Page 107 of Flame and Fury

I let my wings unfurl slowly, so I don’t scare any of the kids. I shouldn’t have worried. They’re all up off their butts before my wings are fully stretched, reaching out to touch the feathers. I get caught up in their laughter and bubbling excitement and it’s not long before I’m giggling right along with them.

Remembering how the cleric came into my classroom as a child and told us about the horrible Furies brings everything full circle. Sometimes the progress feels slow, but moments like this make it all worth it.

I’m exhausted after a long day of physical work, but it’s the mental toll of going to see the kids that’s really done me in. Still, I’m practically skipping when Atlas and I walk down the front steps of my old school.

“That was incredible.”

“Just think, you almost bailed.” Atlas wraps his arm over my shoulder, pulling me into his side. I slide my arm around his waist and squeeze.

“I’m not going to say you were right. Give up now.”

“I don’t need you to say it out loud. We both know the truth.”Atlas squeezes his arm, dragging me closer to him.

“You’re lucky I love you so much; otherwise, I might have to punch you.”

Atlas presses a kiss to the top of my head, nearly strangling me with his arm around my neck. “I love you too, little bird.”

A man steps out in front of us. His dark hair disheveled, and his eyes red with fatigue. Atlas and I stop walking and stare in surprise.

“Otis?” I ask. It’s Otis Carmine, international musical superstar and all-around rock god. He looks horrible.

“You made me a promise. You told me you’d owe me a favor.”

I know exactly what he’s talking about. During the Olympus Games, we had a challenge to bring him in. He’d naturally been reluctant, but had ultimately agreed after I begged and offered up a favor. I honestly never expected to see him again.

“I did. What do you need?”

His eyes are haunted as they bore into mine. Something very bad has happened to this man.

“I need to talk to Hades. I need to go into the Underworld.”

---