Page 15 of Oak & Ember

Pandora managed to compose herself once she’d returned to the library. She had been caught off guard; that was all. The last time she’d seen Sol, he had been different, and… well, less handsome.

And Pandora had been younger. Too young to notice his appearance.

But just because he had a gorgeous body didn’t make him any less terrible. And she had to remind herself of that if she was to accomplish her goal.

Prue and Mona had also seemed likable, but she had still betrayed them.

Nothing would stop her. Nothing.

When footsteps echoed nearby, Pandora straightened in her seat, smoothing her hands along the black silk of her dress.

Focus on your task, she silently reminded herself.

Sol swaggered into the library, his steps slow and leisurely, as if he was in no hurry. Though she knew he did it to provoke her, it still set her teeth on edge. At least he was dressed this time. He wore a fine navy tunic with gleaming gold buttons and embroidery. He was fastening his wrist cuffs as he approached, shooting her a glance from under his lashes.

Pandora tapped her foot loudly under the table as he took his time seating himself in front of her.

He chuckled. “So impatient. Another reason why we never got along, I suppose.”

“Because you prefer to laze about all day while I actually do important things?” Pandora raised her eyebrows.

“You take yourself too seriously, Trivia. You always have, even when you were a child and nothing more than a nuisance following Aidoneus around. This dark magic we are defending against—is it here right now? Is it at our very doorstep?” He frowned, hands spread, as he looked around in mock curiosity. “No? Then, what is the rush?”

Pandora splayed her hands on the table and leaned forward, giving him a lethal look. “The dark magic isn’t here yet, but the urgency is we don’t know when it will get here. Yes, it could arrive right now! And we would be woefully unprepared for it.”

Sol clapped his hands. “Very well. What do you propose?”

Pandora exhaled in relief. At least he was cooperating. For now. “I’ve outlined a list of tasks for us to work through that will strengthen this realm’s defenses.” She slid the paper with her notes across the table to him.

Sol didn’t even glance at it. “What’s first on the list?”

Pandora’s eyes narrowed. “Why don’t you read it?”

He grinned. “Why would I do that when you’re so good at explaining it? I do love to watch that pretty mouth of yours.”

Ignoring the heat rising in her chest, Pandora hissed, “You’re insufferable. Are you even paying attention?”

“Yes. You’ve compiled a list, which I’m sure is very thorough and dull.”

Pandora scoffed and let her hands fall on the table. “This is impossible. You are impossible. How am I supposed to do what Apollo asked when you behave like this?”

“He asked us to work together. He didn’t ask us to complete a list of tasks you created. I’m not your subordinate; you cannot force me to work for you.” He crossed his arms. “Technically, I outrank you. So I should be compiling a list of things for you to do.”

Pandora groaned, throwing her head back to glare at the ceiling. Like hell would she let him tell her what to do. “All right then, oh great and mighty Sol, what would you propose we do?”

He grinned, leaning back against his chair with his hands behind his head. “Relax! Trust the wards to protect us. Be at ease.”

Pandora scowled at him. “Meaning, disregard what Apollo has asked us to do?”

Sol sighed and dropped his hands. “All right, then. How about you tell me what you propose we do first, and I’ll tell you if I agree or not?”

“Fine. My suggestion is to travel to the lower towns, where the wards are weakest.”

Sol frowned. “The wards shouldn’t be weak anywhere. Apollo and Hestia created them, and they are the two strongest gods in all of Elysium.” He shot her a lopsided grin. “And, as Hestia’s son, I can tell you firsthand that the magic of her bloodline is quite powerful.”

Pandora rolled her eyes. “As infallible as you believe your Elysium borders to be, they will likely be strongest surrounding the palace, correct? Because that’s where you mighty and important gods live?”

“Yes,” Sol said slowly, oblivious to her sarcasm.

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