Page 252 of The Mortal Trials

He’d decided that we were worth any punishment the gods meted. He’s not even angry or surprised he’s here.

Today’s trial might start individually, but I’ll do everything in my power to find him as soon as I can and protect him from those consequences. It’s the least I can do to thank him.

But how have I thanked my sister?

I look at the feline ferocity in her eyes, remember that determined, intelligent stare, and wonder what she would do next.

Since she died, I’ve done nothing to prove that the words she said to the world about me were true. I haven’t been a hero. I haven’t been someone worth fighting or dying for. And I’m ashamed.

But today I have another chance to be the hero she saw in me when I couldn’t see her in myself and earn the admiration and anger she poured out on my behalf.

For the first time since her death, I want to live.

So, I’ll remember her advice. I’ll count to three. Think. Weigh. Measure. Then speak or act. I’ll try to be the person my sister knew I needed to become.

I smooth a hand over my stomach. The ivory bodysuit I found in the pile of Akira’s pale dresses is like the one I had before Torsten shredded it, but with different patterns of waved lines that ebb and flow over hollows and curves like layers on a topographical map.

I move to the door and open it, leaning against the frame and watching silver clouds race across the sky, smelling the scent of rain as August jogs down the sand path, looking troubled.

“He didn’t want the spear?” I guess, speaking of Koda.

August is barefooted, wearing a white tee shirt and shorts. Agitated wind tears at his hair and clothes, the cotton fluttering over his taut stomach. In any other place, one would assume he’s spending some down time at the shore. “Niall and Elias helped me convince him to take it. They’ll make sure no one steals it from him before the trial.”

I wish we didn’t need to worry about such things. Torsten has already stolen a sword, but that doesn’t mean he won’t rob Koda, given the opportunity.

“Is that what’s wrong?” I ask.

His hands bracket his hips. “Koda is sick.”

Fear grips me. “What are his symptoms?”

“He’s feverish. Chills. Short of breath.”

He was fine last night. “We have to do something.” I’m already pushing past him.

August braces an arm on the door frame to block me and leans in, whispering, “Niall called for Morrigan. She came but couldn’t help him directly because of the rule, but… Anansi got word of his condition and sent a healer.”

“What did the healer say?”

“He gave Koda some kind of tonic to treat his fever and said he should rest today.”

But he doesn’t have the option to skip one of the trials.

August turns to follow my gaze to the hill and the massive marble structure crowning it. “Anansi made a portal from Koda’s oikos to the temple so he doesn’t have to climb all those stairs. It’ll help.”

I wish he’d had one from the start.

“He promised to carry the spear, Cal. I just don’t know if he’s in any shape to use it if it comes down to it,” he admits.

“We have to find and help him. As soon as it starts. As soon as we can.”

August nods. “Elias and Niall plan to do the same. I’m sure Ulani and Vailea will, too. And Taeniset. We just can’t predict how far away he’ll be, or what’ll be standing between us and him.”

How will the gods punish us for helping him or from deviating from their plan? I may not be as imaginative as my sister and Elias, but horrors flood my thoughts.

“What are you thinking?” August asks, taking hold of my hand.

I try to smile. “Just worrying in advance.”