They were too young for thisfor this shit.
So was Alex.
So was I.
Hell.
The only person in the room who now watched me was my brother. A faint, sad smile appeared on his face. Alex would kick our asses for considering something like this, but. I think she would understand, Aiden. I think she would understand why.
Then Marcus stepped forward, placing his hand on my shoulder. I fought the urge to shake it off. And to hit himto hit something . But he was suffering, too. There was another thing that Alex feared. His voice was so low I doubted anyone besides Apollo could hear him. And you know what that was.
I did. Gods, did I ever know.
Alex feared losing herself to the Firstto Seth. And Id promised her, sworn that it would never happen. And it had. Id failed her. The sting of that festered and rotted inside me, but agreeing to the Elixir was no better. It would be just another way Id failed her.
Stepping away from Marcus, I dragged my fingers through my hair. No one really talked for a few moments. The silence was as bad as my threat. Finally, everyone started talking, tossing around more ideas. Take out Seth topped their list, but it wasnt possible. Move Alex further awaymaybe that would lessen the connection, give her breathing room, give us time to search for more runes and spells and prayers.
The best efforts just added to the hopelessness of the situation.
Apollo finally approached me. We need to talk in private.
I wanted him to just leave, but I nodded, and we slipped out and headed toward the empty kitchen. My steps were quick and harsh. There is no way youll be able to convince me that putting Alex on a souped-up version of the Elixir is the right thing to do.
He closed the door with the wave of his hand before speaking. I know you feel strongly for her.
I met his stare. I love her. You dont get that.
No. I do. You forget that I was with you when you hunted down Eric. I saw what no one else didhow affected you were by what had happened to Alex. And I know what you did to that daimon.
My jaw clenched and I looked away. He deserved it.
Im not contesting that.
What I had done to Eric wasnt something I was particularly proud of. Torture seemed too light of a word for what Id done. I swallowed hard. What are you getting at, Apollo?
He tilted his head to the side. The kind of love you hold for Alex is admirable, but Ive seen this love before. It has brought down entire civilizations. Need I remind you of Troy?
Is this a history lesson?
His eyes flashed. Okay. We wont talk about the glaring elephant in the room, Aiden.
Good.
I havent been entirely forthcoming with information, he said after a few moments.
I laughed darkly. Why doesnt that surprise me? Youve been a fountain of honesty.
Apollo ignored that. Since Zeus created the Apollyon thousands of years ago, the First has always been of my lineage.
What? I wasnt following him. Artemis said that Alex was of your lineage.
She is. He moved to the rack of wine and popped a cork. But throughout history, the Apollyon always has been an offspring of mine. To this day, I have no knowledge of who Solaris was descended from and I dont know who Seth hails from. This timeonly this timehas been different. Pausing, he poured himself a glass. Seth is the First, but he is not one of mine. Somehow, another god is responsible for him. And Id bet my laurel crown that this same god was responsible for Solaris.
He offered me a drink and I waved him off. Are you saying Alex was meant to be the First and Seth was the fluke?
Apollo shrugged. I dont know. And none of the gods are claiming responsibility for him.
Well, obviously, I said dryly.
A smirk graced his lips as he placed the wine back in the rack and then took a drink. Thats not the kicker, Aiden. Whoever is responsible for Seth is not claiming him for their own reasonthe same reason that Lucian would know spells to keep me out of his home.
You think a god is working with Lucianthe same god of Seths lineage?
Most likely, he said, downing the glass of wine. But theres another reason why that god would not stand up. Because he or she would know that there is another way to kill the Apollyon.
A sheet of ice slipped over me. What are you saying, Apollo?
The god linked to their bloodline is able to kill them. I can kill Alex.
CHAPTER 4
THE FLOOR SEEMED TO MOVE UNDER MY FEET AND THE walls changed from white paint to deep brown paneling. It took me a few moments to realize that I was walkingwalking away from Apollo, away from the bomb hed just dropped.
Of course he followed. Aiden, where are you going?
I was heading for the basement. I needed to put myself between Alex and and whoever came for her.
Apollo appeared in front of me, blocking my route. I stepped to the side, but he followed. Aiden, listen to me.
Im done listening.
This is not a threat, my friend. But if she is about to connect with the First, I will put her down. I have to He caught my fist, pushing me back. The entire world hinges on us not going to war.