by Amy Sumida
“Let's go over what we know,” I suggested. “Someone is trying to raise Dvārakā; an ancient Indian city.”
“An ancient Atlantean city,” Mrs. E corrected me.
“Right,” I started again, “an ancient Atlantean city in India. Then there's a plot to kill Azrael.”
“Which I'm not certain is the goal,” Ira interrupted.
“Okay,” I agreed. “Facts are that there is a plot to pit other angels against Azrael.”
“That's more accurate.” Ira nodded.
“Let's continue with the facts. We know that Lilith and Samael are separated,” I went on. “Jerry is not only denying that he sent the orders to kill Az, he's also making an effort to keep his angels from attacking Azrael in the future. He even recalled the Principalities to Heaven.”
“We know that Abaddon has been living a hermit's existence in Ohio; guarding the Abyss,” Samuel said.
“We know that Krishna has been living a similar life in my temple,” Karni offered. “And he has isolated himself specifically so that he can't be used to raise Dvārakā.”
“And we know that Enma was manipulating Amaterasu's followers into suicide,” Ira added.
Ira was about to say more when a white, swooping thing flew through our meeting and came to a landing on the coffee table.
“Mr. Snuffleupagus!” I shouted in fright.
“No”—Alex cocked his owl head at me so that it was nearly horizontal—“the name is Aleksanteri. Are you all right, Godhunter?”
“I was using the name as an exclamation,” I huffed. “What are you doing here, Alex?”
“My mistress sent me.” He straightened his head. “Again. You failed to text message her.”
“Oh, Fozzie Bear!” I decided to keep with the Muppets theme. “I forgot.”
“The Olympians,” Hades whispered and then sat forward; bringing Sephy with him. “Vervain; this would be a very good time to become one of the Twelve.”
I considered it; as a member of the Council of Olympus, I could take my concerns about Thanatos directly to my fellow Olympians. But was it worth the headache of having to judge every drama that unfolded in the massive pantheon?
“Will you send your reply now?” Alex prompted.
I looked at my men; each one of them nodded.
“Tell Athena that I accept,” I said. “I'll take my place as an Olympian.”
“A wise decision.” The owl bowed his head. “I shall convey the message.”
Alex leapt into the air and flew back to Mount Olympus.
“New fact,” Artemis said gleefully, “Vervain is about to become an Olympian.”
Chapter Forty
Here's the thing about becoming an Olympian; you can't just accept the position. The Greeks loved their rituals, and becoming an Olympian had its own ceremony. Athena wanted my status confirmed as soon as possible. So, shortly after Alex flew away, he was back again; this time with a summons to my swearing in as an Olympian. I was to present myself to Athena within the hour.
“She's so pushy,” I whined as I looked around at the Squad.
“It's best to get this taken care of right away,” Hades said as he stood. “We'll attend you.”
“I'm going too,” Artemis said.
“That means you get me as well.” Torrent grinned.
“And us,” Hekate said as she pulled Horus to his feet. “There's no freaking way that I'm missing this.”
“We haven't finished the meeting,” Horus grumbled.
“We'll continue going over the possibilities while you folks are gone,” Thor said as he waved at the rest of the Squad.
“Okay; I guess I'm going.” I got up, and my men stood as well. “With an entourage,” I added.
“Like we're going to miss you becoming an Olympian,” Trevor huffed. “I'll go grab Az; he'll want to come too.”
Trevor strode off to find my angel, and the rest of us headed for the tracing chamber.
“Vervain,” Thor called after me.
I turned around.
“Congratulations.”
The rest of the Squad offered their best wishes as well.
“Thank you.” I grinned. “Let's hope this is for the best.”
“At its worst, you have a few more responsibilities,” Finn said. “At its best, you have one of the largest pantheons on your side.”
“Very true,” I agreed.
“I got him,” Trevor muttered as he rejoined us with Azrael.
Both of the men looked upset.
“I'll catch you all later,” Macaria called out as she passed by on her way to the tracing room.
I looked from the men to Macaria and back again. A horrible feeling filled my stomach, and I lifted a brow at Trevor. Trevor just shook his head. I knew if it had truly been awful, Trevor would have told me immediately. Still, I didn't like the way Azrael was avoiding my gaze.
I let it go for the moment and went with them to the tracing room. We traced the Aether to the highest peak of Mount Olympus, where Athena's palatial temple stood. She was waiting for us on the pale, stone steps.
“Welcome!” Athena spread her bare arms wide.
She was dressed in a traditional toga fastened with gold belts. Her shoulder-length hair was curled up into ringlets and fastened with more gold, and Aleksanteri was perched on her shoulder. She looked more like a goddess than I'd ever seen her look before.
“Thank you,” I murmured. “I didn't know that I was supposed to dress up.”
“It's all right, Vervain,” Athena said graciously. “I have a toga for you.”
“You do?” I asked in surprise.
“Now, I really vant to see zis,” Kirill said eagerly.
“Seriously?” I asked him. “It's a sheet.”
“A pretty sheet,” he said.
“When in Rome.” I shrugged. “Or on Olympus.”
“Wonderful,” Athena exclaimed. “Please come in, all of you.”
Alex flew into the palace while Athena led us inside more sedately. She took us into an airy, spacious living room that kept with the Grecian temple theme. Alex alighted onto a gold stand that looked as if it were made for him. Then he settled into an elegant pose and watched us serenely. A salt-tinged breeze flowed gently in from a balcony. There was an amazing view of Oceanus beyond the balcony's stone railing, and the décor seemed to be chosen to play off that blue expanse. Everything in the room was either blue, white, or silver; including the bar Athena waved us toward.
“Please help yourselves to whatever you wish,” Athena said grandly, “while I prepare Vervain for the ceremony.”
I widened my eyes at my men before I followed Athena down a white stone hallway decorated only by its mosaic floor. A picture of ripe fruit on twisting vines was created by the tiny pieces of broken tile and it led us into a luxurious bedroom. The room Athena ushered me into was obviously a guest room; there was very little in the way of personal objects. A bed sat on a marble platform, with a round table beside it, and a tall mirror framed in columns was set into one wall. A toga laid across the bed, and a collection of gold strips was set beside it.
“Would you like me to help you?” Athena offered.
“Please,” I said. “I don't have the first clue of how to get that on.”
I undressed, and Athena showed me how to slip into the fabric then helped secure it to me with the golden ties. There were actually three pieces of cloth, all trimmed in gold; two in white, and one in red. One of the white pieces wrapped around my waist like a skirt, and the other draped over my chest—with gold pins holding it in place at my shoulders. All of that was then secured by the gold belts; one around my waist, and one that draped down my hips. Then the crimson shawl was draped over my arms.
“I'm relieved that you've decided to join us,” Athena said as she fussed with the fabric.
“You are?”
“It's a strong alliance.” She looked up at me in surprise. “I wish I had thought of it sooner; with you holding Aphrodite's magic, I had
the perfect excuse to extend the invitation.”
“I'm glad you think so,” I said. “And I apologize for the lateness of my response; I've been wrapped up in issues with Azrael.”
“Azrael?” Athena asked in surprise. “What's happened with your husband?”
“A lot.” I sighed. “Angels are attacking him, and we've been looking into possibilities of who might be behind it.”
“This is just a shot in the dark here”—she smirked—“but have you considered angels?”
“The angels have been manipulated,” I huffed. “Someone is sending the orders in Jehovah's name.”
Athena's expression went grim. “Why would anyone want to attack Azrael?”
“He's left his duties as a reaper,” I explained. “We think this may have angered other death gods.”
“Death gods,” she whispered with a pensive scowl.
“Yeah; the Greeks have a few of them,” I confirmed. “Hades obviously isn't a suspect, and his daughter Macaria helped defend Az in the first attack; so she's not involved either.”
“But there's Achlys; who you've already had a run-in with,” Athena pointed out.
“Achlys,” I whispered in horror. “I completely forgot about about her.”
“You forgot about nearly dying from the Death Mist?” Athena blinked in surprise. “This really has been a rough time for you.”
“You have no idea,” I muttered.
“Achlys has no reason to target you, though,” Athena pointed out. “She wronged you, not the other way around. However, there is also Thanatos,” Athena concluded. “Hypnos' twin brother.”
“Goddess of Wisdom.” I shook my head in admiration. “It must be nice. You nearly instantly came up with what took us days to think of.”
“My Wisdom does have its benefits,” she agreed. “But it's not as omniscient as you may think. It merely helps me reason with the information that I have. Unfortunately, I don't know Thanatos well, but I'll find out what I can about him.”
“Thank you.”
“You're about to become an Olympian,” she said with a grin. “Membership has its benefits.”
“I have to admit that was pointed out to me.”
Athena laughed. “As I said, Vervain; this is going to be a strong alliance—for both sides. You will have the might of the Greeks behind you, and we will have the Godhunter. I predict that this will benefit us both greatly.”
“Then let's get this thing settled,” I said with a grin.
Chapter Forty-One
“Are you sure that you didn't give me the slutty toga?” I asked as I looked at myself in the mirror. “I look like Hollywood's version of a Greeks goddess.”
Athena laughed. “You are a bit more full-figured than I am, but I don't think it looks slutty on you. In fact, you make me wish for more curves.”
“Uh-huh.” I grimaced at her perfect, slim body, encased in gracefully draping silk, and then looked at the wobbly bits bulging out of my sheets.
“Come along, Godhunter; stop obsessing about the toga.” Athena pulled me out into the living room, where everyone was waiting.
The conversation stopped when we walked in, and I almost walked back out. But then I saw their faces. Everyone stared at me in what appeared to be impressed surprise. My men, in particular, wore adorably goofy expressions.
Hekate hooted. “Damn, girl! You rock that thing! You should get one in every color.”
“I feel a little exposed,” I said as I tried to pull the fabric together over my chest.
“Don't do zat,” Kirill said as he hurried over to me. He smoothed the fabric back into place and smiled. “Perfect.”
“Stop hoggin' the view, lion,” Re said as he came over. He looked me up and down; his golden eyes flashing. “Sweet sunlight; you're a vision.”
“Really?” I looked around the room.
“You look freaking fantastic!” Sephy said. “I can't wait for our first Olympian meeting; the other Greeks are going to pee themselves.”
“Let's just try to get through this ceremony without urine involved,” Horus said dryly (yes, I realize the irony).
“Ignore him,” Hekate said to me. “You've got the first step down; you look like an Olympian.”
“Thank you,” I said. “And thank you all for being here for me.”
“It's our pleasure, Vervain,” Hades said warmly.
“All right, everyone,” Athena said. “This is a simple ceremony which I've translated from the original Greek into English. It won't have the same poetry to it, but it will have the same result. Vervain, please take my hands.”
I stepped up to Athena and clasped her hands. She smiled reassuringly at me before closing her eyes. I felt the tingle of magic transfer from her fingers to mine.
“Do you, Vervain, Goddess of Love, swear to hold your place among the Twelve honorably; giving good counsel and fair judgment when called upon?”
“I do,” I said; feeling as if I were getting married again.
“And do you swear to support the judgments of the Twelve Olympians, even should that decree oppose your own?”
“What?” I scowled at her.
Athena sighed. “If you're outvoted, will you still support the majority rule?”
“Oh; I don't know... it depends.”
“Vervain.” Sephy widened her eyes at me. “It's the rules.”
“But what if everyone else votes to do something really horrible?” I asked.
“Persephone and I are Olympians,” Hades said patiently. “So are Artemis, and of course, Athena. Do you truly think that any of us would make a judgment so horrible that you couldn't support it?”
“Fair enough.” I sighed. “Okay, I swear to uphold the judgments of the Olympians.”
“Good.” Athena chuckled. “Finally, do you swear to be true to the Greek Pantheon?”
“Yeah; I'm gonna need you to be more specific on that one too,” I said.
“Do you swear to support the Greek gods?” Athena asked. “I think that's pretty clear.”
“No,” I said. “I can't swear to that.”
“What?” Athena gaped at me.
“I can't just make a blanket oath to support thousands of gods whom I don't know,” I explained.
“This is how alliances work, Godhunter,” Athena growled. “We agree to support you, and you agree to support us.”
“No,” I said again. “There are too many Greeks, Athena. I will not agree to such a general alliance. I will support and defend you against enemies who have wronged you, but I cannot agree to just blindly give my assistance.”
Athena sighed deeply and considered me. “All right; we will make an exception for you. You have other alliances you must protect, and it's reasonable for you to want to honor them. But if I grant you leeway, you must give us such in return.”
“Agreed,” I said. “You get my back if it doesn't go against your morals or alliances, and I'll do the same for you.”
“Agreed,” Athena said. “So, I ask instead; do you swear to defend us against our enemies if your virtue or allegiance does not prevent it?”
“I do.”
“Then, it is my honor to grant you the support of the Greek Pantheon in equal measure,” Athena said, “and to welcome you into your new status as an Olympian.”
With Athena's final words, a rush of energy surged up my hands and settled into my body. It was a bond, not a new magic, so it didn't take up residence as my other magics did, but I could feel the tie settling in permanently. And it felt good.
I smiled while my friends and family cheered. In true historic fashion, I had killed my way into a seat of power, and now I was being praised for it. Just as Mac had said; blood is the most important bond. Aphrodite, Demeter, and Ares would be rolling in their graves if they knew I had just been made an Olympian through their blood. Oh, the irony. And then there was Zeus; he was going to throw a fit when he heard; which made me smile even wider.
“I only have one question for you, Athena
,” Odin said with deadly seriousness.
Everyone went quiet.
“Yes?” Athena asked.
“Can Vervain keep the toga?”
Chapter Forty-Two
While we were gone, the rest of the Squad had compiled a list of death deities connected to us by no more than two degrees of separation. You've heard of Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon? Well, we couldn't go that far; we wanted there to be a reasonable amount of connection. Gods rarely go through this kind of trouble to target people without god reason. So, it was two degrees of God Squad.
Naye—Toby's twin brother—made an appearance at the end of the evening; not to assist us, but rather to attempt to convince Toby to come home. The twins rarely spent much time apart, and Naye was having some separation anxiety. But Toby didn't want to leave while we were still in jeopardy—him included. I finally promised Toby that I would text him if anything came up, and he went home with his relieved brother. I didn't let Toby go for Naye; I did it for Doba—Toby's dog—who I knew would be missing him, and who I had a soft spot for.
The gods of the God Squad divided up our death deity list and left to investigate their portions. My husbands, Re, and I had taken Mot; a lesser known Angel of Death that had been overlooked in our first investigation. Toby would pitch in on the Mot (also known as Moth—oh, so many Mothman jokes) investigation after he returned in the morning.
The men were getting ready to head up to bed, when I stopped Azrael and Trevor. “Now, you two can tell me what those angry looks were about earlier.”
“What looks?” Azrael asked.
Trevor glared at him. “Tell her or I will.”
Azrael sighed. “Trevor thought he saw something that he didn't.”
“Oh, you had best do better than that,” Trevor growled.
“What the fuck is going on here?” Odin asked.
“When I went to grab Az so we could go to Olympus, I saw—” Trevor began.
“I'll tell them,” Azrael cut Trevor off. “He thought he saw Mac and I in a romantic moment. He did not.”