Chapter 18

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Alessandro’s deep brown eyes lost their spark. “Dear gods, what is that monstrous beast?”

“That’s Garm.” And right now that monstrous beast was the only thing standing between us and freedom.

The incubus grimaced. “This guy is scarier than the eagle monster I saw.”

My head jerked toward him. “You saw Hraesvelgr?”

“Whatever its name is, I managed to hide before it saw me.”

“You were the other disturbance in the realm,” I said, more to myself.

“I figured the eagle monster was the reason for all those dead bodies on the shoreline, so I stayed put until it flew away.”

My mouth fell open. “Hold on. You crossed the shore of corpses by yourself?”

He gazed at me, unblinking. “What? Like it’s hard?”

“Did you see the dragon?” I asked. I would’ve been far more frightened of Nidhogg .

He broke into a grin. “How do you think I caught up with you? She gave me a lift.”

“Nidhogg gave you a lift?” I repeated, incredulous.

“What can I say? Even dragons find me appealing.”

I was glad to see he was regaining his confidence. I opted not to tell him that Nidhogg was responsible for sucking the blood from the bodies of murderers as a form of torture.

“Why in the Helheim did I bother to take your place when you clearly could’ve done this yourself?”

“I didn’t ask you to.”

He was right. This had been my decision. Lorelei to the rescue. Again.

“For what it’s worth,” Max interjected, “I don’t know that he would’ve figured out Erika’s real reason for wanting Oskar. He probably would’ve used the potion and delivered him right to her door with a pretty bow.”

Alessandro nodded. “I definitely would’ve done that. No questions asked.”

I peered at him. “Are you just saying that to make me feel better?”

“No, honest to gods. I would’ve bought every lie Erika told.”

“And Oskar probably wouldn’t have trusted Alessandro enough to tell him where the mistletoe arrow is, and he never would’ve been cool enough to ride Hraesvelgr.”

Now it was Alessandro’s turn to be incredulous. “You got a lift from the eagle monster? How?”

Max dusted off his shoulder. “I guess giant eagle monsters find me appealing.”

The incubus shrugged. “To each their own. Let’s get on with this.”

Max tore a rock from his shoulder and lobbed it over the Garm’s huge head. “Fetch! ”

Garm watched the rock arc over his head and land on the ground behind him with a thud.

“What’s the problem?” Max asked. “Not bouncy enough for you?”

Growling, the hound turned toward us.

I elbowed Max. “Try not to antagonize him.”

“Why not? Is that your job?” Max whistled and bolted from his hiding spot.

“Max, stop!” The cherufe was sturdy, but he wasn’t invincible.

“Can you work your goddess mojo on a dog?” Alessandro asked.

“Technically, I’m not sure Garm falls in the canine category.” I watched in horror as Garm slammed a giant paw into Max and knocked him to the ground. Dozens of rocks split in all directions.

“Shit,” Alessandro whispered.

Maybe he was right and Garm would sense the goddess in me. At this point, it was worth a try.

“Stay here and actually listen this time,” I snapped at the incubus. I rushed toward Max.

Garm snarled at my sudden movement.

With a shaky hand, I unsheathed my sword. “I don’t want to hurt you,” I said.

Garm didn’t seem to share my sentiment. His jaws snapped, a promise of what was to come. On the ground, what was left of Max remained still.

His giant paw swiped outward, catching me off guard, and knocked the sword from my hand. His lips tugged back, revealing the full set of his sharp fangs all the way to the pink gums.

“Nice doggie,” I squeaked.

“Here!” Alessandro yelled. “Take my dagger!”

I didn’t bother to turn around. I still had throwing knives, but I knew I wouldn’t use them. I’d only held my sword to keep the creature at bay. Killing Garm would be like killing…

The entire cave shook.

A sharp cry escaped Garm, followed by an unholy howl that sent shards of icicles through my veins.

“What’s happening?” Alessandro asked.

I tried not to move a muscle. “I don’t know.”

Darkness blanketed us. Garm’s eye shine disappeared as he turned toward the mouth of the cave. Whatever had the hound on edge was also large enough to block the incoming light.

Out of the frying pan and into the fire. Terrific.

Jaws snapped. Growls rumbled.

The earth shook again.

“Sounds like more than one monster out there,” Alessandro said.

I offered an absent nod, more focused on calculating our odds of sneaking past Godzilla versus King Kong without detection. We could double-back through the cave in search of another exit, but I was loathe to turn around at this point, not when we were only a few yards from the finish line.

I cast a sidelong glance at a reassembled Max. “How fast can you run?”

“I’m more of a lumberer.”

That was my concern.

“You’re not thinking about trying to run past them, are you?” Max asked. “That’s suicide.”

“Not if we do it right.” I considered the cherufe. “They won’t smell you and they’ll be too focused on each other to notice rolling rocks. For all they know, they caused a small landslide with all their stomping and posturing.”

“How do we know the creatures on the other side of Garm won’t smell him?” Alessandro asked. “We don’t even know what they are. ”

A chorus of ferocious snarls jumpstarted my heart. We were wasting time. If we didn’t move now, we’d have to abandon our plan. I wasn’t ready to admit defeat.

“This is our best chance,” I insisted. “If you make it through, then I know we have a shot.”

“And if I don’t?”

“Then we’ll change course. I believe in you, Max.”

Alessandro seemed to warm to the idea. “What’s the worst they can do? Swallow you whole and poop you out later?”

Max recoiled. “Thanks, man. And here I thought we’d become friends.”

Garm’s silhouette hunched and lunged. It was impossible to see anything beyond him except movement.

Max moved forward. When he got within two feet of Garm’s hind legs, the cherufe dropped to the ground and blended with the rocky terrain. He inched his body forward, giving a new definition to the word ‘earthworm.’ I held my breath as he skirted Garm’s powerful haunches. Alessandro gripped my arm, and it took me a few seconds to realize that, despite the intensity of the situation, no nightmares were forthcoming. There’d be time to celebrate that win later.

If I was lucky.

I lost sight of Max the same moment Garm took the fight outside the cave. This was our chance.

“Now!”

Alessandro and I bolted for the bright light of the exit. Only when I reached the mouth did I notice the incubus was a few yards behind me. I would’ve been faster than him even on his best day, but his strength was waning again. I should’ve factored that in.

I turned back.

“Go!” Alessandro yelled, panting. “I can make it!”

“I’m not leaving you! ”

Garm’s head snapped in my direction. I flattened myself against the cave wall, hoping to blend into the shadows. No such luck.

Blood streaked the creature’s fur.

Garm’s head retreated, along with the rest of him, yanked backward by an unseen force. The creature squealed and yelped, his claws carving ragged lines into the earth.

If Alessandro couldn’t run faster, Max and I would have to carry him because I did not want to encounter whatever was strong enough to drag a giant hellbeast by the tail.

“Lorelei, over here!”

I whipped to my left to see Max at his full height. Thank the gods. The incubus stumbled across the finish line like his knees were about to give out.

“We need to help Alessandro.”

Max didn’t hesitate. The cherufe lumbered over, adjusted a few rocks to create a broad shoulder, and swung Alessandro over it.

“I’ll slow you down,” the incubus objected.

“You’d slow us down either way,” Max replied. “At least this way you’ll retain whatever energy you have left for the final push home.”

Alessandro went limp, resigned to his temporary fate.

“We need to head toward the river,” I said, shouting to be heard over a soul-piercing whine. I refused to look. My senses told me it was a brutal fight, and I wanted no part of it.

Max was a few steps ahead of me when Garm made another desperate bid to stop us. The giant hound launched a sneak attack, hurling his head into my side. I arced through the air like a rag doll and slammed into the trunk of a tree. My ears rang, followed by a pulsing sensation in my head. My vision blurred. I tried to climb to my feet, but dizziness overtook me, and I fell back to the ground. My senses were dulled as Garm prepared a final strike. It was a horrible feeling, knowing what was about to happen, yet I was unable to stop it. For a fleeting moment, I wondered whether my parents had experienced a similar sensation when they realized they’d been discovered by The Corporation’s minion. I prayed they’d been caught unawares, and that their deaths had been swift and merciful.

Somehow, I doubted it.

A deep-throated baying drowned out Garm’s growl, powerful enough to snap limbs off the nearby trees. It was a sound that haunted my nightmares—but only because I didn’t recognize it then.

But I did now.

Cerberus.

The three-headed hellhound landed between us, his back to me. As far as Cerberus was concerned, he and Garm were the only two creatures in this world—and this world wasn’t big enough for the both of them.

I spotted bald spots on the hellhound’s backside where tufts of hair had been ripped out. Blood dripped from his left back leg. Both beasts were wounded but still standing.

I didn’t want them to fight to the death, even with Cerberus as the likely winner. He was only here because of me. Garm was doing his job, the same one the hellhound performed in the underworld.

And now I had a job to do.

I let loose what I expected to be a shrill whistle, but it came out softer than a whisper. The move was effortless, as though I’d done it a thousand times before. Because I had.

Both hounds froze in response.

I moved to stand between them and was stunned to see all four heads bowed. Garm whimpered. He wasn’t responding to a whistle; he was responding to a goddess.

Slowly and carefully, I reached forward to stroke his head. “You’ve served your mistress well, Garm. Return to your post, and I will take Cerberus with me. We won’t disturb your peace again.”

Garm swung his body toward the cave and slunk into it.

I pivoted to face Cerberus. “How did you find us?” I asked, rubbing behind his ears. “You were tracking me again, weren’t you? You weren’t supposed to do that.”

A giant tongue lashed out and licked my face. Good thing I was immune to acidic saliva.

I pressed my face against his middle snout. “Who’s the best boy?”

“I am,” Max yelled.

“I think you’ll find I am,” Alessandro replied. “You’re not a boy. You’re a tower of rocks.”

“I identify as male.”

I patted Max’s molten cheek. “Then that’s all that matters.”

“Who has dared to enter my realm without paying their respects to me?”

The sound of her icy voice turned my spine to jelly. Keeping one protective hand on Cerberus’s back, I turned toward the authoritative voice that could only belong to one woman.

Hel, the goddess of death.

She was tall and muscular like her giantess mother, with blonde hair fastened in a single thick braid. Unlike Hestia, she was old school in robes of white and gold and winged sandals.

I gathered my courage and injected every ounce of it into my voice. “My name is Lorelei Clay, Your Reverence.”

Her stare was so withering, I was surprised the leaves didn’t drop off their branches. “And why is it that you reek of death, Lorelei Clay?”

“Because we’re in the land of the dead,” I offered .

“No, the dead I sense are not mine.” She paced in a half circle in front of me, keeping her gaze fixed on me as she spoke. “I sense humanity in you, yet also divine power. Why is this?”

I wasn’t sure how she’d respond to my truth, but I saw no choice but to divulge it. “I’m also known as Melinoe, goddess of ghosts and nightmares.”

Her mouth tightened. “You have no business here, daughter of Hades.”

“Which is why I was in the process of leaving when Garm decided to stop me. We’ve taken nothing,” I assured her. “We only needed to speak with one of your souls, which we’ve done. Now we’re headed home, with your permission, of course.”

She held my gaze, appearing to assess the veracity of my statement through sight alone. “Which soul?”

“His name is Oskar. He’s an honorable man and refused to leave.”

“What urgent business did you have with him?”

Stepping forward, Alessandro ripped open his shirt. “This.”

Tiny lines formed between the goddess’s eyebrows. “Fehu?”

“The rune is infused with black magic,” the incubus explained. “A vala marked me with it. She ordered me to steal the shade out from under your nose or she would use the mark to kill me.”

Hel’s nostrils flared. “How dare she use a mark of divine power in such a hideous manner.”

“She killed Oskar when he refused to reveal the location of a mistletoe arrow,” Max chimed in. “The same arrow used to kill Baldur during the great feast of the gods. If I were you, I’d be wary about what she plans to do with it.”

“Nothing good,” Alessandro said. “I can guarantee that. ”

“She’ll claim that arrow over my dead body.” The goddess slammed the palm of her hand against Alessandro’s chest, prompting an anguished howl from the incubus.

Well played, cherufe.

Hel concentrated on the incubus. “I shall have this vala’s name.” The goddess withdrew her hand.

I caught Alessandro as his body crumpled. “Erika,” he said in a weak voice. “Erika Beck.”

As I helped Alessandro to his feet, I noticed the rune began to fade until it dissipated. Slowly, the color returned to his cheeks.

“It shouldn’t take long for her vile magic to leave your system. Rest assured, Erika Beck will pay for her transgressions. I will see to it myself. My sweet Nidhogg will enjoy feasting on her.” Hel’s gaze flicked to Max. “You will tell me the location of the arrow.”

“Yes, Your Reverence.”

Cerberus barked his approval, drawing Hel’s gaze. “This beast belongs to one of you, I presume?”

“Yes,” I said, “but I didn’t know he followed me here.” I sighed. “It’s complicated.”

“I am the ruler of the land of the dead. I excel in complicated. Tell me, why are you in this human vessel?”

“This isn’t a vessel. It’s me. I was reborn as Melinoe in this form. It’s a long story.”

“And you divide your time between your realm and the human one?”

“Not exactly. I live in the human realm.”

Her gaze flicked to Cerberus. “And your pet?”

“He lives in the underworld, where he should be right now.”

“And why are you not there? Is it not your home?”

“That’s currently up for debate. My aunt has been ruling the underworld in my parents’ absence. She would like me to take the throne as its rightful heir.”

“But you do not wish it?”

“I do not.”

She frowned. “You reject the authority and power of the throne? How unusual.”

“I don’t feel like I belong there. It’s part of me, but my past. Not my present or future.”

“I can’t say I blame you. It’s a lonely business, especially these days. Ages ago, I had more visitors to this realm than I could entertain, including my father, but no more. Now I am alone more often than not.” She cast a wistful glance at Garm. “Though I do have my creature comforts.”

“Do you know where your father is now?” I wondered whether Loki had chosen an avatar over a weakened state.

Hel shook her head. “I wish I knew. It’s unlike him to abandon me without a word. For years, I sent scouts in search of him. The ones who managed to return had no information. It’s as though he’s been plucked out of existence.”

“I’m sure he wouldn’t have left you by choice.”

She bristled. “Loki is a god among gods. Cunning and clever. There isn’t a creature alive or dead that could prevent him from doing exactly what he wants to do.”

Her pain was palpable. “I’m sorry. I know how it feels to lose a father.”

My comments only seemed to irritate her. “I haven’t lost him. He’s out there somewhere, ever the trickster. I’m certain of it.”

“If it makes you feel any better, Loki isn’t the only god to go missing.”

Her gaze sharpened. “Why do you say this to me? What is it that you know? ”

The knots in my stomach grew taut. “Have you heard of The Corporation? They operate mainly in the human world.”

“I do not concern myself with the human world. Mortal shells are beneath me. It is only their souls that interest me.”

“The organization has something called an avatar program. It involves rehousing gods in human bodies.”

Hel cackled. “Why would any god be interested in inhabiting a lesser being? It’s nonsense.”

“Some chose it in order to exercise power in the human realm that they no longer possessed in their own. Some chose it as an intermediate space to occupy until they regained their former strength. Others seem to have been tricked into it.”

She seized on the word ‘tricked.’ “And you know this Corporation?”

I chose my words carefully. “I’ve met different deities that are members of it. Their network is extensive, and they are very powerful.”

“But you are not a member?”

“No, nor do I want to be.”

“And you’re not one of these avatars, despite the fact that you stand before me in human form?”

“I’m what’s called a natural born goddess.” I didn’t elaborate. I hadn’t expected to share this much with Hel, but I found her concern for Loki too relatable to ignore.

The goddess strutted back and forth, the ends of her robe dragging behind her. “I have a proposal for you, daughter of Hades. I will release you and your friends on one condition.”

My heart sank. “What is it?”

“You will inquire after my father with this Corporation. I would go myself, but I am needed here, whereas you have already professed your desire to remain in the human world. Here are my terms—I will hold one of your companions as a hostage. When you report your findings to me, I will release him to you.”

“And if I refuse?”

She halted and spun to face me. “Then you shall remain here as my special guests … indefinitely.”

Once again, my compassion decided to bite me in the ass. No doubt the goddess in me resented the bleeding heart of her human counterpart.

Max lumbered forward. “I volunteer as tribute.”

“Max, I haven’t agreed to the terms.”

The cherufe faced me. “What’s your plan? A goddess-on-goddess death match? People would pay good money to see that, I’m sure, but I think it would be a waste of both of your talents.”

Hel smiled. “I like him. I agree to this tribute.”

My gaze flicked to Max, who nodded. “Fine. Have it your way.”

“This is Helheim, darling. Named after me. I always do.”

“Would you mind if I said goodbye to my friend in private?” Max asked.

She wiggled her fingers in a ‘scoot’ motion. Max drew me to the side, out of earshot.

“Don’t go sniffing around The Corporation,” the cherufe said.

“What do you mean? That’s the only way to bring you back.”

Max stared at me intently. “Listen to me, Lorelei. I don’t want to be brought back. I’d like to stay here.”

I stared at him for a beat, waiting for the punchline. “I don’t understand.”

“I like this place. There’s molten rock. Festivals. No other cherufes to bully me. If I stay here, I stay safe, and so do the villagers.”

I couldn’t believe my ears. “You’re serious. ”

“Land of the dead serious.”

I glanced behind him at Hel, who was busy tending to Garm. “You don’t think she’ll punish you when I fail to return?”

“She’s lonely. You got that vibe, right? I’ll become one of her creature comforts. Make myself indispensable. Honestly, apart from your conflict, she seems cool.”

“Are you sure?”

“If I ever see your face here again, I’m gonna be hella pissed. Now go.”

I threw my arms around the molten rock monster and squeezed. “Thank you, Max.”

“Can we go now?” Alessandro asked.

Hel motioned to the river. “You have my blessing.”

I wasted no time high tailing it out of there with Cerberus and Alessandro. The boatman was a bit confused by our request but acted swiftly once he spotted his mistress observing us from the shoreline.

“I can’t take your pet unless you want the boat to sink,” the boatman said.

I stroked the hellhound’s snouts. “I appreciate your help, but you need to go back to the underworld where you belong. Aunt Hestia will be furious if she finds out you left your post again.”

Cerberus seemed to understand. The hellhound licked my face goodbye and started across the river on his own. Three heads skimmed the surface as twelve paws paddled beneath the water. A dull ache nestled in my chest.

“He’ll be all right,” Alessandro said. “A creature like that will have no problem getting home safely, unlike me.”

“You’ll make it home safely, Alessandro. I promise.”

“Oh, I know. I just meant that I wouldn’t have managed this part on my own. I owe you my life.”

“You don’t owe me anything. ”

The boat rocked in the hellhound’s wake.

Alessandro patted his stomach. “Lorelei, look! My abs are back!” He ripped off the topper. “How’s my head?”

“Congratulations. You’re the proud of owner of a full head of hair.”

His smile receded. “You don’t sound happy. Is it because of Max?”

“Honestly, this is a good deal for him. He came to me for sanctuary. Now he keeps himself safe, as well as the villagers outside his volcano. It’s a win-win.”

“It’s a good deal for you, too. Now you won’t be forced to ask The Corporation for any favors.”

“No, I won’t be forced.” Although I was curious about Loki, whether Hel’s father had suffered a similar fate to Hades.

Alessandro primped his hair. “Why did you even tell her about them? You could’ve said nothing and she never would’ve known.”

I turned my face away from the gentle wind to look at him. “Because if I were in her position, I’d want someone to tell me.” Hel wasn’t limited to her role as a fearsome goddess and ruler of Helheim; she was also a devoted daughter. If there was closure to be had, she deserved it.

Understanding flickered in Alessandro’s soulful brown eyes. “Well, I guess in this case, the truth set you free.”

But not without consequences.

Never without consequences.