Chapter Twenty-One
“Was any of that true?” Shango demanded as soon as we stepped out of the Aether.
“No.” I stomped up the stairs to the VIP balcony.
Once I was out in the familiar place, the thud of music vibrating through me, I took a deep breath and let it out in relief. This wasn't a mimicry of my home. It was real. This place was mine. Here, the horror faded, and Agwusi's words became unreal.
Odin took my hand and pulled me under the shade of a fake tree. “She knew a lot about you. We haven't told anyone about your trip back in time while you were in Faerie.”
“She must have pulled it out of the Aether.”
“Godhunter, I think you owe us some explanations,” Ereshkigal called over to us.
Ereshkigal stood in the center of the balcony, arms crossed, Ninkasi beside her, looking worried. The other gods stood spaced about, and all of them looked at me with similar interest, some more aggressively than others.
“She credits you for this,” Shango said.
“No, she said God told her to do this for Vervain,” Viper reminded him. “The woman is insane. You can't pin this on Vervain. Hell, if you want to take her words as truth, then you should protect my wife, not attack her. She dies, all of us die.”
The gods flinched and shared horrified looks.
“Is it true about the time travel?” Hephaestus asked.
“Yes,” I admitted. “Both times. But I didn’t meet Agwusi until she started playing games with us.
May I remind you that she's admitted to stealing information about gods from the Aether?
I trace all the time. My memories of those events are most likely floating about in the Aether.
That's how she knows so much about me. But I have nothing to do with this.”
The gods didn't look convinced. My husbands closed in around me.
“All right.” Ma'at stepped forward. “We're looking for someone to blame, but that person is Agwusi.
Vervain has only helped us. Even if everything Agwusi said was true, that still doesn't make Vervain culpable.
If this goddess is working on Vervain's behalf, that is still on them, not her. Vervain didn't ask for this.”
“What about that thing she said about you feeling God's presence since you were born?” Ereshkigal asked.
“It's true, but not in the way she implied.” I stepped out of the ring of my husbands, taking Odin's hand.
“I was married to Odin in a past life, and when I died, he asked Azrael to take my soul to the Viking Well instead of Christian Heaven.” I motioned at Az.
“Azrael agreed, and I floated in the well until Odin cast a spell to put me into a fetus.
He used his magic, and I've felt him with me for as long as I can remember.
Odin, not this unknown god. His magic made me a goddess before I claimed Aphrodite's.” I looked around at the gods.
“I have had an incredible life, that is certain.
But I owe that to my husbands, friends, and my resilience.
The possibility that Agwusi is telling the truth and this unknown entity is taking credit for our achievements infuriates me.
He helped me? I don't fucking think so. I've endured more mental and physical pain than any one person should. More than any of you, I’m sure.
I've clawed my way through the realms, outrunning gods and faeries who wanted me dead.
The very thing Agwusi claims makes me special—the Trinity Star—has possessed me.
Yes, it has saved my family and me more times than I can count, but it has also endangered the entire world and laid the blame at my feet.
I wouldn't give up my life, but neither would I wish it upon anyone.”
“Fair enough,” Thoth said, surprising me.
He looked at the other gods. “I don't even like her, but I don't think this is her fault.
If for no other reason than it makes no sense.
Vervain would never do this. As the wife of the Faerie God, she's in a powerful position at the moment—the most powerful woman on Earth, I'd wager. Why would she risk that? You are fools for even considering it.”
“Thank you, Thoth.”
He grimaced at me. “It's the truth. Don't get mushy about it.”
“Yup, that tracks.” I rubbed my head. “I'm sorry, but I'm too tired to deal with this. Before we discuss this further, I need to go home, get some sleep, and process.”
“What about my axe?” Shango growled.
“Why is your axe my wife's responsibility?” Trevor growled with even more menace. “It's your fucking axe. You lost it. You go get it.”
Shango grimaced as he backed down. “Fine, I see your point. But what are we supposed to do now?”
Everyone looked at me.
“Oh, you get mad at me for being involved, but then you expect me to come up with a plan to save your stuff? I'm done! Go home, all of you. I'll text you when we're ready to try again.”
Amaterasu, who'd been silent, tucked in against Hachiman's chest, stepped forward. “Vervain, I don't blame you for this. Not for what happened with my mirror or what this goddess is doing.”
“Thank you, Amy.”
“But I believe what Agwusi said about you.” She held up a hand.
“Even if she purloined the truth from the Aether, it is still truth.
You are integral to our future. I've sensed this before.
Not only are you important, but you've been good to me and mine. I vow to help you when I can. I am your ally, Godhunter.” She bowed.
I hurried over and hugged her. “I'm so sorry about your mirror.”
Amaterasu smiled. “Do not fret. I'll make another. As you said, the magic came from me. When the mirror broke, the magic returned to me. It will not be the same, but it will exist once more.”
“That's a relief.” I stood back and looked at the other gods. “You don't have to be my allies, but how about you try to come up with a plan too?”
Anubis chuckled. “Well said, Vervain. Come, Thoth.” He waved at Thoth and then Ma'at. “Sister, let's go home.”
“Thank you for your help, Vervain.” Ma'at hugged me before heading to the Family Room door with Anubis and Thoth.
“You're welcome.” I watched them leave, the other gods following. All but Ninkasi and Ereshkigal, who headed downstairs to leave Moonshine through the front door.
Amaterasu and Hachiman were the last to leave. On their way to the door, Torr stepped into their path.
“Here.” Torrent handed her the jewel. “Thank you for letting us borrow it.”
Amaterasu clutched her jewel to her chest. “You're welcome. At least I don't have to confine it in a crystal ball anymore. Maybe I'll make it into a necklace.” She headed for the Family Room door with Hachiman's arm around her shoulders.
“Thank you again, Torrent.” I laid a hand on his shoulder.
He looked at me. “I'll try to think of something, V.”
“I'd appreciate that. I think we'll call in the Squad tomorrow to help brainstorm too. I'll text you.”
Torr nodded and headed for the Family Room door. After pulling it open, he paused. “Ty was right to stay. Maybe he can get through to her.”
“I hope so,” Trevor said. “Because if he can't, I'm going to tear that bitch to shreds.”
Torrent blinked. “Uh, okay. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Torr.” I looked at my husbands. “I need a drink before we go home.”
“On it.” Viper went to the intercom.