Those kisses still sent shockwaves through my belly. The way hed kissed me had to mean something, because people didnt kiss like that. He had wanted to get away with me, and planned the whole zoo thing. He had to feel somethingsomething powerful for me.
But he hadnt said he loved me. He hadnt really said anything after Id said it.
I kicked a loose pebble, sending it flying into a nearby lilac bush. There was a good chance I was overreacting. I tended to do that a lot. Tallying up everything Aiden had done in the last few hours, his actions proved he cared and totally outweighed the fact that he hadnt said he loved me.
I moved on to the rose bush and broke off one bloom by the stem. Somehow the roses were thornless here. I had no clue how they grew that way, but hell, I hadnt a clue about anything. I closed my eyes, inhaling its clean scent. Mom had loved hibiscuses, but I loved roses. They reminded me of spring and all things new.
Child, that rose aint going to ease your heart. Move on? Let go? Stay on the path your heart has chosen? Aint nothing easy when the heart has laid claim.
My eyes popped open. You have got to be kidding me.
A dry, rasping cackle that sounded like it was one step away from death confirmed who stood behind me. I wheeled around. Standing in the middle of the walkway, bent over a gnarly cane, was Grandma Piperioracle extraordinaire. Her hair looked like it had the last time Id seen her, like its enormous weight would topple her over.
She smiled, stretching her way-too-thin skin. It looked a bit grotesque and crazy. Do you know why a heart lays claim? Survival. That heart lays its claim to ensure survival of its kind.
Once again, I was standing in front of the oracle and she was sprouting the craziest crap Id ever heard. Why didnt you tell me my mother was a daimon? I clenched the fragile stem of the rose in my fist. Why didnt you tell me the truth?
Piperi cocked her head to the side. Child, I only speak in truths. I gave you the truths.
You told me nothing!
No. No. She shook her head. I told you everything.
I gaped at her. You told me a bunch of crazy crap that didnt make any sense! You could have just said Hey, youre the second coming of the Apollyon. Youre mother is a daimon and shes going to try to turn you. And oh, by the way, shes going to try to kill your friend!
Isnt that what I told you, child?
No! I screamed, throwing the rose to the ground. Thats not what you told me.
Piperi clucked her tongue. Then you didnt listen with those ears. People never do. Only ever hear what they want to hear.
Oh. My. Gods. Woman, youre the reason my mom left here in the first place. She was turned into a damn daimon. If you hadnt told her about me
Your momma wanted to save yousave you from your fate. If she hadnt, youd be nothing but a memory and a fear long forgotten. Just like all you who mix the breeds. What they want you two for, what they planned. She shook her head again and when she looked at me, sorrow etched across his face. They fear you, fear what comes from you. I told you, child. I told you that your path was filled with dark things that must be done.
I blinked. Uh okay.
Piperi hobbled forward, stopping in front of me. She only came up to my shoulders, but I remembered how strong she was. I took a step back. She cackled, but this time the laugh ended in a wretched wheezing sound. Gods, I hoped she didnt keel over right here. She lifted her head, giving me a big, toothless
smile. Do you want to know about love, child?
Oh, come on. I groaned. You make me want to hurt myself.
But love, child, love is the root of all that is good, and the root of all things that are evil. Love is the root of the Apollyon.
I shifted to my other foot. Yeah, I think this is around the time I say goodbye. I hope you have a nice trip back to whatever hut you crawled out of.
Her free hand snaked out, covering mine. Her skin felt papery thin, dry, and so gross. I tried to jerk my hand back, but she held on. Her strength was unnatural. Her eyes fastened on me. Listen to me, child. Fate is afoot. Things cannot be undone. Fate has looked into the past and into the future. History is on repeat, but this is the time to press stop. To change everything.
I dont know what youre talking about. Im sorry. Youre not making
Listen to me!
Im listening! But could you speak a coherent sentence for once?
Piperis fingers slid over mine, and then she let go, wheezing. I aint nothing no more. You must see what Ive shown you. Hear what I have spoken. Nothing is what it seems. Evil hides in the shadows, plotting its plans while you fear the daimons.
I scowled. I dont fear daimons.
Her black eyes pierced me. You should fear those who follow the old ways. Those who do not seek change and cannot allow things to continue as they are. And what a path, what a path the Powers have chosen. The end, the end is near. He, she japed at the sky, will see to it.
I rolled my eyes. Oh, for the love of the gods, this makes no sense.