Page 106 of Artemis' Bow
“They could be, but at the same time, at that size, they could come to shore at any time and wreak havoc with the humans,” Adrian warns.
“Yeah, which is why we need to figure out who or what they are and who is the most likely to wreak havoc if they win this battle and make sure they lose,” I say.
“Does that one have scales?” Raven asks and shudders.
“That is not a lizard demon,” I say. “It’s entirely too big. If they could grow to that size, they would have demolished us in the last battle.”
“No, it’s not like a lizard exactly.” Thad leans forward. “It’s more like a… oh fuck. I know what this is.”
“What is it?” I ask.
“Remember the giant crab?” Thad asks.
“You mean the constellation?” I tilt my head to the side before my eyes widen.
“No,” Raven says. “You don’t think…”
“I think that’s the battle that made Orion and Scorpio constellations in the sky in the first place. They’ve been broughtback.” Thad glances out the window again. “But this time to slow us down rather than to kill Orion.”
“The constellation Orion. Artemis has another chance with her love?” I ask softly.
“We don’t know that. He could feel betrayed after millennia in the stars. He could be after vengeance.” Raven shakes her head.
“I don’t think so,” Adrian says. “She begged her father to save him and make him a constellation. I don’t think he would want vengeance against the goddess he loves.”
“It’s been millennia, though,” I say.
“Yeah, millennia where he’s watched over the earth and Olympus from the sky where Ouranus domain is. Where he and Gaia are constantly kept apart by the Titan Atlas. This is the definition of star-crossed,” Adrian says.
“Who knew that Adrian was a romantic at heart?” Raven giggles.
“That may be, but I don’t think he’s wrong. There’s a reason that Orion was brought back so close to the temple, and it may just work out in our favor.” Jayden drums his fingers against the steering wheel.
“Then we go see what the deal is and if needed, we assist Orion and hope that he helps us save Artemis?” I ask, incredulous.
“That’s the best option we have, Beth. What if because of their connection he can get into the temple?” Raven asks.
“That’s actually a good thought. Maybe we don’t need one of the stupid hunters that just want our men when they’re supposed to be virginal to serve Artemis.” My hands shake.
If I have to deal with her hunters after everything else, I’m going to lose my shit. Artemis may not have any hunters left. They are assholes and think they are hot shit. They’re not.Jayden loves me and would never even entertain one of the self-absorbed hunters Artemis surrounds herself with.
“We’ll have to help him and hope that he’s on Artemis’ side because this fight isn’t going well for Orion,” Raven says, pointing to the sea.
“Hurry, Jayden. We don’t want to miss our opportunity,” I say, smacking his arm.
“I’m going the speed limit. I don’t want to attract attention from the humans. We will be there soon.”
“What if we’re too late? What if he dies again before we can help Artemis? We’re completely fucked if that happens. We may be screwed either way.”
26
Iwhip my door open, then race to help the giant, pretty sure he’s Orion. I honestly don’t give a fuck if it isn’t him at this point.
We have to help. He’s losing and we can’t allow that to happen.
The giant scorpion lashes out with its tail swinging so the stinger will pierce through Orion’s chest, but the giant dodges, swifter than he has any right to be. The problem is the scorpion has him on the defense only. He needs to actively try to kill the creature to send him back to the stars.
If there are any stars left.
