Elvira glances up. “Impossible. We are underground.”
Underground? That’s a clue. That means the window is an illusion too, right? Is the entire prison an illusion?
“Man, I miss gumbo. Any chance your boss will hook me up with some?”
Elvira stands to her full impressive height, pausing and stiffly tilting her head. “What is gumbo?”
“It’s food. A dish very popular in New Orleans. Do you know New Orleans?”
She blinks awkwardly and hurries to the door. “Rest.”
Then she’s gone.
“I think I hit a nerve.”
Atlas steps away from the wall, still covered in stone colored flesh that slowly fades away. “I agree. I think Kallis was right and we’re in NOLA. Hopefully, the guys will start there. Any other connections to this city you can think of?”
About a million, but none that seem relevant. I haven’t lived here in years, haven’t been involved in any goings-on. I don’t have a clue who would be behind this.
“No.”
He nods. “I guess we should get comfortable, then. If you think of anything, let me know. Maybe it’ll help us figure something out.”
“Where will you sleep? There’s only this tiny cot.”
“I can sleep on the floor. I’m a gargoyle.”
“Right.” I’m still not sure why he’s so intent on helping me, especially since our last meeting didn’t exactly go well, but I won’t question it. I’m not quite ready to thank him, but hopefully he knows I’m grateful.
“Did Kallis help you without a fee?”
Atlas settles on the floor near the cot. “I had to make her a couple of promises.”
“Are you at liberty to share?”
His brow creases, but he shrugs. “Uh, she said not to bring you to her.”
“Rude.”
“And to make sure you knew it was her who helped.”
I scoff. “As arrogant as ever, I see.”
“What happened between you two?”
“I told you.”
“Seems like a small reason to hold such a grudge.”
“Oh, my dear, magic users can hold a grudge over the tiniest slight. I humiliated her. The fact that you got her to help once she knew it was me is a feat.”
“Maybe she’s not as mad as you think.”
I shrug, sitting on the cot. “Beggars can’t be choosers.”
“Try to sleep, Rune. We’ll come up with some way to get out of here. You have my word.”
Nodding, I settle back. I never thought I’d say this but thank fuck my path crossed with Atlas and his rowdy group of friends.
