She doesn’t hide her delight. Her skin glows a bright hue of solar yellow. “Well, well, my dear, you are a treasure indeed. Maybe even in the running for employee of the century! Go on—show me what you’ve found.”

I hesitate, holding the star compass behind my back. I could reveal it to her first and then demand Hattie back, but my recent experience with the dokkaebi has made me wary—and weary. I look around at my Gom family, my Horangi family, and my best friend, all of whom have been through enough already.

No, this is not the time to show goodwill. I need to be smart about this.

“Come on, Goddess!” I say, hitting her jovially on the arm. “You said so yourself—I’m best-employee material. How about you bring my sister back first? Then I’ll give you the star.” I slip the compass into my back pocket and hold out Hattie’s heart vial.

The goddess laughs heartily. “Oh my, looks like you’ve picked up some bargaining skills on the job!” Her eyes start twinkling. “And what if I don’t? If I refuse to bring her back first, are you prepared to give up the compensation I promised you? I thought you wanted to be reborn in my image—as a Gom and a healer?”

She’s testing me, but I’m not going to give in. Because if I’ve learned anything over the last few days, it’s that healing magic isn’t what makes me a true Gom. No, it’s my willingness to sacrifice myself for my loved ones. It’s my desire to serve those I care about.

Instead, I play her game. “Oh, Goddess, you’re so funny!” I laugh so convincingly, I should get nominated for an Oscar. “You’re the benevolent patron goddess of service and sacrifice. You would never go back on a promise! Besides, as I believe you once told me, compensation for a divine job completed is stipulated by Godrealm law.” I wink at her. “You wouldn’t break the law, would you?”

I’m not sure where I’m getting the courage to sass a divine being this way, but, if I’m being honest, I kind of like this new me. It has taken me a little while, but it feels good to speak out and trust in my abilities. It feels right. Hattie would be proud.

The goddess grins and slaps me on the back. “Well put, my dear! I’d better start wriggling, then. I don’t want those holy lawyers knocking on my door—they’re a divine pain in the backside!” She rolls up her sleeves and rubs her hands together. “Let’s bring your sister back, shall we?”