Chapter Four
A pounding on the door startles me before Raven’s irate voice breaks through the hushed silence. “You guys better be decent because I’m coming in one way or another.”
“Uh-oh,” Jayden says with a small smile. “Someone’s in trouble.”
“Shut up,” I whisper, wiping under my eyes.
“This conversation isn’t over, my love. I can’t let you do this.” Jayden kisses my forehead and then opens the door for Raven.
“Where is she?” Raven growls.
Jayden moves over and Raven’s gaze snaps to mine. “You. You better not even think about it.”
She storms over to the bed and clutches my shoulders. Her grip is tight as if worried I’ll disappear if she doesn’t hold on tight. She might be right but for now, I’m not going anywhere.
“I have to at least consider it,” I say. “If it can save you all, would it be so bad?”
“That’s a big if and one I’m not willing to bet your life on. We need you.” Raven glares at me. “Don’t be an idiot.”
“I’m not one of your brothers. I know what I’m doing and if this can save everyone, I will do it.” I cross my arms over my chest.
Raven turns to Jayden with a raised brow. “What did you say about this?”
“You know I’m not going to let this happen. Why would you even ask me that?” Jayden asks.
“See? You’re outvoted. We aren’t going to let you do this.” Raven nods in satisfaction.
“If I do this, you won’t be able to stop me,” I say.
Am I being stubborn? Absolutely, but I don’t like being told what to do. The thought of losing anyone else is so painful that I’m constantly searching for ways out of this whole big mess. I would rather no one have to fight and die. If I have to sacrifice my life for theirs, then I will do it a hundred times over.
“I already told you that I will chain your ass to the bed to stop you, baby. Don’t test me,” Jayden growls.
“Kinky, but not the time, Jayden.” Raven rolls her eyes. “We need to find Hermes’ caduceus and stop thinking about the rantings of an evil queen.”
“Yes, let’s work on a plan that will actually happen rather than the ones that won’t.” Jayden nods his agreement.
“So you all just decided this?” I ask.
I hate how cavalier they are about their lives and a huge civil war among the gods. We won’t come out of something like that unscathed and I could stop it, but they are right. There are no assurances that Hera will end this craziness.
“Yes, you are too self-sacrificing and you jump in headfirst so no one else gets hurt. You can’t objectively make a decision like this.” Raven leans over me. “Don’t try me, Beth. It’s not happening.”
“Whatever.” I stand from the bed and trudge into my closet to get the book.
A furious knock sounds on the door and I throw my hands up in the air. This day just keeps getting better. Who could that be? The question is answered a minute later when Adrian and the others trail into my room.
“You can’t, Beth. She’s lying,” Adrian rasps. “I saw it. I saw the possibilities. That one doesn’t end the way you think. It can’t even be an option.”
“When did you have this vision?” I ask, suspicious.
“Not long after you disappeared from the dungeon. I came up here as soon as it was over.” Adrian runs a hand through his hair.
“This isn’t all bullshit to force me into a decision that puts you all at risk, is it?” I drop the book on the table.
“No, I wouldn’t lie about a vision like that.” Adrian shakes his head. “You can’t do it. We are all doomed to fail if you agree to this.”
“Why are you telling me this? You are never super forthcoming with your visions.”
