At the Bottom of Everything

MICHAEL

“Wait!” I reached out and grabbed the elf by the elbow, tugging him toward me. “What did you do? What did you show me?”

“Michael.” Odin’s voice held the sting of warning. “Unhand our guest.”

But I was powerless to obey my king.

“What is it you think you saw, young warrior?”

“Desi! You showed me Desi. Is she alive? Where is she? Please -” I tightened my grip and stepped as close to him as we had been before, peering into his eyes. “Show her to me. Tell me where she is.”

“Michael.” Odin repeated, this time not a request but a command. Fiahre put her hand on my arm and applied pressure, pulling me away from li’Morl, forcing me to let go of him and the vision he had given me.

li’Morl only watched, the same infuriating smile on his lips. “I’m afraid I do not know what you saw, Michael. You have my deepest apologies.” He ducked his head in a small bow, but it felt insincere. It felt like deception.