Page 32 of Shadowed Spirits

In a somewhat somber procession, we follow Levi through all the twists and turns of the castle to get back to the foyer. I’m surprised to see Cerberus in their rottweiler form waiting for us. The castle staff are giving them a wide berth and shootingterrified looks their way. I can’t help my laugh since Cerberus’s tail is wagging and two out of their three tongues are lolling out of their mouths. They look like the happiest puppy, instead of the formidable hell dog I know they are.

When I’m directly in front of them, I ask, “Are you guys coming with us?”

Russ nods his head up and down vigorously, but Cer is the one who answers.“We are, as long as you do not object to that.”

“No objections here. You’re welcome wherever I am.” I give each head an affectionate scratch before heading out the castle door. With Cerberus in tow, we start the long trek through Acheron and the surrounding desert to get to where we can open a rift to go back home.

Stepping through the rift,I look around the familiar main street of Hawthorne Grove. It’s strange being back here. Even though we were only gone a day, so much happened. It feels like we were gone decades instead of twenty-four hours. All the mage politics that have consumed my life since I was little seem so insignificant in the grand scheme of multiple realms andcurawith the power of gods and goddesses.

Luca was the first through the interdimensional portal, then me, and Archer, Cain, and Bishop follow. After Bishop steps through, Cerberus leaps into this realm. Midair, they change from an intimidating rottweiler to an… apple head Chihuahua, with three heads. They’re only about a foot tall, which is a huge change from their twenty-five-foot height inInfernus.

I’m sure my eyebrows are at my hairline as I look them over. “So… a Chihuahua, huh? Why’d you choose that form?”

My mates take notice of Cerberus, and they’re almost as amused as I am. Archer barks out a laugh, and Luca, Bishop, and Levi try to hide their grins.

“Chihuahuas are one of Earth’s fiercest creatures, the strength of their burning rage known throughout the realms. It is an honor to take on Earth’s war beast form while we are here.”Cer’s adorable little Chihuahua chin lifts in pride as he speaks.

I choke on my laugh at his explanation. I’m pretty sure Cerberus got some of their information mixed up. But they seem so proud of their choice, I don’t have the heart to tell them any different.

“Wise choice.” I’m super impressed I’m able to say that with a completely straight face. Glancing down at their short legs in concern, I wonder if they’re going to get tired on the trek to Anya’s. “You want me to carry you guys? It’s a bit of a walk, and I’m not sure if that form can keep up.” Needing something to distract me from everything I’m worried about, I fish out an earbud from my bag and pop it in while I wait for their answer. I play “Hardest of Hearts” by Florence + The Machine.

“Yes!”Russ shouts.

At the same time, Bear growls,“No.”

I look between the two heads currently glaring at each other. “Um. Which one am I supposed to listen to?”

Cer chimes in as the tiebreaker.“We have never been carried before,sagana, so we will try it for this journey.”

“Okay. If you guys hate it, just tell me. I’ll put you down immediately.” Bending down, I carefully scoop my three-headed Chihuahua familiar, which isn’t a phrase I ever imagined thinking. I make sure to put my hand under their doggie butt to keep them supported as we walk the half a mile down Main Street to Anya’s shop.

“This is quite pleasing,”Bear tells me after we’ve been walking for a few minutes.

I snort. “I’m glad you guys approve.” I wonder if I look ridiculous responding to something only I can hear. Oh, well.

“So, what’s the plan here, sunshine?” Archer reaches down to pet Cerberus, but they snarl at him and flash their wickedly sharp teeth that are definitely not those of a normal Chihuahua. He jerks back his hand before they have a chance to bite him.

“Only oursaganacan pet us, wolf. Keep your paws off us before we remove them for you.”Bear’s grumpy voice is tinged with warning.

“I guess I’m the only one allowed to pet them, sunny boy. Sorry.” I flash him an apologetic smile, which he returns with his usual good-natured grin. “As for the plan, we’re just going to ask Anya if she’d be able to locate a family member for us.”

Maybe I should have a super well thought out-plan, but I don’t. If Anya can’t help, then we’ll ask my family. Speaking of which, I probably need to check in with them since I didn’t yesterday. Phones apparently don’t work inInfernus. When I opened my phone, I saw tons of missed texts and calls from my family. I wince at the thought of having to deal with my mom’s anger, but there are certainly worse problems to have than a family who loves me.

As we walk, the guys chat among themselves. I’m too lost in my thoughts to participate, even though Archer tries to draw me into the conversation. While inInfernus, I didn’t have a chance to dwell on everything going wrong here. Now that we’re back, it’s all trying to bury me six feet under.

How in the hell am I supposed to keep everyone safe?

I don’t honestly know, and that kills me. Before I have too much time to wallow, we’re in front of Anya’s shop. The greenery- and glassware-filled building has become like a second home to me. Anya was one of the few people willing totake a chance on me once everyone thought I didn’t have magic. She’s always been kind, compassionate, willing to teach me, and put up with my teenage sulky attitude. I’d like to think I’ve grown out of that, but I’m not sure my personality now is really an improvement.

The guys let me go first into the shop, much to my surprise. I pull open the heavy wood door that’s painted a deep green to match the awning out front, and the bell above it tinkles, announcing our presence. As I enter, I’m immediately whacked in the face with the familiar medicinal herb scent of the shop. I breathe it in and instantly feel a little calmer.

Cerberus wiggles in my arms, so I carefully set them down on the floor. They trot off with a happy wag of their tail to go inspect the shop. Their three heads keep bumping into each other as they all try to sniff the ground. After getting knocked into multiple times, Cer lets out a warning growl that has Bear and Russ jerking back. I hold in my giggle at their antics and eventually lose sight of them.

Glancing around at the shelves lined with glass jars, plants, and dried herbs, the worn wood front counter, and the hallway to the back rooms, I don’t see Anya. “Anya? Are you here? It’s Izzy!” I call as I make my way farther inside.

“I’m coming, I’m coming!” Anya’s slightly smoky, Russian accented voice shouts from somewhere in the back of the shop. I chuckle at how exasperated she sounds. While Anya enjoys helping customers, her true passion is tinkering around with potions. She hates being interrupted when she’s working on something new.

After a long moment, the woman who has become like a third grandma to me waddles out, her short legs never moving as fast as her body seems to want to. As always, Anya has her shock of white hair in a neat French twist and spectacles perched on topof her head. Her green apron is covered in colorful powders, but her floral dress is pristine.

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