8
SELENE
Circe’s Palace hunkered on the highest point of the island, a levelled ridge with a view of the pristine sea, now a limitless midnight blue beneath the darkened sky. Built from sandstone and white marble by Circe herself, the palace was a majestic structure whose front was lined with eight impressive columns covered in twisting vines. A set of curving stairs led to a marbled archway decorated with frescoes that depicted the birth of the Titans and the moment when Gaia had tasked Circe with the protection of this place.
Of course, Circe was now long gone from the Isle of Aiaia. At the command of Erebus, the Olympians had seized control of the land, banishing her from stepping foot on its soil ever again. The god had wanted to use it as a temple for the yearly sacrifices, and so Nekros had begun.
The guard slowed at the base of the steps and motioned at the darkened archway. “Welcome to The Palace of Blood, Your Majesty.”
I gave the guard a wry smile. “The Palace of Blood. How creative of them.”
“I think you’ll find it’s an apt title,” he said solemnly, his voice muffled by the plated helmet.
I cocked my head, wishing I could see his face. It was entirely unsettling. Vampires had no need for armor after sundown—not even Olympians, who’d never known immortality like the Titans had. The Olympians only had three weaknesses, curses brought upon them by the three gods they didn’t serve. The Olympians could not bear children, they could not walk in sunlight, and they would die if their hearts were pierced with wood.
Nothing else could harm them—permanently, at least. Fire could have nasty effects, but they’d eventually heal.
“What is your name?” I sniffed and scented the musky aroma of vampire on him. He was one of them, likely created by a monarch to ensure complete loyalty. While the Olympians couldn’t give birth, they could certainly sire new vampires through the magic of shared blood.
“My name is Achilles,” the guard answered.
“Why do you wear that armor, Achilles? It’s past nightfall now.” I lifted my eyes to the black sky, where dense clouds covered most of the full moon’s silvery light.
“Your Majesty, it is by Zeus’s command,” the guard said, lowering his head.
Zeus. I fought a scowl. If only we could meet beyond the shores of this island, outside the confines Nekros cast, and far from his loyal fellow Olympians…I would be tempted to murder him, just as he’d murdered my mother.
The guard cleared his throat. I blinked and pressed down the front of my gown, conjuring an expression of growing impatience. “Very well. Let’s get on with it. I would like to be shown to my rooms.”
“You must go straight to the megaron, where you will meet the other monarchs and take part in the welcome feast,” Achilles said in a flat voice.
I frowned. “I’ve only just arrived and would like a few moments to freshen up and change into an appropriate gown.”
“I am afraid Zeus insists on your immediate company.”
“My advisor and human sacrifice need—”
“They will be escorted to the appropriate quarters.”
“But—”
“There is no room for argument.”
I bristled at his commanding tone. “I am the High Queen of Troy, the last remaining Titan on this earth and the fleshborn daughter of an original vampiric god. You cannot order me around.”
Achilles went still, and a moment passed in tense silence. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Orpheus watching me, and I swore there was a glint of pride in his eyes. Even though he had always been my mother’s advisor and not mine, he had essentially helped raise me. And after the way Ares had ambushed me, it was good for me to show some strength.
“I am not the one commanding you, Your Majesty,” Achilles eventually said. “Is it your intention to refrain from the rules surrounding Nekros? If so, I must take my leave and inform Zeus of your decision immediately.”
“That is enough, Achilles. You may go,” a slurred voice called from the darkened archway.
Achilles’s armor creaked as he turned toward the voice. A tall, slender vampire strode out onto the steps, his wine-stained mouth twisted into a wicked smile. He wore a white ruffled shirt unbuttoned to his naval and golden rings on every finger. His crimson eyes burned bright.
“Your Majesty,” Achilles bowed to the new arrival. “Zeus asked me to personally see to Selene’s arrival, and she is—”
“Just go, Achilles. I’ll take it from here.”
Achilles hesitated.
