might be wrong, but Twelve looks relieved too.
“Thanks for the offer, but I already ate,” Death says. “Morning, all.” He doesn’t look shocked or put out that Gaire is at the table enjoying a hearty breakfast like it’s an ordinary morning.
“At least have some coffee,” Twelve presses him.
“I’ll take an orange juice. Is it freshly squeezed?”
“Of course,” Twelve says, beaming.
Death takes a seat next to Rage and me. “Are the three of you nearly ready to head out?”
“I thought we were taking it outside after breakfast,” Gaire says to Rage.
“No! Not happening,” Death says. “It was a nice try, though.” He turns to Rage. “Gaire will have the advantage here in the Underworld. He’s stronger. This is not the realm to have it out with him.”
Gaire sits back in his chair. His expression is one of amusement. “I thought blood was thicker than water, brother. Was I wrong? I mean, there is a reason that saying came about.”
“I know another saying… Thank you,” Death says to a server who brings him his juice. He takes a sip, putting the glass down. “Where was I? Oh yes, I was giving you another saying I find pertinent in this situation: ‘You can’t pick your family, but you can pick your friends.’ I know where I stand in this.”
“I’m sorry to hear it.” Gaire puts a big helping of food into his mouth.
“I take it you’re going to clear the backlog today?” Hades says to Death.
“Honey, enough with the shoptalk already. We’re trying to enjoy breakfast.”
“I have a business to run, sweets.” He eats the last bite of his meal and pushes his plate away.
Rage pushes his empty plate away too. “Compliments to the chef.” He is scowling. “We’re ready when you are,” he says to Death.
I set my fork down. My breakfast is only half-eaten. “That was delicious. I’m afraid that it was far too much for me to finish.” If I eat too much, I’ll throw up when Gaire compels me. He’s going to come after us when we leave here. I doubt we’ll be able to outrun him.
“Glad you enjoyed it.” Twelve beams like there is nothing wrong with this picture. “You will all need to come back soon. I’m having my baby shower in a month or two.”
Trident keeps on eating, as does Gaire, who is taking his time.
“Nia won’t be able to make it,” Gaire says.
“I’m quite sure that Nia can speak for herself,” Twelve says, setting her jaw.
“Don’t interfere, sweets.” Hades pushes his plate away.
“Gaire is being rude.”
“It’s none of our business.” Hades tries to take her hand, but she pulls away from him. His eyes turn murderous.
“It’s time to go,” Death declares. He takes both Rage’s and my hands.
I don’t get in so much as one word of thanks before we are teleporting. It is a feeling I know well. One I am used to. I must remember to send my thanks to Twelve. I’m pretty sure that she and Hades are going to argue about us once we are gone.
We land, and I manage to keep my feet easily. Rage goes down. He clearly isn’t used to this mode of transport. If you’re unaccustomed to it, teleporting can take it out of you. He’s on the floor and dazed. I see him shake his head a couple of times, trying to shake off the dizziness and nausea. It won’t take him long.
I notice that we’re on an open patch of grass behind Rage’s house. “Are you ready?” Death asks me.
I nod once. “Gaire’s behind us,” I state.
“He should be here any second.”
“How did he find us?” I ask. “I thought you said Hades’ house was cloaked. That Gaire wouldn’t be able to find us.”
Rage pulls himself into a sitting position. His brow is furrowed. His eyes are still somewhat hazy.
Death starts to say something, but Gaire appears from nowhere. “I’m not an idiot. That’s how I knew where you were. You disappeared without a trace. There’s only one realm that is cloaked like that. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it out. Are you going to come with me easily and willingly? If you do, I will make his death painless and quick. If you don’t…I will make you watch me slowly kill him. It’s up to you, Nia.”
Rage pulls himself to his feet. “Don’t listen to him,” he growls.
“Oh, you’d better listen. If you know what’s good for you.”
“Why are you doing this? You don’t love me. You never did.”
“A hellhound’s place