“Sorry,” she said. “The shirt was all I could get. Ronan gave me a growly look that swore retribution.” My expression conveyed alarm for her. She smiled. “He’s more bark than bite, I promise.” “I saw him cut off a man’s finger, and he’s going to kill my papa.” “Oh.” She wrinkled her nose. “I guess that puts him in an awkward light, doesn’t it?” Bad light, I corrected in my head. I was that person. “Pm sorry about your papa. I am. But you’ve been thrown into the underworld, and here, things aren’t always black and white.” I contemplated her words while she moved to the door. “I have to go. My husband gave me a look that said we won’t be staying for dinner. Which is a shame because Polina makes the best medovik.” She rubbed a hand over her pregnant belly. “Anyway, I’m sure next time we meet, there’ll be less ropes and more clothes.” She sounded optimistic, but I could only see my body parts being shipped off in FedEx boxes, my papa’s coffin, and, if I survived this, a world to traverse on my own. My stomach tightened. A burn stung the backs of my eyes. Compassion filled her gaze, her hand on the knob. “Just remember . . . you have a goddess inside you.” She stepped into the hall and turned to look at me. “You just have to find her.” OceanofPDF.com