Chapter 55

Chapter 55

Nick held his sword out to Sae. Her hands glowed, and a creeping layer of slick green covered his blade.

I wouldnt do that, Talia warned, holding completely still. Her voice was guttural, but somehow, distinctly feminine. I wondered what the others thought of her. The wolfs appearance was typically intimidating on account of her size, deep furrowed brows, and silver eyes that appeared to see everything.

But to my surprise, she seemed to be suppressing some of her more alarming side. Her teeth were hidden, even when she spoke. And her elongated tail slowly wagged back and forth.

Nick carefully returned his sword hand to his side. Just, uh, taking precautions.

Oh, not the preparations. Thats very good. A sign you may endure that which is to come. The fur on her tail flattened out, the tip becoming much more pronounced as she pointed it in the direction of Nicks sword. More, the choice of magic. Frost wont work well on me. Her tail flicked to Sae. Poisons a better bet, but only if it works better than my own.

Why the fuck is the monster talking? Sae whispered.

Better question. Why is the monster giving us tips on how to fight her? I whispered back.

Shes gorgeous. Jinny took a step forward, before Sae held her back.

You, girl, have a fatal case of dog person. Sae rolled her eyes.

Nick was looking back at the group for guidance, and finding us at as much of a loss as he was, turned back to my summon. We came here to fight monsters. As such, we were not prepared to meet a creature of such grace and poise. Pray tell, what is your name?

Pray tell?

My mouth dropped open. It would have been unbearably cheesy if Nick wasnt selling it so damn well. The level of charisma he was pulling off was approaching Hollywood levels, even if he was spouting B-Movie dialogue.

Which made it all the more irritating when my summon giggled. Your flattery pleases me. I am Talia, the Watcher of the Sacred Realms, the Blessed Beast of the Everwind, and Protector of Precious Things.

Jesus Christ. Ham it up, why dont you?

Talia lifted her lip, discretely displaying a single fang in my direction.

Nick cleared his throat. And what is your purpose here, Talia, the Watcher of the Sacred Beasts, Blessing to the Realms, and Protector of Precious Things?

My summon shook her head. Just Talia will do. And you, are my purpose. I am a spirit guide given corporeal form at the adjuration of the Goddess Sif, who smiles down upon you all this day.

I shook my head. You cant just hand people a good thing without subjecting yourself to suspicion. She was being too direct. This wasnt going to work.

Right on cue, Sae stepped forward. So youre here to guide us through the trial.

I am here to accompany you, Talia corrected. What lies inside is a mystery, even to me.

Uhuh. Sae crossed her arms. So where were you the last three times we came down here?

Did you intend to undergo the trial?

I mean we thought about it but no.

May I approach you? Jinny asked.

You may, Talia said cautiously.

Jinny took three steps forward, still leaving a respectful distance between her and the wolf. Nick had sheathed his sword, but I saw him rest his hand on the hilt.

You asked for a small offering, Talia. Are you certain that will suffice? Jinny asked.

So long as it is thoughtful, I will be satisfied. Talia inclined her head towards Jinny.

You must have waited some time for us. Are you hungry?

Talia glared at me. Famished.

You told me not to treat you like Audrey. I mentally groused at her, not bothering to hide my irritation. It wasnt like there was a shortage of meat in my inventory. Of course, she ignored me.

To my delight, I watched as Jinny pulled three moderately sized plastic containers out of her inventory. These were for my little friends at home. I havent been able to see them in a while, so I stocked up while there was still inventory.

Pet food. Talias mask was slipping, her disdain apparent.

Forgive the misunderstanding. My friends are Siberians, genetically similar to wolves, and they eat a similar diet. Theres raw salmon, broccoli, carrots, apples, and bananas, all portioned correctly. Jinny popped the lid of one of the containers. Talia immediately took a long sniff and started panting. Would you be willing to sample it and tell me if theyll appreciate this particular mix?

Damn. Jinny was good.

I suppose I could. Talia said slowly. She stuck her nose in the Tupperware and took an experimental lick, after which she emitted a long sigh. This pleases me.

The rest of us watched, stupefied, as Jinny fed the giant wolf the remaining containers. Whenafter asking permissionshe pulled a brush from her inventory and began tending to the wolfs coat as she ate, and Talia let her, I decided to stop trying to make sense of it.

My previous estimation was correct. Jinny was some sort of Disney Princess, and we were all just side characters along for the ride.

Nick elbowed me at some point during the process, and spoke in a low voice. Isnt she great?

Aside from the part where shes hiding something from you, sure.

Shes certainly something, I said aloud.

/////

As soon as everyone was through the Golden door, it immediately slammed behind us. A notification popped up in front of my vision.



I breathed out, settling my nerves.

Here we go.