Page 107 of Crown of Olympus
Their weapons clashed together in a furious rhythm — each moving with precision and ease. Metallic clanging echoed throughout the stadium.
“Not bad,” Athena said as she struck out, forcing Aros to step back.
He smirked, rolling his shoulders back. “I could say the same to you!”
Their weapons crashed together again, faster and louder than before. A flicker of irritation crossed Athena’s face. She pressed harder, drawing blood. Aros’ cheek was slashed open, golden ichor trickling down his face. As the goddess smirked in premature triumph, Aros saw an opening at the same time I did — Athena had left her right flank open.
Aros didn’t hesitate. His axe bit into her side, followed by a jab of its handle to her cheekbone.
Athena hit the ground, clutching her ribs with one hand and her face with the other. Aros levelled his axe at her throat, daring her to try and stand back up.
Instead, she smiled.
“I yield.”
Just like that, the goddess was out.
Aros extended a hand to help her up — a hand she accepted. Athena granted him a small dip of her head, acknowledging a fight well won. He lifted the axe with its one flickering flame high above his head and the crowd ignited.
Ares’ grin could rival Kronos’ for its depth of malevolent delight. Another step closer the Crown of Olympus — or so he thought. I shuddered at the image of that particular red-headed god wearing the crown and ruling us all.
Then it was Aphrodite and Apollo. The arena went as silent as a graveyard, and I prayed to the Furies that the hush was not a bad omen.
I felt sick with worry for my beautiful, but very un-deadly friend. Aphrodite was incredibly powerful in her own right, but she had little to no experience with weapons or war. She had crafted herself an elegant bronze bow and arrows — choosing a weapon built for long-range combat.
Tucking a strand of golden hair behind her ear, Aphrodite sighed, wedging the bow beneath her armpit. She lifted both dainty hands in the air and signed.
Just so you know, I have no idea what I’m doing.
Apollo smiled warmly, his head dipping in silent acknowledgement.
I know,he signed back.
The only sign that Apollo was uncomfortable being paired with an unskilled adversary was the slowness with which he knocked his own gilded bow. He loosed a soft shot in her direction — testing her reflexes, not aiming to harm.
Aphrodite yelped and dodged awkwardly, narrowly avoiding tripping on the hem of the gown she had refused to switch out of.
A murmur rippled through the crowd — they were laughing at her.
“Oh, go fuck yourselves!” Aph yelled, eliciting surprised laughs from all members ofTeam Heroes.
Apollo moved faster now, wanting to end the fight with both their dignities intact. He sent another arrow whistling towards her. She managed to knock it aside with the handle of her own bow — clumsy, but effective. Apollo raised a dark brow, impressed.
Aphrodite huffed, signing,Can’t we just call it a draw?
The god of the sun beamed a brilliant smile, shaking his head.
No, but I’ll make it quick.
Before Aph could so much as grumble, Apollo abandoned his bow and rushed forwards. With one hand pushed against her sternum, her legs were swept out by his sandaled foot and effortless precision. She gasped, lying with her back in the dirt, sun-kissed thighs on show. Apollo pressed his brand-new iron dagger against her throat, forcing her surrender.
Surely you could have done that from the start,she signed with a scowl.
I could have,he nodded, smirking.But where would be the fun in that?
She grasped his offered forearm, regaining her feet and brushing off her skirts. With a wave of her hand their clothes were pristine once more.
Aphrodite grinned.At least you’re handsome.
