“It’s all a big misunderstanding,” Bridget said, clicking off the power. “You guys didn’t kill that girl.”
“Can we not call these authorities and explain what is happening in this realm? Surely they’ll want to assist once they learn the truth.”
“Before you even finish a sentence, they’ll lock you up in some government-funded cell. Even worse, they’ll make you put on someone else’s underwear.” Bridget wrinkled her nose.
“She’s right. We can’t go to the cops. They obviously think they know what’s going on, and they’re not going to believe either of us.”
Eva flinched as Bridget’s phone rang. “It’s your work,” she said, handing it to Bridget.
“Shit. I totally forgot I was supposed to go in tonight. I can call them back and tell them I’m sick or something.”
“No, you can’t. You don’t want the police or anyone thinking you have something to hide,” Eva said.
“Damn. You’re right. She circled to the back of the couch and hugged Eva. “I’m so sorry I have to leave. Stay here for as long as you need to. We’re going to figure this out. Before you know it, we’ll be on a fab vacation somewhere laughing about this whole mess. I love you.”
“I love you too.” She squeezed her tight before letting go.
“And, Alek, don’t go off being stupidly heroic and get yourself caught. I need you to keep her safe. Oh, before I forget.” She retrieved a pen and a gum wrapper from her bag and scribbled something down before handing him the paper. “You two be good.” She flipped her hair and sauntered down the hall.
Alek glanced at the crinkled strip before folding it and adding to the collection in his back pocket.
Eva sighed and flopped onto the couch. “I can’t believe our pictures are on the news. I have no idea how we’ll ever sort this out.”
“You’re the new Oracle. This challenge is nothing compared to the danger we will soon face.”
“That’s the second time you’ve called me that. What does it mean?”
“An oracle is someone who—”
“I don’t need a mythology lesson,” Eva interrupted. “I want to understand what it has to do with me.”
“You are a far removed descendant of Pythia, but one of her descendants nevertheless. When I found you lifeless with Alastor, I defeated him and breathed into you new life. That is when the Oracle within you awoke.”
Eva shook her head against the memories clouding her thoughts. “But why save me?”
“The curse on my home will not cease until balance is restored and the evil is put back in its place. My flaw is that I cannot stay in this realm for more than a few of your days without losing my abilities and immortality. Because you are the descendant of such a powerful Oracle, and because that blood flows through you so freely, you are the only mortal with enough power to help me.”
“What if I don’t want to help you? What if I want to go home and try to get back what’s left of my normal life?”
“Then Tartarus will break down and die. And all of the wicked souls it holds will claw up and make this realm their own. Alastor and the others hidden here will only be the beginning, and your world will be powerless against them.”
“Do you have to make everything so dramatic?” She rested her head on the couch cushion and stared up at the ceiling.
“You must know the truth if you are to make a decision.”
Eva closed her eyes and tried to imagine what her Yiayiá would say if she were there. “We can only stay here for a couple days. Do you know where else we can go?”
“I will return to Tartarus in the morning and speak with my mothers. They may be able to offer us assistance.” He hopped over the back of the couch and landed next to her.
“Don’t take this as me joining forces with you or whatever it is I’m supposed to do. I haven’t decided that yet.”
“Perhaps you will have better luck in making a decision about our entertainment.” He smiled and handed her the remote.
“Have you ever seen Thor?” She pulled the blanket off the back of the couch and draped it over their laps. “I think you two have a lot in common.” Eva snuggled against him and relaxed into the warm glow of his amulet.
Twenty-Eight
Alek slowly opened his eyes to the shards of sunlight slicing through the blinds. He stifled a yawn and stretched his stiff legs. His arm rested behind Eva’s head and buzzed with tingling pinpricks. Carefully, he stood and slid the dead weight out from under her. He shook out his arm until the feeling returned to his fingers.
“Where are you going?” Eva asked, her eyes still closed.
“Home. I will be back shortly. You rest.”
“Should I come with you?” She sat up, yawned, and tried to smooth her tangled twists of hair. “What? Why are you smiling at me? Was I drooling?” She wiped at the corners of her mouth.
“No, your hair. It’s very reminiscent of Medusa.” He chuckled.