“I know, El.”
“Do you think she wants to lose you? Do you think she’d accept that trade?”
“She will, given time,” I said quietly. “But maybe with two of us, no one will need to pay a price.” Smiling, I nudged his arm. “We can hope, right?”
“Go already.” Eleos tried to wear his usual half-smirk, but it wavered and disappeared.
He brushed back his hair, shifting the folds of his white robe. I noticed a hint of brown underneath.
“El?” I asked. “Are you wearing armor?”
“I thought it best to prepare for the worst,” he said. “And, I do know how to fight, in case you forgot.”
“Hold on—you were apriest. Who taught you?”
“Me, at first. Then Seraphim.” Eleos glanced away. “I used to think we could avoid violence. But now I know better. The only option is to kill them.”
The words didn’t feel right, coming from him. I clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Keep Aethra safe.”
“I’ll die before anything touches her,” he promised.
Nodding, I pushed open the door and stepped out into my city.
I hid behind no cloaks or masks today. Wearing the regalia Percy had designed to resemble my mother, I strode down the alley and stepped onto the main road, spear clutched at my side. I marched toward Apet Square—where Eris had made her first speech, and where long, long ago, Ma’at’s father had killed his half-brother to take the throne.
Dozens of Ma’at guards flanked the streets, watching me as I passed. None moved to stop me or speak. I glanced at each as I passed, wondering if Eris truly meant to honor my challenge.
Flexing my hand around the spear, I realized it needed a name. Percy would hound me for hours, coming up with ludicrous titles. ‘A royal weapon needs a royal name,’ he’d say.
I was a simple man. As I reached the square that rested beneath Ma’at’s’ watchful gaze, scales held aloft in her statue’s raised hands, I decided upon its title.
Justice.
Two dozen Hades Knights gathered around the square, crimson cloaks fluttering under the growing breeze, glaives held at their side, tips pointed toward their vulture helms. Slipping through the walls of ebony armor, I found Eris standing at the foot of the statue.
She wore a simple, elegant gown, hair pinned back with a red flower. Her scarlet eyes met mine as I stood before her.
“There he is,” she said. “Earlier than expected.”
“Would you have preferred a last-minute entrance?” I asked. “Last chance to surrender, Eris. If you step down, I won’t hurtyou.”
Folding her arms, she waltzed closer. “What do you think will happen if you succeed? Do you think you can avoid Father’s gaze?”
“I have every intention ofdrawinghis gaze.”
“For what purpose?” She hissed. “What is it youreallywant, Set? You’ve never coveted the throne.”
“I want the Acheron,” I said in a low tone. “I’m going to destroy the source of your immortality.”
Her eyes flared, and she staggered back. “Fool. Do you think you’d be free from the consequences?”
“I know very well that I wouldn’t.”
“That you hold a grudge against father, I understand.” She laughed, throwing her hands wide. “By the divines, do I understand. But the rest of us?” Her hands fell, and her voice grew cold. “What have we done to deserve your hatred?”
“Hatred?” I echoed. “Father thought he was punishing me with exile, but I found myself over there. Found my purpose.” I narrowed my eyes. “Make your choice, Eris. Surrender your crown, or surrender your life.”
Eris’ eyes hardened. “Father is so bloated by arrogance that he would lead us all to destruction. I thought you’d be better than him. Kinder. But I was wrong.” She leaned in, her words cutting like a knife point. “You’re his spitting image. He’d be proud.” She raised a hand, and one of the Hades Knights rushed forward, positioning himself between us.
