Page 156 of Ares' Shield
The sun burns in the sky, trickling between the leaves in the canopy above us. I stop as we reach the tree line, not daring to pass it for fear of what we will find. Or what may find us.
I turn to Greyson and beckon him over, whispering so only he can hear me. “What can you see?”
“There are huge iron fences that have large shields on them and Greek columns on a building that almost looks like the Parthenon.” Greyson points everything out.
I pick between the trees to get a better look between the iron gates and stop in my tracks with a gasp. “Oh my gods.”
“What?” Jayden whispers, pulling me back from the tree line. “Fuck, shit, fuck.”
I still can’t believe what I saw on the steps of the temple of Ares. How could anyone use his children against him like that?
Raven moves to take a look for herself but I grab her arm. “It’s shocking, Raven, and you can’t go off half-cocked. We need a plan.”
“What are you talking about? What is there?” Raven growls.
“It’s not like we thought. We thought they were going to use the mind-controlled students to take over the academy, but no, that’s not the case.”
“How do you know that?” she asks slowly.
“Because the missing students are guarding the door to your father’s temple.”
30
“Dax?” Raven whispers.
It’s even worse when she’s quiet because Raven is never quiet.
“Front and center. Like he’s the prize drawing us to them. I’m sorry, Raven. We’re going to have to fight your brothers, I’m sure of it.” I wrap an arm around her shoulders.
Raven pulls away and even as I try to stop her, she storms to the tree line. She doesn’t cross it, but I guess she had to see for herself.
“Fuck.” She clenches her fist and moves to punch a tree, but I stop her.
“You don’t want the dryads pissed at you and outing us, Raven. We’ll get him back. We’ll get them all back.” I turn a raised brow on Draven who gulps. “This is it. The only reason you came with us. Time to figure out if you’re worth all the headaches you’ve caused.”
“That’s not fair. You guys refused to listen.”
“Refused to listen to someone who has never been on a mission before or even done much of anything. Oh my gods, we’re monsters. You’ve pulled the bare minimum and complained the whole time. You need to figure this out.” I storm to Jayden and pull him aside.
“What’s wrong?” Jayden whispers.
“What if he can’t do this and we have to fight them? What if the monsters smell us before we’re ready and charge? I can’t fight my friends in a battle like this. I won’t.” My whole body is shaking with fear and anger.
My heart leaps in my chest and pain lances through it. What if this crazy person tries to take me again? Will my magic hold up or will I be forced to fight my team with the others? Fuck. We really didn’t think this through.
“Breathe. We will figure it out. Draven wasn’t there when you told us how you used your own power to block the voice, remember?” Jayden grips my arms.
“Could it be that easy? He just uses his power to shield their minds?” I breathe.
A roar sounds in the quiet, startling me, and I jump into Jayden’s arms. Raven turns wide eyes on me.
“That was a call to battle. They know we’re here. Shit.” Raven pulls her ax from the ether.
Come to me, daughter of Zeus.
The crazy voice is back stronger than ever, forcing my limbs to move without my consent. No. This can’t be happening.
“Beth? Where are you going?” Jayden reaches for me, but I shrug him off.
