“Maybe.” He smiled faintly, and it didn’t seem like a calculated expression. He turned to leave, pausing at the doorway. “See you soon...amicamia.”
My friend.Aida watched him go, unsure what to make of it all. The calm she’d felt before was gone, replaced by something more unsettled—but not in a bad way. For once, Mo didn’t seem to be playing a game with her. Maybe Yumi was right... maybe this friendship could be something that would make a difference.
Unfortunately, the summer’s coronavirus reprieve turned out to be fragile. As autumn approached, the initial relief and hope gave way to a creeping sense of unease. Case numbers, which had seemed to be under control, began to climb again. The news, once filled with stories of recovery and reopening, now bore grim forecasts and warnings from health officials. The virus, it seemed, was not done with humanity yet.
By the time the leaves began to change, the writing was on the wall. Governments, hesitant yet compelled by the undeniable surge in cases, began to talk of new restrictions, of tightened measures to curb the spread. Aida had been planning on her next trip to London to try to reach Pandora, but with thepandemic rearing its head again, despair crept in. Yet just as she began to believe there was no chance of reaching Pandora, Trista informed her that they wanted another interview with her before the subsequent lockdown occurred.
She’s still there, Yumi said when Aida texted her the news.I checked again when Luciano uploaded yesterday.
Thank the gods. Now, if only we can reach her this time.There were so many factors riding against the possibility. They could send her home right away like they did last time. Mo’s weird new friendship might be a drain on her time. And there was always the chance MODA might find out they knew about Pandora in the first place.
Yumi sent a prayer emoji and explained,I sent a prayer to Sophie. I don’t know if she’ll answer, or if she can help, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
Aida sighed.I pray to her almost every day.The goddess had been absent since before the pandemic.
I don’t, Yumi texted.Maybe another voice in the mix will make a difference.
Aida arrived in London in the early afternoon and, to her relief, was informed that her interview would be delayed until the following morning. She had just opened Signal to find Luciano when a message from him arrived.
I just had my interview, but I’m not leaving until tonight. Andiamo. Meet you at Hackney Church?
She couldn’t believe that they would finally attempt to find Pandora. She hoped beyond hope that Mo was tied up in interviews and wouldn’t try to meet up with her. After a quick glance around to make sure she wouldn’t be followed, she walked a few blocks away from the hotel, found a black cab stand, and set her location to her room. She had just climbed into the car whilegiving directions to the driver when someone stopped her car door from shutting.
It was Sophie. The goddess settled in next to Aida, unzipped her brown leather jacket, and waved a hand at the plexiglass between them and the driver.
“He won’t hear us now. A little bird named Yumi prayed to me. You can take that mask off.”
Aida pulled off her mask. She could hardly contain her relief at seeing Sophie. “I’ve been trying to reach you for months.”
Sophie’s expression softened. “I know. But my attention has been... divided.” She sighed, and for the first time, Aida noticed the weariness in her eyes—an exhaustion that seemed ancient. “I’ve had no luck finding Effie, and the pandemic has torn open more cracks in the world than you can imagine. I’ve been working to hold back forces that seek to exploit the chaos. It’s like trying to plug holes in a sinking ship, and I’m running out of hands.”
Aida’s heart sank, but Sophie’s presence offered some comfort. “I just thought—I thought maybe you’d given up on us.”
“Never,” Sophie said firmly. “But gods are not all-powerful, Aida. Even we face limits. There are things I must tend to that you wouldn’t understand, battles I have to fight to keep some semblance of balance in the world. But let’s worry about what we can attempt to control. Yumi said you were going to meet Pandora?”
“We’re going to try. Are you coming with us?”
She shook her head. “No, I explained already. I cannot directly interfere with her. You must do your best to convince her to release the happiness. Do you have the key?”
Aida pulled out her phone and showed Sophie the image. The meander shifted slightly with a bright blue pulse, as though anxious to connect to something.
“Good. I don’t think you will have an easy time of it, to be honest. She’s bound to know nothing about her situation. Therecould be guards in the neighborhood watching her, but they are likely to be mortal. My aegis will conceal your true nature. You’ll appear as friendly and harmless or may not even be visible to them at all.”
Aida had been worried about that but figured she and Luciano would take their chances and figure it out when they arrived. “What if she doesn’t want anything to do with us?”
“Tell her you are friends of Hephaestus. That should get you in the door. Then, show her that Greek key. She’ll recognize it. She may ultimately not help you, but she should at least listen to what you have to say.”
That didn’t exactly answer Aida’s question, but she shifted attention to what worried her more. “Can you keep Mo from finding me? I set my phone location to my room, but what if he wants me to meet him somewhere in the hotel? Then he’ll know I’m not there.”
Sophie gave Aida a thoughtful look. “Why do you think he would be looking for you?”
“I think he sees me as a newfound friend.”
At that, Sophie burst out laughing, an emotion Aida had not yet seen from the goddess of balance. “Now, that’s not what I expected you to say,” she said, sobering. “This is not a man with friends. Are you sure?”
Aida nodded. “I think in this he’s genuine.” She tried to explain the situation the best she could.
Sophie drummed her fingernails on the car’s armrest, considering. “This is interesting.” She gave a huff. “My dear brother must be softening a bit. Perhaps he’s understanding the importance of balance, after all. Maybe we can use this to our advantage.” She put a hand on Aida’s arm. “But you’re right. His interference when you’re attempting to connect with Pandora would not be good. I’ll tell you what. I can’t keep him from finding you if he really wants to, but I can distract him. I may need him to come meet me urgently in Christchurch.”
