"Do deities have the power to bring back the dead?" I whisper, unable to believe I'm even willing to contemplate this. It could all still be just a nightmare—the rational side of me is inclined to believe that. But it could also be real and my one chance at saving my husband. My brain tells me it's the former. But my heart... My heart yearns for it to be real.

"Of course. There's nothing they can't do," Thea explains. "The messengers you were asking about earlier? They should have given you the invite in person and told you all of this."

"There was no one." I shake my head, recounting how I'd gotten the first invite and the subsequent ones.

"That is an anomaly," she notes thoughtfully.

"Now that we've gotten the boring talk out of the way, who's ready for the game?" Inu asks, eliciting cheers from the crowd.

Thea too claps enthusiastically until her brother gives her another one of his dry looks. The corners of her lips lower, her gaze dipping to her feet.

"Your brother is an asshole," I lean to whisper.

"Tell me about it," she grumbles. "I can never enjoy anything." She sighs dramatically. "But now I'm here. And I met you. And we're going to have such a fine time. Of course, you can't withdraw now, but you can do it after the first trial and⁠—"

"Wait a moment," I stop her senseless rambling. "Who said anything about withdrawing after the first trial?"

"Well, you wanted out. That's your way out." She smiles blithely.

"Not if the prize is any wish," I oddly find myself saying.

Until a moment ago, I didn't even think I believed this whole god talk—I'm still not entirely sure I do. But if there is the slightest chance I can get Nikki back, I'm going to take it—regardless of how crazy it sounds. The flames of revenge, previously raging uncontrollably, slowly fan out, replaced by a much more potent fire.

The goal I thought I had is all but gone until only one objective remains.

Nikki.

My beloved Nikki.

To have him in my arms once more, I would pay any price. I would even gamble my immortal soul.

"But... Luce..." She blinks in surprise. "You can't... You're..."

"I am?" I raise a brow.

"Never mind." She strains a smile.

"You didn't tell me what your wish is," I shoot back. "Why are you here?"

"Yes, do tell, Thea. Why are you here?" her brother interjects, leaning in to watch her closely.

"My wish is"—she pauses, a look of uncertainty crossing her face—"to find love!" she suddenly declares. "Yes, that's it. I want to find love."

"You want to find love?" Cer repeats ominously.