He’s nodding at me, but there’s a kind of look on his face that gives me the impression that he’s not convinced.
Aric must see it too, because he says, “What?” And he’s talking to Quaid. “Why do you have that look on your face?”
“It’s just…” Quaid starts, but can’t seem to find the right words. He starts again, “Don’t any of you think it’s odd that we’re like this…keythat unlocks a door to another world? How the hell did the four of us end up in the same bar on the same night?”
“Synchronicity!” Declan says, ever the optimist.
“Maybe,” Quaid says, but it’s very clear he doesn’t agree.
“Well, what do you think it is?” Aric asks. “Just say it. I mean, we’re about to do something pretty fuckin’ dangerous, if you’ve got concerns, let’s hear them.”
“I feel like there’s a hand guiding us, you guys.”
“Who’s hand?” I ask.
He looks at me and shrugs. “I don’t know.”
“Apollo?” Aric asks.
“Or Ares,” Quaid shoots back.
“Or Hermes, or Hera, or Theseus, or who the fuck ever,” Declan says. “Who cares? We’re here and they’re not.”
“What if it’s a trap?” Quaid asks. “What if they sent us in here just like they sent Aric? What if we’re the sacrifices?”
None of us say anything. Because this makes too much sense to disregard.
After many long seconds of silence, Aric finally throws up his arms. “Fine. It’s a trap. We’re worthless fucking demigods and a mortal. That’s all we’ll ever be… if we stay here. But if we can get to the center and go through to Paradise, we’ve got a real chance guys.”
“And if we die trying?” Quaid asks.
Declan shrugs. “Who cares? If it’s true, and the gods all think we’re nothing but a bunch of expendables, then fuck them and this place too. I’d rather die trying than settle for being something less.”
We all nod in unison.
“Yeah,” I say. “I don’t even know my parents. They sent me away to live as a human. Fuck this place. I’m done. I want my Paradise.”
“Yeah,” Aric says, practically growling that word out. “My father can go fuck himself.” He looks at Declan. “I’d rather die trying than stay here, safe, but despised.” He looks at Quaid now. “What about you?”
Quaid scoffs. “You guys were right about me from the beginning. I’m Mr. Nobody. These glasses?” He points to them. “They’re not even mine. Apollo lent them to me. He made me check them out like a fuckin’ library book. You have no idea how humiliating it is to beg for jobs from the gods.” He looks at me now. “I want to be with you, Star.” Then he looks at Aric and Declan. “And I don’t mind sharing.”
Declan chuckles. Aric kinda grunts.
But all I do is smile.
They aremine.
They are all mine.
