Page 91 of Court of Heathens

He watches us both for a moment before sitting back. It seems when Freya died, it took whatever made him human, but at the mention of her name, he is able to hold the animal back. I don’t know how long it will last, so we need to act quickly.

“Bring her back.” He nods. “Now.”

“Yup, now seems like a good plan.” I help Phrixius slide out from under him, and we share a tight look. “You heard the man—erm, monster,” I mutter. “Bring her back now.”

“Then there is one place we need to go,” he says, dusting off his back and glaring at Sha.

“Where’s that, oh mighty god?” I smirk as Sha snaps his teeth at him again. He really doesn’t like the god right now.

“The pool of souls.”

It’s my turn to gape at him. “The pool of souls is a myth, a story for children?—”

“It exists. The gods have protected it since the beginning of time. If we are to bring her back, then we need to find her soul there.” He stands and offers me one hand and the other to Sha. “Let’s go get our girl.”

“Fucking gods,” I mutter, but I take it and so does Sha, and within seconds, we are gone from the lake and transported across the world.

CHAPTER 49

The pool of souls is not a place I have ever been to, but I have heard of it many times. It’s one of the most sacred secrets in this world, protected by the gods since the beginning of the universe. It holds ancient magic connected to death and rebirth, but it has no master. Not even Mors can control the pool, nor can he step foot here because something about his death magic messes with it.

It is our only hope.

We have to capture her soul before she passes on.

Standing before us is a snow-capped mountain, with clouds obscuring everything around us since we are so high up. All we can see is a narrow path leading to a black, yawning entrance carved into the side of the mountain. Power pulses from it, warning us away.

The language of the gods is carved above the entrance, cautioning those who would dare defile this holy place.

Here, the dead rest to pass—beware, corrupters

“This is where the pool of souls is?” Adder teases, but I sense his discomfort. This is ancient holy ground, and he is a creature of sin, so it mustweigh on him.

Sparing him a look, I nod. “Let’s go.” I head up the path. Either they will follow or won’t, but I am not turning back. Her soul is in there, it has to be, and I will bring her back. At the entrance, I do not hesitate before I plunge into the darkness, feeling the magic pass across us.

It will either kill us or allow us entry if our hearts are pure.

I emerge into a stone cave with bioluminescent, glass-like stones. There are many levels to it, but down a set of carved steps is a deep, glowing pool. The water shines like a trapped gem, whirling with its own magic and motion. I expected more protection, but then I spy an ancient one lurking above us, and then another. They do not stop us, however, and I realise they are not here to protect the pool, but to help us.

Mors must have sent them, or more accurately, his mate, Avea.

I nod my gratitude and turn back as Adder and Sha stumble through. I breathe a sigh of relief because it let them pass. I know to bring her back, it will take all of us.

“What now?” Adder asks softly, no doubt sensing the importance of this place so he’s serious for once.

“I am not sure.”

He whirls to me, his eyes wide, and I rub at my head.

“It’s not like I have done this before. I just knew there was a chance, and if there was, then she would be here.”

“He’s right. There’s a chance,” a deep, powerful voice calls, filling the space.

Whirling, I meet dark eyes as the person—no, the god steps from the shadows and faces me.

Not a god, I correct, a fallen god.

This must be the father of demons.

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