Zoe’s “superpower” had well and truly been activated. The first patient she had for the day was a Rottweiler who had been brought in with intense bloating. She didn’t even need to ask what was wrong; the dog complained that the recent change in diet made her constipated. Minutes later, she was out of there with a script to soften her stools.

  To make himself useful, he went to the animal shelter behind the clinic, scythe in hand. One by one, he patiently listened to the plight of each dog and cat soul who had chosen to linger on earth since the previous week. As always, most were just happy that someone could see them and give them a good pet or cuddle before they crossed the rainbow bridge.

  When he finished as many reapings as he could, he quickly swished out of The Four Seasons back out into the hallway, floating through the wall of the break room and turning human, before settling into a fold out chair.

  Oy wanker.

  Ever sat up. *Mentor?*

  Ever was pretty sure he could hear him slapping his knee cap as he cackled.

  *Did all those animals make it to the Underworld?*

  They sure did, Death replied. Hades is basically routing them directly to the Asphodel Meadows. That’s the good thing about animals: they’re rarely evil. No sins to judge. Now dolphins, those smiley fish eaters are bad business. Did you know that sometimes they gang up on female dolphins and–

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  *Everyone’s acting strangely.*

  Death would have pursed his lips in annoyance – if he had any.

  Go on then, what’s on your human mind?

  *Earlier today, Zoe told everyone that she can now understand animals. They weren’t happy for her. It was more like they…* He recalled their uncomfortable, furtive expressions, but wasn’t able to articulate it.

  Do you remember what it was like before you told Taylor about this apprenticeship you’ve got with me?

  Ever winced. *Of course.* The conversation he’d had with Logan the day before flying up reappeared in his mind’s eye, like a spilled vial of black ink spreading on paper. I have to check up on Taylor soon.

  Well yeah. That is a completely normal, human reaction. If anything, Zoe’s ready acceptance of you, Mother Nyx, reapings and talking to animals should raise questions.

  *What questions?*

  Well for starters, why does she accept it all so quickly?

  Carol walked into the break room to get some water. Ever waved at her, but even she barely gave him one of her generous smiles before she hurried back to her desk.

  *They all know something about Zoe that I don’t.*

  Yeah I can’t help you there either, young soul. Though… if it is answers you seek, there’s a soul that I can introduce you to. She’s been wanting to do one final reading herself before she comes to the Underworld. If you’re too tired from all the animal reapings, I can take you to her later.

  Ever leaned forward, imagining that he was looking at his mentor sitting across the table from him.

  “No, I seek answers. Let’s go.”