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CHAPTER27
We visit the Underworld three days in a row, and for three days, I sit and listen only to go back to my room and cry. Eventually, Essos convinces me that we need to stay at the house and work on other ways to help the souls and end this cycle of pain once and for all.
I can’t get enough of the sun after all the gloom that’s inhabited my soul, so I’m sitting with Finn and Bria, sunning myself by the pool when Essos approaches from behind. I tilt my head back for a kiss that is long and sensual. My tongue flicks against his, and I groan.
“Where’s my welcome kiss?” Finn asks. His mood is improving, but only because Bria forces him outside with her. He’s learning how his other senses compensate for his lack of sight. Finn can feel when I’m building up my power, and he’s starting to predict my attacks. In Finn’s hand is the mobility cane that Bria made for him. Naturally, it’s not just a cane; printed all around it are weapons and animals that will spring forth if Finn is threatened. Until he’s comfortable enough with his new situation, as long as we’re at risk, Bria wants him to have another form of defense.
Finn’s power also still seems to be failing for a reason none of us can figure out. Whispers behind closed doors wonder if it has anything to do with his reaction to his injury. As if closing himself off from the world has closed him off from his powers.
“I can do you better than a kiss.” Essos comes and sits on the end of my lounge chair and pulls my feet onto his lap. There’s nothing quite like having a king rub your feet as he bends to press a kiss to your swollen stomach. I feel like I’ve doubled in size. Part of that is definitely the stress eating. I want to go to the mortal realm and check on my family, but Essos wants me to give my body a week to recover from all the transporting we did that day. He’s playing it safe, and I understand, butgodsit can be frustrating.
“Yeah, I somehow doubt that,” Finn grumbles, crossing his arms.
When a new shadow falls over us, I turn and startle. “Tink?”
Standing at my back is a broad-shouldered man. He has a strong, square jaw and a playful glint in his dark brown eyes. I struggle to my feet as best I can. When I face him head on, he does a full body perusal, eyeing me from head to toe. There is a flutter in my stomach that I’ve come to recognize as the baby moving.
“Well, if it isn’t Daphne, back from the dead.” He scoops me up and spins me lightly while I laugh.
“Can we not manhandle the mother of my child?” Essos pleads, but it falls on deaf ears because Tink gives me a bone-crushing hug.
“Tink?” Finn asks, turning toward our voices.
“The one and only,” Bria mutters, getting to her feet. It’s fascinating to watch her and Dion fight over how best to handle Finn. Dion clucks over him like a worried hen, and Bria does her best to let Finn figure out his new limitations on his own. Somehow, they’re striking a perfect balance that’s not only getting Finn out of his room but making him more confident about his situation.
“Here on special assignment,” Tink confirms, setting me down. News of his arrival seems to have spread, because before I know it, almost all of our cohorts have joined us. Cat in particular seems struck by this beautiful man, who gives her a wink when introductions are made.
“Is Tink your full name, or is it a nickname?” Cat asks, sliding her arm in mine.
“It’s a nickname. My actual name is Ignatius. I can tell you it’s not because I’m a petit pixie who dies without any attention. Daphne here takes that role,” he teases, and I shove his side, but I’m quick to pull him back to me.
“Rude,” I object.
“But it’s so true,” Cat adds with a wide grin.
“I like to tinker; that’s why I’m here. God of Craftsmen. I come bearing gifts, but first, I want to know why I wasn’t invited to join this little club, especially when there are such beautiful members.” Tink winks at Cat for effect, and boy, does he get it in the form of an obvious eye roll from Xavier. What Xavier misses while he’s pouting is how Tink deliberately doesn’t look at Callie when he says that.
Galen chooses that moment to emerge from his room, where he’s spent most of his time sequestered following his attempt at breaking the rules. He made one attempt to destroy one of my vine creatures before he was encased by the other. He’s at least learned his lesson not to fuck with them.
Tink stumbles back a step. “Last I heard, you were dead.” All teasing has left his voice as he faces Galen. Tink’s eyes flash to where Callie has taken a step closer to the group, closer to Tink and away from her husband.
Galen doesn’t miss the movement, his eyes flickering to her and then back to Tink.
In addition to hiding out in his room, Galen took his time to lick his wounds and heal while talking to his mother. I don’t know if he’s aware or not, but after that stunt she pulled, they’ve both been under constant surveillance. It’s somewhat comforting that she turned over the dagger to Xavier, like we asked. I’m glad that we haven’t caught them up to no good. For once, I would like something to be easy.
When he catches Galen eyeing me, Essos hands me my cover-up, and I slip the dress over my shoulders.
“Well, like some others here, it didn’t stick. Are you here to join the merry band of misfits in their pathetic rebellion?” Galen sneers, finally taking his eyes off me only to narrow in on his wife.
“And if I am?”
“I’d suggest you pick the winning side. I’m here only because I have to be. You still have time to get out.” Galen moves toward the table. He takes one step and finds Dave beside him, growling. Galen turns to me. “Call off your dog.” He glances around at everyone contemptuously. “All of them.”
Essos pauses before issuing a command. “Heel.” Dave doesn’t respond right away, not until my voice joins in.
“Heel. Come,” I demand, and Dave does. He doesn’t waste energy trotting over to me. Instead, he vanishes and reappears at my side. Essos shakes his head but smiles, looking glad that I have him near me.
“Galen, when you’re able to put aside your petty differences, you can join us. Otherwise, the adults are talking. Do you need a nap?” Tink asks with a smug grin.
