loups, against such a force, their numbers might prove victorious in the end.

  And the end would be soon; one way or another.

  I had to come up with something fast; a song to take them all down in an instant. Or at least stop them from attacking us.

  “That's it,” I whispered. “We need to turn them on each other.”

  It was a trick I'd done before, and Kyanite remembered it as well as I.

  Lunatics and Slaves? Kyanite asked. It would surely be appropriate.

  “No, as much as I love that song, I have something better in mind. Something more to the point. More vicious.” I narrowed my eyes at a slavering werewolf just before Torin cut him down. “The Manticores may have been a bunch of man-eating monsters but at least they had a good reason to attack us; they were avenging their people. These fuckers betrayed us to get their hands on my blood.”

  If it's blood they want, let's give it to them, Kyanite declared.

  Before we left Coven Cay, the men had discussed our methods and decided that if we had to fight again, they'd reserve their magic and rely on physical weapons alone. They wanted to make sure I had enough power at my disposal when I needed it. Well, the next fight was here, and they were sticking to their decision despite the overwhelming odds. Which meant that I should have more than enough power to take down the Pack.

  The odd strains of an organ crept hauntingly through the forest, but only my lovers noticed the music. They stood around me in a circle; swords slicing in never-ending arcs; one swing doubling back into the next. Focused and steady, they were nonetheless attuned to me and knew the instant my magic rose. Korn's “Narcissistic Cannibal” careened quickly into dragging drums and then an aggressive slam of electric guitars that yanked the lyrics up my throat and lashed them out like a looping whip.

  My voice came steadily at first; a stern admonishment. Loup ears perked and fur stood on end as my magic struck out with the very first words. Then the lyrics lifted my voice; the sound coming from my mouth roaring its accusation. I didn't even pull on the power the RS offered me. These weren't Gods, they were Beneathers; more animal than man, easily manipulated by their god into fighting on his behalf even after they'd been the very ones to imprison him. It wouldn't be hard to turn them again; this time, against themselves.

  The Loups stood paralyzed; bodies on lockdown as I denied them any escape. With vicious intent, I flung words at them like spears and sent them into motion again. I shoved hate into their hearts and hunger into their bellies. I coated their thoughts in a thick haze and directed all of those sensations into one evil purpose.

  The Loups turned on each other. Tearing with claws and teeth. Rending until blood flowed and covered their thirsty tongues. They claimed the carnage for themselves while our team lowered their weapons and their magic-filled hands to stare at the abomination of cannibal werewolves with astonishment.

  “What the fuck?” Terry, the witch who had replaced Evan, gaped at the feasting pack.

  “Stay sharp!” Odin snapped at the Witches. “Elaria may need us yet.”

  I kept singing.

  The trees trembled around me with the power of my song; leaves shaking in fear now, instead of excitement. Osander, God of the Loups, sensed the defeat. He knew his wolves would soon be dead and then I'd be coming for him. The ground shook furiously, but I set my stance wider and sang on. Odin spread his hands over the earth and the shaking subsided; at least that caused by Osander. The violence of the Loups produced its own quakes. But those vibrations petered off as their numbers dwindled until only a handful of haunted, crazed werewolves remained.

  Our swords made short work of them.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  “Now, for Osander,” I said as soon as the last werewolf fell to the forest floor. “Odin, the map.”

  “Do you think they gave us a real map?” Slate asked skeptically. “I wouldn't have if I were them.”

  “You are a brilliantly devious man, sweetheart,” I said with pride. “These guys... not so much.”

  Slate chuckled. “Truth.”

  “Either way,” Odin said, “this is our only lead. We need to follow it. The map says Osander is entombed nearby, and from what I felt within those earthquakes, I'd say that's accurate.”

  “They were bringing Darc and me here to bleed us,” I pointed out. “They'd want us close to Osander.”

  “Lead on,” Darcraxis said to Odin.

  After one last glance at the carnage, I straightened my backpack and followed Odin. The Witches looked relatively steady for having survived a pack attack; all but Terry, that is. Our new fire witch looked shaky; his hands closing into fists and opening again, over and over.

  “You did good,” I said as I stepped up beside him. “You didn't panic.”

  “I did inside,” Terry admitted with a self-conscious grimace. “I thought I could handle this. I fought against the Basilisk. I was there when you called our dead from their graves to defend us. But it's different when you stand outnumbered in a strange land.”

  “Having an army at your back is nice,” Cerberus joined the conversation. “But all you really need is confidence in yourself and a few good friends.” Cer smiled at me. “Or one really badass best friend.”

  “I haven't thanked you for helping us, Cer,” I said softly. “It means a lot to me to have you here.”

  “As if I'd let you do this shit alone,” he huffed, but I saw the gleam in his eyes. “These gods get out and it's all of our asses. Mine and Freya's included, and I happen to love her ass; it's a very fine ass.”

  “Still; thank you,” I insisted. “You're right; having your badass best friend beside you makes all the difference.”

  Cerberus didn't have a snarky comeback for that. He just slid a smile my way and nodded in acknowledgment of our friendship.

  “Elaria.” Torin drew me away and into the group of my men. “Why didn't you use the power we saved for you?”

  “I didn't need it.” I shrugged. “I thought we should reserve it for Osander.”

  “Wise.” Darc nodded as he gave the others a smug look. “See? I told you she had a good reason.”

  “There were hundreds of them, El,” Banning said. “And you didn't think you needed the power?”

  “Did it look as if I needed it?” I lifted a brow at him.

  Slate guffawed. “She told you.”

  “We're almost there,” Odin called back.

  We moved to join him.

  “That formation there.” Odin pointed at a rocky hill with an oddly shaped end. “It matches the one on the map.”

  “Is it just me or does that hill look like a wolf head?” I asked as I cocked my own head to get a better view.

  The hill lifted off the ground at one end and narrowed into a snout while the opposite end had pointed boulders cresting it that resembled ears.

  “How obvious can you get?” Gage snickered. “You'd think they'd want to hide the location of their trapped god.”

  “As I said; they're not the sharpest claw on the paw.” I shook my head. “I hope the entrance isn't down its throat.”

  We hurried to the base of the hill, no need for stealth now. The Wolf knew we were there. We circled the formation until one of the witches called out that she'd found the entrance.

  “Good work, Alison,” Odin said as he slipped past her into a crevice hidden by overgrown bushes. “This is it,” his voice echoed back to us.

  I fished a flashlight out of my pack and flicked it on before following Torin into the dark. Sure, we could have used magic to light the way, but why waste it when a flashlight will work just as well? The path led downward; a steady decline with walls that swiftly shifted from soil to stone. At first, the dark pressed in on us as if it had substance; thick and difficult to breathe. The scent of damp earth stuffed my nose like wet cotton, adding to the sensation of being smothered. But then the way widened and brightened until we came out in a chamber ablaze with sunshine; more radiant than the world outside.

  “What is this?” I squinted up at a glowing orb that hovered in the apex of the cavern's ceiling.

  Then I dropped my gaze to a silver sarcophagus positioned directly beneath the light. Easily fifteen feet long and four feet across, the coffin rested on a stone pedestal in the center of a deep but narrow pool. A wolf head leered out of the silver sarcophagus; mouth open and snarling. The body attached to it bulged with fur-covered muscles; a representation so lifelike that it made my heart race. Fur etched in minute detail, a drop of saliva caught as it dripped down a fang, rippled folds of skin at the corners of the lips, and a fringe of stubby lashes around the wild eyes.

  “An eternal day.” Darcraxis shuddered as he stared up at the light.

  Darc had been—as his name implied—a god of darkness and the thought of never seeing the night again must have been terrifying for him. As it must be for Osander.

  I stepped to the edge of the pool and stared at that furious face. Pity for the Wolf God rose inside me, as it had for T. Even after he'd tried to kill us, I still pitied Osander. How could I not? Trapped within that which he feared the most forever. Would death be preferable? Possibly. But I wasn't there to kill him, only offer him an easier way of existing in his hell.