“How the hell are we going to save this world from both the gods and supernaturals?” he asks, turning to me, and I see the real reason he’s out here brooding. “We need a fucking plan.”
“We do. Everyone is three steps ahead of us. It’s time for us to take back control.” I clap him on the back and stand. “I’m going to leave that in your capable hands while we go to Italy.”
“Be careful.” He pauses for a second, then quietly asks, “How do you know her feelings are real? Can you sense her emotions?”
“I wish,” I say with a chuckle. That would be a hell of a lot easier. “My ability to read emotions doesn’t work on her. If it did, it would have saved us some time. Honestly, it’s a pure leap of faith. For both of us, but especially her. For the first time ever, she’s letting down those formidable walls of hers.”
I wait for him to ask another question, but he’s already turning away. Hopefully, my words will give him something to think about while we’re gone.
Gatlin putsthe vehicle in park. It’s close to sunset in Italy, and the asphalt lot is empty. Perfect time to conduct business with a goddess. Phaedra gets out and reaches for the peacock, butGatlin grabs it first, softly speaking to it in a tone I haven’t heard from him before.
I lean down to murmur in her ear, “I think he’s becoming attached.”
Of course, Gatlin overhears and tosses a glare in my direction. “It’s afraid. I’m trying to calm it down.” His voice is surly and full of irritation. A tone I definitely recognize.
I grab the pomegranate tree and slam the door shut. “Maybe we should get some to run around the yard.” My comment is meant for the two of them but more for Phaedra than Gatlin. I want her to start thinking about all of us living there together. Calling it home.
Initially, she bites her lip, considering how to respond but finally pushes through her natural reticence. “Fine, but you’re cleaning up after them.”
That’s not a deterrent. Elves love animals and nature. Or maybe I’ll get Gatlin to do it. “Deal.”
We pass through the entrance, and our attention swings to the two temples in front of us. “Remarkable. With all the wars and unrest over the ages, it’s incredible to have these magnificent examples of Greek architecture still standing.”
She runs a hand down one of the columns. “The patina on this stone is stunning and only comes with age.” She lifts a hand and points to one of the temples. “That’s Hera II. There’s grass in the center, perfect for the tree.”
Gatlin ties the peacock to the chain blocking visitors from entering, then pulls out his weapons. “I’ll be right here. Whisper if you need me.” His jaw is tight with tension as his gaze flicks to me, and I can hear him silently ordering me to protect her. I nod.
Following Phaedra to the center, I murmur a few words to the soil to make it part, then lift the tree from its pot and set it down in the hole. Earth magic flows from me to the roots, andthe tree grows another foot while the branches become laden with the sweet fruit. Then I step back.
Phaedra swallows, then walks over to the large altar and kneels. I see her head bow and her lips move with her dedication to Hera. The air shimmers beside her, and I take a step forward, magic ready.
Power fills the air, signaling their arrival. Hera and Athena appear to the left of the altar, and Phaedra moves in front of me. My jaw tightens, furious with her actions. She’s trying to protect me, and it should be the other way around. I walk forward until I’m standing next to Phaedra. Her bright blue eyes look at me in panic, wordlessly trying to get me to move back, but I ignore her plea.
Hera’s dark eyes briefly touch on Phaedra before moving to me. Her gaze dips to the magic swirling in my hands, and her lips curl in delight. Athena shifts beside her, tightening her grip on her spear before lightly placing a hand on Hera’s arm. Hera’s eyes flick to the goddess as she shakes it off with an irritated sigh.
“Stop worrying. It’s unbecoming of a god,” Hera snaps at Athena, whose own eyes narrow with fury. She turns back to me. “Well, at least she didn’t bring the abomination. Elf, huh?”
I grit my teeth and dip my head. “Hawthorne.”
She deflates slightly at my response, then turns to Phaedra. “What have you brought for me?” There’s an imperious tone to her voice that makes me grind my teeth harder.
Phaedra lifts her arm and points to the tree behind us. “A pomegranate tree.” Her shoulders are back as she stares boldly at Hera.
Hera’s lip curls in a sneer. “Not good enough.”
“Well, if you don’t want more worshippers, we can remove it,” Phaedra states with a nonchalant shrug. When Hera turns back to her, eyebrow raised high, she continues. “Pick a fruit.”
Hera pauses for a second, as if she’s debating something internally, then walks over and snatches a pomegranate off the tree. Another immediately blooms in its place. Her head tilts, and she picks another. A replacement appears. She does this five more times, then turns toward me.
“Is this your doing?”
“The tree will forever bear fruit. Sweet, edible, delicious,” I explain, ignoring her question. “Famine, plague, nature. Nothing will affect it.”
Phaedra steps closer to me and slips her hand into mine. “People will come from all over the world to view this tree. It will amaze them. They’ll think this tree is blessed by you. You’ll gain more followers.”
Hera lifts the fruit and takes a bite. “I’ll deem it acceptable.” Her words are bland, but her eyes are bright with the thought of thousands of new followers. “Three down.”
“The fourth one is coming up right away,” Phaedra pipes up. “See you next door.”
