“So much more than a prank,” Eztli added. “This is a declaration of war.”
“I don't think so,” Jesus said.
We all turned to look at him.
“If they wanted a war, they would have kept the Ark whole. And keptit. The Ark is a weapon. An incredibly powerful weapon that even humans can use. So, why dismantle it? No, this isn't about war. This person has left us clues. They want us to find the dogs.”
I looked at the marker still in Hades's hands. “If love could have saved you.”
“What?” Hades demanded.
“He's right. The marker is a clue,” I said. “If this is a game, thenthatis our invitation to play.” I pointed at the gravestone.
“If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever,” Hades read the engraving. “If love could have saved you.”
“So, love is not the key to finding them,” Odin concluded.
“What the fuck does that mean?” Hades demanded.
“It means that you need to stay out of this,” I said. “Go home, Hades. Your involvement may end up killing Cerberus and Princess.” I glanced at the gravestone. “Well, maybe just Princess.”
Hades's face twitched. He loved that dog more than he let on. I knew it. “Very well. My wife needs me to comfort her anyway. Please, uh, text me.”
“As soon as we know anything, we will,” Thor said.
“Thank you.” Hades handed the gravestone to Thor and looked around at us. “They are dear to me. Please, do not fail.”
“We won't, Hades,” I said and hugged him. “I promise.”
Hades hugged me back, then stepped out of the hug, and nodded. “If you need it, you have the backing of the Greek Underworld. Just say the word.”
Then he walked out.
Chapter Twelve
“There's a button,” Thor said.
We had gone quiet after Hades left, just standing there, looking at the shag carpet. Well, Thor must have been looking at the gravestone because seconds after he said that, a click came. By the time I focused on him, he had the back of the stone open, revealing a hidden compartment.
“Is that a treasure map?” Morpheus asked.
“In a way.” Thor frowned down at it, then handed it to his father. “Do you recognize any of these markings?”
Odin narrowed his peacock-colored eyes as we gathered around him. “Mountains. But I don't know what this rhombus shape means.”
“That's not a rhombus!” Azrael exclaimed.
“Yes, it is,” Odin said.
“Yes, it's a rhombus,” Az said in irritation. “But that's not what it stands for.”
“It's a diamond!” I said.
Azrael grinned at me.
“Care to share with the class?” Blue drawled.
“The Diamond Path is in the mountains of Zebul,” Azrael said.
