13. Midas

CHAPTER 13

MIDAS

A n alarm sounds somewhere in the distance, and I sigh. Before, I only had to worry about people coming in from one place, the portal center. Now, I have to worry about people potentially coming in all around the city thanks to the merges now popping up every day. It's a never-ending task to check over each and every person who comes into Under.

It's strange really. You'd think Hades would want anyone and everyone in Under. After all, it only boosts his power. But really, he has a list of people who aren't allowed here, mainly wizards and poor saps who managed to beat the God of the Underworld at poker. I've asked who some of the names are on the list he'd given me, but Hades refuses to talk about them. He only tells me they must not be allowed inside. As much as I'm supposedly a god here in Under, I can't really question his reasoning without kickback, so I do as I must.

Today, the alarm sounds for an outside arrival and chaos comes with it. Screams come from somewhere in the distance. I can hear panic in a lot of voices as I rush toward the newcomers, intending to get there before they wander off or cause some huge backup. When I round the corner and get a look at what has arrived, I blink.

A large mechanical-looking beast sits in the center of the street before me. It's massive and square. There are strange symbols painted on the outside in bright colors, as well as the words "F.D.N.Y. Ambulance". I don't know what the word ambulance means but I take a few steps closer to see. Whatever it is, the beast is. . . growling? It's making some sort of sound.

When flashing lights appear on the top and a loud siren echoes around us, the gathering crowd takes a step back, as if not sure if this beast will attack at a moment's notice or not. I only peer closer, curious, eager for a taste of something new.

A door kicks open in front of me, revealing a woman brandishing a weirdly shaped weapon. Her eyes are wide and lit with inner fire. Her hair is held back but a few tendrils have escaped to curl around her face. There's a fine sheen of sparkle along the skin I can see, as if some inner magic is desperate to get out.

How. . . intriguing.

Another door opens on the back and then the other side. Two males step out, all holding weapons I've never seen before. They all wear matching outfits with words stitched into them.

"Get back!" the woman shouts, swinging the long, skinny weapon at the people clustering closer for a better look.

She's a beautiful woman, curvy, strong, even without the glittering sheen of magic. She's a particular brand of pretty I haven't seen in a long time. I can't help but admire her the same way I used to admire the sheen of gold. Now, the gold has been tainted, but this one, she glitters without the precious metal.

The woman turns toward a few of the demons, her eyes bugged wide. " Dios , Mamá always warned I'd go to hell," she rasps, moving to stand back-to-back with her companions.

"Not hell," I declare, and she whips toward me. I hold out my arms with a flourish. "Welcome to Under."