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“Ahone took something from you, something you love. I would like to give it back.”
My breath stuck in my chest. “Daddy?”
His smile widened.
I was smart enough to know it wouldn’t come without a price. “What do you want in return?”
“Are you always this cynical, Ellie?”
I forced a grin. “You said we both had something the other wanted. What is it that you want?”
Something was off. I knew this was a dream, but everything felt a bit too perfect. The food was too beautiful. The temperature too comfortable.
The owl had warned me.Some things are merely illusions. The beautiful becomes ugly when the scales of sleep fall from your eyes. The ugly becomes beautiful when you look for the truth.
I stood up. “I think I’m ready to go.”
Okeus stayed seated, and I saw irritation flicker across his face before it was replaced by his jovial demeanor. “But Ellie, you just got here. Sit. Please. We’ll discuss a business proposition.”
Business. “I can hear it just fine standing.”
His eyes narrowed. “I must insist, Ellie. I still haven’t shown you your surprise.”
I slowly sat down, keeping my eyes on him. I was ready to flee if necessary, even though there was nowhere for me to go.
“Would you like to have your father returned to you?”
“That’s impossible.” But was it? Hadn’t I spent the first days after his death stalking the hidden gate to hell, hoping I could somehow get him back?
“See for yourself.”
A light glowed in the trees and a shadowy figure appeared in their midst.
My breath caught and my head was swamped with a cloud of confusion and disbelief. I stood and took a step toward the trees.
“Ahone was wrong to take him from you.”
I spun to face Okeus, finally finding my anger. I latched onto it like a life preserver. “You wanted to take him from me first.”
He stood and moved toward me, stopping several feet away.
I stiffened with fear, trying to catch my breath.
He lowered his voice until it sounded like a caress. “I was wrong, Ellie. I was wrong about so many things, and I’d like to make it up to you. Giving you back your father is the first step.”
“Your spirits kept telling me you were waiting for me.”
“I was, but not to do you harm. I had to wait until you were ready.”
“Ready for what? What determined that?”
“The mark Collin drew on your back had to be completely gone for you to make your choice. Ahone or me. You must choose.”
“Ahone has claimed me.”
He waved his hand as though swatting a gnat. “That means nothing.” He held his hand toward me with a soft smile. “I claim you. Now you have a choice.”
“Why would I choose you?”
