“You. Why are you interrupting us, you little bastard?” cried the witch as she opened the window.

“I was summoned, you big, swampy-faced bitch,” replied the bird sardonically.

“Whoa, who shat in your bird seed? Wait—Who summoned you?”

The large, black bird tilted his head and looked directly at Qu’l-Nia.

Heloise followed his gaze. She was screaming internally.

"I heard a strange, unplaceable melody calling to me and I wanted to investigate," replied Carthas before greeting the others. "Heyyy Alma. I see you guys have all met."

"You aren't allowed to leave your post unless I call you." The witch then turned to Qu'l-Nia. "And you. What was that? That didn't seem like a normal magical reaction. That was… unnatural."

"You can’t tell?" asked the bird. He then chuckled in his strange avian way. "Of course your kind wouldn't know."

"What are you babbling about? Know what?" The witch's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "You know it pisses me off when you get all cryptic. Alma, what does he mean?"

"I thought a witch of your caliber could sense something was amiss," he continued. "Well, I can't really fault the beings of this universe for not having the etheric aptitude to detect these things. Although…" He glanced at Alma.

"You're saying she's actually divine?" whispered Heloise.

"In the holy, bonafide flesh."

"I would object to that assessment," interrupted Qu'l-Nia. "But I did attempt to request his presence. Your 'domovoy' understands what I am and I thought it would be simpler for him to confirm it to you."

Heloise gave her a sidelong glance and cocked her eyebrow before proceeding to address her familiar in an even quieter whisper, "You've been watching Alma for a while now. Anything I should be wary of? You're saying this freak's the real deal, then why's she palling around with Alma? No, something’s not right.”

“Have you considered that maybe this is all bigger than your dumb relationship drama?”

“That’s not what I asked.”

“Nothing that strange, far as I know. They’ve only been together a few days from what I’ve witnessed. But that woman is definitely not human. Let’s just say the resonance of her soul reads different. Not to mention she knew my true form almost immediately.”

She shook her head disappointingly. “And? You couldn’t have like, told me that Alma got kicked from the army? I think I should at least be privy to the devastating crushing of dreams.”

“Did she? You know, I thought it was strange she had only shown up for a single mission—”

Heloise slammed the window shut before turning to the others.

“Are you finally convinced?” asked Qu’l-Nia. A smile creeped along her face.

“No. I don’t trust you. I don’t know how you got Alma to trust you. Maybe you threatened her with some muscle.” She glanced over to Hwalín, who simply sneered.

“Heli—”

“But!” She cut Alma off. “It doesn’t look like I’ll be able to convince my bestie here otherwise. So, instead of kicking her out into the cold with you weirdos, I guess I have no choice but to help.”

“Gosh. Treat me like a baby, why don’t you?” joked Alma. “But thanks.”

“You’re not getting rid of me that easily,” she muttered. “What exactly do you need from me, anyway?”

“We require your assistance in locating someone,” said Qu’l-Nia. “Someone who does not want to be found.”

“That’s it? Guessing you weren’t smart enough to just exchange contact info.”

“Can you do it?” asked the Hecatian.

“Well, I can certainly try. But if this supposedly all-powerful goddess couldn’t do it, then like, I don’t see why you would think I could. Alma places a little too much faith in me, that sweet girl. Can’t say I blame her though!”

“Well, yeah. Why wouldn’t I?” The ex-soldier had a sincere smile on her face. “You're my best friend. I can always trust you most when I need someone.”

The witch tried not to show the blush on her cheeks caused by Alma’s sudden frankness. She cleared her throat before speaking again,

“Of course. Who else but me can solve the problems of the divine?” She shrugged and flashed a half-hearted smile. “Come with me. Let’s head to the other room and I can perform a little something-something.”

Heloise led the other three down the hall, where they stopped in front of an intricately decorated door. After reciting a few magical words, the door came apart into slithering roots that untangled themselves and granted access into the witch’s chamber. As they stepped into the room, a strong, earthy smell hit their noses. It was the scent of wet dirt and herbal plants that gave the room a distinctly calming aroma. This room was amazingly different from the rest of the house. Dangling ivies serpentined down from the ceiling all around the room while large tree trunks carved into shelves were spread along the perimeter—each lined with potted plants and jars brimming with various herbs. A mystic garden of immense, human-sized plants filled the area, giving it an outside feel. The air of the densely populated greenhouse-like room was moist, in the same way rainforests tend to be. In the center of the room, near the wall, was a large desk topped with strangely green burning candles on candlesticks wrapped in vines and a couple of potpourris filled with specially dried leaves and blended spices. Behind the table sat a fancy, wooden throne, and further behind that, on the wall, was a grand wreath of thorns.

“Please don’t touch anything. Grab one of those chairs and have a seat.” Heloise grabbed her phoneslate off of its charging station. It was a lot like the Alma’s wristband, in that it could make calls and run apps, but specifically handheld. Despite the humidity of the room, it worked completely fine thanks to the witch’s magic. She fondled it lovingly. “Boy, did I miss this thing. I couldn’t risk it getting damaged while I was out.”