She joined us inside, and once the door was shut, I started talking.
“Adira said that my life is connected to Haaa—the god of the Underworld. That’s why I need to die. To put him back to sleep. She said I’m the only human to have been to Hell alive and the only one who could summon him. Whether she’s right or not, if that’s what Thanatos believes, I’m as good as dead.”
Megan made a sound of frustration. “It gets worse. I didn’t feel a hint of wickedness from Adira. Which means she’s following the laws of immortals and men and that she believes what she’s doing is benefiting others.”
“I’m glad we at least know that much. Your timing was perfect. How did you know we needed you?” I asked.
“I didn’t. Hades summoned me directly to him and said you needed me; then he sent me back to you. Usually, when he sends us back, it’s to where we were.”
“Handy,” I said with a glance at Zotera. “Thank you.”
“Uh, why are you thanking her?”
“Father can see what I see and hear what I hear,” Zotera said.
“Okay,” Megan said with a glance at me. “How long did we know that?”
“I just learned about that recently. He’s not the only one watching though. Adira and Thanatos are watching too. She knew what I said in this living room. And they were watching us at Mount Olympus.”
“So you’re not safe here anymore?” Megan asked.
“Ashlyn’s safe,” Zotera said. “The ward will only allow her close friends inside.”
“Wait,youchanged the ward?” I asked.
She shot Megan an apologetic look. “I didn’t know Oanen was a friend.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Megan said. “We all make mistakes. What do we do then? I think it’s fair to say Ashlyn lost her ability to call Hades for a reason. They’re planning something.”
“Yeah, he said the same thing before he disappeared. And apparently, Adira was here to attempt to convince me to go along with my immediate death.”
“I’m not a fan of that general idea,” Megan said.
“Me neither. Will you be able to bring the potions, spells, whatever they are to your father when they’re finished?”
“I’ll check.” She sent a quick message off to Zayn.
“I don’t want to leave you alone tonight,” Megan said when she finished. “How do you feel about a big family dinner and some games?”
“I’d love it.”
She sent another text via the group chat.
Megan: Game night at Ashlyn’s. Be ready for pickup in ten minutes.
Oanen: Ready now since you left me. Without warning. Again.
Megan cringed.
Megan: Blame my father’s summoning. I can’t ignore it.
Oanen: You could have called immediately.
Megan: Explanation will be given in person.
Fenris: I want to be present for that!
Eliana: We can be ready in five.
