Page 60 of Blood of Olympus

Athena turned to her mortal friend. “Sophocles, we need to send word to all of Ephemeron’s nations. All must know what’s coming and I feel this news would be better received if it comes from another mortal.”

The old man nodded, summoning Elias from where he stood against the wall. “You heard her, boy. We’ve got work to do.”

“And Soph?”

“Yes, my lady?”

“Be sure to include an invitation to meet and speak in person. Somewhere neutral. And soon.”

“Yes, my lady. The next full moon will suit, I think. And I know just the place.” He winked before hurrying from the room with the boy in tow.

“That’s an entire week away.” Artemis pursed her lips, staring at a large island on the southern edge of the map. Lunaris — where her people resided — still unaware of the threats hanging over their heads.

Apollo reached over to grasp his sister’s hand, offering what little comfort he was able.

“Are you sure we shouldn’t go to our people and warn them ourselves?” she asked, her midnight eyes relaying her keen distress.

Athena was the one to answer. “No. We shouldn’t separate unless absolutely necessary. Kronos is likely hoping we’ll do just that, so he — or his soldiers — can pick us off one by one.”

Overwhelm crashed over me and suddenly, I didn’t feel capable of leading an entire army to war; of ushering some to their certain deaths.

Deaths I wouldn’t be able to reverse no matter how much I might wish otherwise.

We were only here because of my decision to bring Caelus back — a decision I still could not find within myself to regret, not even now.

He flipped his hand beneath mine, interlocking our fingers with a light squeeze.

Don’t go there, his voice rumbled through my mind.

Go where?

To whichever dark corner of your mind you just inhabited. We’re going to get through this.

I shot him a small, grateful smile.

Or not, he continued with a slight shrug. But at least if we go, we go together.

Gee, thanks for that, I drawled. Super convincing. A huff of laughter whooshed out my nose.

It worked, though, didn’t it? His returning grin was warmer than the sun, and in that moment, I felt truly seen.

Like maybe, just maybe, we really could do this.

The chances were slim, but maybe we could win.

Fate fucking owed us at least a chance.

CHAPTER 17

Caelus

Velira and Lykos had, by far, been the most enthusiastically welcomed by the Athenians. Everywhere they went, people stopped to stare. Children ran behind them, giggling and dodging their tails — and whenever Vel flew overhead, they would run in the streets with their arms outstretched, mimicking her.

Athenos was in the midst of Spring — a season I knew bothered both Nyssa and Demeter for the same reasons. The mortals still thanked Persephone for the balmy air, the blooming flowers, and the cycles of life that so intrinsically connected with this time of year. They knew, of course, that she was no longer responsible for such things, but despite the fact that mortal lives are so incredibly short, their traditions endure far longer than they do.

That’s not to say that mortals couldn’t embrace change, because the Athenians, at least, had been quick to accept the fact that war was on their horizon, and that they were to host an entire council of gods for the foreseeable future — something that had never been done. Olympians didn’t stay in Ephemeron for extended periods. We visited mortals, blessed them, fucked them on occasion — more often than not resulting in the births of demi-gods — then left them to worship at their alters.

Whilst in Athenos, we were given an entire wing of Aegis Academy, just outside of Ithacene. The Academy was home to any in Ephemeron who decided they valued knowledge above all else. Some were dedicated to studying the art of warfare — training to become Ephemeron’s key generals — while others chose to specialise in different vocations.