Page 137 of Dead Heat

Cerberus barked his approval, drawing Hel’s gaze. “This beast belongs to one of you, I presume?”

“Yes,” I said, “but I didn’t know he followed me here.” I sighed. “It’s complicated.”

“I am the ruler of the land of the dead. I excel in complicated. Tell me, why are you in this human vessel?”

“This isn’t a vessel. It’s me. I was reborn as Melinoe in this form. It’s a long story.”

“And you divide your time between your realm and the human one?”

“Not exactly. I live in the human realm.”

Her gaze flicked to Cerberus. “And your pet?”

“He lives in the underworld, where he should be right now.”

“And why are you not there? Is it not your home?”

“That’s currently up for debate. My aunt has been rulingthe underworld in my parents’ absence. She would like me to take the throne as its rightful heir.”

“But you do not wish it?”

“I do not.”

She frowned. “You reject the authority and power of the throne? How unusual.”

“I don’t feel like I belong there. It’s part of me, but my past. Not my present or future.”

“I can’t say I blame you. It’s a lonely business, especially these days. Ages ago, I had more visitors to this realm than I could entertain, including my father, but no more. Now I am alone more often than not.” She cast a wistful glance at Garm. “Though I do have my creature comforts.”

“Do you know where your father is now?” I wondered whether Loki had chosen an avatar over a weakened state.

Hel shook her head. “I wish I knew. It’s unlike him to abandon me without a word. For years, I sent scouts in search of him. The ones who managed to return had no information. It’s as though he’s been plucked out of existence.”

“I’m sure he wouldn’t have left you by choice.”

She bristled. “Loki is a god among gods. Cunning and clever. There isn’t a creature alive or dead that could prevent him from doing exactly what he wants to do.”

Her pain was palpable. “I’m sorry. I know how it feels to lose a father.”

My comments only seemed to irritate her. “I haven’t lost him. He’s out there somewhere, ever the trickster. I’m certain of it.”

“If it makes you feel any better, Loki isn’t the only god to go missing.”

Her gaze sharpened. “Why do you say this to me? What is it that you know?”

The knots in my stomach grew taut. “Have you heard of The Corporation? They operate mainly in the human world.”

“I do not concern myself with the human world. Mortal shells are beneath me. It is only their souls that interest me.”

“The organization has something called an avatar program. It involves rehousing gods in human bodies.”

Hel cackled. “Why would any god be interested in inhabiting a lesser being? It’s nonsense.”

“Some chose it in order to exercise power in the human realm that they no longer possessed in their own. Some chose it as an intermediate space to occupy until they regained their former strength. Others seem to have been tricked into it.”

She seized on the word ‘tricked.’ “And you know this Corporation?”

I chose my words carefully. “I’ve met different deities that are members of it. Their network is extensive, and they are very powerful.”

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