Page 42 of Oak & Ember

But how could she exact revenge on a person who no longer existed? All that remained were her memories.

So Pandora focused on those she could punish. She had successfully destroyed Aidoneus’s home—and the god himself. He had already become a shell of the man he once was. His demise was easy. Pandora only needed to push, and he had fallen.

Aidoneus had been ready to die. That much she knew.

But Apollo? This revenge would be so much sweeter. He had plans. Ambition. Pride.

And she would tear it all away from him, piece by piece.

Pandora remained in her bed for as long as time would allow, twisted up in the sheets with fluffy pillows covering her face to block out the blinding light of the sun streaming in through the window. Every time she glimpsed the brilliant light, she felt Apollo’s magic ripping her body apart. She heard those screams once again.

She couldn’t bear it.

So, she kept herself buried under pillows and blankets, not wanting to rise ever again.

Hours of fitful sleep later, a servant burst into her rooms. She didn’t move, hoping they would leave, until a gentle hand jostled her.

“Wake, my lady,” said a timid voice. “I must get you dressed.”

Pandora groaned and threw the pillows off her face. “I am perfectly capable of dressing myself.”

“Yes, my lady. But I also must get you fitted for your gown.”

Pandora blinked sleepily as the pale, rosy-cheeked face of the servant came into focus. “My gown?”

The woman bit her lip and nodded, as if worried Pandora would thrash her.

“A gown for what?” Pandora couldn’t keep the dread out of her voice.

“For the solstice ball.”

Pandora sat up, her head throbbing from the movement. The servant staggered back a few steps, clearly alarmed at the look on her face.

“This realm is on the brink of destruction by means of dark magic, and they are throwing a ball?” Pandora asked incredulously, her voice rising.

The servant wrung her hands together and dropped her gaze. “Yes, my lady. It is an annual tradition. The realm has always celebrated the summer solstice. Not once has it been missed.”

Ah. Summer solstice. The longest day of the year. Of course Apollo wouldn’t miss an opportunity to celebrate the day of the most sunlight.

Clarity burned in Pandora’s mind as she remembered what Sol had told her the night before. He would be replacing Apollo and leaving for the mortal realm soon.

What better time to announce this appointment than the solstice ball?

Pandora threw the blankets off the bed and rose to her feet. The servant skittered backward again. Only then did Pandora realize she held a bundle of red satin fabric in her hands.

“My—My lady?” she asked uncertainly.

“I have to go,” Pandora said, striding to the wardrobe and throwing open the doors, searching for the simplest dress to wear. She had to find Sol.

“B-but your gown…” the servant protested.

Pandora whirled to face her, noting the panic and fear in the girl’s face. Gods, this poor thing was downright terrified.

No doubt she was under orders to dress Pandora appropriately for this godsforsaken ball. And she would likely be punished if Pandora gave her any trouble.

Pandora threw her head back with another groan, resisting the urge to scream, as she was certain it would only frighten the servant even more.

“What’s your name?” she asked with a heavy sigh.

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