Crown of Crimson (Underworld Gods 2)

“Doesn’t mean she won’t go to a dark place,” Ahto says, giving me a somewhat apologetic look before looking at Vellamo. “As you’ve said, dear wife, there is always time for prophecies to come true and for people to turn. Those who we trust the most are often the ones we underestimate.”

“For what it’s worth, I have no intention or desire to raise any Old Gods,” I tell them. “Their followers, the Sect of the Undead, are creepy as fuck and if they’re that bad, then I’d hate to see who they worship.” I glance at Death, who is watching me intently. “As for my husband, even though we may seem at odds with each other, I don’t wish to destroy him.”

“You’re a newlywed,” Ahto says with a snort. “Give it time.”

“Be that as it may,” Tapio says, “Hanna, you’re asking us all to trust you.”

“No,” Death says, his voice low and commanding. “I’m asking you all to trust her. And so you will. She is my wife and my queen. She will be the one to unite the land.”

My heart warms at his sudden faith in me.

“And if she isn’t?” Tapio asks.

“Then I can promise you she won’t be able to destroy me,” Death says gravely.

Yep. Because I would be totally dead.

“What I’m going to need from you all,” he goes on, looking each and every one of them in the eye, “is for you to keep your eyes open and ears to the ground. In the sea. In the air. Wherever. We must find out the role of Rasmus, we must know what Louhi is doing with him, and more than that, we must find out who Salainen is.” He eyes Ilmatar. “Goddess of the Air, in the event that you have information about this one born from shadows, do you care to share it with us?”

Ilmatar shakes her head. “I have not seen Salainen but if she is with Louhi in the Star Swamp, then I am unable to. I will let you know, dear brother, if I come across her.”

That seems to signal the end of the meeting. Small chats start up again amongst the Gods.

While everyone talks, I sit back with Tellervo on the coral benches that line the back of the grotto. I feel like we’re at the kids table at a family reunion while the adults yammer away. Tiny bonefish have gathered around Tellervo’s antlers, nibbling at them and she giggles, swatting them away, her red hair flowing.

“Hey,” I hear a small voice speak up from behind me say, “What up, mortal?”

I freeze at the familiarity and twist around to see a little mermaid poking her head out from the corner of the grotto.

“Bell!” I exclaim.

She puts a finger to her mouth.

I look around. Neither Death nor any of the other Gods are paying any attention to me. Tellervo is for a moment, but she doesn’t seem all that interested, more fascinated by her new bonefish friends.

“Come here,” Bell says, beckoning me to come over as she hides herself behind a piece of kelp. I get up off the coral bench and crouch down beside her.

“Nice rack,” she says as she floats. I guess my boobs are kind of in her face. She gives me a salacious grin. “So. How does it feel being the wife of Death?”

I laugh. “It feels…fitting, oddly enough. I can’t believe you’re here. I was hoping I would see you again, I just didn’t know when.”

She brushes her hair behind her ears. Her hair used to be white, so did her tail. Now her tail is iridescent seafoam and purple, her hair streaked with pink and lavender. I guess being in that fish tank for so long caused her to lose some of her pigment. I feel a little flare of anger at Death again for keeping her captive, but I’m glad she’s looking healthy now.

“I thought about coming to pay you a visit,” she says. “But then Vellamo told us that you were coming to the grotto, so I figured it was a good chance to see you. The rest of the mermaids are here too,” she says, jerking her thumb behind her. I squint until I see dark shapes moving through the water just beyond the angler’s lights. “We never pass up a chance to come out to the open seas. Lots of good eating out here.”

“So you never leave without Vellamo?” I ask.

“She protects us. You’d be surprised at how many people and creatures want to either fuck or eat mermaids. I mean, I guess you’re not surprised at the fucking part.”

She almost conjures an image of Death fucking her in my head but luckily I’m able to push it away. “I didn’t think you’d still be so small,” I admit.

She shrugs. “I don’t mind it,” she says. “Keeps men away from me.”