Ever.

  He’d loved watching Zoe's lips shape from the very first time she had said his name.

  Ever, what’s wrong?

  He knew she was saying his name, but he couldn't hear it. His pulse was roaring inside his skull.

  Ever, why aren’t you saying anything?

  He wrenched himself out of his reverie, blinking to refocus on Zoe. Her eyes were wide and desperate.

  “I…” his voice wavered.

  Ever. Death’s voice was clear and insistent in his mind. Taylor has been killed.

  “What?” Ever whispered, voice hoarse. “How?”

  I’m not too sure, Death said. All I know is that she was killed. That’s why she’s in trouble, she–

  “The Keres.” His stomach twisted and writhed, knotting itself over and over. Amongst the gods and goddesses in the room, Ever first sought Nyx’s gaze. “Mother, are they…” he wouldn’t dare finish the sentence.

  With the slightest furrow of her brow, she nodded. “My daughters are descending as we speak.”

  “Mentor.” Ever continued to speak out loud. He didn’t know if the Primordials could hear their conversation but if Taylor truly was in trouble, he would need every bit of help from the divine beings in the room to save her soul. “Please tell them to spare her.”

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  Ever, Death said, gently. You've met them. You know they prey on the souls of humans who have died violent deaths.

  “Ever,” Zoe said. Her voice was starting to crack as she tugged at his arm. “What’s hap–?”

  “Chaos,” Ever interjected, “can’t you do something? We worked with her. Doesn’t she mean anything to you?”

  “We cannot interfere,” the looming form of Chaos shifted in the shadows. Even with his bearded face shrouded in darkness, Ever could see him repressing what looked like agony. “It is the way of–”

  “So you would shut down our fridges during the summer,” Ever shouted, fists clenched, “but you can’t save one soul about to be consumed?”

  “Whose soul?” Zoe cried. “Can someone tell me what’s going on?”

  “It’s Taylor,” Ever replied. “She… she’s dead.”

  “What?” Zoe whispered, hands rising to her open mouth. “H-how?”

  “I don’t know,” Ever replied. He knew it wasn’t Chaos’, nor any of the other gods’ fault, but that didn’t stop him from staring him down. “Mentor Death’s just told me.” He disengaged from Zoe’s grasp, stepping away from them all. “Gaia? Moirai?” He turned from one to the next. “Can anyone do anything?”

  “She is an insignificant soul,” Gaia said coldly. There was an uncharacteristic edge to her voice that curdled his blood. “She’s fulfilling her destiny as food for the Keres.”

  “What are you saying?” Ever growled.

  “I’m saying,” Gaia said, lightly, “That Taylor is exactly where she needs to be right now.”

  The Moirai turned her head to the earth goddess, veil shifting with the slight movement, but otherwise saying nothing.

  “Chronos?” Ever pleaded, despite already knowing the answer.

  “If you want her to be safe,” Chronos said, “maybe you should do it yourself.”

  “N-No!” Gaia gasped. “Chronos, what are you saying? We need Ever here to help Zoe Ascend!”

  Ever clenched his jaw. He stood in the middle of the room and went into reaper mode. Before launching himself he took in Zoe’s fearful face one more time. “Wait for me.”