Nyx cackled. She’d always loved the game. “Adders almostateAlexis.”
“Alexis anticipates agita,” I said, already feeling calmer. “After another archaicagonizinganticlimactic athletic action.”
“Now it’s the hellhounds’ turn,” Nyx hissed.
I sighed. Lately she’d become unhealthily obsessed (murderous) when it came to the dangerous creatures.
Pulling aside the shower curtain, I looked at the skeletal hounds. “Nyx wants to know if you want to play the alliteration game with us.” I found that it helped my subconscious to speak hellhound if I was looking at them. Talking to Nyx was way easier, probably because I’d known her most of my life.
They nodded aggressively.
A long minute passed as they came up with their answer.
“Alexis … big … girl,” Hell garbled, bony jaw flapping.
Hound chortled. “Good one.”
Over the past few days, it had become abundantly clear that theyweren’tthe brightest.
I wasn’t in any place to judge.
“What did they say?” Nyx asked excitedly. “Tell me.”
Being a translator was surprisingly exhausting. “They said—Alexis is an awesome animal.”
Nyx scoffed. “Tell them that’s not how the alliteration game works and they’re pathetic stupid idiots … Also, I will kill them to put them out of their misery.”
I rolled my eyes.
“Tell them right now—do it,” Nyx demanded impatiently. “I want to see their faces.”
I looked at Hell again. “Nyx says you’re very smart and she’s impressed by your alliteration.”
Hell sat up straighter and preened. “She big right.”
“Smart dog!” Hound announced proudly as she bumped her shoulder into Hell’s with a clatter.
“Why do they seem so happy?” Nyx asked suspiciously.
“They want to die,” I said dryly.
Nyx clacked her jaw with excitement. “So—can I try and kill them now?”
“No.”
“So, yes.”
“No.”
“No, as in maybe?”
I stared up at the multiple water faucets. “Asking for a friend—can snakes drown?”
Nyx hissed but fell silent as she slid up my body and twined around my arm.
A few minutes later, I stumbled out of the bathroom and dressed for bed. From the peaceful quiet, my husbands had left.
I slipped into the adjoining room.
