Page 6 of Dead End

“You’d be surprised what I’m capable of.”

A knock on the door interrupted us and Ademir poked his head inside. “Is she behaving herself?”

Libby gave him a reassuring smile. “A perfect guest. Thank you for asking.”

Satisfied, he closed the door.

“You should have Ademir take you to the stables,” Libby said in a clear voice. “You haven’t lived until you’ve ridden a unicorn.”

Stables, got it.

“I recommend the trail to the left,” she continued. “It’s flatter and easier on their hooves.”

“That’s considerate of you.”

“I love animals, and The Corporation takes excellent care of the ones in the stables. Epona insists on the highest standard of care for those in the Equidae family.”

“Are unicorns in the Equidae family?” I’d never given it much thought.

“I suppose they are, or she wouldn’t bother with them. She’s very narrow in her focus, as many deities are.”

“Libby,” a voice whispered.

I jumped as a hand appeared on the window frame. Libby hurried to the window to help someone climb inside. There was no pane of glass, no screen. Either no barriers were necessary in Paradise—or else they weren’t permitted.

“Melinoe, this is Nabu,” Libby said quietly.

“I paddled my kayak from my hut.”

“Do you always arrive through the window?” I asked.

“I saw the guard and decided it was best to avoid him. He was too busy staring wistfully at the front door to notice me anyway.”

A blush crept into Libby’s cheeks.

“You know about his crush?” I asked.

“I’ve been told,” she said. “I haven’t noticed it myself.”

“He isn’t Libby’s type,” Nabu said.

I cringed. “Itisthe backward feet, isn’t it? I try not to judge, but I can imagine that might be off-putting.”

“It isn’t anything to do with his physical appearance,” Libby said. “It’s his character. Anybody eager to serve The Corporation with unquestioning loyalty…”

The god’s eyes widened as his gaze darted from Libby to me. “Libitina,” he said, a warning in his tone.

“It’s all right. Melinoe is one of us. She won’t tell.”

“One of you? What does that mean?”

“Just because we aren’t wearing collars doesn’t mean we agree with the way things are done around here,” Nabu said.

“Then why not try to change it?” I asked.

Libby looked ready to keel over at the prospect. “It isn’t that simple.”

“Not all gods crave power,” Nabu said. “Some of us would prefer to live in peace and harmony.”

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