Page 42 of Leda's Log

“Become Queen and rule the world.”

“I see.” Cupid didn’t even blink. “Yes, that’s pretty much a day in the life of Leda Pandora, isn’t it?”

“So you’ll help us?” I asked her.

Cupid looked at me again. “You always look out for people. You help them when they’re in need. How could I not do the same?”

I nodded along to her words. “Plus, you really want me to owe you a favor.”

Cupid showed me a rare smile. “Yes, those favors do come in handy, don’t they?” She inhaled slowly. “So, what can I do for you?”

“Well, like Aspen said, we’re trying to make her Queen, but Lavinia, one of the competing princesses, is proving to be quite uncooperative.”

“How inconsiderate of her,” Cupid said, and I couldn’t tell if she was being serious or sarcastic. For someone who could control people’s emotions, she sure didn’t show many of them herself.

“We’re about to pay another visit to the grumpy notary,” I continued. “He’s stubbornly refusing to sign Aspen’s documents, which she needs in order to compete for the crown. We’re fairly certain that Lavinia paid him off. We need you to use your considerable talents to make him reconsider his poor choice of allies.”

“You have powerful siren magic,” Cupid said. “Can’t you just use that to persuade him yourself?”

“The people of this world are immune to traditional magic,” I told her.

“Really?” Cupid looked around at the other people in the park, her gaze pausing on a woman walking her dog. “Interesting.”

When the woman caught her staring, she picked up her tiny dog and ran the other way. Cupid frowned.

I looked between Cupid and the fleeing woman. “Do you always have such a strong effect on people?”

“Do you?” Cupid countered.

I smirked at her. “Obviously.”

“It’s the leather.” Cupid slid her hand down her armored forearm. “I told Dreamcatcher it intimidates people, but she insists that ‘superheroes wear super-suits’.”

“So you’re a superhero now?”

“Dreamcatcher seems to think we are, and I’ve found it’s easier not to argue with her when she gets a crazy idea in her head.”

“I don’t think the idea’s crazy,” I said. “I think it’ssuper.”

“Funny,” Cupid replied, her voice monotone.

“And since you’re such asuperhero,” I continued, “how about you help us save the world from the villainous princess who wants to take it over?”

“You said your magic doesn’t work on these people,” Cupid said. “So how do you know my magic will?”

“Well, there’s only one way to find out,” I said, glancing at Aspen.

“Yes, I suppose there is.” Cupid drew back her bow, aiming an arrow at the princess.

Aspen’s eyes went wide. “Wait.” She took a step back. “You’re going toshootme?”

“Don’t worry. If this works, you won’t feel a thing.” Cupid’s voice was calm but hardly reassuring—especially when spoken from behind a notched arrow.

“And if it doesn’t work?” Aspen asked, taking another step back.

“Then you’llhardlyfeel a thing. It’s like a mosquito bite, nothing more.”

“How do you know?” Aspen hiccuped, panic creeping into her voice. “Have you tried this on yourself?”

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