Page 120 of Lost

“Then, my dear, why did Stark not kill one Resistance member last night or capture one single blue vampyre traitor trying to flee?” Neferet asked in a winter-cold voice.

Aphrodite didn’t seem ruffled at all. “Simple. Changing the outcome of a vision is easy. All it takes is one person to do one small thing different than they potentially would have and,voila!Vision changed. Example—if just one member of the Resistance had a decent nose they would’ve smelled the Red Army and warned the others. Not my faulthewas too early.”

“You didn’t give me a time!” Stark said, thoroughly exasperated.

“I gave you a place and a very bloody outcome. Must I doeverythingfor you?”

“Enough!” Neferet raised her hand. Kevin felt the room change, become thick, heavy, oppressive. He couldn’t help himself. He looked directly at the High Priestess.

From behind and beneath her, Kevin saw the shadows begin to pulse and move. One of the shadows detached from the others, slithering across Neferet’s arm to wrap around her waist and disappear out of view.

Neferet’s green eyes found his.

Kevin lowered his gaze instantly, tasting the bile of complete terror in the back of his throat.

“I am not a child, Aphrodite. I do not need an explanation about how prophetic visions work. I am Nyx’s chosen one on earth. Do not forget that.”

Aphrodite bowed her head slightly. “I never forget that, High Priestess.”

“Good. General Stark, perhaps next time you should be sure all red vampyres remain inside closed vehicles untilafterthe Resistance members are trapped.”

“Yes, High Priestess,” Stark said expressionlessly.

“Now, Aphrodite, you may go to Dallas, but be quite sure you return in time for the football game tomorrow night. General Stark and I are planning a little New Year’s surprise, and I would hate for you to miss it.” She fluttered her well-manicured hand dismissively at Aphrodite. “You are excused.”

“Thank you, High Priestess,” Aphrodite said formally. She stood, and began a traditional bow, fisting her hand over her heart, but suddenly Aphrodite stumbled and would’ve fallen had Kevin not moved quickly forward and caught her elbow. She instantly jerked her arm away from him and tossed back her hair. “Eww! Didn’t I tell you never to touch me?”

“Yes, Prophetess.” Kevin rounded his shoulders and backed away from her.

“Aphrodite, are you quite well?”

Neferet’s sharp eyes were dissecting the Prophetess.

Aphrodite tossed back her hair and sighed heavily. “I’m fine. It’s probably his stench that’s making my stomach feel so sick. Stinky!” She glared over her shoulder at him. “Did you get those bottles of blood-laced wine I ordered from the kitchen?”

“Uh, n-no. I, I didn’t know you—”

“Oh, please. Just don’t speak.” Aphrodite narrowed her eyes at Stark. “Thanksso muchfor shackling me with that one.”

“But I—”

“Come on, Stinky! Must I always do everything? Now I have to wait for you to go to the kitchen. Goddess! As my mother says, good help is impossible to find.”

“Your mother is wise for a human,” said Neferet. “Aphrodite, you will take special care, won’t you? I’d hate for anything untoward to happen to you—especially before my surprise tomorrow night.”

“Oh, I’m fine. And I have Stinky here to protect me if we run into any Resistance members shopping at Nordstrom.” Aphrodite turned and met Kevin’s eyes—and he had to stop himself from gasping.

Her blue eyes were bloodshot. He was sure they hadn’t been when she entered the office.

Aphrodite went to the door, which Kevin opened quickly for her, and followed her out.

The instant the door closed behind them Aphrodite stumbled back, falling against Kevin.

“What is it?” he whispered urgently, putting his arm around her.

“Kev, get me to the town car. Now. It’s in the front row of the parking lot. Here’re the keys.” With trembling hands, she took them from a side pocket of her purse and handed them to Kevin.

Kevin grabbed her elbow, steadying her again, and they hurried down the hall away from Neferet’s office.