Acheron let out a “heh” sound over Simi’s words. “Well, after the way you took Archon’s head, the rest are more than happy to be returned to stasis. But I was thinking of allowing a couple of them to be siphoned off by Kat and transitioned into the human world.”
By Styxx’s expression, Urian could tell he wasn’t thrilled with the idea. But to his credit, he didn’t dismiss it out of turn. “Which ones?”
“I wasn’t going to make the offer without conferring with you first. I know they were less than kind to you while you were here, and if you want to gut them, I’m going to help you.”
Bethany looked up at Styxx with a frown. “When did you two become friends?”
Styxx kissed the tip of her nose. “About five minutes before you woke up.”
Her scowl deepened.
“Dikastis,” Acheron continued, “I was going to leave alone … as long as you agree. He seems to be decent enough.”
Bethany nodded. “He is extremely trustworthy and loyal so long as no rules are broken.”
Urian didn’t have a problem with that.
“Will Epithymia get her powers back?” Styxx asked.
Sin laughed uproariously. “Hell to the no. Trust me. When Kat removes your powers, they stay gone. Technically, in theory, Kat could give them back. And I hate speaking for my wife while she’s not here, but I’m pretty sure Epi is going to learn to be without.”
Urian laughed under his breath. Yeah, Sin would definitely be the expert on that. He could imagine the fights the two of them must have at home.
“Leto is with Set and I’m not about to step in on that. Especially given what Seth and Artemis have told me about her and what she’s done to all of you.”
Artemis lifted her chin proudly. “Yes, we threw her over the trolley.”
Acheron groaned. “Under … bus, Artemis. You throw people under a bus.”
“Whatever. My mother threatened my baby, and my loyalty is to Katra and Mia and no one else … until Katra has more children, and they have babies. But that’s it!” She pursed her lips. “Oh wait, there is one more, but that really is all and it’s not the bitch who hurt my girl. Either of them. I want Epithymia for my personal collection.”
Acheron met Styxx’s gaze. “If anyone can make someone’s life a living hell, I can personally attest to Artemis’s expertise.”
Urian choked on that comment and especially the murderous look Artemis gave him.
Styxx nodded. “I’m in accord.”
“Me, too,” Ma’at agreed.
“Which leaves us with Apollo.” Acheron paused to sweep his gaze around the room. “Most of us have an equal claim against him, so I have no idea how to be fair about his fate.”
Artemis sighed. “Even though I’d love it, you can’t kill him.”
All of a sudden, Styxx started laughing in an evil tone that sent a chill down Urian’s spine as he couldn’t imagine what it meant.
Bethany frowned. “Why does that scare me?”
“Because I have the perfect gift for someone. Even Simi will approve.”
Apollo shouted inoutrage around his gag as he fought against Artemis’s diktyon net that held him tighter than a fly in a spiderweb. If he had his regular powers, he’d be able to escape. But Urian’s present—Verlyn’s necklace—kept them drained.
Urian chuckled like a bad cartoon villain. “Remind me to never, ever piss off my father. And I don’t mean Stryker. Damn, Pops. This is soooo cold.”
Artemis smiled. “Yes, well, payback’s a cat!”
Acheron sighed and shook his head. “I absolutely give up.”
“All right,” Styxx said, hauling Apollo to his feet. “One special delivery.” He kissed Bethany before he looked at Acheron. “Take care of my girl. I’ll be right back.” He turned to Urian. “You ready?”
