Page 101 of Blood of Olympus

You’ve earned it, Caelus reassured, understanding my rising confusion better than even I did. They’re waiting for you to speak.

Speak?

The warm, honeyed tenor of his laugh bounced around my mind, lighting up the places it touched so that I was joyous too.

Yes, speak. Say something inspirational.

I don’t know how to do that.

Sure, you do. Just tell them how you feel, then.

I don’t think they’re ready for that.

Trust me, they are.

I cleared my throat, and anyone who hadn’t been outright staring at me now used that as permission to do so.

“Thank you all for coming. If you’re here voluntarily, consider me honoured. If you’re here because someone dragged you, then I’m sorry, but you’re here to stay because this room is full. And if you’re here for refreshments, I regret to inform you that you chose the wrong room entirely.”

And just like that, the silence shattered. The chamber filled with the sounds of genuine laughter — and in Aphrodite’s case, an old wench’s cackle.

Good start, keep going, Caelus urged.

“Tonight, we find out which of Ephemeron’s nations will stand with us in this war.”

Mirth fled the room — in its place, stark solemnity.

“We shall meet with representatives of all mortal nations and ask them to stake the lives of their people and that of themselves to fight against true tyranny. Kronos does not care which of you fall as he paves his new kingdom, he cares only that your blood and your bones can be ground well enough to make mortar for his stones.

“To all of you not making the journey to the Isle, thank you for seeing us off. I ask that you return home; that you kiss your children goodnight; that you sharpen your blades and polish your shields, because you will soon have use for them.

“To those journeying with us — we leave in ten minutes. Ready yourselves.”

The chamber slowly emptied, and I was on the receiving end of a multitude of solemn nods and murmured thanks. Eventually, only the gods and two mortals remained.

Aros clapped me on the shoulder with a suave grin. “Solid speech, darling — but not as good as mine.”

“Good luck to any who try to top you,” I laughed.

“I wouldn’t mind being topped every now and again,” he quipped with a wink. “As long as they don’t mind that I’ll then go on to finish them with an earthshattering org⁠—”

“Alright now!” Aph interrupted with a playful tilt to her lips. In mock-whisper she continued, “We don’t want to shatter Nyssa’s delicate sensibilities and scare her off of… other things… now that she’s finally opened her⁠—”

“Aphrodite,” Caelus rumbled, cutting her off.

“What?” She shrugged delicately, the wicked smirk remaining. “I was only going to say that your lordship has thoroughly opened her⁠—”

“Aph!” I scolded.

“—mind!” She cackled. “Honestly, you two are made for each other.”

Aros joined her, both of them snickering like children.

“What are we laughing at?” Evie asked, joyfully perplexed.

Through gritted teeth, I said, “Nothing.”

Her eyes narrowed, eerily like Aros’ had earlier this evening. “You guys fucked didn’t you?”