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You might have a talent for discovering where Chthonic Power Solutions should set its sights, but you’ve never had the gall to pull off a deal like this. And that’s why they’ll name me as Mr. Gravesend’s successor.
“Well, is it true, Zoe?” Shadow turned to her with a mixture of suspicion and hope. “Can you really help us save the Underworld?”
A battle raged within Zoe, between her ambition and her conscience. Her gaze returned to the gate, knowing that it contained a power that would grant her everything she ever dreamed of. A power that could be hers for the taking. And all it would take was one white lie.
“Yes.”
Zoe drew a startled breath as the lie escaped her lips. A deep shame rose within her body, filling her with an instant regret. But as Spooks let out a cheer of delight, she realized the damage had already been done. She had fallen to Swindleton’s level, and in doing so, had signed her soul to Chthonic Power Solutions.
“Well, there’s one seal of approval you’ll need if you’re to stay in the Underworld.” Shadow turned to Cerberus. “What do you think, boy?”
With a bark of excitement, the giant dog bounded towards Zoe, before his slobbery tongue eagerly licked her face. She fought off Cerberus’ advances, settling for a belly rub instead, until she turned to see Shadow watch her intently. In his eyes, she saw his barriers and guardedness remain. But she noted that something else glimmered in the depths of his gaze, too. Hope.
“Well, I guess it’s decided.” Shadow stepped closer, and broke into a smile. “It looks like the Underworld Motel will be back in business.”
7
“So let me get this straight. You believe that you’ve found the greatest energy deposits Chthonic Power Solutions has ever seen? And that it’s buried beneath a deserted town?”
“That pretty much sums it up.” Zoe watched as the mote of light fluttered within its new makeshift home, an old fish tank she’d salvaged from Spooks’ supplies. “Although these energy deposits aren’t like anything I’ve seen before...”
She held her tracker to the strange light, until Mr. Gravesend yelped in excitement as he received the readings.
“Hmm, this could be quite promising indeed. I haven’t seen readings like this in a very long time indeed.” Mr. Gravesend paused thoughtfully, before he spoke once more. “I’ll dispatch a team to your location this afternoon. If your findings are anything to go by, this could be quite the discovery…”
“Actually, I think this requires a delicate touch. There are some… unusual locals…“ Zoe peered through the window, to where the Phantom Fiestadores serenaded Misty in the light of the sunset. “And I’d rather not arouse their suspicions yet. I may have been a little economical with the truth…”
“I see you’re finally playing by the company book!” Mr. Gravesend let loose a wheezing cackle of delight. “Which one of Swindleton’s fables have you used this time? Are you looking for land to set up your organic farm? A cat rescue center? An alpaca petting zoo?”
Zoe’s heart sank in her chest. “Actually, they think I’m a travel blogger…”
“Hah! I can’t say I’ve heard that one before, but I’ll give you points for originality.” Mr. Gravesend chuckled coldly as he took a sip of his pomegranate juice. “And you’ve located the source of the energy deposits?”
“Well, kinda…” Zoe thought back to the locked gates within the maze of thorns. “I’m fairly certain I’ve located it. Although getting access to it could prove tricky. But still, these readings should be more than enough to show the board that I’m the perfect candidate for a promotion…”
Mr. Gravesend let out a long sigh, like an exasperated teacher to a student.
“Zoe, it will take more than one energy reading to convince the board of anything. That’s like promising a reservoir of water when you’ve only found a raindrop. It could be a fluke, an anomaly, a…”
“Mr. Gravesend, I know there’s something powerful here. Something that could change the entire future of Chthonic Power Solutions! I just need more time…”
“Time is something you don’t have, my dear. The board will appoint my successor in a matter of days. And unless you find the source of the energy deposits, then they’ll have no choice but to give the position to Swindleton.”
“But, Mr. Gravesend…”
Zoe cursed as her signal dropped and the video call went dead. So much for proving she had what it takes. If she didn’t find the source of those energy deposits, all of this would be for nought. She watched the light as it fluttered within its tank, and landed on a branch that she’d placed inside, bathing it in its soft golden glow.
“What are you, I wonder? Are you some kind of bug?” A low buzz told her that wasn’t the case. “Are you even alive?”
She glanced at the food tray she’d hastily assembled, containing vegetables, leaves, and even a slice of Misty’s cakes, in case the mote of light had an appetite. But after hours of studying the strange entity, Zoe still wasn’t even sure if it was sentient. She sighed, knowing that if she wanted answers, she would have to look elsewhere.
As the setting sun glistened on the snow-covered landscape, Zoe peered through the window to the gardens beyond. Thorny vines and a thick freezing fog obscured the center of the maze, while small golden lights flickered within. She chewed her lip in frustration as she gazed at the sight, knowing that to secure her promotion, she had to find a way inside. But in a town where the residents could appear out of thin air, finding a moment’s peace had proven challenging. Particularly when it came to her self-appointed tour guide…
“Hiya, fleshie!” As if on cue, Spooks appeared on her windowsill in a puff of smoke. “What are you up to?”
“I’m trying to concentrate. This report won’t write itself.”
“Oh, right, your travel blog about our town.” Spooks cartwheeled across the floor of her bed chambers. “Oh, I can’t wait to have visitors again!”
