“She may be weak, but Tartarus knows better than to allow such filth to inhabit her outside of the cell,” Mother answered.
Faint hissing erupted and Maiden clapped her hands together. “Here it comes,” she said gleefully. “Mind your feet.”
The hissing grew louder, and Alek shuffled away from the fast approaching noise.
Beetles raced toward the body. In the candlelight, they looked like a shimmering shadow as they gorged themselves on Alastor’s flesh.
“Not what I expected,” Alek mumbled.
Maiden took Alek by the arm. “We let this mess distract us, but we must show Alek what has happened.”
The Furies buzzed with excitement and pulled him along.
Maiden spoke first. “We were gathered in the Hall of Echoes, checking the status of the fast draining pool, when there was a great burst of amber light.”
Mother continued, “Clouds of beautiful gold rolled through Tartarus. Their winds knocked us from our feet, and the sound of thunder pummeled our ears. It disappeared as fast as it came, and when Tartarus calmed—”
“The most beautiful gifts were left in its place,” Crone finished.
The women parted and Alek peered into the hall. Small pools rippled on the once barren floor.
“I don’t believe what I’m seeing,” Alek said.
“You must, for it is because of you,” Crone said.
“The power you awoke in Eva granted us this gift.” Maiden’s voice sounded happy and light.
“Tartarus can feel its warriors uniting. Together, you and Eva will heal our realm, our home,” Mother said.
“The curse is far from lifting, but this is an extraordinary beginning,” Crone said.
Alek walked between the small pools. “It’s just as it was in the stories you told.”
“Almost,” Maiden said. “It is not as magnificent. But it will be fully restored one day.”
Like small, rippling mirrors, they each played a moment in time.
“Eva?” He stopped and crouched down to get a better view.
She looked peaceful in the hospital bed. The same serene expression rested on her face as it had when he placed her on the grass. The woman next to Eva held her hand and lovingly patted her head. She turned as a blond young woman rushed into the room, dropping her oversized purse on the floor as she entered.
“Bridget,” Alek whispered. “It was the same Eva.”
She and Eva’s mom hugged for a long time. Their bodies shook as tears streamed down their face. A woman in an oversized white coat and sea foam green pants came in followed by a young man in nice jeans and a button-down shirt. Bridget and Eva’s mom stood in a huddle with the doctor while the young man went to Eva’s side. Alek recognized him as one of the detectives who arrived shortly before he came home. He tightened his jaw at the sight of the detective leaning close to Eva, studying her. The doctor left and the women returned to Eva’s bedside. They both looked relieved and smiled as they spoke to the detective. Eva’s mom shook his hand and hugged him.
Alek had seen enough. He stood and continued his walk around the pools, trying his best to hide his jealousy from his mothers.
Get it together, Alek. You don’t even know her. There is no reason to be jealous. You are an immortal. He is just a cop. Besides, you don’t even know her. He ignored the thoughts, and continued on his way back to the entrance of the Hall of Echoes.
“It’s amazing, Mothers. I can’t wait to see it fully restored.” He put his arms around the three of them, and squeezed them tightly.
Twenty-One
Eva blinked the sleep from her eyes and yawned. Her neck was sore, and she turned it to the side in an attempt to get a deep stretch.
“Well, hey there!” Bill said, smiling gaily down at her. “You dozed off for a little bit. Happens sometimes. The whole process can be tiring.”
“What are you doing?” she asked sleepily.
“Don’t worry, it’s almost over,” he assured.
“I don’t even want to look at it,” Lori groaned. “I never should have come with you.”
Bill clucked his tongue. “I think it’s turning out to be quite the masterpiece.”
Eva sat up and looked around. Fogginess draped her thoughts and blurred her surroundings. “Mom, what’s going on?”
“Pay no attention to her grogginess. I’ve seen it hundreds of times. Every morning from first grade on. It’ll wear off soon enough.”
“Bill, let go of me.” She struggled to free her arm from under his grip. He leaned over it, pinning it down with the weight of his body.
“Who’s Bill?” Lori asked.
“Must have been someone you were dreaming about. Huh, Eva?” He set down the tattoo gun and peeled off his latex gloves.
“Hey, Alastor.” A tall blond appeared. His curly hair hung in his eyes, and he tossed his head back to clear his vision. “There’s someone here to see you.” He hooked his thumb in the belt loop of his jeans and waited for further instruction.
“Thank you, Alek. Always there when I need you.” He pushed the metal tray away and stood. “Eva, remember to keep that clean. You don’t want that beautiful artwork getting infected.”