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EMBER
“So, you’re the ruler of the dead?” I asked.
Thanat had led us through the cave, descending a staircase into the depths of the Underworld. Like the outside, it was barren and somber. Stalactites hung from the cave’s ceiling, pointed reminders that the smallest tremor could be fatal—much like the Underworld itself.
In the cave’s depths was a large pool of water, though much like the River of the Dead, this also held souls. A heavy dark mist hovered over the water, a foreboding for what sat under the surface.
I stepped closer to the edge of the bottomless pit, and squinted, looking deep into the water. Dull bursts of color swam beneath the surface, a dim version of a rainbow blended within the water.
“What is that?” I pointed to the water. “Those colors?”
Everyone looked confused, but Thanat walked up beside me with a curious grin. “You have a gift, I presume? To see the energy of a soul.”
I’d never quite heard it put like that, but I nodded.
“That is why you can see the colors. You are seeing the auras of the deceased.”
I peered into the water. “But I thought only the living had auras?”
“A misconception, indeed. It is not the body that holds the aura, but the soul. The body is merely a host for the soul to obtain while on the plane of the living. It is nothing more than a vessel.”
“Why are there so many colors? If they’re in the Underworld, shouldn’t they all be gray? I mean, no offense Thanat, but this place is bleak as hell. Why are there so many pinks and yellows and greens?”
It just didn’t make sense to me. Wouldn’t being trapped in this world for eternity be—I don’t know—a bummer? Wouldn’t it make them feel hopeless or depressed? And if they were in the Underworld, were they here because they racked up some bad karma in life? Otherwise, they would’ve gone to the Sky Empire—or whatever it’s called. Right?
“Alive or deceased, a soul feels emotions. Some die with love in their heart so strong it carries with them for centuries. Others hold on to their anger. A soul does not simply cease to exist.”
His voice was soft and soothing, a small comfort in such a dark place. And it held a kindness that I hadn’t seen in the other supernaturals. An understanding and wisdom that was somehow reassuring.
Of all the supernaturals we’d met on our adventure, I liked him the best. If this were The Bachelor, he’d be getting the rose.
He turned back to the group, and I followed. “Now, let us discuss the reason you are here.”
“We were sent by Amon,” Emily answered, getting straight to the point. “We’re hoping to get his help to take out this evil witch, but in order to do so, he has a certain request that involves you…”
For the first time since I’d been in his serene presence, Thanat rolled his eyes. And I’m not talking about some snooty teenager eye roll—this man put every diva to shame with his over-exaggeration. How uncharacteristic for such a sophisticated being.
“It is not my problem to solve. Amon must learn to control his demons. He will need to figure it out on his own this time, for I will not help him.”
Cassian stepped forward, a pleading look in his eyes. “Yeah, but have you seen those demons? They’re like toddlers, but worse! Come on, man. Please. Isn’t there anything you can do to help us? If we don’t kill Amon’s demon buddies, then we’ll lose this war against Samara, and she’ll take over the world.”
“I am sorry, but I will not help Amon this time. However, I will help your friend. She did me a great service by helping me with the beast. My gratitude is sincere. For that, I will allow her two minutes to speak with the deceased of her choice. But choose wisely, for this is a rare opportunity that will not present itself again without the proper compensation.”
Emily stepped forward, her eyes like saucers. “Seriously? I can talk to a dead loved one?”
“Correct,” Thanat said. “I will allow you a moment for discussion. Excuse me while I attend to other matters.”
Thanat walked away, giving us a chance to brainstorm. I mean, bringing someone back from the dead? I never thought necromancy was possible!
“Okay, we need to think about this logically,” Cassian said, jumping right into alpha mode. “If we bring back Grace, she might be able to help us figure out what to do with the High Council. She’s dealt with them before.”
“Or are you just trying to bring back your own parent?” Griffin asked. Of course, he and Cassian started their bickering as Emily, Cove, and I exchanged annoyed glances.
Cove stepped between them; her hands waved out in peace. In a timid voice, she said, “Excuse me, but let’s not fight. We all have someone we’d like to bring back, but this is Emily’s gift. After all, she’s the one who saved Thanat. Maybe we should let her pick.”
Cassian’s lips were pulled tightly together, and he nodded, as did Griffin. Good boys. We all faced Emily, who clearly had no idea who to pick. “Uh, we could bring back your father, Cass,” she said with a shrug. “Maybe he knows more about the other packs? They could help us.”
Father!That was it! “What if we bring back Emily’s dad?” I interjected.
