Page 114 of Poseidon's Trident
I can’t stop thinking about what he said to me during the test. I know it wasn’t really him but is it true? I know how I feel about Jayden, but is it obvious to everyone but me how he really feels? Was the test playing on my insecurities about my relationship with him?
“Thaddeus,” a voice booms as we round a corner. “It’s been a long time, little brother.”
The tall broad man claps Thad on the back in one of those weird bro hugs before turning to the rest of us.
“Cal, these are my friends.” Thad waves at us.
“This is who the gods have asked to save us all? You’re all a bunch of kids.” Cal frowns.
“We’re not kids.” I glare.
I’m in no mood for bullshit today. I just need to get on the boat and get out of here, the faster the better.
“Sorry, daughter of Zeus. I didn’t mean anything by it,” Cal says.
“She doesn’t like being called that. Her name is Beth,” Thad corrects him.
“Apologies, Beth.” He winks at me.
Jayden steps closer to me and narrows his eyes on the older demigod. Him and his jealous bullshit are not welcome here today. I let a tiny spark of electricity out and zap his arm. Jayden turns to me, his eyes filled with heat. Fuck. I can’t even punish him properly because he likes my sparks.
“No worries. Can we go now? We’re on a bit of a time crunch. The academy doesn’t have long before they are going to have to evacuate.” I bite my lip.
“When was the last time you talked to them?” Raven asks.
“Last… no, wait, two nights ago. They’re in trouble. Claud is holding down the volcano the best he can but it’s going to blow and soon if we don’t get the trident back.”
“Then let’s go,” Cal says.
He waves us all onto the crab boat. I shudder as I remember the last crab I encountered. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to eat crab again which is a shame because I really liked it before.
“Boats have been going missing through the strait which happens from time to time, but it’s happened every time in the last week. The Coast Guard found a lone survivor blabbering on about something he couldn’t see just snatching up his buddy from right next to him,” Cal says.
“Fuck. Is there no other way around this?” I ask.
Cal shakes his head. “I was told you all would have to go this way.”
“What is it, B?” Raven asks.
“If my suspicions are correct, the two monsters I really didn’t want to face.” I rub my eyes.
Why them? Why can’t we deal with anything but the two monsters that no demigod ever actually killed. Jason got past them but at the cost of some of his men. I won’t risk my friends or let them get caught up with those creatures.
“You don’t think…” Jayden pales.
“Yup, it’s too dangerous for you guys. I’ll go on my own.”
“The fuck you will,” Jayden barks.
“No fucking way.” Raven crosses her arms. “We do this together. I’m the daughter of fucking Ares.”
“And slayer of ugly fucking monsters, yeah, we know.” Greyson pulls Raven into his arms.
“If it is what I think it is, there’s no way to slay these beasts. No one ever has,” I argue. “I would rather you guys be safe.”
“No way,” Thad says, shaking his head. “I have to help you until the end. You don’t have power over the sea like I do.”
Fuck. They aren’t going to get off the damn boat. Thad’s right though. I’m basically powerless in the sea since my magic doesn’t mix with water. I eye my friends warily, but they all have matching expressions that say not a fucking chance. I sigh.
