The next day arrived, sunny and bright.
Another miracle.
Down below on his podium, Zeus was once again dressed in all white, and, mercifully, his scepter was missing. Zeus’s lightning strike felt unreal, like it had happened in another life.
I sat between Drex and Charlie, holding on to my little brother while Nyx slithered up and down my legs.
Kharon played with the ends of my hair.
I glanced back—Augustus was staring at me. “It will be okay,” he mouthed.
Fear filled my lungs. Fluffy Jr. was back in the bedroom because he hadn’t woken up this morning, his hump more distended than ever.
“Patro … Patro … Patro,” chanted all around, and Achilles sat ramrod straight beside Drex, watching the arena like a hawk.
Patro stepped out into the sand holding a scythe, electric grid shimmering above him in the sunlight.
The crowd hollered.
Patro flashed a cocky smile, as Poppae walked at his side with her jaguar hackles raised.
The gate opened—gasps echoed—two male Nemean jaguars prowled out.
They were three times larger than Poppae, who was already bigger than a normal jaguar.
Patro calmly twirled his scythe. If he was scared, he didn’t show it.
Achilles leaned forward in his seat, hands fisted, knee bouncing.
Patro sprinted forward and raised his weapon with Poppae running beside him.
The opposing jaguars leapt at him, both soaring impossibly high.
Patro jumped to meet them, flying twenty feet up into the air.
They clashed midair.
It happened in a blur—claws swiped, a scythe swung, animals howled, blood sprayed.
A few seconds later, Patro and Poppae stood with the pieces of two Nemean jaguars spread out around them.
There was a moment of silence.
The stadium erupted.
Patro looked up to the stands—he blew Achilles a kiss—then he bowed dramatically.
Achilles sat rigidly.
“He goes next,” Drex whispered with trepidation as he pointed at Patro’s lover. “Tomorrow—Achilles’s muzzle comes off.”
We both grimaced.
37
DEMONS IN THE FLESH OF MEN
ALEXIS: SGC DAY9
