Page 148 of Evermore

“Some have,” Thea admitted. “Left a couple weeks ago. Couldn’t stand being underground anymore. Said they’d take their chances with the gods.”

“Have you heard from them?” I asked.

She shook her head.

I glanced at the entrance we’d come through, suddenly wishing Thorne were here beside me. He’d always been good at reading the bigger picture, at seeing patterns I missed. Though I’d never admit it aloud, I missed the reassuring warmth of his hand on my lower back, the way he somehow always knew what I was thinking before I said it.

“How do you keep the air fresh?” I asked to curb the subject.

“Ventilation shafts,” Thea explained. “Disguised as decorative elements in buildings above. Plus some clever engineering from a couple of people from Stirling.”

“And food?”

“They grow some here. Special crops that need minimal light. Some they trade for. Some come from supporters above ground. Tuck, you know. And others.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Like a certain newly appointed prince?”

“That’s classified information,” she said, but her smile confirmed my suspicion.

“You know what the worst part of the Underground is?” I asked.

“The stairs,” they all said in unison.

“You can all poke fun, but when you have to trek back up those things, I don’t want to hear it. Haven’t you ever heard of a slide, Thea? Damn. At least coming down would be easier.”

The sun had nearly setby the time we made it out of the underground. I’d forgone the fucking stairs and used my Remnants to carry everyone back up. Still, Thea promised to be right behind us as Quill, Minnie and I disappeared into an alley, wound through a few of the gilded streets and got back onto our open carriage. Quill’s eyelids drooped as the carriage rocked gently. Boo was already snoring on her lap, his tiny legs twitching in some doggy dream. I guided the horses home, like I’d done countless nights after a show.

But, something wasn’t right.

The front door stood ajar, a sliver of golden light spilling across the porch. My heart sank into my stomach. Elowen never,neverleft that door open, except as a warning. Back when the Maestro would come looking for Thea or me, an open door was her signal that danger waited inside.

The Remnants surged forward on my command, shadows rippling across my skin and pooling at my feet.

“I’ll protect the child,” Minerva said, dipping her chin, and I had no doubt of that whatsoever. Minerva was scary.

I moved silently up the path pushing the Remnants to spread out around me. The familiar weight of my blade, Harlow’s blade, pressed against my thigh beneath my dress, and I reached for it, drawing comfort from the cold metal against my palm. Using the only power I’d known growing up, I did a mental check on everyone I knew. I couldn’t see Thorne, I’d never been able to, but Tuck and Archer were racing toward me. Elowen was inside the house. Thea was almost home. My whole world in one spot sounded terrifying on the brink of something dangerous.

The door creaked as I pushed it wider. I winced at the sound but inside, the entryway was empty. I could hear voices from the sitting room, Elowen’s measured tones and another, lighter voice that made my skin prickle with recognition.

I edged along the wall, blade ready, every sense heightened. I inched around the corner. Elowen sat ramrod straight in her favorite chair, teacup balanced perfectly on her knee. Her face was composed, but I knew her too well to miss the tension in her shoulders, the too careful way she held herself. Across from her, lounging with casual elegance in a chair that had been Hollis’s favorite, was Aeris.

Once again, the goddess looked younger than I’d last seen her, no longer the weathered grandmother figure but a woman in her prime, with gleaming brown hair cascading down her back and skin that glowed with unnatural vitality. She turned as I entered, her smile widening.

“Ah, Huntress,” she said, her voice melodic and rich. “What perfect timing. I was just asking Elowen when you might return.”

The Remnants swirled at my feet, responding to the surge of protective fury that shot through me.

“What are you doing here?” I demanded, not bothering to mask my hostility.

Aeris sighed, setting down her teacup with a delicate clink. “Such suspicion. I simply came to visit Quill. It’s been a while since I’ve seen her and she’s, no doubt, been wondering about me.”

Elowen’s eyes met mine, conveying volumes in that silent exchange.Be careful.

“Quill isn’t available,” I said coldly. “And you’re not welcome here.”

“I’ve been perfectly civil?—”

“I don’t care. Get out.”