Page 73 of The Mortal Trials

“No one owes us anything,” I tell her. “But we appreciate any help we can get.”

Ulani takes August down again and again, but I can tell he’s holding back. If he put his full intention and weight behind the hits, August wouldn’t be springing up so easily. But Aymes is learning how to pivot and position his legs so his arms can best be used to attack, and to guard.

A flash of aqua catches my eye, and I turn to Vailea as something dawns on me. “He’s been championed?”

She confirms with a proud nod. “Kanaloa chose him last night.”

Their pantheon could only choose one of them. And they chose Ulani.

Determination hardens her features. “Once I find a champion, we’ll fight together to the end.”

To the end.

I nod, my heart aching for them and wondering why they were nominated.

August is swept off his feet again as Ulani shows him a new technique. Though the singer’s entire backside is covered in dirt and grass stains, he’s smiling and laughing. He’s having fun, and so is Ulani, judging by his wide grin.

Vailea chuckles at them as they tumble and roll. August tries his hardest to best Ulani just once. Ulani winks at his wife when he pulls August up from the ground again.

As the men tussle, she turns to me. “I was nominated. He begged to be so he could come with me.”

He’s willing to die for her.

“Why were you nominated?”

She sighs. “Because I have Pele’s fiery temper and am incapable of holding my tongue when I should.” A sly smile forms on her lips. “And we all know why you’re here. How did it feel raising a sword against Ares?”

“In the moment, it felt right. Though I didn’t consider the repercussions,” I admit.

I swallow, flashing back to the weight of my sword in my trembling hands. Ares did not tremble. And he didn’t hold back.

“And it doesn’t feel right now?” she asks, curious.

“No, it still does, but when I think back on it, it’s hard to believe I did that. I’m terrified of him now.”

Her eyes fall to my leg for a heartbeat before rising again. “You were terrified of him then, too, I’d wager.”

I nod.

Ulani and August finally part with hearty claps on the shoulders, exchanging compliments, mutual laughter, and gratitude. They’re worn out, caked in dirt, grass, and sweat. And they’re happy.

As Ulani and Vailea leave the palaestra, they wish us luck for the next trial.

August and I walk to the heated salt pool. He crouches to run a finger through the water. It’s nearly sunset and warm, orange light spreads like a blanket over the mirrored surface. “Want to swim?”

I contemplate how to answer – I have no swimsuit. I’d have to take my prosthesis off, and when we’re done, I would have to wait until my skin was completely dry to put it back on to get home. But we can’t swim in the monster-laden sea, and the steaming water would feel so good on my tired muscles…

I’m still internally debating the matter when I hear voices behind me. Niall and the Greek are helping Koda up the steps to the palaestra.

Koda brightens when he sees us near the pool, but the two assisting him keep looking around like they might be hit by one of Zeus’s thunderbolts for trespassing where championed contenders were told they didn’t belong.

Nothing happened to Ulani, so the gods don’t seem to be enforcing who can train at the palaestras. Or at least at this one. Maybe we unchampioned would be blocked from entering the one in the west.

“Come for a visit?” I ask Koda.

“The other palaestra isn’t for me,” he answers, his voice holding sternness with his kindness. “I won’t be going back.”

I smile. “We were just about to get in. Care to join us?”