Page 36 of Seas the Reckoning

I picture a summoning circle, or a sacrifice, or something. Instead, Ji-hwan pulls his cell phone out of his pocket.

“I’ve got his number, so I don’t think it’ll be that hard.”

My mouth pops open.

The Were steps into the darkness, returning just a few minutes later.

“He’s agreed to help, and he wants to come in person,” he says.

Starla goes back to pacing.

“How is that going to work? We’ve got tomorrow and part of the day after, and that’s it. We need to make use of every minute.”

Jackal rubs the back of his neck.

“Feral doesn’t necessarily have to travel like the rest of us. He certainly can, but as a deity he has a few other options open to him.”

“What do you mean?” I spin on the spot, waiting for a lightning strike or something loud and distinctive. That seems like the type of entrance a god would make.

“I gave him our coordinates, and he shouldn’t take long,” Ji-hwan says but doesn’t bother explaining more.

“Jumping Jehoshaphat!” Starla leaps backward, reaching for Exos with one hand while sending sparks showering down with the other.

A man has entered the clearing, and a glimmering portal shuts behind him. The man smiles, revealing a row of dazzling white teeth. Judging by the lack of smile lines on his face, and the fact that the expression doesn’t reach his bright green eyes, I’d guess he doesn’t use the expression often.

Ji-hwan, Jackal, and Exos approach the man. Feral, they called him.

I’d guess the newcomer’s age to be somewhere in his thirties, but with supernaturals it is impossible to tell. And I can only imagine a god would be ancient.

“It’s good to see you again, mate,” Jackal says, shaking the new arrival’s hand. Exos and Ji-hwan give similar greetings, and I note that Feral apparently isn’t a hugger. Overall, he gives off the same reserved, high-brow air as many of Councilman Taylor’s guests.

That could be a bad sign. Just how trustworthy is he?

I sigh, allowing the worry to exist and then flow down the river in my mind that is full of concerns.

“We appreciate you taking the time. I see you’re able to conjure portals now,” Ji-hwan says.

Feral shakes his head. His black hair has a loose, wavy curl to it, and he swipes a strand back behind his ear.

“Borrowed a portable portal from Danger. She does love her inventions. That valkywolf really is something.”

Starla perks up.

“Valkywolf? Like, valkyrie/wolf-shifter hybrid? And she can make portals? Bring her along! We could always use more tough ladies in the group.”

All four men freeze and come up with various excuses.

“No! We really don’t need⁠—”

“—quite busy and she can’t⁠—”

“Wouldn’t want to bother her, you know.”

Jackal waits for the others to stop and then responds.

“Danger is a lovely individual, but she’s also a bit chaotic. Very chatty. Very bubbly. Very hyper.”

“What’s wrong with that?” Starla challenges. “Being bubbly and nice doesn’t mean she’s not capable.”