“How long do we have?”
“Not long enough, maybe a week. Hephaestus is already weakening.” Apollo clenches his fists.
“So we were right about one thing. Hephaestus is next but we also have to prepare for war. Who will we see in battle? Old friends in the enemies’ ranks? How much blood has to be shed for greed and power?”
“The hammer could tip the scales enough for the queen to stop the war, but Olympus is divided down the middle on this war.” Hermes grips his staff so hard his knuckles turn white. “It’s not pretty and we won’t be of much assistance in the coming days.”
“That’s just fantastic. You’re telling us that we’re on our own in a war against gods, monsters, and other demigods when a good majority of the students in this academy barely know how to fight and at least half are bickering and bullying each other about their godly parents being on the wrong side?”
Jayden pulls me into his arms and I rest my head back on his shoulder. This is worse than anything before. We are under the wire when it comes to the last artifact and have to find a way for the idiots at the academy to get along.
“There is one thing we may be able to assist with.” Hermes glances at Apollo who nods.
“What is it?” I ask.
“Two things actually. I have a charm for you. With this, you will never lose your way again.” Hermes hands me a charm in the shape of his caduceus.
“Technically, that wasn’t my fault. We ended up in another realm, which we need to discuss at some point because this warwe’re facing is a catalyst for something that’s going to happen across the nexus, as Rosalind put it.” I raise a brow at them.
“You met Rosalind?” Apollo asks. “How did I not see that coming?”
“So many things are happening and this is only the beginning.”
“Yes, I know but those other incidents only concern you four if you choose it. There are others who must stand for their own destinies.” Apollo glances at Kira and the guys.
“One war at a time, brother.” Hermes claps Apollo on the shoulder. “Let’s go remove the brainwashing from the team from before.”
“Wait, you know how to do that?” Raven perks up.
“It was never about not knowing how. It was always about having the power to, and since I have my item of power back, I can help.”
We race into the dungeon and skid to a halt at the female laughter in the room. “Shit. What is she doing here again?”
“Again?” Apollo asks. “What do you mean? Halfling Academy is off-limits for her.”
“She’s not actually here. She is controlling one of the students. She’s taunting us because we haven’t figured out how to undo the mind control.” I cross my arms.
“Well, it’s a good thing that we’ve come bearing gifts.” Apollo grins.
“What?” Hera’s voice coming from Zeke is shrill.
“Be gone, Hera. You can never control these kids again.” Hermes raises a hand and blinding light fills the dark dungeon.
I turn my head into Jayden’s chest as the queen screams insults at Hermes and Apollo until the light fades. Three distinct male groans of pain reach my ears and I spin to the cells.
“What am I doing here?” Zeke asks. “Are we in a dungeon? Why? What happened? Last I remember we were… Mia. She did something to us.”
“She did,” Apollo says, crouching next to his own son on the ground. “You okay?”
“I think so, but everything is blurry.” He shakes his head.
“You three were mind-controlled.” Hermes leans against the wall.
“Again?” Zeke roars. “Fuck. That’s so not cool. How do we stop it from happening again?”
“I have charms for everyone who is loyal to the academy.” Apollo pulls something from his pocket.
“Wait, why are you helping? I thought you were on the queen’s side?” Zeke backs away from Apollo’s offering.
