Page 14 of Crown of Olympus
Maybe it was, thanks to two decades of training.
As per usual, Charon’s footwork was impeccable. He dodged and weaved past my every attack, lithely traipsing around the mat. I jabbed. He sidestepped, as elegant and fluid as the River Styx.
I was so busy admiring his easy grace that Ialmostmissed the sharp slash aimed at my shoulder. Ducking just in time, I felt the breeze from his blade slice through the air above my head, severing the stray ends of my braid.
“Hey!” I chastised.
He smirked, watching the strands float to the floor.
“I did not sign up for a haircut.”
My eyes narrowed. I twisted, sweeping my leg out in a sharp, vicious arc. My boot connected strongly with his calves, and gravity did the rest, dropping him to the ground with a satisfying huff.
It was my turn to grin.
“Maybe I’m not the one who needs to keep up,” I said, laughing.
Charon jumped up with a growl, twirling his sword and readying himself for our final waltz.
I swung — a sharp, angled strike aimed at his hip. Predictably, he deflected, the clash of weapons ringing out in the sudden hush surrounding us. I lunged again, forcing his guard higher, then I stepped unexpectedly into his space.
In my free hand, I conjured a dagger made of shadow. Its sharp tip now pressed against his ribcage.
But his blade was already at my throat.
A perfect stalemate.
Charon relented first. Breathing heavily, he slowly withdrewthe sword from my neck. The dagger vanished from my palm, melting into the lines of my hand like it had never existed.
I broke eye contact, and only then noticed how quiet the arena had become. Our breaths were suddenly a little too loud.
Our heads darted around in sync. Apparently,wehad become this evening’s entertainment.
Every champion and their partner had stopped. Gods and goddesses alike had gone still, their eyes glued to our battle, on the brutal efficiency of our sparring. Our skills were too brazen to ignore. We had put on one hell of a show, and like all good art, our audience didn’t know what to make of it.
Murmurs rippled between them. Expressions ranged from begrudging respect to outright contempt. Ares’ champion grinned like a madman beside Zeus’ son, who loomed half a foot taller and glared down at us with arms crossed over his absurdly large chest.
“Your footwork still needs attention,” Charon said, playfully tapping my ankle with the flat of his sword. “But it’s your eyes that get you in trouble. They give your every move away, like an open book. Perhaps tonight you can practicenotskewering someone alive with a look,” he added with a laugh.
I glanced around as the others packed quickly and left. No doubt hurrying home to ready themselves for this evening’s arduous banquet after we’d stolen a portion of their primping time.
“Now what would be the fun in that?” I replied coyly.
A roguish grin crossed my face as I felt the familiar relief of releasing my shadows. I took Charon’s extended elbow, and together we stepped through the shadow portal, letting the darkness swallow us whole. Taking us home. To wherewewere the things that went bump in the night.
CHAPTER 5
Nyssa
The Parthenon had been completely transformedin our absence. Where yesterday it was a clinically pristine council chamber, tonight there was scarcely room to move.
An extravagantly decorated table now dominated the central space, laden with gilded dinnerware, heaped platters of food, and overflowing pitchers of wine. It flowed from the open balcony doors all the way down to the entryway, long enough to seat every god, goddess, champion, and esteemed guest.
All of whom were starving — not for food, but for power.
A warm breeze passed through the open space, the air suddenly heavy with the scent of roasted meats and spiced wine. One by one, as if summoned by some unheard signal, gods and goddesses slowly made their way to the table. Some moved without ceasing their conversations, others held back, assessing their options with quiet calculation.
I knew I was not welcome at their table. They bemoaned the idea of sharing food and drink with children of the Underworld. Every cool glare sent our way only hardened my resolve to sow as much discord as I was able to in the timeI was here.
