“How can I help?”
I smiled up at him, very, very glad I was with the mature Stark who had learned to respect me and to control his jealousy. “Would you send a group text to Aphrodite, Stevie Rae, Kacie, and Grandma letting them know we’re meeting in the Council Room in two hours?”
“Absolutely. Say hi to Nyx for me.”
I kissed him soundly and said, “Always.”
Nyx’s Temple always soothed my soul and brought my stress level down about 150 percent. Not that the Goddess appeared and told me what to do. That really wasn’t Nyx’s style. But what she did give me was peace of mind so that I could think clearly and, hopefully, be able to make smart decisions.
I loved the scent of the temple’s lavender and vanilla candles—especially because I knew that they were Nyx’s favorite. I sat cross-legged before the table laden with offerings to the Goddess, as well as the beautiful golden onyx statue of her that was lit from within, giving the stone life as well as warmth. An open flame that came from a recess in the floor perpetually burned before the table, but there was plenty of room for me to sit between it and the statue.
I closed my eyes and breathed in the scent of the Goddess, as well as the serenity of her temple. It took me longer than usual to ground and calm myself, which wasn’t too surprising. Neferet had escaped. Other Neferet had fled, and after Aphrodite’s vision, I couldn’t even be thankful for that. We needed Other Kalona and another trip to the Other World. Then there was Kevin—in pain and forced to be around Aphrodite. And James …
So, yeah, it took me a while to still my mind, but when I finally did, I was able to talk to my Goddess. I’d always spoken to Nyx like she was a friend. I’d had enough of religions where the god was some untouchable being who sat on high in judgment of everyone. When I first swore into the service of Nyx, I’d decided not to do what I’d watched my mother do every Sunday morning and Wednesday evening for years as she herded my siblings and me to church with our pain-in-the-ass step-loser. As she put on her carefully conservative clothes, she’d also dressed in an act—one where she bowed to a god whose followers demanded she reject everything joyous and fun about her personality so she could fit in with a group of women who were so concerned with what people thought of them that they had lost the ability to think for themselves.
No, I wanted nothing to do with that god.
When I talked to Nyx, Goddess of Night, it was like speaking to a good friend who was wiser and more loving than even Grandma Redbird—which took some doing.
“Hi, Nyx. So, crazy stuff is going down again. It’s super bad that Neferet broke out of her tomb. I’m sure you already know this, but apparently, she has lost every bit of whatever had been left of her mind. I don’t know how we’re going to beat her. Again. I would definitely appreciate your help, even if it’s just to coax Other Kalona to give us a hand. I’m not sure how this Other World stuff works, but I figure you might have an in with the version of you that’s over there.” I sighed and picked at the hem of my jeans.
“Speaking of that Other World, I could also use some help figuring out how to get there again. I’ve been warned over and over about using Old Magick, so I’m gonna avoid that because I definitely do not want to end up like Batshit Neferet.
“And then there’s Other Stark, who we’re calling James because having two Starks is just too confusing, as well as my brother from that world—who you already know. Kev is super sad about Other Aphrodite. I know you helped him with his immediate grief, but he’s still struggling. If there’s anything I can do to help him, I’d be grateful if you would give me a hint.” I sighed.
“James needs help too, but I have a feeling I can’t do much about that. Stark—the one who’s my Warrior—had a bunch of growing up to do, which we did together. But I won’t be there to grow up with James. I would really appreciate it if you would help James get a clue, hopefully without things being too, too terrible for him.” I paused and sighed. “Although knowing the stubbornness of the Starks, that might be impossible. So, I’ll just say that I hope he learns fast and leave it at that.” I grinned up at Nyx’s statue. “And thank you for my friends and for the power you have given me. I’ll try to do my best to not mess up. Basically, I want to be a High Priestess you are proud of. Blessed be, Nyx.”
I breathed out a long sigh, and with it, the last bits of tension unknotted between my shoulder blades. I knew as soon as I left this temple sanctuary and rejoined the world, the stress would start again—and my shoulders would burn again—but for now, for a few precious moments, I felt completely at peace in the presence of my Goddess.
And then that peace was shattered by a familiar voice. “Oh, hey, I didn’t know you’d be in here.”
I didn’t need to turn. I’d recognize the voice anywhere—and the words he’d spoken told me which body the voice belonged to.
“Hi, James.”
He walked to the Goddess’s table and took a long match from the ornate holder, struck it, lit a violet tea light and then put it at the base of Nyx’s feet. He looked down at me and crossed then uncrossed his arms as he shifted from foot to foot like he might bolt.
“Um, I really didn’t mean to interrupt. Should I leave?”
I stifled a sigh, but silently told Nyx, You know I love
