Page 96 of Zeus' Spark
“There is an enchantment on it. As long as you hold it, you are practically invincible, like Achilles was. Though there is one point on the body that could still get you killed.” Ares looks down at Jayden’s feet.
I can’t help but chuckle.
It’s just like the story of Achilles and his heel.
“This is amazing,” Jayden repeats.
I don’t think he was expecting much from the gods who have always shunned his father.
I’m just glad they aren’t shunning him too.
He doesn’t deserve that as much as he has helped on this mission.
Ares smiles softly. “And last but not least, my beautiful girl.”
It’s so weird to see that tenderness on the war god’s face. It sends another pang through me, but I do my best to ignore it.
Ares said he would be here if he could. He would probably get in trouble with the fates if he did. Or they would fuck with me if he shows too much emotion.
Raven jumps up and down, waiting to see what Ares has for her, and squeaks excitedly when he pulls out a fucking giant dual-edged battle ax.
“That’s mine?” she breathes as she reaches for it.
“Yes, that’s for you. We didn’t need to add anything to it because your skill with weapons is practically unmatched. I wish your brothers had your skill.” He shakes his head.
Raven’s eyes widen at the compliment.
“Thanks, Dad,” she says as she stares at the ax, turning it over in her hands reverently.
“Oh, before I forget. Hermes wants to send his thanks for figuring out what is happening and going after his children. Even the messenger god can’t locate the kids who have gone missing. He said another of his kids was taken after you all left on your journey, and he’s afraid if you don’t hurry, there will be no magic users at the academy to reinforce the wards.”
“Who was taken?” I ask softly, guessing who it was, and I think I know why.
“Draven was taken two days ago.” Ares shakes his head, his hands balling it into fists.
“Draven?” Raven asks.
“He did it on purpose. He wanted to get taken so he can protect the others,” I say because that sounds like something Draven would do.
We had a conversation about the Hermes kids not going to the wards alone, and he was supposed to warn the others, but they were too scared to get close.
“This is bad.” Jayden frowns at me. “The others refused to go near the wards even with our protection.”
“Exactly.” I chew my lip as I start pacing. “You said he was taken two days ago? I don’t know how long the wards will hold until we get them all back. I need to talk to Adrian.”
“It’s an eight-hour drive to the Appalachian mountains, but it’s getting late, and I would suggest you stay the night in Music City. You have about three days until the wards are down, and there are other competent demigods who can handle monsters until this problem is fixed.”
Ares is giving a lot more information than Artemis, and he isn’t asking for any help.
It makes me a little suspicious.
“You just brought gifts and information we desperately need and want nothing in return?” I raise a brow at the god of war.
“Apollo says there will be a time when I need you to find something for me, though he said it in riddles, so I’m not sure if that’s exactly right. He rhymes a lot lately, and half the time I tune him out as it’s really fucking annoying.”
“Please, no more rhymes,” I groan, and Ares chuckles.
“Anyway, he says I will need your help, so a future favor is all I ask.” Ares shrugs.
