“I did promise you that I’d burn down the gates of Heaven.” Clara said.

The room went quiet, even as energy filled the air. The idea of action, adventure, and putting their lives on the line coalesced. A rousing speech like Kings would say before sending their nation’s armies to war was percolating in her mind, but Ethereal broke the silence.

“A thought occurs,” Ethereal said. “Evelyn will kill you if you don’t talk this over with her…”

Clara sensed the angel of death would prioritise the duty she had been assigned to for millennia… I don’t intend to alter that directive… 

“So, we wait?” Clara confirmed.

“Or go alone?” Ethereal asked.

Sparky jumped up and down in her chair while clapping her hands together.

“We get to go on an adventure?” Sparky yelled.

“I also don’t have a lot of allies,” Clara added.

“None you can take with you…” Silver commented.

That was true, as vampires were actively screened out by The Tower’s defences. Clara would likely do fine as there was nothing quite like her on record. I’d be liable to lose it if Evelyn ended up wounded, and Evelyn would kill me if Marc didn’t make it back…

She did have Julia, and as long as they avoided a full moon, she passed off as human. It was a shame that Julia needed to heal, but Clara was not about to rush that process along to suit her needs.

“Anyone here have a better idea?” Clara said.

It was Hecate who explained that worship was a potent source of power to an old god, but it was Evelyn who made it possible. Live streaming my life and death battle at The Grand made me an international superstar.

Every goddess averted Clara’s gaze save for Artemis. She’s not going to cooperate…

“Look,” Clara began. “I get the frustration, I’m feeling it myself, but I’m working blind out there.”

Clara pointed a finger towards the windows that represented what her eyes saw. It served to remind them that only one of them could exist permanently within the physical realm… unless I end up dead…

“I never made a vow to save every life I come across,” Clara said. “Besides, this would help me find closure.”

“Perhaps if you moved forward instead of circling back to places from your past?” Ethereal asked.

That was a low blow and she was thankful that Ethereal did not speak often… Her sisters once sewed her lips shut to get a moment of peace… 

“Anyone here have a better idea?” Clara said.

“Sister!” Silver said.

Meanwhile Clara imagined Sparky with a big tub of popcorn in hand. The goddess of magic was practically salivating at the idea of Clara addressing Ethereal’s poor behaviour.

“It’s okay,” Clara said. “Ethereal is right. I will say this now. Either I find allies willing to join my cause to tear down the establishment, or The Tower becomes a tomb…” A collective smile grew across the face of every goddess in the room.

“I thought you didn’t kill humans?” Silver asked.

“I never made a vow to save every life I come across,” Clara said.

Those were all valid points, and Clara had grown accustomed to the killjoy that was Ethereal. However, the goddess of ghosts and necromancy often said what others avoided.

“There’s a potential for allies?” Clara said.

“Zealots who would just as likely kill you… and Evelyn… as they would any other unnatural being,” Ethereal said.

Clara took in a sharp breath, her eyes flashing blue a second. It hinted at her irritation, even if someone had a point.

“Sister!” Silver said.

“Any thoughts on the lead on a way back to The Tower?” Clara asked.

“Why?” Ethereal responded.

“Why what?”

“Why do you care about that place?” Ethereal said.

After a pause Silver decided to interject to smooth out those words.

“I believe what my sister means is why would you wish to find your way back there?” Silver said before raising a hand. “They took away your childhood, lied to you, turned you into a weapon, and even embedded failsafes into your mind.”