Page 7 of Lost

“That would be fine, if it wasn’t for Aphrodite,” Kevin said.

“Aphrodite? The Greek Goddess of Love?”

Kevin grinned impishly. “I sure think she is, but I guesstechnicallyshe’s a Prophetess and not a goddess.”

“Child, you are making no sense.”

“Sorry, G-ma. It’s simple, really. In Zo’s world there is a Prophetess of Nyx named Aphrodite who has the power to grant second chances. Because of her, none of the red fledglings or red vampyres there have lost their humanity. She’s in this world too.”

“Oh, Great Goddess! If only that could happen in this world as well!” G-ma exclaimed.

“Yeah, if humanity is returned to the soldiers in the Red Army, Neferet loses her weapons,” Kevin said. “In Zo’s world Aphrodite and I had a connection.” He paused, ignoring the fact that his cheeks felt super warm. “She, um, told me to find her other self in this world, and thatshe’dlove me too.” Grandma Redbird’s brows lifted, but she said nothing. Kevin cleared his throat and continued. “Also, Zo said I have to put together my own circle—basically, my version of her Nerd Herd. I already know that at least two of the vampyres I need to recruit are blue—and are at the Tulsa House of Night right now.”

“But, u-we-tsi, the Resistance is filled with many blue vampyres. Can you not just use them for your circle?”

“I guess, but Zo’s Nerd Herd is different—just like her—just like me. They have affinities for their elements too.”

“Which makes her circle more powerful than a regular one,” G-ma said.

“Yeah. Do you see why I have to do more than just spy for the Resistance?”

“I do. And because I do, I am much more hopeful about our chances for success than I was just minutes ago.” Grandma Redbird glanced out the front picture window. “Dawn is already pinkening the horizon. We will sleep, u-we-tsi, and tomorrow—tomorrow we go to the Resistance.”

“Okie dokie, G-ma,” Kevin said bravely before he shoved another cookie in his face and thought,Ah, hell…