28Nisse ('ne?s?): A small gnome-like creature cataloged in Scandinavian folklore that lives in the in-between spaces of your home. A nisse acts as a guardian from evil spirits and can even aid in household chores. They will borrow items they believe are not being used (your other sock), or protect items the host has deemed very important. If you have ever placed something specifically so you will remember where it is, only to be unable to find it later, this is likely due to a nisse helping keep it safe for you. These beings respect the law of hospitality above all else, so should you manage to see one, you will note they take on a similar aesthetic of their host family, believing things like dyed hair or even wearing glasses is partaking in the culture housing them. Also known as tomte or tonttu, it is best to call them by their chosen names, which they will cheerfully tell you if you’re polite enough to ask and offer a biscuit.
29Resembling the Kellas cat of the Scottish Highlands, many myths revolve around the Cat-sìth/Cat-sì: from fey who steal the souls of those about to be buried, to witches able to transform nine times before being cursed to spend the rest of their life as a cat. If you are ever fortunate enough to commune with one, however, and bring up either of these folktales, you will have the honor of being called an idiot by one of the Otherworld’s cuddliest natives.
30(“AHN-Sooz”): Rune of communication and the spoken word.
(KEN-ahz): The “Torch,” controlled energy lighting the way. Creation and transformation.
(Rah-EED-ho): Momentum, journey, the conscious decision to achieve, the rhythm when your momentum is in harmony with your purpose.
Chapter 10
Saga
Getting ahold of Reza by phone had been relatively simple; the real trouble had been explaining to Avery how to use it. After much fiddling, Saga pressed the speaker to allow Avery to pace back and forth through the living room, while she stood still, holding the device.
It was almost enough to make her forget why they were having the conversation.
Almost.
Saga found herself partially on autopilot as she watched the tall wraithlike woman move across the room and back again. She caught a few words, but it became a dull murmur. Her mind drifted.
How long had it really been? It was a blur. She could still see her grandmother lying on the floor, gripping at her heart. Her eyes floated past the space she’d lain on the carpet to the kitchen, taking in the open dishwasher and the bin on the table. It was jarring seeing it out of place—and perhaps her focus on it is how she heard Avery distinctly tell Reza that a team would need to come pick up the garbage and test it.
Her attention snapped back to the conversation between the two. Tested? Tested forwhat? Wasshein danger?
“Once I’m done here, I can send someone over. Saga, make sure you lock everything up securely.”
Saga nodded in affirmation, then remembered her uncle couldn’t see her. “Will do.”
“Do you need to stay with Leigh and me tonight?”
“No. I’m…” Fine was not the right word. Saga wasnotfine. She was confused and nauseated and too numb from crying. “Maybe.” It was possible she was okay. It was also possible that the moment she hung up, she might break down again. Speaking vaguely about the future was the safest bet.
“We’ll check in on you later.”
Saga watched the phone revert to the home screen as Reza ended the call. “Why the garbage?” she asked Avery, who had at last stopped pacing.
“Riddle led me to believe there might be something of note in there.”
It was said so simply, so matter-of-fact, it took a moment for the meaning to sink in. “What?”
Misunderstanding, Avery elaborated further on the only thing she’d been vague about. “My guess is possibly some kind of poison, but I don’t want to make any real hypothesis yet.”
Riddle had sat himself beside Saga’s feet, a fuzzy black sentinel who had been watching Avery’s movements like she were a bird flitting from branch to branch.
“My grandmother’scattold you she was poisoned?”
