The truck engine hummed as Mike and Hunter continued their way south. Silence filled the cab. Trees and darkened towns slipped past in the windows like ghosts.
"Who is Hecate?" Mike asked, glancing over at Hunter.
"I don't know," Hunter said, eyes forward. "But she gave off a terrifying scent. Something I've never felt before. Woden was screaming to kill her."
"We'll ask Nicolas and the others when we get back."
"I'll ask them," Mike replied flatly, still haunted by the thing his wife had become.
A light ding echoed through the truck as the low fuel indicator came on.
"Find a station with lights on," Mike muttered.
"Need to refill the cans and grab some food." Hunter groaned, still clutching his side.
They pulled over at the next working rest stop. Mike helped Hunter out of the truck. Stocking up on gas station food, energy drinks, and bandages, they filled the tank and refueled the gas cans before heading back out into the night.
"You know," Hunter said after a while, "just 'cause you were some apex death machine in your trial doesn't mean you pick up right where you left off."
"I've figured that out," Mike said bitterly. "I take too much damage. And I can't rely on eating what I kill to heal anymore."
He clenched his jaw. "I don't have claws or fangs now. It takes too long to finish a fight."
"Then maybe try a weapon? Sword, axe?" Hunter offered.
"The absolute does not use pointed sticks."
Bahamut replied in Mike's mind.
"No. I fought using claws. Weapons would throw me off. I'd have to relearn everything."
"Easy fix," Hunter said with a grin. "Gauntlets. With metal claws. Protect your arms and get your kill tools back. I can't help with the teeth though—never seen a gauntlet for your face."
Mike gave a tired smirk.
"Could even get you a nice spiked collar," Hunter chuckled. "Show the council you've been tamed."
"I'm not wearing a collar," Mike growled, but he paused. "Gauntlets… yeah. I'd like that."
"Fix your weakness. Get stronger or you'll die at the hands of those coming for you." Bahamut growled.
"Perfect. We'll check the armory when we get back—what little there is of it. Hasn't been a full operation that long."
"Thanks," Mike said quietly as they continued south.
They arrived back at the massive white temple just before dawn. Mike helped the limping Hunter through the entrance.
"The bearded oaf is wounded. How tragic!" Henry said with mock concern, a hand to his forehead.
"Shut it, Henry. We've got a real problem," Hunter growled.
They made their way into the council chamber. Nicolas, Leo, and Lisa were already seated. Leo jumped to his feet.
"What the hell happened?"
"The demons aren't just demons anymore," Hunter said as he was helped into a chair. "Hecate manifested through Mike's wife."
Lisa paled. "I'll head to Olympus immediately. This concerns Hades and Persephone now."
"Who is Hecate?" Mike cut in.
Lisa turned to him, voice serious. "She's the goddess of magic, witchcraft, necromancy... and more. Half-Titan, half-goddess. Served Persephone in the underworld."
"She was loyal to them," she continued, "but allying with demons? That's a huge threat. And she's not acting through a chosen—she's manifested."
"Can I save my wife from her? Mike asked in an urgent tone.
"I don't know. I want to help you Michael. I need to get answers from Olympus about her. The underworld knows her powers the best." Lisa replied with a look of compassion and concern.
"I'll try to contact someone who is familiar with Hecate," Nicolas added, running a hand through his hair. "A god taking direct possession through a contract is... very bad."
"It'll take time. Lisa has to reach Greece, and my contact doesn't exactly pick up calls. You need to get stronger in the meantime. See Mr. Johns in the library. Help with Hunter's assignments and gear up."
"Hunter's assignments?" Mike asked, brow raised.
"Recruiting unaffiliated chosen to the council. Normally Hunter's job. But he's in no shape to handle it solo."
"I don't work for you," Mike replied, cold.
"Do you want help getting your wife back from what's possessing her?"
Mike clenched his fists. "Yes."
"Then help Hunter," Nicolas said. "You'll fight demons, angels, rogue chosen—get real combat experience against human-like opponents. Figure out your power. And we'll notify you the second we have answers."
Mike exhaled through his nose. "Fine. Where's the library?"
Hunter chuckled, struggling to stand. "Help me up. I'll show you the way. You get to do the hard shit, though."
"Henry!" Leo called. "Escort them to Mr. Johns. Get whatever gear they need."
"I will be of immense service, Mr. Francis," Henry said with a sly bow, grinning.
As they walked across the temple, Mike could hear Henry muttering under his breath, but couldn't make out the words.
They entered the library—a towering maze of ancient books and dark wood. Henry stepped in and bellowed:
"Hey, you old gangly spider! Get out here! You've got a new errand boy!"
Henry gave Mike one last mocking bow, then disappeared with a smirk.
Footsteps echoed from deeper in the stacks. A moment later, an old man emerged—dark-skinned, with weathered wrinkles and grey hair, walking with a slow, deliberate grace.
"Wicked spider. Listen to its words carefully."
Bahamut's voice was flat and cold in Mike's mind.