Hey, there, brother he said.
I arched a brow. Deacon, what are you doing?
Lukes shoulders squared, and then he stepped in front of Deacon. It was my idea, Aiden.
Not really. Deacon rolled his eyes. I felt the presence of another god and I told Luke
But I suggested that we try to find out whats going on. Luke drew in a deep breath. You guys have been keeping us out of the loop on everything, and this stuff involves us, too.
Probably because its safer that way for you, I pointed out.
Luke shook his head. Honestly, considering how screwed-up everything is right now? With Evil Alex locked up in the basement and a war brewing, keeping us safe isnt a top priority. We should
know whats going on. We could help.
My respect for the young half-blood fought to show itself in the form of a smile. How could you two help?
We havent quite figured that part out yet, Deacon replied, leaning against the wall. But Im sure theres something. And I think Leas going to kick our asses if shes forced to spend one more evening with us.
I frowned. Where is Lea?
The half-blood had been through enough, and all of us had been keeping an eye on her. First, shed lost her father and stepmother in a daimon attack orchestrated by Alexs mother, and then Seth had killed her sister during his attack on the Council. I knew her ties to those deaths had gotten to Alex.
Sleeping, my brother answered, craning his neck, trying to see around me. Which god was here?
There was no reason to keep that a secret. Dionysus.
Dude? Are you serious? Deacon looked crestfallen. Hes like my favorite god of all time.
Why doesnt that surprise me? Luke muttered.
And it didnt surprise me either. Even though Deacon had substantially cut back on the drinking, he could easily be mistaken for Dionysus soul-twin.
I had a decision to makesend them away or treat them like the adults they almost were. Luke wasor had beenmonths shy of graduation. Soon he wouldve been out in the world hunting daimons, but part of me balked at the idea of drawing Deacon into this further than he already was.
But I couldnt baby Deacon for the rest of his life. Perhaps Id done too much of that already, which might explain some of his previous behavior and why he didnt feel comfortable talking to me about his relationship with Luke.
I nodded. Come on.
Both of them looked like Id just professed my love for Seth, but they shot forward as if worried Id change my mind. Following them into the den, I rolled my eyes when Apollo arched a brow.
Okay, Apollo said, looking around the room. Now that everyone who is anyone is here, we have one more thing to discuss.
Luke grinned as he moved to stand beside Solos, and my brother went to the chair furthest away from Apollo. I couldnt figure out his aversion to Apollo, and dear gods, if those two had something going on, I might have to hurt someone.
Alex, Marcus said, leaning against the desk. His right hand absently spun a nearby globe.
Apollo grimaced, and I knew this was going to be bad. The only hope we have of preventing a full-scale war is if Alex. comes around and agrees to take out Seth.
In the past, Alex never wouldve agreed to that, but now? If we could somehow reach her and break the bond, would she go after Seth? And did I even want her to? She could get hurt die. As a Sentinel, I needed to accept those risks, but as a man, I couldnt when it came to Alex.
We have found a way to break the bond. temporarily, Apollo continued. He blinked, and bright blue irises appeared. I had to look away, because it reminded me of how Alex hated the god eyes and how Apollo toned them down for her. It will give us time to find a permanent solution.
Everything centered on what Apollo had just said. A temporary break in the connection was better than nothing. The rush of anticipation couldnt be stopped and it almost knocked me on my ass. What temporary fix?
Youre not going to like itnone of you are going to like itbut its the only option that we have at this point.
My hands flexed. Just get on with it. Whats the fix?
Apollos brows furrowed. I was pretty sure that if it werent for the friendship wed cultivated during hunts, he wouldve blasted my ass by now. Ive spoken with Ananke
No, Marcus said before I could open my mouth. He pushed off the desk. There is only one reason why youd be speaking with Ananke, and the answer is no.
The god folded his arms and the way his entire face hardened, I could tell he wasnt used to being told no. I know that the thought is unsavory.
A hot rush of rage twisted my insides into raw knots. Unsavory isnt a word Im shooting for, I grated out.
Okay, I dont get it. Deacon brushed the flop of blond curls out of his eyes and frowned. Im totally failing Myths and Legends. Who in the hell is Ananke?
The fondness in Lukes voice ruined his smirk. Besides the fact that shes the momma of the Fates and of destiny, she rules over compulsion and all forms of slavery and bondagebondage as in imprisonment.
Our ability to use compulsion is gifted from Ananke, Marcus explained, eyes narrowed. Shes a lesser-known goddess, practically forgotten.