I close my eyes as Theo turns the shower off. “Now, teleport out of here.”
I glance up at him, the weight of defeat hanging over me.
“No, I’m walking out,” I say, but only because I’m thrown off, and the teleportation spell can go dangerously wrong if my mind isn’t fully focused.
“No, you’re not,” he growls.
I glare up at him, feeling my right eye tingle, and I look away quickly.
“Hey… look at me.”
“I don’t want to.” I frown. Did he notice it?
He doesn’t accept that as an answer and, gripping my chin, forces me to look up at him, but my eye has returned to normal. He frowns, narrowing his eyes. “I swear your eyes did some freaky shit right now.”
I scoff, tugging free. “Freaky crap? You’re the freaky one.”
“I can be,” he smirks, and I frown at him. I then step out of the shower, whispering a spell to dry myself.
“Oh, come on, are you going to leave me here soaking?!”
I ignore him. I’ve had enough of this idiot for one day!
It’s late thatnight, and Jayce has called a meeting to discuss our plan of action. We’re out in the courtyard, and I’ve activated a silencing spell. We’ve been here for half an hour already, going over some of the details. He’s currently trying to drill into me that I shouldn’t agree to anything Hades offers without thinking it over or discussing it.
“I know. Like I’ve said a hundred times already, I know what I’m doing,” I cut in.
“I know, but sometimes we think we know shit when we don’t.”
I nod. “Yes, but the gods aren’t going to make it easy to just walk away and have a think. It could be a now-or-never chance. If I walk away to ponder on it, it’s highly likely we’ll lose the one chance that we’ll be offered.”
Jayce nods. “I get that, but it will require quick thinking. Still, if you’re unsure, don’t take the risk.”
Allie is sitting at the table, looking bored, but she’s paying attention as we move on to discuss backup spells, weapons, etc. Theo was also dragged here, and he’s currently lying down on one of the benches, looking far too long for it. His eyes are closed, but thankfully, he isn’t commenting.
“I’ve asked the others to come. Now, we just have to waitand see if they’ll agree… Who else are we asking? Should we involve the elders?” Jayce asks.
“No,” I say firmly. “They won’t agree. They’ll want to do this themselves, and I don’t mean to sound cocky, but the chances of us surviving are far higher.”
Theo snickers. “I like how you said that, Blondie.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m serious. I think my mama has a high chance of surviving, though. She’s powerful, and she’s a witch, but those in close combat are at greater risk.”
I sense Jayce’s mood shift, and I observe him, but the moment is fleeting, and it’s gone quicker than it appeared.
Odd. What was that about?
Just then, I turn to see the three remaining Westwood Quints saunter towards us, and my heart skips a beat. Seeing the five brothers together always takes my breath away. It’s the aura, the Alpha power that hums through all five of them.
“What is going on?” Carter asks as Renji smiles and slides in beside Allie.
“Hey,” he greets, flashing us a smile. “I’m kind of curious, too.”
Only Ares doesn’t speak, hands in his pockets, a moody expression on his face.
“So, Zombilesandra, Blondie and Jayce have a plan to go rescue Curls from Helios, and he plans to duel him, but he wants you guys to help him.” Theo grins.
“You are as annoying as Dad,” Allie says, frowning as thethree boys look at Jayce.
