Not to mention Im sure shed just vomit the food back up. I thrust my fingers through my hair as I headed toward the den. There was an unnatural stirring in the air, a fissure of power.
A god-like power.
Heads up, guys, Apollo is not in a good mood, Solos announced, and my stomach sank. I dont think he was successful in finding a way to break the bond. I hate to say it
I whirled so fast on the half-blood that he took an unsteady step back. Then dont say it.
Aiden, Marcus warned.
Solos held up his hands. Look, all Im saying is that we have to consider the possibility that we cant break the bond.
There is nothing else to consider. I took a deep breath, searched for the patience Id cultivated while raising my brother, and didnt find it. Well find a way.
And if we dont? Solos shot back, shaking his head. Do we let her out of the cage so she and Seth can go all Bonnie-and-Clyde on the world? Or do we let her rot in the basement and starve to death?
Solos, I am warning you that it would be wise to stop, Marcus said.
Dont get me wrong. I like Alex. I think shes a pretty cool kid, Solos went on. But isnt it more humane to put her out of her misery instead
My fist connected with his jaw before I even knew what I was doing. His head jerked back as he staggered to the side. I shot forward, grabbing him by his shirt, and slammed him into the wall, rattling several paintings.
Aiden! Marcus yelled.
We are not going to harm Alex, I snarled, lifting the Sentinel onto the tips of his boots. We arent going to touch a hair on her head. Do you understand me?
Solos eyes bugged. I know you love her
You dont know shit. You sure as hell dont know the lengths I will go to keep her safe. I dropped him and he slumped against the wall. And if that means killing one half-blood to make sure nothing happens to her, I wont hesitate.
As entertaining as you going all grrr on Solos is, we need to talk, came Apollos booming voice from inside the den. So knock it off, Aiden.
Solos straightened, cupping his jaw. Aiden, I didnt mean
Save it. I spun around and passed Marcus, storming into the den. Upon taking one look at Apollo, my eyes narrowed. Dont say it.
Oh, you going to hit me again? I kind of liked it that first time.
No way was I going there. I crossed the room and brushed back a heavy curtain. Night had fallen over the tall elm and oak trees. Their branches were still bare, like skeletonsa landscape I wouldve once
found beautiful now seemed desolate and without hope.
Have you discovered anything? Marcus asked.
I have, but we have bigger problems than Alex right now.
Facing both of them, I leaned against the cool windowpane. How so?
Part of me is afraid to ask, Marcus said. Solos snickered, and then winced. Moving to the leather sofa, Marcus sat. Because I really dont know what could be worse than Alex turning on all of us.
Apollo arched a brow. Oh, this has it beat.
Are you just dragging this out for dramatic effect? My patience was seriously lacking.
The eerie whites of his eyes crackled, and the scent of burning ozone filled the room. Marcus shook his head, but I raised my brows, unfazed, because honestly, nothing really fazed me anymore.
Apollos lips twitched into a smirk. Theres a war brewing.
CHAPTER 2
OKAY, I GUESSED IT WAS KIND OF HARD TO TOP THAT. A dry, biting laugh escaped me as I pushed off the window. A war?
Now that he had everyones attention, Apollo seemed to grow in height. A war between the gods and those following the First.
Marcus cursed. Hed been doing that a lot lately. The gods are going to take on Seth?
Theyre planning to take on Seth and anyone who stands with him. His lip curled with distaste. That would include Lucian.
There is no way Lucian could amass such a following. Solos leaned over the back of the couch. Joining him would be insanity.
But Lucian has the Apollyon. That alone holds an appeal. Marcus leaned back, looking as weary as I felt.
You are correct, Apollo replied. We have gained knowledge that many are siding with him.
Do you have spies? I asked, curious.
Apollo smiled, and it was just as creepy as Alexs childish giggle had been earlier. He snapped his finger and there was a burst of raw power that rolled through the room like a shockwave. A blue light shimmered beside Apollo and a human shape began to take form.
A mannearly seven feet tall, with a crop of spiky blond hairappeared. He bore a striking resemblance to Apollo and shared the same, all-white eyes. Dressed in cargo shorts, flip flops, and a Jimmy Buffett shirt, he looked like a college dropout.
And he was a god.
Maybe one day Id get used to gods popping in and out like no tomorrow, but after spending my entire life never seeing one, it was almost overwhelming to stand in the same room with some of the most powerful creatures to ever exist.
Apparently some of the most pissed off, too.
Marcus shot to his feet quickly and bowed, along with Solos and me. Not that the god noticed. He turned to Apollo with a fierce scowl. You snap your fingers and demand I just appear? Like I have nothing better to do?