Several moments passed, and then she pressed against me, wiggling until she wedged her body under my arm. She curled up, her head resting against my chest and my arms folded across hers. You are very nice, even if you say mean things you do not mean.
I shook my head, but I wrapped my arms around her. Did I ever tell you about the first time I saw you?
She shivered. No.
Closing my eyes, I felt her snuggle closer. My hand curled into the thick material of her sweater. I rested my chin on her head. I was sixteen and you were probably fourteen.
I cant remember fourteen.
Thats okay. I remember for both of us. I counted to ten before I continued, making sure my voice didnt give. It was toward the end of the day and I was heading into the training rooms with a friend. Classes were still going on, and I was walking by the doorit was openand I heard laughter. Something you dont usually hear during training. I had to stop and see what was going on.
It was the first time Id seen her. No one could miss her. She was the smallest in the room, shorter and skinnier than all of her opponents, but that wasnt why she stuck out. Thered been this impish grin on her face, an energy that was infectious as shed bounced around the mats, circling a tall, blond-haired boy. The Instructor had been irritated, no doubt by her and the attention she was drawing from a pure and an entire class riveted on her. But once Id seen her, I couldnt look away. It was like being hit by lightning.
You were training with Calwith a friendgoing through takedown moves. He kept trying to get the upper hand, but you kept laying him out, laughing the entire time. Both of you were laughing. Thats why I looked.
Did you know me then? she asked sleepily.
No.
I held her closer, as if I could somehow pull her inside me and keep her safe. But I knew, in that moment, you were amazing.
CHAPTER 9
APOLLO SHOWED UP JUST AFTER ALEXS FOURTH DOS-age with no news. The Sentinels hadnt reached New York. Theyd stopped in Pennsylvania and scattered. The Khalkotauroi followed. Seth and Lucian were still outside of Nashville. From the look of it, their army had nearly doubled.
Having so many Sentinels willing to side with them wasnt that surprising to me. Theyd been offered something none of us had ever provided, and they were willing to die for freedom.
And there was a good chance they would, according to Apollo.
Hades, Poseidon, and Demeter, Apollo ticked the names off on his fingers, his eyes a vibrant blue. And Ares, who is thrilled by the way, and Hermes, and Hera have all pledged war.
Hera? I rubbed my chin. At least we have Zeus.
Apollo rolled his eyes. That doesnt mean much. Hes probably only siding with us to upset Hera, but we do have Athena and Artemis. Thats something.
So, they are willing to wait and see? To give us time?
He nodded. They do not want to see another war. Not after what happened with the Titans. So many mortals were lost during that time, and with the population now, the loss would be several times larger.
And our only hope was that Alex could somehow break the connection with Seth and defeat him. I looked at the sleeping girl curled beside me on the couch. The outlook was bleak.
And no ones found anything to break the connection?
Apollo sighed. Theres nothing that any of us can find, Aiden. Not in the old myths or scrolls. And if one of the other six know, they arent telling. He glanced at Alex and fondness crept into the coldness of his voice. As did a great sadness that caused dread to explode in my gut. Ive run through all the prophecies. They havent changed. One to destroy. One to save. Only one can live during any generation.
He leaned back, shaking his head. I cant let my brethren go to war.
I placed my hand on Alexs shoulder. Are you giving up on her?
Im preparing for the worst. Apollo stood. And dont hit me, Aiden, but I think you need to start preparing for it, too.
My skin burned and I said in a tight voice, Youve asked me to put her on the Elixir, and I told you then that you asked too much, but I did it. Asking me to give up is unacceptable.
Its not giving up. He crouched, meeting my stare. I would make sure she was taken care of, even allow her to visit you. We could do a Persephone thing.
I sucked in a shrill breath that came back out sounding like a growl. Youre asking me to let you kill her.
I would make sure there was no pain, he said, standing again. He turned his backdaring considering I was close to shoving a dagger into it. This isnt easy for me. I care for her. She is basically a child of mine. And Ive watched over her for years, far longer than youve known her. He faced me, hands on his hips. This would not just be your loss, but only one of them can live and I cant do a thing about Seth. Nor do I know who hes linked to.
My hand curled into a fist as I moved to stand between Alex and Apollo. Get out.
Aiden
I mean it. Get out.
His eyes flashed to all-white. No pupils. No irises. I only allow you to speak to me like this because I know your love and pain, because I have felt it myself. Hyacinth wasnt turned into a flower by my brethren. It was I who did it. It was the only way I could save him from them. So I know what love does and the pain that comes from that kind of sacrifice. But make no mistake, I do not regret what I had to do. And I will do it again.