Page 110 of The Unseen Hour

Why did our nature as humans give the gods a right to toy with us? From what I could see, they weren’t superior in any way that mattered. They were more powerful, but not more moral. Not more compassionate. Not kinder in any way.

Even Death was willing to put us at risk.

I knew I wasn’t being fully fair. She was risking the only two half-Shades she had available, to end the hour and save countless lives, but I was desperate for Orion and in no emotional state to be charitable.

“Come down here! Please!” I had no idea if she could hear me. “He’s got Ry, and Ry has what you wanted us to get!”

The baton was in Orion’s satchel, and if Charon figured that out, we truly were in trouble.

In return for my screams, I got nothing but a few Shades floating in my direction, weaving around me but giving me a wide berth. I didn’t see my father, but then again I no longer expected to. I’d have to rely on Death for that, because I’d run out of other places to look. One more thing that depended on a deity when I wanted to do it myself.

I needed to be stronger.

I’d keep going to Charon’s, but I knew my chances of success were slim. I screamed one last time, dropping to my knees.

Static danced across my skin; the hair on my arms rose and the air crackled. I hiccupped, looking at the sky, but still no Death.

Confused, I stood, wiping down the feeling on my arms. The static that told me if I touched the wrong thing I’d be shocked. But if Death wasn’t in the Ether, then how …

Lightning slammed into the ground, forcing me to stumble back.

“You’re making quite the racket, little human,” the goddess observed, this time wearing a mask the color of champagne.

“Death! I need your help. Charon summoned Orion, and he’s got the baton, and⁠—”

I ran for her, hands out. She backed away with a frown, putting an arm out to stop me. I was less than an inch from touching her when I remembered. The hairs on my arm rose again, and I could tell I was being shocked, but I was too concerned about Orion to care.

And I hadn’t touched her, so it wasn’t too bad.

“Slow down. Now, what has Charon done this time? Did you get the baton?”

I nodded.

“Yes. We got it. The two of us were headed here, and then Charon’s, for the second item. Orion is carrying the baton in his satchel, but he got summoned by Charon. He disappeared into fog. He said he’d be all right, but if Charon realizes what’s happened … is that why he called for him? Could he know?”

Death tilted her head, maddeningly silent for several moments.

“No. No, I don’t think so. I saw him recently and he was agitated at me, but he didn’t give any indications of fear. If anything, he’s growing more aggressive, confident. I’d say he’s still convinced he’s going to be victorious.”

“Then Orion is safe?” All my muscles were tense, ready to leap into action and run after him if the answer was no.

“I should think so, unless you run in and cause a scene. That would take the odds of survival for both of you down considerably.”

I sagged, partially in relief and a bit in defeat.

“Then how do I help him? Even if it’s likely he’s all right, we can’t be sure. If I don’t go after him and something happens. If he’s hurt⁠—”

“Then it will be up to you to help finish this hour. Small human, I have no desire for the half-Shade to be hurt. I’ve enjoyed our talks these past decades. But if you enter Charon’s personal grounds now, you’re doing nothing but increasing Orion’s risk. Although, if he is with Charon that means the god of the Ether is distracted. Which presents us with an opportunity.”

“An opportunity?”

I tensed again. More items to find?

“I think you should learn a bit more about the other gods. Odos’s interference showed me that my fellow deities are growing as restless as I am. You should know who and what you’re up against.”

I couldn’t have agreed more, although I wished she’d thought to share sooner.

I kept looking past her.