If the previous woman had been Megan’s mother, then the one entering was Megan’s grandma. As she drew closer, I could see the streaks of white in her hair. She didn’t look old, though, and emanated strength in the way she moved.
If there was even a chance that Megan was looking for me, she would have gotten her family involved, wouldn’t she? That’s what families were supposed to be for. To help one another. Yet, in Uttira, things were often backward from the human world. What if Megan didn’t talk to her grandma? What if—
The fury stopped a healthy distance back from the table and bowed slightly, completely ignoring me and only looking at Hades.
“Father, I am honored that you have called me. How can I serve you?”
“I require a pizza,” he said.
I lost it and made a sound torn between a strangled laugh and a cough. Pulling my hand out from under his, I covered my mouth and gave another weak cough.
Hades watched me with a narrowed gaze.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered. “It won’t happen again.”
“What would you like on your pizza?” the fury asked, ruining my promise because I absolutely choked on another laugh.
Ignoring me, he looked at her.
“Pepperoni and tomato sauce and melted cheese that stretches when you bite it,” he said, repeating my description.
“Do you have a preference regarding who prepares it?” she asked.
Hades looked at me in question, and I was so tempted to look at the fury and talk to her directly. I didn’t want to push my luck, though. So, I was watching Hades when I answered.
“Megan, the youngest fury, recently went to New York. She would probably have the best recommendations.”
He frowned at me. “Why do you know my youngest daughter’s name?”
“Because I’m human, and I was living in Uttira when she arrived there. She was nice to me.”
“Do you think I cannot see your game? Do you believe I’m foolish enough to summon them all to your presence?”
“I’m not asking you to. This fury can ask Megan.”
His expression hardened, and for the first time ever, I thought I saw a flicker of hate in his gaze. “You well know that my daughters do not speak with one another on Earth. To do so would mean their deaths.”
“Father,” the fury said. “There is a way.”
“And what is that?” he asked, shifting his scowl to her.
Too curious, I looked as well and saw she was holding up a phone. Hades’ hand gave mine a warning squeeze.
“It’s a phone,” she said. “A means to communicate with my granddaughter without risking her safety. It doesn’t seem to work here, but as soon as I return, I can use it to contact her.”
I glanced at Hades and found him watching me with suspicion in his eyes.
“You don’t need to trust me,” I said. “You only need to trust her.”
He sighed and shifted his attention to the fury.
“Go. Return with a worthy meal.”
The fury bowed her head, and with a wave of Hades’ free hand, she disappeared.
“See? Nothing happened,” I said. “I didn’t attack her. I didn’t even talk to her.”
Hades’ fingers stroked over mine.
