“Seth!” Seraphim shouted. “Why iseverythingattacking you?”
“Eris!” I hissed. “She’s charmed the men—and this thing, apparently.”
The chimera roared in pain, retreating as blood surged from its severed tail.
Clopping hooves sounded on the road as the Pegasus landed and rode to our side. Aethra sat on its back, clutching her side sword.
I recognized the steed’s pale yellow coat and white mane—was that Athena?
“How do we stop Eris’ charm?” Aethra asked.
“I don’t know!” I shouted back.
Athena reared as a pair of Ma’at knights rushed toward her. Darting between them, I parried the first’s strike and threw him off balance, bringing the haft of my spear down on his neck. Bloody vines ensnared the other, dragging him away.
Phaedrus emerged from the flames, choking on smoke. He stared up at the chimera with widened eyes.
Even our psychopath was frightened.
Steadying Athena, Aethra looked up as the chimera recovered, and its two remaining heads turned in our direction.
“Phaedrus!” She yelled. “Try to free the Ma’at knights from Eris’ control.” Her eyes landed on me. “Seth—pleasedon’t die.”
I grabbed her wrist. “Where are you going?”
“To kill Eris,” she said simply. Driving her heels into the Pegasus’ flank, she ordered it to fly—and her hand slipped from my grip.
Gritting my teeth, I watched her ascend and decided to trusther. What other choice did I have? She’d proven herself countless times before.
Seraphim stood at my side, scythe at the ready as the chimera bore down on us. Screams carried over the crackling flame—a large crowd had been trapped between the fire and the western walls. Only Seraphim and I stood between them and certain death.
Lowering my spear, I called upon the shadows again. The serpent of the Empty burst from the ground behind me and bared its fangs at our foe.
“This thing doesn’t take one more step,” I said.
“As you command.” Seraphim readied her scythe. “Your highness.”
Flames brewed in the goat’s mouth, and the lion lunged for us. The cobra lashed forward to meet them, drenching the city in the darkness of the Empty.
43
Eleos
Piano notes danced hauntingly around the square. Icelus had drawn his blade. His fingers tapped on the steel, mimicking the intonation of ivory keys.
The song of dread became real beneath Icelus’ spell, manifesting the people’s fear.
Wailing violin and haunting chorus sank into my soul, trying to drag me down with it. The people grabbed their heads and wailed, joining the chorus.
Percy stumbled, falling to his knees under the curtain of terror. Lifting his blade, Icelus shoved Cerys to her knees.
I staggered through the clearing I’d made—toward the stage. Icelus’ nightmares didn’t affect me. I didn’t understand why—and it didn’t matter. I would not reach Cerys in time.
Percy’s head snapped up. “It’s a dirge,” he breathed.
I looked up as the soaring notes sang above my head. Itwasa requiem—for the lives they would soon lose, whether death claimed them or not.
Icelus positioned his sword above Cerys’ head to bring it down on her neck.
