While Aiden read, I sketched a really bad version of the Apollo and Daphne statue outside. Several times, Aiden glanced over and made comments about the drawing. He offered to pay for art classes at one point. I punched him in the arm for that.
Giving up on my masterpiece, I checked to see what page he was on. As I stared at the symbol on each page, I felt a tightening in my throat. Instead of thinking about Telly or Romvi, I thought of the pure Id killed in the Catskills. Leaning back in the chair, I rubbed my hands over my thighs. The feel of shoving a blade into a pure was much different than shoving one into a daimon, even a half daimon.
There were always choices, and once again, Id made the wrong decision. Actually, Id made a string of bad decisions over a short period of time, but that one kind of took the cake. I couldve disarmed the pure-blood Guard. I couldve done something other than what I had done. Id killed him and still didnt even know his name.
Hey, Aiden said softly. Are you okay?
Yep. I lifted my head, forcing a smile. Find anything out yet?
He was watching me intently. I could feel it, even after I returned to staring at my hands. Just why the Order was established, he said. It appears that they were created by usthe pure-bloodsas an organization to keep the old ways alive and to protect the gods. And it looks like even a few chosen half-bloods were initiated into the Order.
Great. I smoothed my hands over the table. Do the gods need protection?
It doesnt seem to be in the way youd think, but more like protecting their existence from mortals and those who might be a threat to the gods. Aiden turned back to the book, flipping several chapters ahead. It does say the members are marked, which would explain the tattoo if they do belong to the Order. But there is something else.
What? I glanced at him. What is it?
He took a deep breath and slid the book toward me. Weve all misread it. Understandable since its how its phrased. Look at this.
Aiden was pointing at the section on the Apollyon. The reaction from the gods, particularly the Order of Thanatos, was swift and righteous. Both Apollyons were executed without trial .
I sat back, understanding sinking in. It wasnt Thanatos who killed them, but the Order of Thanatos.
Aiden
was soft, yet full of authority. You need to come with us.
Every damn kid in the class turned and stared. Grabbing my bag, I met Deacons wide eyes. I headed toward the front of the class, forcing a whateva smile on my face. But my knees were shaking.
Council Guards calling someone out of class was never a good thing.
There was a low murmur radiating from where Cody and Jackson sat. I ignored them and followed the Guards out. No one spoke as we walked through the halls and up the ridiculous number of steps. Dread continued to weave its way through me. Marcus wouldnt have sent Council Guards to retrieve me. Hed have sent Linard, or Leon, even Aiden.
Covenant Guards opened the door to Marcus office, and I was ushered in. My gaze traveled over the room, quickly seeking out the occupant.
My step faltered.
Head Minister Telly stood in front of Marcus desk, hands clasped behind him. Those pale eyes sharpened the moment our gazes locked. The gray seemed to have spread from his temples since the last time Id seen him, now peppering his hair. Instead of the lavish robes hed donned during the Council, he wore a simple white tunic and linen pants.
The door shut with a soft click behind me. I spun around. There were no Guards, no Marcus. I was completely alone with Head Minster Douchebag. Great.
Will you sit, Miss Andros?
I turned around slowly, forcing myself to take a deep breath. I prefer to stand.
But I prefer that you sit, he replied evenly. Take a seat.
A direct order from the Head Minister was something I couldnt refuse. But it didnt mean I was just going to bend right over for him. I made my way to the chair as slowly as possible, smiling on the inside when I saw the muscle in his jaw begin to tick.
What can I do for you, Head Minister? I asked after I made a show of placing my bag by my feet, smoothing out my sweater, and getting comfortable.
Disgust filled his gaze. I have some questions for you about the night you left the Council.
Acid was eating its way through my stomach. Shouldnt Marcus be here? And dont you have to wait till my legal guardian is present? Lucian is in New York, where you should be.
I see no reason to include them in this unseemly business. He turned his attention to the aquarium, watching the fish for a few moments while I grew more uncomfortable. After all, both of us know the truth.
That he was a giant asshat? Everyone knew that, but I doubted that was what he was getting at. What truth?
Telly laughed as he turned around. I want to chat with you about the night the daimons and furies attacked the Council, about the real reason you fled.
My heart stuttered, but I kept my face blank. I thought you knew. The daimons were after me. So were the furies. See, I was terribly popular by the end of the night.