Page 119 of Artemis' Bow
“You may as well let her try, Beth,” Dax says. “She’s not going to let you go until you at least try.”
“Who is them?” Raven asks. “Olly is missing. I thought it was just the four of you.”
“You know?” Kira splutters.
“Well, I do now. I had guessed but you just confirmed it.” Raven’s grin broadens.
“You all have some strangely fascinating dynamics. I may take a break from watching my mate from the sky now and then to watch over you young demigods,” Orion says.
Like that’s not creepy at all. It’s actually kind of comforting but definitely creepy at the same time.
“Thanks, I think,” I mutter.
“Beth, can we try, just once? If you can’t do it, I’ll go with Dax. You need backup.”
“The second Orion makes it inside the temple, I’ll be at her side,” Jayden says.
Finally, he’s on my side about this. It’s not about him lording over me and thinking I’m weak. He’s genuinely concerned for my safety. Butterflies take flight in my belly at the thought. He’s no longer that Jayden who thinks I’m reckless and needs protecting from myself. I’m not sure how or when we got here but I’m glad we did.
“Okay, Kira, we can try, but promise you won’t rush in doing something stupid if it doesn’t work.” I raise a brow at her.
“Damn it, I promise,” she grumbles.
I share an amused glance with Raven and we both burst out laughing.
“Honey,” Raven says. “We invented those tricks.”
Kira sticks her tongue out at Raven, and I can’t help chuckling as I wiggle my fingers at the daughter of Hephaestus. “Let’s try this.”
Kira grips my hand in hers and nods. “I’m ready.”
Closing my eyes, I concentrate on taking both me and Kira to the other side of the cars. The lightheaded feeling of being transported washes over me, sending my world spinning. When I open my eyes, Kira is still gripping my hand. She shrieks as she realizes that it worked, then quickly clamps her hand over her mouth, silencing her excitement.
“Fine, you can come with me and cut the others loose while I take on the monsters.” I shake my head.
“Not completely on your own, love,” Jayden says with a growl.
“Jayden, I can barely take Kira with me for the first time.”
“I know. I just wish I could do this with you.” He sighs, pulling me into his arms.
“You have to get Orion to the temple entrance. This is my role.” I cup his cheek.
“I know,” he grumbles.
Jayden leans forward and presses a kiss to my lips. I wrap my arms around his neck, plastering my body to his.
“I’m coming for you as soon as Orion is clear. Forever and for always, love.” He kisses me hard and forces my lips open to deepen the kiss.
“Forever and for always. We will get through this, Jayden, just like all the other times.”
We don’t have any other choice. If we don’t stop this, the world will end. Once again, we are the only thing standing between humanity and ultimate destruction.
“You guys take care of each other and watch each other’s backs. I’m going to be pissed if I have to go to the underworldand drag your asses back.” I glance around at everyone pointedly.
“The only ones dying today are the fucking monsters and possibly an idiot river god.” Raven presses her fist to her heart and bows.
I repeat the gesture to my friends, hoping with all I have that this isn’t the last time I see them all alive. We have one shot at this, and if we fail, the world will burn.
