Page 132 of Crown of Olympus
He refused to answer. The snake’s fangs sank deeper. Hermes whimpered and dropped to his knees, forcing Charon to withdraw his blade. Golden blood trickled out of the god’s nose.
“She plans to kill me,” I said quietly. “She means for Caelus to win. By any means necessary.”
I recalled the shadow, letting it coil back into my waiting palm, then turned to Charon.
“Your turn,” I grinned menacingly.
Charon returned it — equally as devious.
He stepped up to the quivering god of thieves and placed his hands on either side of his head.
“What are you doing?” Hermes whimpered.
“How much?” Charon asked me.
“Just the part about Hera’s plans,” I murmured.
A faint purple glow pulsed beneath the Ferryman’s palms as he worked his power, threading it through Hermes’ mind, erasing his recent memories.
“It’s done,” Charon announced, stepping back.
“Thank you for thevaluableinformation, Hermes. I shall be along shortly. You may go.”
With a whip-likesnap, Hermes vanished.
Charon smirked.
“Well played, Nyss. They’ll think twice before coming for you now.”
“They never should have underestimated me in the first place.”
I reached up and cupped Charon’s cheek, smiling at the sharp blue-grey of his eyes, his dimpled grin, and unruly mop of light blonde hair.
“Thank you,” I said sweetly. “I’ll be right back.”
This time I’m coming,Vel said.
“Correction —we’llbe right back.”
Charon nodded. “Don’t have too much fun without me.”
The shadows pooled at my feet, morphing into that familiar inky archway. I winked as I stepped through, a horse-sized dragon at my back.
CHAPTER 40
Nyssa
Another banquet tablegreeted us as the shadows dispersed, smaller than Hera’s, but no less elegant. It seated six, cozy enough to feel almost familial. Comfortable.
Aphrodite had conjured various bottles of shimmering liquids and plates of delicious-smelling food, each more enticing than the last. I eyed a particularly sweet-looking chocolate cake.
Stare any longer and you’ll drool on your pretty gown,Vel snorted into my mind.
“Hush you,” I laughed, catching the attention of the curvaceous, golden-haired goddess lounging at the head of the table.
“Hello, Nyssa,” Aphrodite purred, channelling a hefty dose of her powers. A subtle twinge bloomed deep in my core, and I raised a solitary ebony brow in her direction.
She laughed. “Just setting the mood. Take a seat, the others shouldn’t be far away. Not all of us have the luxury of shadow-stepping.”
