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  “I thought gods thrived on the energies of their worshippers’ prayer.”

  “There is good worship, and there is bad worship.”

  Vee sighed and her shoulders dropped. “This is just great. If I can’t speak to him, I’m not sure how to solve these murders.” Vee paused and glanced at Karan. “What about the goddess Pratyangira?”

  Karan paused and considered her question. “Possible, but last I heard she was somewhere in Naraka. That’s a huge plane.”

  “No cell reception, huh?” Vee muttered, her mind already focused on her next options.

  He sighed. “Unfortunately, the gods are not as organized as you would like to think. To be honest, it's mayhem. A lot of emotions and fear. It makes for a very unsettling time.”

  Vee shook her head. “I wouldn't have thought that the gods could be unsettled. One would think they’d be the ones offering safe harbor and a boost in self-confidence and faith.”

  “That’s expecting a little much, don’t you think?”

  “How so?” Vee was genuinely confused.

  “To receive respect, you must give it.”

  Ah. “And only when you give faith will you receive it. Ok. I get it.” Vee sighed and stared at the Chimera. Then she glanced at her informant. “How do you know so much?”

  He shrugged, giving her a small smile. “Let’s just say I know the right people who know the right people.”

  “So why offer to help me?”

  “Because you need the help. We all need the help,” he said, staring off into the distance, “because the age of Kaliyuga is upon us, and the world will destroy itself, and faith will die, and the gods will fade, then humanity will be decimated.”

  “Woah. That’s a bit negative.” Vee had learned of the ages a long time ago, and knew about Kaliyug—the age of destruction, where everything comes to an end because evil in heart and mind has taken control. But she’d never believed it was a real thing, always suspecting it was more a figurative illustration of the worst that could be.

  “It’s our reality, unfortunately.” Karan sounded supremely sad, so much that even the air around him seemed to simmer with grief.

  Weird.

  Vee blinked away the feeling and forced herself to focus. A whine from Syama confirmed the hellhound was going through pretty much the same weird confusion.

  Vee stared at Karan. “And how does it affect the gods?”

  He shifted his gaze to stare at Vee, as if he’d totally forgotten she was there at all. “You believe that the end of days does not affect the gods?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know anything enough to believe it or not. I’d never put much stock in the stories.”

  “Well, perhaps it’s time you look around. Study the world, and the humans in it. See what you can find that uplifts, that has faith, that inspires love, and you will see that it’s few and far between. People of faith claim to have faith and love and charity in their hearts, but in truth they instinctively believe they are better than those who do not follow their path. Is that not vanity? To believe you are better than another?”

  Vee nodded. “And no matter how much faith and love you have for your god, when you believe on the basis that the next person isn’t as righteous as you are, you effectively negate the goodness within your soul with the vanity and assumed superiority. I hadn’t thought of that.”

  Way deeper conversation that she’d expected to have.

  “Too many people haven’t thought of that. And you get congregations of worshippers who emit power to the heavens, but that power is not faith but hate, it isn’t love but vanity. There are pockets of worshippers, small groups across the world, the odd pure-hearted soul. Their faith is pure, and their love untarnished, but they are too small, too few. They help to sustain the heavens, but it isn’t enough.”

  “And people cannot be made to do anything about it?”

  “People prefer to believe in the idea of a god. They won’t take kindly to the actual existence of one.”

  He had a point.

  In fact, he had way too many points.

  Points that made Vee take a good look at her own beliefs. What power was she putting out on a daily basis?

  Then she shook her head. She didn’t have time for an introspection of faith. With a sigh, Vee got to her feet. “I have to go. I need to . . . be somewhere.”

  “Sorry, I haven’t been of any help. I will try and get the word out, but Narasimha is in seclusion. We cannot intrude unless he is willing.”

  She nodded. “I only wish gods worked the way they did of old.”

  “And how is that?” He tilted his head and watched her, a twinkling in his eye.

  “Well, you whisper your prayers to them and they hear you.” She gave a wry smile.

  Karan’s lips turned up in response. “And what makes you think that is no longer the case?”

  Vee snapped an annoyed gaze at him. “You just said—” She shook her head. “Ugh, never mind. I really have to go.”

  “Are you sure you don’t need help on this other problem of yours?”

  Vee considered telling him.

  Instead, she thanked her informant and walked off, annoyed that the whole visit had given her nothing.

  But the demon had demanded no involvement of the gods. Which itself was a big red flag. But as with most hostage negotiations, she couldn’t push her luck because she didn’t know what his connections were.

  Her stomach tightened.

  He could have a man just like Karan, with his ear to the ground and his nose to the wind, listening for chatter from the heavens, the hells, and everywhere between.

  And Vee couldn’t risk it.

  Chapter 34

  With Syama in tow, Vee passed the owl artifact and her steps slowed. She stopped to study it, wondering if she’d imagine it before when she’d seen the sculpture’s head move.

  She angled toward it to read the card.

  Mythical Creature: SIRIN: Description: human body, head of a silver-feathered owl

  Occurrences in Modern Literature: Russian Legends

  Anecdotal references: Said to “live in the Indian lands” or “on the borders of Eden”

  Occurrence in Ancient Literature: God of Ancient India - Pre Dravidian.

  Vee pursed her lips as she studied the carving again, admiring the smooth, clean strokes.

  Interesting.

  Then she hurried out of the exhibit, heading back to the closet glancing down at Syama who trotted beside her. For once she was grateful the hellhound had defied her initial instruction. While she’d been talking, the museum had closed, but for some reason nobody had urged the boy or Karan to leave. Vee had been invisible, courtesy of Syama.

  Footsteps echoed behind her and Vee glanced over her shoulder to see the beautiful boy from the exhibit hurrying toward her, his eyes filled with an intensity she couldn’t define.

  She stopped and watched as he drew closer. Beyond his shoulder, she saw the camera swing toward her. The boy walked around Vee and faced her, clearly either unaware or uncaring that he’d be caught on camera in the halls of the museum after closing time.

  Vee’s eyes narrowed as she studied the boy. Shoulder-length hair, almond eyes. Too damned pretty to be a male, but when he got older he’d be seriously hot.

  “I apologize for accosting you in this manner.” His eyes shone, as if being there filled him with joy.

  Strange guy.

  Vee inclined her head, acknowledging the apology, and noting that his ensemble now included a belt around his hips that bore two sheaths made of soft white leather, the hilts and handles intricately carved silver. That he was armed should have worried her, but for some strange reason Vee was not in the least afraid of him.

  “I am Akil. I have a message for you. And three gifts.” He held out his palms and a lotus flower appeared in one, while the other hand curved to hold a chakra, the weapon weighing down the boy’s hand enough for his muscles to bunch through the fabric of his white shirt. The
size of a dinner plate, the golden disk was edged with a line of angry-looking blades, each curved to resemble flames, yet dangerous enough to slice through skin at the slightest touch.

  “These are from Lord Narasimha. He wishes you to know that he has heard your plea, but is only able to act indirectly. Until his penance is completed, he cannot act in a personal manner.”

  Vee nodded and stared at the fragile white flower and then at the gleaming chakra. “Thank you. I mean . . . can you thank Lord Narasimha for me?”

  The boy nodded. “You have just done so, therefore there is no need to transmit your message.”

  Vee smiled and stared at the objects. He handed over the chakra, then withdrew a small golden box in which he placed the flower. “The flower must be brewed into a tea, but not by your own hand. A family member, preferably the female of your line.”

  Vee frowned. “Why so?”

  “Within the blood of a mother lies a strength so great that there is little that can break it. When a mother brews the tea, it is filled with not only her love and strength but those of every mother before her. Together with that power, the tea is imbued with Lord Narasimha’s power. Both together will provide protection should you need it.”

  Vee nodded, unable to form the words. Perhaps she’d had way too much wisdom imparted upon her in too short a period of time. “And this?” She lifted the chakra.

  He smiled, amused. “You may use that to fight.”

  Ha-ha.

  She hefted the golden disk. “It’s rather large to carry around.”

  The boy stepped closer and waved a hand over the chakra. Instantly, it disappeared, its weight now almost nothing. She still felt its presence, though. He waved a hand over it again and then said, “Wish it invisible, and it is done.”

  “That’s pretty awesome,” she said, smiling as she waved her own hand over the weapon and wished it away. This time it took a little longer, the chakra shimmering in the air before it slowly faded.

  “With practice it will get easier.”

  Reluctant to try again with a witness—in case she failed—Vee hooked it carefully into her belt using the clip attached to one edge, silently appreciating the modern touch to what must be an ancient weapon.

  Straightening, Vee looked at the kid. “Thank you.” There was a third gift but she didn’t want to ask, as it would seem presumptuous now.

  “Do you not wish to receive your third gift?” His lips quirked and his eyes sparkled with mischief.

  Vee cleared her throat. “Considering I’m not sure of protocol here . . .” He nodded but still grinned. And waited. “So . . . what is this third gift, then?” She forced the words out and she was sure they sounded as irritated as she was with the kid’s games.

  He opened his arms wide, as if presenting himself to her.

  Wait, what?

  Vee’s eyes grew large. “You?”

  He nodded. “I am to be your advisor and protector.”

  Vee frowned. “Thank you . . . only I already have one bodyguard.”

  The boy bowed low. “The hellhound is a gift from Yamaraj. You should consider yourself fortunate to have a second god gift you a protector.”

  Beside Vee, Syama let out a low growl, one hidden by the glamor, thank god. Vee waved a finger at her, instructing her to remain silent until she figured the kid out.

  The form of the boy shimmered, and his skin sparkled like ice for a few seconds before he solidified again.

  “What was that?”

  He blushed. “When I am filled with joy, I sometimes lose my glamor.”

  “Filled with joy?” Vee was beginning to feel rather dumb.

  “It is a blessing to be assigned to attend you. Your work is vitally important and everyone knows it.”

  “Everyone?”

  He nodded. “Those who have heard your prayers will know of you. Otherwise your identity is safe.”

  Vee nodded and then took a step to the closet. Opening the door she glanced over her shoulder. “Okay. I really have to head back.” She stepped into the shadowed interior, then she hesitated. “Will you be coming with me?”

  He shook his head. “Not in this form.”

  Vee frowned as he stepped past her into the darkness. She gave him a short look as he rested his elbow against the handle of a floor polishing machine, then moved aside so Syama could enter.

  As she glanced up, the boy’s form shimmered a silvery white, and Vee winced against the brightness of it. Then the light exploded into a cloud of silvery stardust and on the handlebars of the machine now sat a wide-eyed, silver-feathered owl.

  Get the fudge out of here.

  Without a word, the bird—Akil—launched himself into the air with a light thrust of his wings, landed on Vee’s shoulder and waited as Syama transformed into her girlie form.

  “What is that?” she snapped, her eyes darkening with suspicion.

  “Never mind him for now. Let’s get home,” said Vee.

  Syama lifted an eyebrow but transported them home without further question, while Vee tried to absorb the fact that she had a mythical sirin on her shoulder.

  Chapter 35

  They arrived in the living room with Syama glaring at Vee and then at the owl who sat silently on her shoulder.

  Vee glanced up at him, giving him a pointed look.

  The sirin took flight, spreading his beautiful white wings, and rose into the air then swooped back down. As he closed in on the ground his form shimmered and in what looked like a move practiced to perfection he transformed in a flash of bright white light and landed on the ground, as graceful as a ballet dancer or a gymnast.

  He turned to face Syama, giving her a shallow bow in greeting. She did the same, then faced Vee.

  “A sirin?” she asked, eyebrows bobbing.

  Vee shrugged. “A gift.”

  “From?”

  “Lord Narasimha.”

  Syama let out a soft huff. “Did Karan give you anything to help the case.’’

  Vee frowned. “Actually, not so much. What he did supply will help in general . . . I think.” Then Vee remembered something. Turning to the sirin she asked, “Wasn’t there a message?”

  Akil tipped his head. “To stop the killing you have to cut the problem off at its head.”

  “Eh?” Vee lifted her chin. “That’s it?”

  Akil nodded, his expression serene.

  “We’re resorting to cryptic puzzles? Now? When people are being killed?” Vee felt frustration bubble up within her and she had to breathe to force it back down.

  The sirin tilted his head, the action so owlish that for a moment Vee could see the image of his owl likeness superimposed on his human form.

  “I understand your frustration,” he said, tipping his head to the side in a semi-bow, “but the gods are not allowed to help directly. They can impart wisdom, but in such a way as they do not break the law of direct interference. They cannot influence thought or action.”

  Vee sighed. “So . . . a cryptic puzzle is the extent of it.”

  Akil smiled. “Also the lotus, the chakra and myself.”

  Kid has a point or three.

  Syama rolled her eyes and Vee smiled. “So, Akil. Will you be living with us?” Vee ignored Syama’s open mouth.

  He bowed. “Yes. I do not require sleeping quarters and I do not sleep. I will not be a burden as my duty is to guard you at all times.”

  “You most certainly will not,” Syama snapped, her cheeks red.

  Akil glanced over at her. “Why not? It is my duty.”

  “Duty be damned. You will not be guarding her at all times. There are times when a lady requires her privacy.”

  Akil hesitated. “Oh, yes. Of course. Do not be concerned. As long as the locations of ablution facilities are secured I will not need to be present.” His turn for his cheeks to go pink.

  Syama let out a laugh. “So you’re going to check out the toilet, every single time?”

  Akil cleared his throat.

  Syama
sneered. “Look, buddy. I’m not sure why you’re here but I’m her bodyguard. And I was here first.”

  Akil hesitated and glanced at Vee as is if she were meant to back him up. Vee raised an eyebrow. “She was here first. Guess it means she’s in charge.”

  For the briefest moment, he hesitated, then gave a nod. “Whatever you wish,” he said, then turned to Syama and switched on the charm. Grateful for the distraction, Vee turned her attention to her phone, checking her messages for autopsy results, leaving Syama to socialize with her new partner.

  The first message she opened gave her information that made her stomach harden.

  Second autopsy results: feline claw fragments found within both chest and abdominal cavities. Panthera Leo DNA is confirmed as more than a trace.

  A claw fragment including the root was located caught against a broken rib. Suggests being broken off during the attack. Confirmed human DNA found but the percentage content and structure may indicate some form of DNA manipulation.

  For Vee, the DNA results matched what she’d already known. The only problem was the records at the coroner’s office could prove a potential danger. Especially with all the questions Vee was asking.

  She placed a call to Rossi.

  “Sir, I need a report redaction from the coroner’s files.”

  “How soon?”

  “Immediately.” She was glad he’d move on it. “I just don’t want to hinder the investigation at all. The coroner’s doing an excellent job, but the autopsy results we just received cast a different light on the case. Of course, we do have the option to leave things as they are. I can follow up with a report that we have a killer masquerading as a lion and killing people with lion claws, but I need to be sure the cover will be maintained.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll have the guys make the file real hard to find. It won’t disappear, so there won’t be any suspicions.”

  Vee sighed. “I had a chat with Professor Menon today. Got a message from Brent while I was sitting in his office. The GPS gave him an address for the smartwatch’s partner phone.”

  “And?”