Page 237 of Blood of Hercules
Shimmering crystal chandeliers hung from a muraled ceiling depicting clouds and cherubs.
A full orchestra played in the corner.
Hundreds of people milled about in formal wear, all sporting various headpieces representing every sort of animal imaginable, many of them much more intricate than mine.
Creatures walked past with tails and strange appendages peaking out beneath their black cloaks.
Based on the large numbers, all of Sparta was present. But one thing was the same among the different immortal groups—everyone was dripping in jewels.
Since protectors weren’t allowed at the ball and no one’s crowns were visible, it was virtually impossible to differentiate people.
The entire affair seemed like a lot just for five initiates.
Helen had said something about Spartans loving any chance to celebrate, so that must be it.
The air whooshed, and I stumbled out of the way as Spartans spun around the dance floor near where we stood.
“Some people have voice modifiers in their masks,” Helen said, her elephant tusk bobbing. “So don’t expend energy trying to identify people. It’s a masquerade for a reason, and Spartans take being incognitoveryseriously.”
“Helen, why are you advisingourmentee?” Patro asked, boar head tilting to the side. His hand rested possessively on my shoulder, and my stomach pinched with queasiness.
A long beat passed, and I realized what was so strange about the gesture.
Patro’s touch wasn’t unpleasant.
“She’s fine,” I said defensively as I pulled away from him, disturbed that Iwasn’tdisturbed by his casual display ofaffection. She was the first person in Sparta who actually bothered to explain anything.
“Come on, we need to mingle.” Helen grabbed my hand and tugged me toward the tables.
Hours later, my head spun with exhaustion. Spartans sure lovedto brag about themselves.
“You’re funny,” Zeus said through his snake head. He’d found me hours ago and was holding me hostage. Electricity sparked on his suit, making him unmistakable, and his booming laughter echoed.
I just asked if there was any food here?
Zeus had been laughing ever since he realized it was me in the lion’s head.
A man nearby in a jaguar mask snapped his head around. Black diamond eyes stared at us.
“I see you’ve already got the House pride.” Zeus clapped me on the shoulder, and I flinched. “I told you to keep up the great work, and you did. After tomorrow’s graduation, you’ll be an official member of my House. I havebigthings planned for you.”
I coughed, back aching from where he’d hit me.
“Who knows!” Zeus shouted. “You might even earn a crown.”
Spartans clapped around us, and he turned to greet them. I awkwardly extracted myself, stumbling away.
I turned around to ask Helen if there were seats open anywhere, but she was gone. My mentors had also disappeared.
They’d probably wandered off when Zeus had grabbed me.
Sighing, sweat dripping down my sides from the stress of having to talk to people, I wandered aimlessly toward chairs in the back corner. Drex was probably around somewhere, but finding him in the crowd would be difficult.
My legs ached from standing.
The grand clock on the high wall showed it was already the early hours of the morning.
The graduation ceremony would be held at the Dolomite Coliseum in less than three hours.
