Page 75 of The Unseen Hour

I might have argued that weeks and weeks hardly counted as soon, but who was I to debate a god? In Emrys, letters could take over a week to reach someone in the wrong weather. I wasn’t about to question the timeline of a goddess.

She gasped as she turned toward Orion.

“You’ve hurt yourself. Not Charon’s work, I hope?”

Orion shook his head.

“Bad interaction with some of the local wildlife. It’s healing nicely, though, and we’re ready for whatever you have planned next.”

For a moment, I wondered whether Death might be able to heal it the rest of the way. Exactly what powers did she possess? And was she limited by the Ether?

The deity turned her dazzling smile on me.

“Have you been thinking of what you want from me, young human?” She leaned in close, and I could feel the crackling and dancing static across my own skin.

I took a deep breath and forced steadiness into my voice.

“Could you heal Orion?”

“Celia!” Orion’s voice rose.

Death tilted her head to one side, then the other.

“Unexpected. I am very rarely surprised. I thought your request would have something to do with what brought you down here.”

I gasped, although I shouldn’t have been surprised that she knew. She was a goddess, after all.

She laughed.

“I do make it my business to know things about the other gods and their realms. It’s why I’m not taken unawares, as they risk being. We’re allies, yes? I can’t fix his leg for you, but I can give you a bit of advice connected to what I came to discuss, and that will help Orion.”

I breathed out a sigh of relief.

“Thank you.”

I sagged, and Orion put an arm around my shoulder, letting me lean against him. My one request, and I’d used it, but I couldn’t feel bad about it.

“Now then, what else?” Death prompted.

I snapped my head back toward her.

“But I just … you still want to offer me something else?”

Death clucked her tongue.

“Do not bore me, small humans. Please. The other gods are tedious enough, and none of us like to be repetitive. I need you both, and I need you in shape enough for a trek. Besides, I’m merely giving you a hint when it comes to Orion’s leg. I shall ask once more: what is it you’d like in exchange for helping me end the hour?”

The answer spilled out in a rush; I was worried she might just retract the offer if I delayed.

“I want help locating my father. We’ve been looking for him down here since my arrival. I believe he is a half-Shade, like Orion and myself.”

Death threw back her head and laughed.

“How quaint. Neither of you is a real Shade, I can assure you of that.”

I looked between Orion and the floating souls in the field. I couldn’t argue when it came to appearances, but there were other things that were undeniable.

“But Orion can sing just like the others, and Charon has him leading them, and I⁠—”