I stand, opening my arms for a hug. “It’s really me.”
Meravis steps into my embrace, smelling of sea salt and summer breezes, regardless of the actual weather around him. “How are you, darling? What are you doing here?”
“Do you have a minute to talk?”
“Always for you.” Meravis joins me on the couch, accepting a glass offered to him by one of the others. He sips the drink, lifting his hair off his neck. “What’s going on, my dear gargoyle?”
“A friend of mine is being held captive, and I don’t know where, but he mentioned something about a war coming. I don’t know what he could be talking about, but I know you keep your finger on the pulse of everything. I thought you might know something.”
“A war?” He tilts his head, tapping his chin with a slender finger. “Between who?”
“No clue. He said his captor mentioned it but gave no details.”
Meravis shakes his head. “I can’t think of a single thing. Our world has been rather peaceful of late. Even the vampires are chill. And if you don’t know anything from the underworld, then I don’t know what war it could be. Humans are always involved in one dustup or another, but who gives a shit about that?”
I grunt in agreement, then sigh. “I was afraid of that. It’s possible that the captors, whoever they are, are planning a war no one knows about yet.”
“That’s not good.”
“No.”
“What kind of friend is it?” He grins. “A romantic friend?”
“Far from it. In fact, he barely likes me. Long story, but I learned of his kidnapping in a dream.”
“A dream? That’s unusual, isn’t it?”
“Dreaming? Not really.”
“Luciddreaming that leads you to a real-world problem. That’s not a dream, Atlas. That’s a message.”
I shrug, trying to push off the implication of his statement. “I found him in my dream state, but I don’t know where he is. I thought the war might be a clue.”
“Sorry.” He pats my hand. “Know any spirit guides? They can find out anything.”
“Not really. They’re in a different section. Do you know any?”
“Of course I do, silly. Give me your hand.”
I hold my hand out to him, palm up, and he scribbles something with his fingertip, the sensation of it spreading through me like embers growing into flames.
“Reach out to Kallis. She has access to powerful guides.”
“Thank you.”
“Bring her something. She’s devoted to Persephone and Hecate. An offering will go a long way.”
“Kallis is a witch?”
“Indeed, she is. Friendly-ish. Tell her I sent you and she’ll most likely be willing to help.”
“I will. Thanks for your help.”
“Anytime, Atlas. Good luck finding your friend.”
Smiling, I nod, say my goodbyes, then dip out, heading home again. I’ll need to find some appropriate offerings for Kallis before I head out again.
I get back at the same time Cassius appears. “Oh, hey, Atlas. I didn’t find anything out. Did you?”
