35
Between the magic and the ambrosia, I”m starting to feel the effects. My cheeks flushed and my core warmed. Not quite stumbling but not far off. Gracefulness is still entirely absent from me.
“Hey there my little flower. I was beginning to wonder when you’d be showing up. I have been looking everywhere for you.” His full lips curved into a stern but likable smile. One corner of his lips pops up into a cocky smile, drawing my attention to his strong jaw which is covered in blonde stubble.
My throat went dry, and I was suddenly nervous.
Tension went straight between my legs. I fidgeted and crossed my legs, instantly regretting this movement. Rubbing all the wrong places, or maybe all the right places. The man’s gaze fell there. Where my bum is connected to my chair.
Hades help me.
Immortals will be the end of me.
That didn’t accomplish what I had hoped. Holding it for only a moment before sliding to my now tightly crossed legs. Getting tighter each second. Eyes sliding up my body. Only snagging on the curves of my body. The fire pooled low in my stomach.
My eyes darted to Artemis who broke the silence, “Sorry, we were leaving.”
“Hmm, your friend says otherwise,” replies Apollo. Peering over my shoulder, I find the dark-haired woman behind us. Who pulls on Artemis’s arm.
Friend, ha ha. He doesn’t know but this isn’t for me to tell him what’s obviously in front of him. A realization that he is blind to.
Artemis’s face is riddled with conflict.
“Sister, go have fun. We will catch up soon.” Apollo nods. Persuading a goddess is a dangerous game.
“Fine, don’t you get any ideas with her,” threatens Artemis.
Apollo raises his hand, “God’s honor.”
I snort. Apollo shoots me a look, urging me to be quiet but I can’t contain my laughter.
“Artemis,” begged the dark-haired goddess. “Come dance with me.” She shoots the petite goddess a pleading look. Wide doe like eyes staring at her partner.
“Yes Artemis. Go have fun with your friend,” stoically, he watches me.
Apollo does not look at his sister, instead his eyes are focused on me. Passionate and strong emotions flow in between us.
Suspiciously, Artemis eyes her brother. “She better remain uninjured. If you let her get hurt, I”ll go ballistic on you.” Flipping him an ‘I”m watching you’ gesture before the goddess allows herself to be pulled away by the other woman.
The God of the Sun wasn’t listening to her. Not her threats, not her harsh demeanor.
Gods, I feel like he is peering into my soul right now. Drinking in my entire appearance.
Can gods see through clothes? Dear Gaia, I don’t want to know.
Maybe that”s why there are so many stories of the gods and their lovers.
Each long gaze of his fills me up. It’s a reminder of how empty I feel. How trapped and alone. I want to be loved. To feel full.
The thought of him touching me makes me anticipate him more. Him filling me up.
He may be the most handsome man that I have ever seen. A blush that was already burning down my face, spreading across even my ears.
I break eye contact and turn away, acting engrossed into my drink.
Playing coy, I pull my mask further down over my face. For a couple of moments, I almost thought that I had escaped his attention until two obsidian patent boots entered the field of my down casted eyes. Scanning my eyes upward, I survey the almost regally dressed man before me.
Gold. Everything was tied together with gold. Included his silken sash that adorned his midsection. Right down to the cloak and the crystal rhinestone beadwork where it clasps around his chest. Almost reminding me of golden tattoos.
Why is my heart beating so quickly?
What’s happening to me?
So much for coyness.
A flush flows down my cheeks as a firm calloused hand lifts my chin upwards. Dragging me to look at him directly. Where our skin is connected, I feel my skin almost burn. Wanting to be closer. Enveloped by his warmth.
Instantly, I regretted my thick dress. Tonight felt like it would’ve been a cold one but not with Apollo around. I wanted to feel him directly up against my skin.
Feeling myself pressed against him, we slowed into a dance, in step with the others around me. I feel instantly self-conscious. Never have I ever been one for dancing. I have not even learned. Doing my best, I try to fall in step with his graceful movements.
He towers over me. I come only to his shoulder. With an ear in chest range, I hear his rumbling laughter echo through me.
My skin buzzes. The feeling is unfamiliar. Like adrenaline running through my veins.
That damned voice warms me in places that it has no business being. Is this the effects of the equinox or maybe the wine? My curiosity got the better of me today. The night called me out and I couldn’t help it. Even if Apollo warned me against it. Apparently, the divine goes berserk during this festival.
Magic fills the air. An intoxicating energy like no other.
Apollo takes my wrist in hand, traces soft circles into my arm. With each stroke, my body tingles a bit more.
But the sheer power flowing from this man was nothing like I had ever felt from any other god or goddess. Then again, I have not exactly meant too many. “You must get back to your quarters soon, Pandy. The ceremony is coming soon.” Apollo kisses my inner wrist. My eyes flutter shut. “Then I”ll come and retrieve you personally.” Even his voice oozes of ancient power.
I shivered at his seductive and heavy voice, “I”m not ready to return yet.” There’s too much I want to explore. Who knows if I”ll be able to see him again?
“Pandy,” he chides. The emphasis that’s placed on my nickname makes me shudder slightly. “Humans aren”t safe here. Especially not on such a day filled with debauchery.”
My warm core went cold at his words.
I whisper, mumbling about how I”m not subject to his rules while looking up in his direction. My lips are inches from his. How is this possible? He does not look slouched, and he toured over me previously. Glancing down, I try to make sure not to step on his foot when I notice that I”m hovering nearly 6 or more inches off the ground. “You”re not ready to return to your quarters?”
Shaking my head, I watch him cautiously. The air around him smells like bonfire in the snowy wood.
Deeply, he chuckles. It sounds like an earthquake. Jarring but not unpleasant. Full of mystery, “Fine, fine. Follow me then.”
Taking my hand, we started swaying in the street. At his touch I felt fevered. So intense. Like the magic is collecting and pulsing where our skins meets. I whisper, “It has been a while since I last danced.” Smiling brightly, I think of the night we met. It was not all happiness and rainbows. There were storm clouds too, but it all was worth it in the end.
“Don”t you worry. Just follow my lead.” Not another soul is dancing anywhere near us. In fact, we’re actively obscuring traffic. “You and I both know how well practiced you”re with taking my cues,” he adds playfully.
“True, you know me. Little miss obedient over here.” I shoot him a mischievous grin.
The lanterns above us are some of the only lights in the area. Especially so far from the bonfire. The dark night sky casts an extra thrill.
Pulling me along, I follow his lead.
Admittedly, not super well.
Feeling like a mermaid who’s been thrown on land, I only stepped on his feet like 20 times. “Sorry, I keep hurting you,” I huff. Looking up at his beautiful dark face. “I swear I”m not trying to step on you. Dancing is a foreign concept to me, I guess.”
“No worries,” whispers his gravelly voice. “Just relax and breathe. Loosen yourself up and soften your movements. I promise I won’t drop you.”
“... Drop me? How would you drop–”
Squealing, I dip to the road. Playful eyes observe me. Smile lines crinkle around his face.
His smile lines are what I find most attractive about him.
Enjoyment flashes across his face.
”How did you know that I was here?” It was an honest question in my mind.
”Well…” He paused, thinking about his words carefully. Apollo stated as though it were the most reasonable and rational thing in the world. Though, I suppose that maybe I”m shocked by the rationality because of how irrational this world feels. Especially to outsiders. “You”re recognizable, my sunflower. Your lovely amethyst eyes and curly hair would give you away in a heartbeat to anyone that you”re hiding from.”
Blushing harder, I couldn’t help myself.
“Also, I know you. A Spring Equinox Dance that you can see from your window,” Apollo snarks as he dips me low to the ground. “Well, you’d never be able to restrain yourself from a temptation like that.
“Then why did you tell me and Artemis that we weren’t allowed out here this evening?” I mutter indignantly. Furrowing my brows, I glare at him.
Twirling me in a circle, I feel my ruby dress dance in the wind like the most opulent ball gown. Even though it was on the plain side, there was something about the magic in the air that made it feel so special.
So beautiful.
“I had a bet in my mind.” Apollo’ lips dance lightly over mine and a whimpering gasp escapes my throat. “Who’d be able to resist longer, my twin or my love.”
Love. I’m his love.
“And?” I whisper breathlessly.
Oh, holy Gaia, this was better than what I daydreamed up.
“You barely beat Artemis to the street. I was certain you would’ve been out here hours earlier,” Apollo replies as he presses a soft chuckle into my skin.
His lips dance above my own. Placing soft yet firm kisses along my neck, I wonder if gods and goddesses have lust inducing magic.
”Careful,” warns Apollo.
Grinning wickedly at the god, I whisper against his lips, “I’m done being careful.”
Pulling him close, my eyes flutter shut as our lips crash against each other.
Piercing screams sound from several blocks over interrupts our kiss.
This wasn’t just any kind of noise.
No, these were of pure terror and pain.
Our heads flip toward the shouts. The sweetness of the moment was gone.
“Is someone fighting?” I turn and ask Apollo.
Apollo turns and starts walking to the noises. I followed. As we approach, we try to make sense of the shouts. Guards flooding far ahead of us.
Bright lights stream across the street. Booms crash over our shoulders. The ground rumbles underneath my feet. My ears ring. Fingers grip the cobblestones, I tip my head up, looking at my surroundings. Tumbling to the ground
“Wha—?”
“You need to get up!” His voice was frantic, wrought with fear.
“What’s wrong?” I rub my ears. My mind feels groggy. Like the world was flowing around me while I stayed put.
“We’re under attack.” Apollo looks up and wrenches me into his arms. Pulling me along, people sprinting around us. Shouts and screams ripping through the air. Tears dripping down faces.
“Attack?” I asked in disbelief.
Damn, I should’ve brought my weapons.
Think, Pandy. I need to improvise. Wiping my head around, I look for any suitable weapon.
A guard has fallen. Struck in the back with what looks like a blunt object. His sword fell to the wayside. Bending over, I snatch the weapon as Apollo yanks on my arm. He must have used his magic. I don’t remember him having his bow and arrows earlier.
“Yes, and you need to get somewhere safe.” He scans the area. “Artemis! We need to find her. She”ll bring you back safely to the palace. We’ve a passage which leads to a safe room in the basement under the Throne Room.”
Guards from the palace flood into the streets in the direction of the bright lights and noise. Smoky smell of fire rises from the distance.
“Artemis!” He bellows. Drawing his bow and arrows
My silver bobbed friend tumbles out of the crowds, “Apollo!” she shouts as she wraps an arm around him. Her other hand spun around her friend’s wrist.
“Get Pandy to the safe room,” he instructs. “Take you and your friend there now.”
Artemis shakes her head, “We need every able bodied person fighting. I”ll not be hiding away like a coward.”
His lips are pressed into a tight line, Apollo frowns in displeasure, “Fine. Bring Pandy to the safe room and come back up the stairs. Make certain she’s a guard there with her.” Not waiting for a reply, he dashes toward the conflict.
Wailing children cry out. Even many of the adults stared down the street in panic. Flashing of armor, swords, shields and other weapons glinting in the many fires around us. Gold armor and inky black armor.
Thinking back on the court politics, I make a guess of who the culprit may be. “Is it Hades?” I asked Artemis and her friend.
Artemis shakes her head, “No. This doesn’t feel like his work but please listen, Pandy. Apollo and I need you out of sight.”
The Moon Goddess pulls me toward the castle, I yank my free. She turns toward me, urging me along, and I shake my head. “No. People need help. They need to get off the streets. For their safety and so the guards can move effectively. You said it yourself. We need people. Every ‘able bodied person’ is helping us put a stop to whatever is going on.”
A bright light shines over our head.
BOOM!
The surrounding buildings reverberate from the impact of whatever projectile that was.
My arms fling outwards. Bracing on the goddess for support.
“Fine,” she grits her teeth. “But if Apollo asks, we got separated in the throng of the crowds.”” She flitted her eyes back and off to the fighting. Unsure of what she should do. Finally, after several seconds, she relents, “Be safe.”
People need to get off the streets and out of the way of the soldiers. Both to make sure they don’t get caught up in the violence of the other side and to not be an obstacle for our court’s soldiers.
Ari whispers, “Maybe try pushing the people into the townhomes and shops?”
I contemplate her suggestion.
Looking down the street, I shake my head, “I don’t know, what if they burn the buildings? Then people are caught inside. If one of these houses catches ablaze, they all will follow.”
She nods her head in agreement. “Valid point.”
“But I have a better plan. The passageways in and out of the castle.” I add.
“Yes!”
Running forward, we began pulling the crowds of satyrs and nymphs to the tunnels. “Follow me!” I shout into the chaos, grabbing as many people”s attention as possible, and I pull them toward the gate. Two guards stand guard through the back alley entrance.
The crowd behind me stands, looking fearful of where they’re going.
“Halt,” they bellow. I do not halt.
Instead, I continue forward.
“I said halt!” they shout once more.
“I”m here on orders from Apollo,” I shout back. Lying as convincingly as I can manage. “He said to stow as many citizens in the servants’ passageways as we can manage.”
They eyed me unconvinced.
“What?” I challenge, “Are you questioning the direct orders of your lord?”
The two paled slightly before stepping aside.
I point to the crowds in the tunnels. “These tunnels lead to a set of caverns. Sit there until the guard comes to you and let you know the threat has passed.” The crowd eyes me skeptically while rushing inside. “You,” I turn to a guard. “Stand at the corner. Direct civilians inside.”
The guard nods and darts to the entrance of the side street. Bobbing and weaving through the crowd of people funneling down into the caverns.
“And you, stand guard her. Direct people downstairs.
Darting back out to the street, I sprint past the begrudging looking guard.
Directing anyone that I see, toward the caverns.
Returning closer and closer to the chaos of battle.
The loud clanging of metal cracks against metal. Each stroke is like thunder crashing overhead. Guards locked in combat with guards. But the two making the loudest ruckus is Apollo and another shadowy figure. Squinting my eyes, I memorize the shape of his opponent.
A middle aged god with a large barrel chest is locked in close combat with Apollo. Long gray hair tied back and flowing past his shoulders. A black but actively graying beard matches his hair.
But those eyes.
Eyes that I know.
A face that I know.
Uncle Ov’s vivid blue eyes shoot daggers at his nephew like lightning bolts.
Confusion fills my being.
Is Apollo fighting his Uncle?
I blink several times.
Ov? I grit my teeth. Thinking back to my first encounters and how uneasy I felt.
His pervasive questions.
His pressure.
His entire demeanor.
Everything only thinly veiled by the hint of a mask.
Ov stands tall, sword and shield in hand. Fully plated armor glinting in the light. Was Ov the shadowy figure at the border that’s been reported all this time?
Locked in tight combat with Apollo. They strike at each other with trained strokes. Each with years of practice.
Entering earshot, I see how the guards keep a wide berth from the two warring gods. Probably for the best. Accidental magic ripples through the air with each strike. Light tingles of electricity or flames or other elements spark outwards from each contact.
“You won’t have my throne!” Apollo grunts between his strikes.
Ov looks on lazily, like he is hardly paying attention to something as trivial as a sword fight with another god. “Ah but this isn’t your kingdom, nor has it ever been,” states Ov as he holds his ground. Blocking Apollo’s blow with ease.
The clanging of iron on iron rings like tolling bells.
Pulling away, Apollo braces for Ov’s counter act, instead, Ov stands straight. A shimmer flows around him. The fluttering of colors reminds me of a midday rain shower.
Ov’s appearance melts away and a very different god stands in his place, one I recognize from nearly a year ago.
A god that I”ll never be able to forget, no matter how much I try.
The pure gray hair is wavy, his beard trimmed neatly. But his eyes are the same. Same as the garden. The same eyes as the god from the Veil. My entire body tenses up.
The god who took dad was here all along.
The realization sends a shock of fear through me as Apollo shouts, “Dad!” A mixture of disbelief and fear rippled through him.
“I”m Jove. Zeus, son of Cronus. Grandson of Uranus and I”ll take back what’s rightfully mine,” he growls. Electricity crackling through the air.
Ov is Zeus?
Zeus took my dad.
Ov took my dad.
Gulping down the bile in my throat, I wipe my sweaty hands on my dress. Anxiety threatening to take over.
“Run Apollo!” I bellow. My voice is scratchy.
Apollo whirls his head over to me. A sharp snapping like motion, his back is still strung with his prized bows and arrows. “Pandy?” he roars. His voice was frantic. Eyes wide. “Get out of here!”
Another command, another instruction that I”ll not be following.
…Or at least not quick enough.
My eyes are on Apollo. Golden ichor flowing from a few minor nicks of a blade.
My heart swells. Thankful that he is alive.
A flurry of movement catches the corner of my eye as Ov winds up to strike. I do the only things I can think of. “Apollo! Watch out!” I hurl my sword between them. Praying to Gaia that Ov’s blow won’t hit its mark.
The world slows as I can hardly breathe.
The blade spins, rotating like I hurled a ball instead.
The hilt of my blade clatters against Ov’s blade. Its guard catches his blade in such a way his weapon is pulled from his arms. Reaching behind him, he grasps a spear from his pouch. Apollo holds his blade high, poised and ready to slit his dad’s throat.
The tip of Ov’s spear coated in a familiar silver liquid.
“Surrender and I”ll allow you to live out the rest of your days in Tartarus, barred from punishment out of respect for you,” grits Apollo.
Judging based on what Chiron said all that time ago about quicksilver, this looks to be a far more potent variety than what was in the ambrosia.
Uncle isn’t playing around this go around.
“Never,” he boldly replies, hurling his spear forcefully out from his hand.
Prepared to block, Apollo is ready to knock the spear from his path.
Instead, Apollo turns, watching the long sharp object swing wide.
Far too wide to have been aimed at Apollo.
Me.
He’s aiming for me.
I stared down at the silver tipped shaft covered in a waxy substance. My body transfixed with fear. Frozen to my spot.
Drop!
Dodge!
Anything!
My limbs are stiff and unresponsive.
Apollo barrels at me. Lunging toward me, turning his back on his dad.
Gripping my shoulders, he flings me to one side with such force.
One moment, I was staring at Apollo and the spear and int the next I was flung into a masonry wall.
My shoulder and back took the brunt of the blow.
Dust and powder rise, filling the hole in the wall. Chunks of stone are still colliding and crashing into the ground all around me.
Sprawled on my back, a shop appears around me. Lights flicker in my vision. The world spins around me and my ears are ringing.
Weapons. Most seem fully picked over with the events of today.
My world spins around me as my bones ache.
“Run,” warns Arista.
“But Apollo,” I murmur. Willing my eyes to stay shut for a couple more moments. Pushing for me to slide off to sleep.
Arista whispers, “He isn’t long for our world. The plague. The mercury. Look.”
Pulling my chin to my chest, I spy Apollo stretched out on the floor. The spear protruding from his center. Apollo lifts his head, curled only slightly to look at his father. His fingers grip at his heart.
Ichor lightly coats the nearby area in splatters. The liquid is more viscous than the waxy quicksilver.
Did the spear break through the marble?
Zeus towering above his son, he grips the spear, ripping it out from his chest in one solid motion. Yanking the spear backwards, he flung it to the side. Attached to the cast aside spear is a chunk of marble. Almost like remnants of a statue. The stone crashes against the cobbled streets.
Ichor flows through the streets quicker than before. Spreading father and father from his body. Apollo curls and then, I see it. His chest is hollow. Large enough for me to see the cobbled street beyond him. Disintegrating rock, mixed with ichor pulverized into dust underneath him.
No!
“Now, my dear son, I”ll be taking dear Persephone,” Ov enunciates forcefully. A long muscled hand holding a near spear points in my direction. “And she”ll help me claim my throne.”
My blood goes cold.
Persephone? She’s not here. There’s been no trace of her in a hundred. Even dad couldn’t give me any leads.
Rolling over, I climb to my feet. I searched for a new weapon in the shop. Each step, I scream internally. Pain radiating through every inch of my body. Each weapon was huge. Not made for a human but a large god or other immortal.
I need to do something. This is all my fault. He wouldn’t have been hurt if it wasn’t for me.I bite back tears and the feeling of guilt.
Swords, shields, and spears are the main wares of the shops. Behind a glass box, I see a black bow and arrows set tipped with gold. They look large. Like they’re meant for an immortal, but they’ll need to do. My next weapon. Gripping a stone, I time the breaking of the glass with the shouts in the street.
The glass spider webbing before falling all around my feet. Slinging the quiver of bows around my shoulder, I snatch the bow into my hands and drop the rock. Finding an already broken window of glass, out the back side of the building, I boost myself through. Ignoring the chunks of sharp glass piercing the skin of my hand.
I land softly on the street. Surveying the area, it appears the fighting is elsewhere. Though it can’t be too far from where I”m judging on the noise. Crouching low, I pull back toward the wall and peak over at Apollo and Zeus off to my right. Notching the golden tipped arrow, I draw back with my left hand, ready to lose it when I see an opening between the columns.
The arrows feel too big.
Too clunky.
They’re meant for a god.
Not a human.
Swearing under my breath, I try to come up with a new plan.
Peaking beyond the wall, Zeus continues to menacingly taunt Apollo as I hear footsteps. Snapping my head backwards, I see Artemis and Chiron charging toward me. Bloodied but okay.
The maiden who Artemis was on a date with was gone. Gods, I hope she’s okay. Though I know that the moon goddess can be damn scary when she needs to be. She’d never let something happen to a person that she cares about.
Turning back, I assess Chiron and Artemis.
Both looking like they were meant on the battlefield while I felt like a child running through a cornfield who’s not come fully to the realization that she’s lost yet.
Raising a finger to my lips, I hush them. They slowed. “Zeus is here,” I state. Barely only enough for them to hear me.
“What?” roared Artemis forcefully.
I nod. “Ov. It was Ov.”
Artemis shook as she peaked over the edge. Spotting her father.
“Apollo is hurt,” I whisper. “A spear tipped with quicksilver. He knocked the marble from his chest…” My voice trailed off. The last minutes replayed itself over and over in my mind, “Apollo was trying to save me.”
And then flung me through a wall but that can be addressed later.
“We need to heal him,” I whisper. “Chiron, can you—”
Artemis shakes her head. Still looking at her twin, “No. As much as I hate to say it, he is beyond Chiron’s healing.” I look over to Chiron who nods solemnly, “All that’s left for my brother is the throne.”
The Dying Throne.
My throat seems to close.
I savor each breath, not fully sure which will be my last.
Giving the arrows over to Artemis, I drop the bow. Artemis splits the arrows with Chiron. Each taking one and throwing the rest into their slings.
“Look,” whispers Artemis. “Zeus is going into this building.” She points to the weapons store.
Why is he looking for Persephone in there?
The room that I was in. That was completely empty only moments ago.
My eyes widen as realization overwhelms my senses. Feeling like I may throw up.
“He is looking for me,” I whisper. My brain was spinning around like crazy. Searching for any other options.
But I can’t find any.
That’s why he took dad. Zeus was looking for me.
All this time, Ov was looking for Persephone.
“Why?” asked Chiron.
I swallow a lump in the back of my throat. “He thinks I”m Persephone and that Persephone is the key to how he can retake the throne.”
The two watch me in horror.
“Later,” I snapped. “I don’t get it either.”
Artemis nods. Still looking suspicious but still willing to let the subject drop for the time being. “When he enters the building, we’re going to run to Apollo. Once we reach him, we will iris to the Throne Room. Understood?”
Chiron and I nodded.
“On three,” she whispers. Watching intently at her fallen brother. “One.”
Breathing, I hear the stone shift in the building.
“Two,” she whispered.
I hear the grumbling good climb the stars. Muttering something about Persephone and his lightning bolt.
“Three.”
The three of us sprint to Apollo. Ichor covers the area. As we move closer and closer, I see how grave of a wound it is. Even for a god.
Apollo pants against the cobbled street. The marble core of his chest is gapping and hollow. I stared down through him at the streets below.
A hole that no one should’ve ever been able to see. Marble spreads farther and farther away from his core. Warning of what’s imminently to come.
The marble edges slowly crumble away making the hole become only wider.
Tears stream down my face at the golden god looking ashen and pale, “I’m sorry. I should’ve listened to you. If I did, you wouldn’t have been hurt.”
Mortally wounded. To a god, I don’t know what’ll happen. If he”ll make it.
But the wounds aren”t what I’m most worried about.
God Killer is flowing through his veins.
Can it truly kill gods?
Immortals can”t die. Please, let this be the case.
Gaia, please.
Even I could tell he was not long for this world. A sweat broke out over his forehead, his eyes wide and panting. “I don’t regret it, Pandy,” his voice echoed. Reverberating like he was shouting into a cave. “For you, I would step between you and my dad’s wrath any time.”
My hands shake as I lace my fingers through his stone-cold ones. Stiff enough that he couldn’t spread them apart any longer. “Please,” I beg. “Don’t leave me.”
Taking another sharp inhale, the sound is wheezy like reeds in the wind.
Too hollow.
“I would relive these last months over and over with you again in a heartbeat.” His stiff hand brushes the curls away from my face. “The only thing that I would’ve changed, would’ve been trying to get close to you sooner.”
“We’re going to Persephone’s Throne,” I buried my face in his shoulder.
He watches me with glassy eyes. His lips are cracked.
Artemis gripped my shoulder and with a pop we irised away.