Built among and on top of towering mountain spires, the pristine white buildings seem to be part of the very rocks themselves. Of easily identifiable ancient Grecian origin, they show perfect symmetry and, of course, the distinctive tall columns from various eras.
I can’t see any signs or lingering scars from the Anaxian Wars.
“Stop staring,” Hades says.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” I breathe, forgetting for a microsecond who I’m with.
“It’s not that impressive.”
I shoot him a sidelong glance. He is the only god who doesn’t make a home here. Ever. “You sound bitter. Sour grapes?”
Is it possible for silvery eyes to turn pitch-black? He smiles in the way a shark does, showing you the teeth he’s about to eat you with. “Not at all.” He looks away, gaze skating over the vista before us. “I’ve seen better. Trust me.”
Better than this? I’m not sure that’s possible. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”
“I can make that happen.”
Was that a threat?
I pretend I didn’t hear him, looking up and up and up to the single massive temple sitting atop the tallest peak. Just below that, three faces are carved into the mountain side by side. Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades—the three brothers who defeated and imprisoned the Titans who ruled the world before them. From each of the open carved mouths pours a waterfall.
The water pouring from Zeus’ mouth is an almost iridescent white that turns into misty clouds that swirl their way down to the mountain below, shrouding Olympus from the eyes of the Overworld. The waters from Poseidon are turquoise, like pictures I’ve seen of the Caribbean Sea, so clear that even from here I can make out details of the rock face beneath.
And the one from Hades is…
I lean over. “Does your waterfall feed the River Styx?”
“Yes.”
“The water is black.” I can tell by the way his lips twist that I don’t have to point out what I’m getting at.
“It’s not black in the Underworld.”
“Really? What color is it? Please tell me it’s pink.”
He bends closer, intent on me. “You’ll find out soon enough if you’re not careful.”
I hide my wince by looking away.
Hades’ waterfall doesn’t fall far, turning into a river that seems to disappear into the bowels of the mountain, but Poseidon’s river winds its way along the surface, splitting to follow each peak. It flows under beautiful, curved bridges, feeding the lush greenery that covers the mountains, and disappears in places to come out of carved statues farther down.
And everything here sort of…glows. I’m surprised I don’t hear heavenly choirs. Olympus is overwhelmingly perfect. I suddenly feel small. Insignificant.
I shouldn’t be here.
I am the last person who should be here. There must be a way out of this.
“I’m…” I’m what? Sorry? Terrified? Suffer from wrong-place-wrong-time syndrome?
Before I can pick the right words, Hades blocks my view and says, “We don’t have long. I need you to listen.”
9
Taunting Gods
I swallow what I was going to say next, fear snaking up my spine. “O—kay.” I draw the word out, my eyes darting around for whomever is apparently coming for us.
One eyebrow lifts, probably at my immediate agreement, but Hades doesn’t comment. “What I’ve gotten us involved in is…important.”
Choosing a new ruler of the gods? I would say so, but I don’t get the impression that’s what he means. “Important how?”
He shakes his head. “The less you know, the better. The only information you need right now is that until the end of the Crucible…”
I blink at him. “Until the end… What?”
He searches my gaze for a beat. “You are mine.”
My throat tightens in immediate reaction even as my foolish stomach decides to flutter. I’ve never been anyone’s. And, despite recent events, I have feelings for Boone. There should be no fluttering.
“We need to present a united front if you want to win. Understand?”
I shake my head. “I don’t understand anything. Why the united front?”
“You’ll find that out in a moment. But before the others get here, I’ll make you a deal… Win and I’ll remove your curse.”
He might as well have slapped me. I jerk back so fast I stumble, and he grabs my hand to keep me upright. He can do that? I can lose my curse?
