“How do you know?” she asked.
“Because … I enjoy being tortured,” I deadpanned.
She narrowed her eyes like she couldn’t tell if I was joking, and Charlie smiled, but his arm was tightening around mine with worry.
In six days, Drex would be competing.
In seven days, it would be my turn (to die).
The crowd quieted.
Zeus stepped out onto the platform that extended from the bottom of the stadium. His white silk toga fluttered in the wind, its long train trailing behind him. In his hand, he held a thin white scepter with a golden eagle perched atop it.
Hades sat up straighter in his seat, staring at Zeus, as fog pulsed around him with agitation. The other leaders tensed beside him.
Why does he look like he’s seen a ghost?
Zeus held his free hand up to the stadium and electricity leapt across his palm much brighter than usual. “TODAY—THE REAL GAMES BEGIN!” he shouted to the heavens.
Sparta jumped to its feet, a bellowing crowd of creatures and Spartans.
Our section stayed seated.
“You’ll do great,” Charlie whispered beside me.
Drex whimpered. “We’re so dead, it’s not even funny.”
I nodded in agreement. “Beyonddead.”
“Wait.” I turned to my brother in shock. “Did you just …speak?” It was the same voice I’d heard calling my name in the woods.
Shadows crept across Charlie’s face as his expression changed into something indecipherable. His eyes had an uncanny cast.
“No. Why?” Charlie signed rapidly. “Did you hear something?”
“Uh—no?” I clutched at where Nyx was now coiled on my lap.
Great, I’m consistently losing my mind.
Lightning struck three times in a row on the horizon.
Down below, Zeus still had his hand raised, laurel crown gleaming, sparks coruscating. “I have only one piece of advice to give the younger Chthonics!” His booming voice echoed.
“Nequit homo se reformat …”
Zeus paused.
“Absque cruciatu!”
A man cannot remake himself without suffering.
The crowd roared enthusiastically, stomping their feet and clapping in unison.
The clouds darkened, casting the world in gray.
“Lovely message,” I said over the clamor. “Very inspiring.”
Toucey shrieked at Drex’s feet as Poco plucked a metallic feather and held it up to me like a prize.
