Apollo smirked. Isnt that what happened?
I am not one of your servants, brother. Next time I will break that finger off and shove it so far up your
We have an audience. Apollo gestured toward us, and I was sure we all wore the same expression of shock and awe. And no one wants to hear about the things you like to do in your spare time, Dionysus.
The god of wine and nonstop partying laughed at his brother and dropped into a chair. He stretched out his long legs and rubbed the scruff along his chin. The least you could do is make sure I have some refreshments here.
Marcus jerked to attention. We can get something. Theres wine
Not necessary. Apollos eyes narrowed. And the least you can do is hold a conversation for five minutes without being drunk.
Whatever. Dionysus turned his head toward us and chuckled. Part of me wondered if he was drunk now. Two pure-bloods and a half, but theres something much, much more in this house. His eyes flared as he sniffed the air. Ah, yes, the little female Apollyon is here.
I stiffened at the obvious sound of interest in Dionysus voice.
Apollo shot me a look, one that warned that no other god would be as tolerant as hed been when it came to throwing punches. You know shes here and you know thats not why youre here.
Is that why you had Ananke in a tizzy this morning? Dionysus smiled gamely.
At the sound of Anankes name, a thousand violent emotions roared alive inside me. I started to move but stopped. Coiled tension locked up my muscles. Apollo wouldnt dare. Even Solos had paled. Everyone knew who and what Ananke presided over, and it didnt bode well for Alex. Rage rendered me speechless, and before I could recover, Marcus spoke.
Why are you involving Ananke?
Apollo waved him off. Now is not the time to discuss that. Dionysus has gained information that has all of Olympus preparing for war.
Dionysus
yawned. As much as politics and blood bore me, I am of great use when it comes to gleaning information from those who are in the know.
Wine and drink, Solos murmured.
Loosen the tongue, Dionysus finished, grinning. There is an encampment of sorts surrounding the movement of Lucian and the First. Damn near the size of an army. They have moved to just outside the Tennessee Covenant. My brothers and sisters are watching them closely.
Dammit. If Seth and Lucian went after the Council there, the gods would retaliate again, and more innocent lives would be lost.
There are over a hundred half-blood Sentinels and Guards with them, he added as an afterthought.
Dear gods, Solos muttered, rubbing his temple.
Whatever the two are selling, those people are buying like crack addicts. Dionysus studied his fingernails, appearing bored. No offense, but the halfs are like idiot cousins if they truly believe siding against us is wise.
I didnt have to look at Solos to know that comment didnt sit well with him. Lucian is probably offering them the one thing no one ever has.
And that is? Dionysus asked.
Freedom. I sat on the arm of the couch. The freedom to do as they please and to not be indebted to the pures in any form.
But this one is free, is he not? Dionysus gestured at Solos.
Free? Solos straightened. If I may be blunt?
Sure, the god replied. Why not?
Solos took a shallow breath. Becoming a Sentinel was the lesser of two evils. My choices were to allow myself to become indentured and have everything that I am stripped away from me, or this life, which is one that most likely ensures an early grave. How is that freedom?
Dionysus brows knitted. Do you not feel that your duty is honorable enough?
It has nothing to do with his duty, I cut in, glancing at Apollo. The halfs who are Guards and Sentinels believe in their duties and will give their lives for them, but we havent given them any choicenot the same kind of choice I had. And if Lucian is tempting them with the idea of choosing their own destinies, then can we really blame them?
I understand that desire, Aiden, and maybe there is a need for change, but we cannot allow Lucian to lead them to war against us, Apollo said. And I know what youre thinkingthat those following him are innocent in their naiveté, but that does not change the outcome if they go against us.
Which is exactly what theyre planning, Dionysus said, much to everyones dismay. A night ago, I made sure several halfs who were with Lucian were well-stocked in the whiskey department and sent in a few of my girls. Ive learned that they are planning to make a move on the New York Covenant, but are waiting for Seth and his little girlfriend.
My teeth were going to break from how hard I was clenching them. Marcus leaned forward, clasping his hands together. What I dont understand is how none of you can take out Lucian.
We cant get near him. He is always accompanied by the First. Dionysus shrugged. And we cannot harm him , but he can harm us.
A few bruises, I said. Without him being at full power, he cant kill you.
Dionysus brows rose. He killed Thanatos furie.