Page 159 of The Hunger
I laughed.
“Why not when the issue involves Hades, which is Megan’s domain? And we both know your concern isn’t about Ashlyn, a human, which this Council has proven it can’t be bothered with.”
“Then why did you call for a Council meeting?”
“This Council has handled things poorly. The meeting was called to inform you of the issue, not to hand it over to you. It’s called consideration, Adira. You might want to try it some time.”
My phone started to ring. Seeing Megan’s name, I answered it.
“Is everyone there?” she asked.
“Yeah.”
“Good. Put me on speaker.”
I did as she asked.
“Grace is at Olympus now, searching for clues regarding what will appease a god. Adira, you need to get to the other realms. We need an answer. Fast.”
“Despite what you might think, I have obligations and can’t put the life of one human girl—”
“That’s enough, Adira,” I said, touching that dark thing inside of me. “Appeasing Hades isn’t only to spare Ashlyn. You’ve felt the quakes. We’re all in danger. Set your stubbornness aside and think more openly.”
Fenris set down his popcorn and joined me, threading his fingers through mine.
Adira sighed, and I sensed her frustration leave her.
“Very well,” she said finally. “The nine realms are vast. If we need answers quickly, I can’t search for them alone. With your permission, I’ll recruit others to assist.”
“I’ll coordinate the hell and Earth search and leave the other seven realms to you,” Megan said. “Keep Eliana updated, and I’ll do the same.”
“And I’ll keep Mr. Quill updated so he can share the information with the other Councils,” I said.
“Good. Now, I need to go see a cyclops about a centaur. This should be interesting. Have fun kids,” Megan said before hanging up.
Before anyone could speak, the doorbell rang. Mrs. Quill looked at me.
“Would you like me to bring your parents up here?”
“Yes, please.”
She disappeared.
“May I ask why they’re here?” Adira asked. “I highly doubt speaking frankly about the gods in front of your father will sit well with him.”
“I think we’ve said all that needs to be said about Hades and how we’re going to work together to free Ashlyn. Don’t you agree?”
“I do, which is why I’m wondering what more we need to discuss.”
Mrs. Quill reappeared with my mom and dad. Dad’s eyebrows were to his hairline as he looked around.
“That is quite an impressive trick,” he said.
“Dad,” I said, calling his attention to me. “You remember Mr. Quill, Raiden, and Adira, don’t you?”
He nodded to each of them, his gaze hardening on Adira.
“Unfortunately, I do.”
