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“Not at first. But ten minutes ago, there was an outbreak among the citizens,” Zeus said, finally seeming to get rattled. I could see a vein pop on his neck. “The gods have started to isolate themselves.”
“What? Why?” I asked. “Aren’t you supposed to be helping?”
“Three Dextura have already died, as well as many supernaturals,” Zeus said through clenched teeth. "A Supreme almost died… You all know the consequences on Earth if a Supreme or an Executive dies. But still, not all the gods are hiding, Natalie. The Kruards, along with hundreds of the remaining Dextura, are trying to gain control as we speak.”
Lucian and I looked at each other. Yeah, it was risky if the gods got infected, but it still rubbed me the wrong way that the Executives of the Imperium—the strongest gods in the realm—were locking themselves away while others died trying to protect them.
Rehema turned to Zeus. “We found out that Tedara isn't the one behind the virus," she said. “So we’ve been looking in the wrong place.”
Zeus made a face. “What?” he grumbled. “What are you talking about?”
"I spoke to her," I said, and his confused stare wandered back to me. "She's not trying to break free from the realm the Imperium put her in. But someone got to her and put her in chains. She’s being used. And someone in this realm is behind this mess.”
Zeus's face hardened, and his eyes slid to the side as if he was looking at someone wherever he was.
“We’re coming back. Have someone ready to lower the barrier for us, okay?” Rumir said.
But Zeus shook his head. “Don’t return. The barrier is still up because there are infected animals on the other side trying to get in. You're all better off staying where you are—especially you, Natalie. The city will be fine.”
Zeus's image went out of focus for a second. He spoke to someone off to the side, but I couldn’t see who he was talking to or hear what he was saying.
“Zeus?” Hydum called, and Zeus's lower half vanished, then reappeared.
“Listen, you three—Natalie, Rumir, and Lucian—the Kruards have been instructed to follow your orders. Especially yours, Natalie. If what you say is true, I’m counting on you to find who is responsible." Zeus's face went out of focus, and I gritted my teeth.
“We can’t do this without you gods,” I insisted. “How will we even be able to contact you if you’re all locked away?”
“All Supremes and the Imperium will be entering their alternative realms for the time being," Zeus answered.
I hung my head. This was madness. But there was no point arguing with Zeus right now. It was obvious it would get us nowhere.
“The S.R.F.,” I added hastily. “Are the souls there being protected?”
“The S.R.F.…” Zeus’s form vanished then reappeared. “The facility was overrun.”
My heart leaped, and I rushed toward his image. "What?" He vanished, and my eyes darted around the room, looking for him. "Zeus! Zeus!"
A feeling of panic overwhelmed me as I thought of Ruby and Axel. And my family—Elinor, Brian, and their pack—was also trapped inside the barrier. There was no way I could stay here when they were in danger.
Rehema stepped away, typing at her bracelet. “I can’t get a hold of my dad.” She turned to us. “I’m going back.”
“I second that,” I agreed. “I have to get to Ruby and Xavier.”
“The barrier can only be opened from the inside,” Lucian said. “Forcibly entering it might damage the barrier altogether. And then the city would be overrun with all the animals just outside it.”
“There has to be away,” I said, eyeing the spot where Zeus had been standing.
Ruby and Axel were fine. Of course they were. I refused to give in to negative thoughts. And I’d get to them, one way or another.
“There might be a way,” Hydum said. We all turned to look at him as he stood up.
“What do you have in mind?” Rumir asked.
“Under the White Tower are the ruins of the first tower. A doorway connects all three cities, but the ruins are spelled. You might end up lost forever, or worse, go mad and kill each other."
Rehema flapped her arms with frustration. “Why would something so convenient be spelled?”
“Because the doorway can also be used to enter the Demon Realm,” Hydum said. “And those in the Demon Realm can enter this realm through the door as well. Lucky for us, one of the Supremes that helped with that spell lives in this city.”
“Okay…” I started walking from the room. “I’m going to get dressed. We’re going to the White Tower, and then we're going home.”
