Page 83 of Sequel to the Easter Bunny

“Ester wants you to have the Power, you’ve gained Gren’s approval. Death is neutral in all things…. If you are able to gain Heim’s approval. You will never have to deal with me again.”

It’s a trap… how couldn’t it be.

“I accept.” Because I have no other option.

Hearts of Glass

Stepping through the doorway Juun has opened, my breath ghosts in front of my face. If I didn’t know better, I’d feel like I was on a different planet.

One made of ice.

Everything is cold and clear and reflective. A desolate and sparkling cathedral.

I clench my teeth to keep them from chattering.

The sound of dripping water echoes in the distance.

It is more of a desert than Juun’s domain.

The edges of the long hall of ice are steeped in shadows, but the ceiling far above me arches to a point. Spindles carved from the canopy, it reminds me of the high vaults of the cathedral my mother took me to when I was a child… before Jamus tore it down.

For a moment, I think it’s completely empty, but walking the slippery path, I find the god of winter sitting on his icy throne.

He is enormous. I’m certain if I stood at his feet, my head would barely reach his knee.

This is Ari’s husband… how?

In all this blue and white and glassy surface, the dark figure at Heim’s shoulder makes me flinch to a stop.

Minoka stands on a ledge beside him, whispering things that sound sharp and ugly from where I stand.

When Heim turns his pale eyes on me, it feels as though he is assessing vermin, not a person who might ever be close to an equal. He looks at me like I’m a bug he’d like to squash.

Leaning forward, he says something in the old gods’ language. The words booming as they bounce off his glacial arches and clerestory.

Shit. “I don’t understand.”

Eyes narrowing to icy splinters, he says something else, and in a blink, Jack is at my side.

He pulls me in front of him and starts rubbing the chill from my arms as he speaks to Heim in more words I don’t understand.

For a moment, it sounds as though they’re arguing.

“He knows why you are here.” Jack says, translating the old gods’ tongue, an echoing sound, like thunder both distant and right on top of me.

Jack stiffens behind me… and not in the way I like.

“What did he say?”

“He won’t give his approval. He thinks you were too eager to be with Minoka to truly only care for me.”

“Did you tell him it was because of Gren’s bargain? That I tricked him?”

Jack’s next words are low. “Minoka is his favourite. I don’t think he’d be happy to hear it.”

“What can I do to change your mind?”

Heim leans forward, his big face close enough, his breath feels like a frigid gale.

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