Arms wrapped around herself, Lionel’s key gripped in one hand, Tara gazes down the alley in the direction of the World Gate. Two of her neighbors who are painting their fence smile and wave at her. After a moment, she waves back, but isn’t able to force a smile.

She’d pestered Lionel to let her cross over the World Gate. She’d wanted to testify to the Dark Elves that he didn’t work for the queen or for Odin. He’d assured her that he’d be fine, and he’d needed to conserve his magic.

She isn’t sure if Lionel has gone through the World Gate. There has been no flash of light, no last wave. With her neighbors out, there couldn’t be.

She bites her lip, remembering his words, “One night would never be enough.”

Her neighbors go inside. It’s nearly dark when she does, too.

Slumping onto her couch, she picks up her phone. She’d already sent a quick text to her mom. Now she listens to her messages. The first is from Dr. Eisenberg. “Tara, where are you? Are you sick?”

The second is also from Dr. Eisenberg. “Tara? Why haven’t you called! This is two days in a row. This is unacceptable!”

The third is from her mom.

The fourth is from Eisenberg and nearly cracks her eardrum. “Do you realize what the university policy is on unexplained absences, Tara? How could you do this to me right before my meeting?”

She scowls at her phone. She came back for this? It’s only because she’s trembling with rage that she doesn’t hang up, afraid she’ll throw her phone across the room. The next message is Eisenberg, again, but it’s very different from the last. “Tara …” There is an audible gulp. “I hope you … ah … get this … ah … don’t worry about your absences … I uh … well … just call me … please. Oh, I hope that you’re okay.”

She glares at the phone a moment. Sighing, she reminds herself she has to be allies with the man since Odin wants them both. She calls his number.

“Tara, is that you?” Eisenberg asks. “Really you?”

“Yes,” she says.

“You’re at home?”

“Yes,” she says, steeling herself for a lecture.

“Thank God. I’ll be right over.” The line disconnects.

Tara listens to the dial tone. She should call him back and tell him no way. She should check her email. She should call her mother.

Instead she curls into a ball at the corner of the couch, Lionel’s key in a death grip, and cries. She’d been an idiot. Odin may think she’s dangerous, but no one else thinks she’s important. She can’t make a difference here. And maybe her trip to other realms will get her locked up in Gitmo for … for … well, she doesn’t know. She wishes she knew what happened to those two humans who escaped Asgard. Her brow furrows. Thor had allegedly taken some humans for a joy ride a while ago, and although they’d come back, she has no idea if they’re still walking around free.

Maybe she should just run off to join the elves. Maybe if she goes to where she thinks the World Gate is and screams, they’ll let her cross?

Her doorbell rings, making her start.

It rings again, but she doesn’t move. And then her phone rings, and then beeps with a text. She glances down at it. It’s Dr. Eisenberg saying, Tara, it’s me! It will be all right.

She swallows. If she is staying, she needs her job. Getting up, she goes to the entrance, checks the keyhole, sees Eisenberg, and opens the door.

Eisenberg is not alone. Standing at the bottom of the stoop is Naleigh, the elf that had wanted Lionel executed in the Dark Lands.

Tara’s skin heats. She almost charges down the steps at him in what may be a bout of misplaced rage, but Eisenberg puts his considerable girth between him and her. “Tara, I can explain! He’s a friend.”

Tara almost unleashes the misplaced rage on Eisenberg.

Holding up his hands, he says, “May we come in, Tara? Please? I need to know exactly what happened.”

“And that’s what happened,” Tara says, sitting in her kitchen, eyes on Naleigh.

“Is it true that Lionel is the son of … Him?” Naleigh asks.

Tara narrows her eyes at him. “I don’t know who you’re talking about.” She didn’t tell the whole story. No way would she divulge Lionel’s father’s name to just any human or elf.

“But you need to get—” she bites back “your ass” and manages to say, “—back to the Dark Lands and let the Dark Elves know that Lionel is on your side!”

“Yes, in due time, but Dr. Eisenberg and I have some things to discuss with you—” Naleigh says.

“I can tell her myself!” Dr. Eisenberg exclaims, hopping in his chair. “You heard what she said. Lionel saved her! If you want my help, you will get to the Dark Lands right now and make sure Lionel isn’t hurt!”

Tara blinks. Naleigh blinks, too.

“Of course, Doctor,” Naleigh says, standing quickly. He bows to Tara. “I’m sorry about our misunderstanding in Alfheim. Obviously, Lionel will be a great asset to the Dark Elves in both realms.” Bowing to Eisenberg, he says, “I’ll just show myself out, and immediately go to the gate.”

Tara is so surprised by how easy that was, she doesn’t get up until he’s at the door. “I’m sorry about your head!” she says. Naleigh just waves and shuts the door.

Sitting back down at the table, Tara’s eyes go to Dr. Eisenberg. He’s wiping his glasses with a cloth. For a pretty nervous guy, he took the whole “Odin has you on a naughty list” thing really well. “Dark Elves in both realms?” she asks.

Clearing his throat, he says, “First off, I want you to know that it isn’t technically treason I am involved in.”

Tara’s eyebrows jump, and she remembers her last conversation.

He puts his glasses back on. “There are just some factions in the government that approve … and some that don’t.”

Tara’s lips purse. “Talk to me.”

Eisenberg sighs. “Tara, if I don’t tell you, you can transfer to another department, put this all behind you, and those members of government who don’t approve of it will be none the wiser. We may both already have Odin interested in us, but you’ll be safe from our government.”

Tara tilts her head. “Will what you’re involved in protect humans from Odin?”

Eisenberg sighs. “We hope so.”

She only stayed for her mom and the foolish idea that she might be able to help humans.

This is what she gave up the love of her life for. She swallows and bites her lip. “I’m in.”