Shadow shot to his feet. “She came into my realm and didn’t want to wake you. I was planning to take her home the minute she finished eating. I swear it.”
Simi had no idea why Shadow was so panicky. Although akri did seem a bit upset, and she didn’t understand that either.
“Are you all right?” Akri grabbed her up in a tight hug.
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
He held her so close that it was a bit painful.
“Akri!” She bristled in his arms. “Simi hurts! Please don’t holds her so tights! Ouch!”
“You scared me, Simkey. I woke up and had no idea where you were. I told you not to leave.”
“The Simi was hungry, and you said for the Simi not to nibble on your fingers or toes. So, the Simi went to looks for some eats.”
He only loosened his hold a bit on her before he turned toward her new friend. “Thank you, Shadow.”
“No problem.” Shadow jerked his chin in her direction. “I had no idea you had a Charonte daughter.”
“Not something I want bantered about with others either.”
“Understood.” Shadow stepped away from them. “She’s a joy. Anytime you need a babysitter, let me know. I’ll make sure and bring lots of food.”
Akri scowled. “I’d never take you for such a baby person … or in Simi’s case, a toddler person.”
“Me either, but it was nice to be around someone who was honest and not playing games with me. I’d forgotten what innocence looked like.”
“I know. It’s what I value most about her. I don’t ever want her tarnished.”
Shadow nodded. “That’s the thing I hate most in life. When others kill that part of us.”
Simi saw the sadness in akri’s eyes. “I don’t ever remember having it, and I will kill the one who takes it from her.”
“I don’t blame you.” Shadow reached out and ruffled her hair. “I’ll probably help you. It’s a pity we all have to lose that part of ourselves.”
Simi smiled at the god-not-god. “Thank you for the eats, akri-Shadow.”
“Anytime, little one. Just next time, tell Acheron that you’re leaving first.”
“Okies.”
Acheron held his arm out. “I owe you one, Shadow.”
Shadow clasped his arm and shook it. “No, you don’t. I’m just glad I saw her first. Whatever you do, make sure my mother never knows Simi has any ties to you or your mother.”
Simi cocked her head at his peculiar words that seemed to confuzzle akri, too.
“What do you mean?” her akri asked.
“I know who Simi’s real parents are, Acheron. Her father was an enemy to my mother. And Xiamara wasn’t her friend, either. If Azura or Noir ever see your little demon, they won’t hesitate to take her hostage and use her against you. Or as a tool to strike at your mother. You need to make sure your demon understands the dangers lurking for her and the enemies you have. While I’m with you and I would love to preserve her innocence, Simi needs to know that you have too many enemies who wouldn’t hesitate to harm her. As does your mother.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
Simi hugged her akri. “Don’t worry. Simi would eat any bad god who tried to hurt her.”
“It’s not that simple, Simkey.”
She wanted to argue, but there was something in both their eyes that told her they were right. She needed to be careful. After all, her mother had been a very powerful warrior, and the gods had killed her. She was nowhere near as strong as her mother had been.
