Page 75 of Flame and Fury

I startle, as if being freed from a trance. Ares and Hades are watching me intently. Atlas’s fingers drop to the nape of my neck, and he squeezes lightly, reminding me he’s right there. At least, I think that’s what he’s trying to signal. Hell, maybe he’s telling me I should be ready to grab the dog statue and chuck it at the window when he says go.

“I need help finding my grandmother.” I take a deep breath, my heart beating inside my ribs so fiercely I’m afraid a bone might crack. There’s no going back after this. If I’m wrong about Ares and Hades, I won’t live to see tomorrow.

“And who exactly is your grandmother?” Ares is asking the questions again. When I turn back to Hades, there’s a glint in his eyes. Does he already know?

Yeah, he knows.

“My grandmother is Nyx.”

I hold my breath, my entire body tense, ready to spring. My sights are locked on the puppy statue. I’m ready to run if I have to. I’ll fight too. I won’t go down without kicking and screaming.

No one launches themselves at me. Ares throws his head back and lets out a bellowing laugh so loud I jump in my seat. Hades is still smiling as if I haven’t said a thing.

“Did you know?

Atlas’s fingers brush over the nape of my neck. He may be quiet, but he’s right by my side. Sending me support and strength that I haven’t experienced from anyone since my dad died.

“What makes you think I know where one of the most infamous Furies is hiding?” Hades sits back, swirling the drink in his crystal tumbler before taking a sip.

“I’m trusting my gut.” And I really hope I don’t regret this.

“Aren’t you afraid that you’ve just given us information that could ruin you?” Ares steeples his fingers and taps them against his chin.

“Yes,” I state plainly, because there’s no reason to lie. I would be a fool to think it wasn’t a risk coming here, but I had to. What was it that Greer said to me once? Sometimes change requires big moves.

“That is either very foolish or brave.” Ares hums, dragging out the moment. The back of my shirt is soaked in sweat. It’s a good thing I’m still wearing the damn towel; otherwise, I’d be soiling Ares’s manly leather chair.

“Which one is it then?” My irritation is growing with each passing second. I’m about to unleash my wings and send all my energy into my fist connecting with Ares’s face. Ares feeds off conflict. He’s probably soaking in all my angsty turmoil.

“I already knew.” He shrugs and sinks back into the couch. Atlas’s fingers flex against the back of my neck. He’s surprised by that news as well.

“You knew?” I whisper, afraid if I speak any louder, I might scream.

“Yep.” Ares stares back at me, clearly amused by my anger.

“For how long?” My jaw is locked. I’m squeezing my arms together so tightly I’m squishing my boobs.

A long, slow grin creeps up over Ares’s face. “From the very beginning, champion.”

My breaths are growing rapid, and my back throbs where I’m trying to restrain my wings. “What does that mean?”

Hades slaps his hands on his thighs. “Okay, let’s take a few calming breaths.” He stands up, smacking Ares across the back of the head as he does. It makes me feel slightly better.

Hades moves over until he’s standing in front of me and then drops down to sit on the coffee table. It puts us on a more equal level. “I suspected the first time we met. But when I saw your charm in the woods in Lerna, I knew.”

I clutch the tiny snake on my necklace. “Why the charm?”

Hades leans back, propping up his weight on his hands. “I helped craft it for a friend.”

All I can do is blink while my mind attempts to catch up with all these revelations.

“Do the other gods know?” Atlas asks, his low voice full of promises to tear apart the world. I look back at him, but his face isn’t showing the same emotion that escaped in his voice.

“No,” Ares answers with one short snap.

“Are you going to tell them?” Atlas snarls back.

Ares turns his attention back to me. “Why would I keep this secret for the entirety of the games, only to out you now?”

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