“Kalina,” I said. I opened my mouth to ask more questions, but Radek let out a strong huff.
Don’t go ruining it, would you?Radek stated. He transformed into a brawny, bearded man with jet black hair.Your story’s complete. Let the others have their fun, hm? No point in spoiling the rest.
Radek reminded me so much of Stefan. Even their voices were similar. I swear, my friend had to be descended from one of Radek’s Earthly incarnations, because the similarities were too uncanny.
Tomir changed into a tall man with a sweeping fur cloak and golden hair. In his man form, Tomir looked all the part of a king. He gave a look of deep fondness to Milonna, who returned his gaze in kind. They were clearly very much in love. Their connection reminded me of Ethan and I, and it made me pine for him.
Even in the Great Hunting Grounds, his absence made me unbearably sad. I had sympathy for what Ethan was going through on Earth, because it had to be sheer torture.
Another deer entered the room through a set of silver double doors. She was small, the size an average doe would be. Her coat was a mixture of black and gray, red dots spanning her back to match her violent eyes.
When she came near, the doe transformed into a woman wearing a black cloak coated with black feathers, small antlers blooming out of her hair like horns. I immediately recognized her, snarling when I realized it was Gabby. My hand went to my side to grab a sword, but I realized I didn’t have one. Shit.
There’s no need for us to fight, she replied.You won, after all.
Gabby sounded pretty bitter about it, but made no move to attack. I guess she really had admitted defeat. I took a more leisurely stance, but didn’t drop my guard. I didn’t think Gabby would have the balls to fight here, in the presence of the other gods, but she was an unpredictable bitch, so I wouldn’t put it past her.
“You put up a good fight,” I said, to try and smooth some of the tension between us. “I have to give you credit. You weren’t easy to beat.”
Gabby huffed.Yes, well. I have more important matters to deal with.
Of course she’d act like she had better things to do than discuss her end at my hands. She wanted to pretend like it hadn’t been a big deal.
I wasn’t going to rub it in. If I had to deal with Gabby for all of eternity, I might as well try to get along.
“What will you do now?” I asked. I imagined endless destruction and total chaos.
I will take Droga’s place as the mistress of darkness and poor death, until he’s awakened again, Gabby stated.I am known now as the Raven Doe of Night, and will be for all of time.
Take it easy, Radek stated.You have just joined our ranks, and have much to learn about being a part of the Seven Gods.
Eight, Gabby replied crossly.There are Eight Gods now, and don’t you forget it.
Gabriella,Lady Magdalina snapped.You must earn your place among us.
Yes, of course, Gabby stated, before she fell silent. At least she respected Lady Magdalina, but definitely not anyone else.
Gabby was going to be a horrible diety. I took pity on anyone who was stupid enough to proclaim themselves to be her patron, because she was going to put them through some major shit in order to serve her.
But she was the gods’ problem now, and not mine, so I did my best to ignore her. “Will you build your palace here, with the rest of the gods?”
I really hoped not. I didn’t want to look at her stupid castle outside my bedroom window at Milonna’s palace.
No. This is not where I chose to make my domain,Gabby replied.I’ll stay to watch your performance.But then, I must leave. Elijah waits for me in the Underworld, and I must go to him.
“Performance?” I blinked.
In an instant, the room around me changed as we portaled to another place. I found myself standing in the middle of an ornate skating arena, at center ice. The gods who’d been standing before me were now sitting in the stands, waiting for me to start my program.
My wolf ears and tail had vanished. I found myself wearing my skates, my hair pulled back into a bun and my gown changed into a light blue figure skating dress. The expanse of the ice around me was wide and open, going on for what felt like forever as the heat of the spotlight beamed upon me.
Tears slipped from my eyes and trembled down my face. I couldskate again.
Go, Emma! Vara cheered from the stands, and she let out a laugh.
Lady Magdalina’s expression was full of expectation as she gazed at me and said,As my student, I hope you put my teachings to good use. Show the gods what I’ve taught you.
A song began playing over the intercom. I didn’t know the music, but my body moved of its own accord, as if I’d memorized every movement by heart. I realized that this was the song of my soul, and I’d always been meant to have this skate. I leapt into jumps flawlessly and performed spins with a delicate air, feeling as if I was lighter than a feather. My footwork sequence was one of a ballerina’s, flowing and effortless.
