Alec turned his attention toward Persephone. His - or Adam's - cat seemed smug over her deception, rolling around like she'd figured out the best game. "Would it matter if I was?" he asked, too tired to put any force behind the words. He hadn't been able to sleep since he'd tried to open the gate. Either the pain or nightmares kept him awake until he'd given up on even trying to rest, pacing until his mind was numb and he was too exhausted to move.

"I didn't know she could talk." Adam probably hadn't meant that literally but considering how the temple and cats liked him, it wouldn't surprise Alec if they did talk to the priestess. "I haven't seen the cats since you left."