Page 116 of The Mortal Trials

“Torsten and company.” It wasn’t only him, even if he was the one who dealt the wound. The others are now active participants in his nonsense.

Hazi offers the fakest cough I’ve ever heard in my life.

“Minus Hazi,” I correct. “If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be standing here.”

He gives a demure smile and inclines his head, then glances at Tae meaningfully.

Tae scrutinizes him through narrowed eyes. “Hmm.” She’s quiet for a moment. “So, we’re just supposed to trust that whatever he did isn’t part of some larger plan of Torsten and company?” Tae asks, not bothering to keep her voice low.

“You’re giving the Norseman too much credit. Torsten doesn’t plan so far ahead,” Hazi jokes. Sobering, he turns to me. “I would like to tell you about the gift I received today. Before the games, we’ll talk. But not before then.”

I nod.

While the portal still glows, hope for those still in the trial remains. We take the time to rest and recover.

I replay the events of the day, along with the words and truth of my mother.

More contenders trickle in until eventually, the portal’s glow begins to flicker and an eerie finality settles upon us, as thick as the fog we just fought through. Then it dims, solidifying into an impenetrable slab.

24

Hermes’s chiton is the blue gray of the angry clouds that claw over one another overhead. He flies from the box, his winged talaria flapping wildly as they carry him to us.

Elias and Niall help Koda stand.

Even the usually unflappable Hermes isn’t kind when we don’t show him the proper amount of deference, though that is a measurement that ebbs and flows like the tides, depending on their moods, and one which the mortals must always guess at.

He lands with a smile and nods to the various groups gathered, drawing this out when I just need it to be over.

“We hope that each of you enjoyed your unique gift today and want to congratulate you on surviving the third trial. It was certainly entertaining. So many surprises…” Hermes stares at Hazi for a breath. Two. The messenger god walks through the small clusters of contenders until he stands before Koda, Niall, and Elias. “You were the first to enter the arena, Koda Zivai.”

Koda’s teeth chatter as he bows his head for Hermes to place the golden laurel on his crown, quietly offering his thanks.

“Tonight’s celebration will be held at the palaestras. Please arrive at your respective courtyard at sunset,” Hermes announces, but glances back at Koda as he adds, “If you’re too ill to attend, or choose to attend the ill, your absence will be excused.”

I narrow my eyes at the unusual showing of kindness, wondering why the change of venue, and why the separation – again?

“The fourth trial will take place at dawn in four days’ time. A celebration will follow that night for the contenders who survive it. Those who do not secure a divine champion before the crown strikes the winner’s brow, will be leaving us.”

Always reminding us of the blades at our throats, as August so perfectly described it.

On a positive note, Koda will have some much-needed time to recover, and he won’t be required to attend tonight. Thank the gods for Anansi championing him. Otherwise, he likely wouldn’t have been excused.

Hermes looks us over before flying back to the box. Some of the gods have already gone. Some linger, talking amongst themselves.

August nudges my arm. “Ready?”

“Cillian’s here. I need to talk to him for a second.”

“I’ll wait with you,” he says, then asks Niall and Elias to take Koda to our oikos.

I study the mortals flowing out the exits and find a tall, familiar face walking against the flow.

“Callalie!” Cillian yells, waving.

I smile and pray I’m not too late.

He leaps into the bottom of the arena and meets me halfway. I throw my arms around his neck and whisper urgently in his ear. “Take Abuela to Morrigan’s realm as soon as you’re able. Ask the goddess to protect her. She’s in danger.”