She handed it to me. “This is the Yasakani no magatama—my jewel. It possesses the magic of Benevolence and Prosperity. But what makes it important to your search is its connection to the mirror. They were born together, you see. One will call to the other. It's why I hid the jewel in a crystal ball. If I hadn’t hidden the jewel, the mirror would have pulled them together, making them inseparable. My jewel will lead you to my mirror and your brother. Just don't allow it to meld with the mirror.”
“Thank you, Amy!” I hugged her, then straightened and looked down at the jewel. “I can feel its pull already.”
Amaterasu smiled, her glow brightening. “You're welcome. Just bring me back my treasures.” She grimaced. “I don't know why I left them here.”
“It wouldn't have mattered where you hid them. The trickster has gotten into many god territories and found relics hidden in secret compartments.”
Amaterasu frowned. “How?”
“We don't know.”
“Will this lead us through wards?” Odin motioned to the jewel.
“It cannot take you through a ward. If it could, the crystal wouldn't have been able to contain it. But it can lead you up to the ward.”
“That will do.” I bowed to Amaterasu. “I'll look after your jewel until I can return it.”
“I know you will.” She kissed my cheek. “Good luck, Godhunter. May you catch your quarry soon.”
Chapter Seventeen
We made it home in time for lunch. The Intare were grilling again; my lions loved to go primal. So, everyone was outside—either in the pool, around the pool, or on the veranda. Vero ran out of the main doors, making a beeline for his siblings and Zariel, who were in the pool. Kirill and Azrael were swimming with them, Az trying to control our winged boys, who could also control the water. Dominic and Sebastian were still learning what they could do with their Wild Fey Magic—as were we—but they were quickly progressing.
“Vero!” Zariel called and waved just before Sebastian dropped a wave onto her head. Her dark ringlets went flat as she sputtered, but they perked up when she leapt out of the water, hands curled into claws to grab Sebastian.
My son laughed and flew away.
“That's it! Sebastian, you're done with the pool!” Azrael shouted as he flung a hand at the flying, fleeing boy.
The twins may have some control over the elements, but their father was the Faerie God. He was the source of their magic, and he knew how to nip it in the bud. A vine manifested in the air, curling around Sebastian to pin his wings to his body. He fell, shrieking, into Azrael's arms.
“Daddy, no!” Sebastian struggled against the vine, but couldn't free himself.
“You don't say no to me, Son.” Azrael carried him out of the water, leaving Dominic with Kirill. “I say no to you. And I'm saying no. You've had enough warnings.”
“I was just playing!” Sebastian wailed.
“Bas?” Dominic called, his expression falling as he watched his twin get taken away.
“Dom!” Sebastian shrieked as if he were being carried to the gallows.
Azrael rolled his eyes and headed for us. “Hello, Carus. Any luck?”
We were all used to the twin drama. When one of them got into trouble—usually Sebastian—and they were parted, they would cry for each other as if they were going to be separated for life. It used to get me, but not anymore. I had grown wise to their ways.
“Mommy!” Sebastian wailed and squirmed. “Help!”
“Yes, we have a lot to tell you.” I gave Azrael a kiss and then stepped back to put my hands on my hips and glare at Sebastian. “Were you being naughty, Sebastian?”
“No.”
I widened my eyes at him.
“I was only playing with Zariel.”
“Zariel didn't look like she enjoyed the way you played.”
“I'm sorry.”
