Page 116 of Hell On Earth
Zotera met my gaze.
“I can’t do this anymore,” I said. “I don’t want the people I care about to be hurt trying to protect me. Call me home. Please.”
The house shook slightly, and I saw the flash of rage in Zotera’s eyes.
“He can’t,” Zotera said. “He never could command you to his side.”
“So I’m stuck here? I can’t go back?”
“Can the druids who sent you to Hell send you back?” she asked.
“They were mind-wiped. Wait, they’re missing too,” I said, remembering Eliana saying that. “But I think Zayn knows how they sent me back.”
“Then, when Megan returns, we’ll ask her to ask for Zayn’s help.”
I watched the time on my phone slip by. Thirty minutes later, Megan appeared out of breath and angry.
“Adira tried taking Jason. Mrs. Quill showed up in time to stop her.”
“They fought?” I asked.
“No. Mrs. Quill said, ‘Find another way.’ And Adira actually listened and disappeared. I’m so glad I don’t have a sister. I probably would have punched mine in the throat if she was pulling the shit Adira is.”
Zotera laughed like it was the funniest thing she’d heard. I didn’t think it was funny. I found the whole situation sad. Adira wouldn’t be harassing any of them if not for me.
“Can Zayn send me back to Hell?” I asked.
The hint of humor in Megan’s gaze left as she turned her head toward me.
“You want to go back?”
“It’s safer for everyone if I’m there.”
“For everyone but you,” Megan said. “Hades can’t chase Thanatos when you’re down there. You’ll be the sacrificial fish in a barrel.”
“Aren’t I already?”
“No, you’re not. You’re here, safe with Zotera, while Zayn and I are working to hunt down Thanatos. Give us some more time. Zayn thinks he has enough ingredients left for another tracking spell.”
“Why not send me to Hell until a tracking spell is ready? Your father can send me back here any time.”
“Do you really think Hades will let you go again if you return?”
“Does it matter?”
“It matters to me. And Eliana and Fenris and Oanen and Eugene and Kelsey and Zoey. We’re not ready to say goodbye forever.”
Was I willing to say goodbye forever to spare them? My heart said yes, even as it ached at the thought of losing friends I’d only just found.
“A few more days, then,” I said. “But can you ask Zayn to be ready, at least?”
“I will. I better get back to Oanen. Call me if anything happens here. If I don’t answer, call Eliana and Mrs. Quill. Okay?”
“Okay. Does Adira still think I’m with the others?”
“Hard to say. We’ll keep you posted.”
Megan disappeared from my kitchen.
