“Please, make yourselves at home,” the shorter one said with a strained smile as he led Seth and Algea inside. I am surprised that the Reaper has decided to grace my little abode with her presence, especially after so many years of silence. There were rumors that you had died.” He lightly grinned while facing ahead, leading the two further into the labyrinthine tunnels.

After a few more twists and turns, the party stopped at a door that looked exactly like the other twenty they had all passed. The only difference was the keyhole and door knob were made out of what looked like silver rather than the copper the others were made of. The boy produced a key from under his shirt attached to his necklace. Once in, Seth’s jaw dropped. The room was ornate with dark wooden furniture and an intricate carpet on tiled flooring. Lamps lit the room in warm light, and stacks of books were strewn everywhere.

The boss whirled around with a look of fury when the door clicked shut. “What are you doing here,” He hissed. “Announcing yourself is just plain idiotic. Are you trying to get you and your friend killed?” Seth’s eyes widened before looking over at Algea, who only shrugged as she sat in the closest chair. “Of all the things you could have done, this was the worst choice,” He was fuming as he went to stand over Algea.

“Ankmet, I have my reasons for announcing myself in such a manner.” She crossed her arms, and he facepalmed.

“How you have stayed alive for as long as you have is impressive,” Ankmet sat heavily in his chair behind the desk. After a long sigh, he continued. “Unfortunately, I am sure you have a good reason to show up like this and risk everything we helped you gain. So, what can I do for the infamous Reaper?”

Algea grew serious as she leaned back into her chair. Resting her head on her fist, she contemplated her next words carefully. As she sat there, Seth looked between the two with growing unease. He began to pick at his fingers as the silence grew. His fidgeting caught the attention of both Algea and Ankmet. Both raised an eyebrow at his actions, but Algea was the one to break the silence by turning to Ankmet.

“Ankmet, as you know, my team has been in the wind. I thought they were lying low but heard a rumor that made me believe otherwise.” Ankmet deflated in his chair. “So it is true. She couldn't just have me; she also had to go for my team!” Algea stood now, growling as she slammed her hands against the desk. Seth shrunk back into the chair, making himself as small as possible. Algea shoved the desk and started to pace back and forth.

“Algea, you have to understand. We all thought it was best if you didn’t know, and for you to stay hidden in the human realm for as long as possible.”

“So she could pick off my team?” She leaned in closer to Ankmet until their noses touched almost completely. “Or so I could find them dead when I got back?”

“That is not fair, Algea, and you know it. They decided not to tell you. I had no choice but to comply with their wishes. Besides, I agreed with them. You are not exactly the most rational when it comes to them. If we were to clear your name or even keep you alive, we couldn’t risk you coming here too early.” She stiffened. Glaring, Algea sat back down with a huff. Her arms crossed as she looked at a very interesting burn mark in the wood of the armrest.

“Anyway, what makes you think I have any answers to your problem? I do not exactly deal with those sorts of cargo.” He waved his hand dismissively.

“So the black market prince of the south has not heard of any information on the whereabouts of my team? And you call yourself connected. I am surprised.” Leaning back, she smirked, but it did not reach her eyes. Seth noticed that Ankmet’s eye twitched ever so slightly.

“I might have some information, but whether or not it is useful is up to you, but you will have to do something for me first.” Algea rolled her eyes.

“Naturally, name the task.” Ankmet’s smile only spelled danger to Seth as he continued watching the exchange. Algea wasn’t fazed. To Seth’s growing unease, she seemed to relax with the idea of a difficult task.

“You see, I have a problem. There is a mole in my ranks,” Ankmet threaded his fingers together and rested them on the desk.

“You want me to find them and deal with the problem?” Algea’s eyebrow was arched in suspicious disbelief.

“Oh no, we already have found the mole. I just need you to,” he paused, smirking. “Loosen his tongue for us. I am sure this will be no issue for you.” Seth felt his stomach drop at what was being suggested.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“I will need to know what information you desire first. Otherwise, I risk overdoing it,” Algea said, looking almost disappointed in the task. Her eyes had a look of sorrowful acceptance ghosting across them.

“Fantastic!” Ankmet arose from his chair and approached where Seth was sitting. Laying a hand on Seth’s shoulder, he looked at Algea. “I will just keep your companion here company. I am sure we can keep each other entertained while you work,” He looked over at Seth. “And, what might your name be?”

“His name is Silas,” Algea interrupted Seth right as he opened his mouth. Her glare told him he had better listen to what she said, or there would be hell to pay. He looked at her with astonishment but quickly realized there was more to this situation than she was letting on. Turning to Ankmet, Seth nodded in confirmation. Ankmet’s expression told Seth that he had caught the exchange between the two but was going to go along with it for now. This did not help the growing unease in Seth’s gut.

“Well, Silas, we will have a grand time as Algea gets me that information,” he said, patting Seth’s shoulder roughly, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small radio. He clicked a button and ordered someone to come and get Algea and bring her to the interrogation room. Satisfied with the staticky response, Ankmet returned his attention to the two in the room. Algea looked annoyed as she got out of the chair. She opened the door to reveal the same boy as before standing with his fist raised to knock and a look of surprise.

“Will you ever tell me how you do that?” Ankmet laughed.

“Probably not.” Algea’s deadpan voice was accompanied by a delayed smile as she was led out of the room. Once the door clicked shut, Ankmet sat on his desk close to Seth.

“Well, now that we have the room to ourselves, I have a few questions for you, Silas.” Seth tried his best not to look uncomfortable, but he knew he was failing. First, how did you and Algea meet? I thought I knew all her friends and allies, but I have yet to meet you, Silas.”

“Well, I ran into her in an alleyway. She was hurt, and I wanted to help.” Seth thought vague but truthful was the best course of action here. He still didn’t know enough about Algea’s world yet to craft a believable lie. If Seth knew anything, it was how to skate the truth enough to escape a precarious situation. This skill had served him well for many years, and he was sure it wouldn’t let him down today.

“I see, and she let you help her? That is unlike the proud woman I know,” Ankmet quizzically looked Seth over.

“She wasn’t conscious, and she bit me as soon as she woke up,” This was met with a loud laugh as Ankmet clutched at his sides.

“That’s more like it. I was worried that being in the Human realm had made her soft. We can’t have our fearsome Reaper getting careless and weak now, could we,” The last part was more muttered to himself than asked to Seth. “Okay, second question: why are you helping her? Most people would have loved the opportunity to kill her.”

“I am starting to see that,” Seth muttered to himself. Louder, he answered the best he could. “I honestly didn’t know who she was when I helped her,” Seth continued more frantically, realizing how that sounded. “Not that I wouldn't have helped her if I had known. I still would have. She looked hurt, and I knew I could help, so I did.”

“Well, I guess she is lucky to have such a kind soul come across her then,” It was poised more as a question. Ankmet slid off the desk and stepped closer to Seth. He looked like a hunter toying with its prey as he flexed his fingers in thought. “Well, Silas, that gives me all the information I wanted. Come,” He motioned for Seth to follow as he strode to the door. “It is time to see the kind of person your generosity has saved. Then I can tell whether or not to allow you to continue accompanying Algea.”

The walk through the halls was winding and disorienting. Seth tried to keep up with each turn, but after twenty turns and several stairs, his mind could not remember if the first turn was right or left. Resigned to the idea that he was lost and reliant on this strange boy who had less than concealed his intentions on Seth’s life, Seth just followed. After several more stairs, Ankmet stopped. Opening a door, he motioned for Seth to go inside.

It was a small room with thick cinder block walls. Some chairs were in the center, and tables were against the wall. The room smelled of coffee, and Seth could see a coffee station and teapot near the back. The chairs faced the only window in the room. It was slightly tinted and looked very thick.

Ankmet and Seth both sat down to face the window. It showed a room that Seth knew was an interrogation room. Unlike in the shows Seth liked to watch, this room was dirty and covered in new and old blood. Sitting on a chair in the middle of the room was a man no older than Seth. He looked more purple and red than pale skin. His outfit looked like he had been cosplaying as a squire at your local Renaissance fair before coming here. He wore loose brown leather pants and the remains of a white flowing shirt. His hair was medium in length, brown, and wavy.

A sudden noise from above startled Seth. There was a small vent above where he sat. He realized that it was for listening in the other room.

“I would be quiet. I wouldn’t want Algea knowing we are listening in,” Ankmet smiled and winked as he relaxed into his chair. “She has some freaky hearing even for most demigods,” he chuckled. “Luckily, the window has a cloaking spell, so she wouldn't expect anything. Now, watch the show. Not many people can say they got to see this and lived to tell the tale.” Right on cue, the door to the other room opened, and in stepped Algea.