Page 6 of A Single Thread Of Hope

“She died a noble death,” Hrist said wistfully, almost like she wished she was in her fallen friend’s place.

Mist nodded. “To die protecting the future weavers is a worthy end to an immortal life. She’ll drink deeply in Valhalla.”

Okay, so I hadn’t been wrong; thathadbeen envy in Hrist’s tone.

Feeling eyes on my face, I looked down the table at Hades, who was eyeing me closely. I wondered if he could see into my soul, like some of the myths described.

He lifted his glass in my direction. “Speaking of the Mother of Fate. Feeling better?” Ice dripped from his words, like the haughty king he was. Without the softening effects of Persephone, his raw power felt far more ominous. Every word sounded like a threat, even though I knew that wasn’t the case. My instincts told me to be wary of the God in front of me, because he was more powerful than I could imagine. Staying on his good side meant staying alive.

He waved a hand at me. “Don’t look at me like a scared little rabbit. I’ve waited around all this time to see you give Demke an ass-kicking, so don’t disappoint me by becoming a piece of fluff now.” Teron put a steadying hand on my spine, his body somehow angled protectively around mine while still seeming relaxed.

I knew there was only one way to really deal with a big God like Hades. It was to go balls-to-the-wall outrageous. I wasn’t made to fall to my knees for anyone.

Well, anyone except my guys.

“I’ll get right on that. Where is the formerly immortal being?”

Hades lifted himself from his chair. “Ladies. Hopefully, I get to drink with you again in the Tar Pits.”

Teron leaned down close to my ear. “The Tar Pits are where all the Underworlds meet. There’s a bar there that isn’t Pantheon specific. A meeting place, of sorts.”

Okay, that sounds wild.

Mist stood and bowed, and the other Valkyries followed suit. Hades lifted his chin to them in respect. As one, all the Valkyries turned to me.

“If it is okay with you, we would like to ferry the body of our fallen sister to Valhalla, so she can feast with the heroes who have gone before us.”

I was nodding before Mist had even finished speaking. “Please, absolutely. I… We couldn’t have done this without you. I’m eternally grateful for your aid.”

Hades snorted, but Mist just bowed once more. “It’s our honor. We will come if you call.”

With that, Hildr let out a piercing whistle, and in unison, they marched to the window, then jumped out one by one. Honestly, if I didn’t know they had flying horses roaming around the courtyard, I would have freaked out.

Griff huffed.Do you think they realize we have doors and stairs?

Snarky bird-cat. I wished I could stroke his head.You’re more impressive by far,I told him softly, and he let out a soft, happy rumble in my mind.

I couldn’t help but smile. Being able to talk to Griff was so different to the exaggerated charades we’d had to do previously. He sounded wise and distinguished, with such a distinct personality. It was almost too easy to think of him and Teron asseparate entities, to forget that I wouldn’t ever see them both in a room together.

Teron led me from the dining room and out through the sunroom into the back courtyard. It wasn’t so easy to hide the signs of carnage out here. At least the Hellmouth was still in Demke’s separate courtyard. The pool was filled with debris, and I didn’t want to think about what it was. Parts of the walls had collapsed, trees split and broken, as if a giant had stomped them.

I looked up at Teron. “The villagers?”

Stroking a calming hand down my back once more, he held me close. “Fine. Demke warned them, and when Néit raised the alarm, we sent out an alert for them to take shelter or leave. Hildr the Valkyrie guarded them in the town hall. But the monsters weren’t interested in the humans.”

No, they’d been here for one thing. My death.

Suddenly, Cy was in front of me, smiling widely. “Wren! You’re out of your room.” He hugged me close, spinning me around. At his feet was a crowd of dogs, yipping loudly, tails wagging. I squatted down and accepted all their love. I was quickly swarmed, much to Teron’s clear annoyance, but they deserved the affection and appreciation just as much as the Valkyries.

“Thank you so much, my friends.” I patted any fur I could find, and accepted kisses from an insane amount of dog-breath muzzles. I couldn’t help but laugh as little teeth nipped at the ends of my fingers, asking for attention. “You’re all so, so good. I’m going to order as many steaks as I can find; yes, I am.”

When they got a little too rowdy at my words, Cy growled low. From his human mouth.Jesus, that’s weird.The dogs immediately all backed off a little, giving me space. I glanced up at the man appreciatively, before turning my attention back to them.

“I’m going to learn every single one of your names, and if you don’t have one, I’ll give you one. Warriors deserve a name, and you’re all heroes in my eyes.”

There was more yipping, and then Cy pulled me back to my feet. “Thank you,” he breathed.

Fuck.He was so damn beautiful. A broad face and high cheekbones, the hair curled tightly to his head glowed the same white as his fur as a dog. His golden skin and deep brown eyes seemed like they’d been kissed by bronze.

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