“The guys around here are absolutely ridiculous,” I mutter under my breath.
“I think what you meant to say was thoughtful. We know how important you are and somehow Raven became the same. We just want you guys to be safe and at full power to face our enemies.” Jayden plops some creamy mashed potatoes on my plate as I grab a few pieces of smoked brisket.
“It is thoughtful but that doesn’t mean I won’t tease him relentlessly over it.”
“I would expect nothing less. I’m sure Raven does the same. I mean, he kind of just became the snack mom out of necessity. We all know that you and Raven don’t think about food in the heat of the moment, so someone has to save you from your own hyperfixation on killing monsters.”
“Thank you so much for that lovely vote of confidence, babe.” I shake my head.
When my plate is piled higher than normal, I turn to our table and curse. “What is he doing here?”
“Maybe there is news about the battle on Olympus?” Jayden is already moving toward our table where the sun god sits waiting patiently for our arrival.
“Finally.” Raven throws her hands up. “He wouldn’t tell us anything until you got here.”
“Do you have news?” I ask, setting my plate down on the table.
Jayden pulls out my chair for me and I smile but it’s forced and we all know it.
“It’s more of a request than actual news.” Apollo rubs his temples.
“What kind of request? Is the queen sending more monsters to attack us?” My stomach twists at the thought of the battle coming to us again so soon.
“I don’t believe the queen is worried about the academy at the moment. Both sides of this battle have their hands full.” Apollo rests his elbows on the table in front of him.
“Eat while he talks, baby,” Jayden says. “It sounds like we won’t get a meal like this again for a bit.”
“Probably not.” Apollo sighs. “There is something dark stalking the Olympians. He escaped the underworld and is wreaking havoc on Olympus.”
“Artemis and Orion can take down the Titan, right?” I ask. “We heard about Typhon getting out. How can we help?”
“My sister is the best hunter in the world. I’m sure she can catch the bastard and put him back under the mountain. That’s not what I need you nine to help me with. All of you have wielded your parents’ power and are gods touched in some way or another. You may be the tipping point in this war.”
“If we do this and leave our people behind to help in Olympus, will the queen attack the academy?” I ask.
“Not unless you fail. But if that happens, it will be too late anyway.” Apollo rests his chin on his hands.
“What if we brought some help for Artemis and Orion?” Dax asks. “I’m sure my brothers would love an opportunity to hunt a Titan.”
“My brothers and sisters would as well,” Adrian says.
“If we’re asking both Ares and Apollo houses, we can’t leave the Athena students out. Sara will skin us alive and laugh the entire time.” I bring the fork full of mashed potatoes to my lips when Jayden glares at my food.
“Yes, I believe my sister and Orion would appreciate some help.” Apollo nods.
“Okay,” Jayden says. “After the feast, we’ll call everyone together and ask for volunteers.”
“I hate to rush you all, I know this is a somber occasion to respect those who died in battle, but the gods are tearing each other apart up there and I fear more damage will come to earth as they continue to weaken,” Apollo says.
“I’m guessing the ones you really need are the girls, but they won’t go without us. Beth won’t be of any use if she’s not topped up magically and for that she needs fuel. Eat, baby, then we’re going on another adventure into the unknown.” Jayden kisses my temple.
“Great,” I mumble around a piece of meat.
Apollo fidgets, drumming his fingers on the table as we all eat in silence. My mind races with the possibilities. What are we getting ourselves into by going to Olympus and inserting ourselves into a war among the gods? How can a bunch of demigods help millennia old gods and goddesses win a civil war in a place we’ve never been to our entire lives?
“What if no one volunteers to help Artemis?” I ask.
“That’s not gonna happen,” Dax says. “My brothers are all itching for glory. Especially Brody after he was mind-controlled on his last mission. Jackson too.”
