“That’s definitely something you should ask her,” I said. “I think she’s home right now if you want to pop in.”
A slight smile flickered on her lips. “You seem different too. More trusting of the creatures you know you shouldn’t trust. Be careful, Ashlyn. And don’t be late, or I will assume you would like to resign from your position here in Uttira.”
She turned and walked through the portal she’d created. A second later, the shimmer disappeared as if it were never there.
CHAPTERTHREE
I closed the door,feeling frustration and anger as my mind raced.
“Mother? Are you all right?” Zotera asked from the hallway. “Who was that?”
Turning, I tried to give Zotera a reassuring smile.
“One of the people in charge of Uttira. She also runs the academy and coordinates the work schedule for the humans who live here,” I said evasively, not wanting to worry Zotera.
“Work schedule?” Zotera frowned.
“It’s not as bad as it sounds,” I said. “There’s no labor involved. Just a lot of sitting around, which I don’t mind. It always gave me a chance to get out of the house.”
“And she wants you to work again?”
I shrugged a little. “It could be fun with you there to keep an eye on me.” Because there was no way I was going anywhere without Zotera. Besides, if it were a normal shift, itmightactually be fun.
However, my head and my gut were telling me that my upcoming shift at the lake wouldn’t be normal. Adira’s comment about my resignation hadn’t felt like a reminder of my place here but an ultimatum.
“What is her name?” Zotera asked, watching me with a knowing look in her eyes. She might be naïve, but she wasn’t stupid. She’d been there when Megan ratted Adira out.
“Adira,” I admitted.
The ground shook so hard that the glasses in the cupboard clinked together aggressively. I pressed myself against the wall, but the tremor faded as quickly as it had appeared.
I exhaled heavily and looked at Zotera, who was watching me.
“Every time it does that, I wonder what he’s doing. Is he sitting on his throne, listening to stories? Is he talking to Creon? Or is he still in that room, staring at Persephone’s bones, angry that we ever brought him there?”
I rubbed my face, forcing away the hurt I felt and the urge I had to cry.
“You haven’t eaten in hours,” Zotera said. “Show me how to prepare your food.”
Nodding, I followed her to the kitchen. Cooking with Zotera was a good distraction until I heard another knock on the door.
“I really hope that’s someone with a phone,” I said, not moving.
What were the chances it was Thanatos instead of Oanen? At least fifty-fifty with the way things had been going for me.
“Do you want me to answer it this time?” Zotera asked, noting my hesitation.
“No. It’s fine. The house is warded.” I didn’t let a smidge of my doubt show that the ward would be enough to keep Thanatos out. “Keep stirring so it doesn’t burn.”
I left her at the stove and went to check the peephole. When I saw Oanen, I let out a relieved breath and ripped the door open.
“Thank the gods you’re here. Come in.”
He took one step toward the door, and a burst of light exploded in front of me.
Oanen went flying backward and landed on my snow-covered lawn, skidding for several yards on his back.
“Oanen!”
