The thunder that clapped across the cloudy sky grew distant as I met the aged centaur's glare head-on.
The taste of the Minotaur's heart lingered on my tongue.
The closest thing I could compare it to was rare beef.
I swallowed the last of the blood left in my mouth.
My feet carved a path across the muddy ground as I stalked up the hill with steady steps.
Faster than I could react, a metal projectile shot towards me.
I hissed sharply as the bronze-tipped arrow grazed my right cheek.
A thin line of blood welled up from where the arrow had split my pale skin.
The searing pain that surged through me was wildly out of proportion to the tiny cut.
My advance halted immediately.
I lifted a hand to my face and softly trailed the injury.
The celestial bronze weapon had effortlessly cut through my enhanced flesh, like it would with a mortal.
I brought the stained hand in front of my face and studied the drops of blood sticking to it.
"This is as far as you will go."
Steam rose up before me as I exhaled a hot breath through my nose.
I suppressed any outwardly visible reaction to the pain the wound had inflicted on me.
Instead, I channeled the hurt into wrath and singled out the archer who had dared shoot at me.
A young man in his mid-teens met my glare evenly.
He stood armored—already with another arrow knocked—between two similar bow-wielding demigods.
Sunkissed hair. Blue eyes.
I would remember that face.
My eyes snapped back toward the half-horse creature in charge of the demigod army.
"It doesn't have to be this way," I said. "I am not your enemy."
A flicker of movement to my left once again directed my attention to the young woman standing beside the ancient centaur.
Against my better judgment, my gaze lingered for a second too long.
Wether it be mortals—or the supernatural—never before had I beheld beauty that could compare to the one wielded by this raven-haired demigoddess.
I didn't allow my expression to change, even as greed coiled around my heart.
"After all… I did just rescue one of yours, did I not," I continued.
"That has to count for at least something, no? Surely someone of your age and experience can recognize that I am not the monster you accuse me of being,"
I raised a brow.
"Which monster do you know that could retain its reason when exposed to the collective scent of all these demigods gathered here?"
"Do not play games with me, boy," Chiron bellowed. "I have met your ancestors… calling you a monster is a tame description."
My head tilted slightly.
The old devils crossed paths with the Greeks?
"What is your name?" the raven haired demigodess asked suddenly.
Her melodious voice tinkled like a bell.
She did not flinch when our eyes met.
Gleaming crimson met twinkling purple.
The old centaur similarly turned to her when she interrupted our exchange.
Whoever the girl was, her position at the front of the small army—standing shoulder to shoulder with their leader—marked her as someone important.
Her worth continues to rise.
"My name is Ladora Buné," I said pleasantly.
"Thank you for asking. It gladdens me to know that at least some of you can behave in a civilized manner."
I lifted my right hand to my chest and performed a shallow bow.
With that same motion, I brushed the blood still clinging to my fingers off on my shirt.
That hand would need to be clean for what came later.
"Would you grant me the pleasure of your name?"
The girl opened her mouth.
"She will do no such thing!" The centaur brought his left hand down on the girl's shoulder.
He lowered his human-looking torso and whispered something into her ear—said too quietly for me to hear.
My brows arched as I glanced at the other demigod standing apart from the rest of his kind.
Blonde hair.
In his late teens.
I knew who this was.
"What about you?" I asked. "Do you also need to ask for… permission just to share your name?"
He shot me a lopsided grin and shrugged.
His right hand rested easy on the pommel of his sword.
I clicked my tongue and frowned at the centaur.
"Why are you so hostile, Chiron?" I asked. "I've done nothing to harm you or your people. It's the opposite!"
The legendary trainer of heroes searched my face for a drawn-out moment.
Then—he slowly raised his hand over his head and closed it into a fist.
As one, the row of demigods behind him lowered their bows.
All but one.
"I know what you are, creature," Chiron said. I have studied your kind extensively in preparation for this very moment—there can be no discourse between us."
My boots squelched in the mud as I stepped forward—
and rapidly jerked my head to the side.
An arrow grazed my cheek.
This time, I had expected the attack.
However, what I did not expect was that if this shot had connected—it would have been fatal.
Blood trickled into my mouth as I bit down on my tongue.
My carefully crafted expression showed no cracks.
I blinked once, not giving Chiron the reaction he clearly hoped for.
Instead, I swept my gaze over the collection of armored demigods standing silently in rows behind their leaders.
"What about them? Do they know what I am?" I asked, pinning the purple-eyed demigoddess with a piercing stare.
"Do you?"
I received only no answer.
"I see," I muttered. "To live in such ignorance..."
I shook my head.
My attention shifted to the wide-eyed mother-son duo.
They had followed the exchange between me and the centaur without moving an inch from their position.
"This is the place you're sending Percy to, Sally," I said. "Your desire to protect your son is pure, but be aware that even here… his safety is not guaranteed."
I gestured toward the demigod army.
"All it takes is a single order, and even the innocent will become the enemy."
My gaze locked with the young boy.
His eyes were less trusting than those of his mortal mother.
Eating the Minotaur's heart right in front of him might have been a bit much.
It didn't exactly fit the image I wanted to cultivate here.
"I know you have questions, Percy," I said. "Hold onto them tightly."
My voice deepened.
"Never let anyone tell you that there are things you are not allowed to ask," I continued. "You have more power than you know—Remember that."
I studied the gathered demigods, searching their faces.
Their earlier stoicism was starting to crack.
Not all of them were shaken, but it would have to do for now.
"Very well, Chiron," I said. "I can recognize when I am not welcomed. I will do as you asked and take my leave… but before I do that."
I extended my left arm and activated a specific mark.
In a flash of jade light, Audrey appeared next to me.
The first thing my blonde demigoddess did was glance downward and groan.
Her pristine shoes had sunk into the muddy ground and were now covered in filth up to her ankles.
She glared at me.
"Look after her," I said. "She is part of the reason I came today. I rescued her from a monster attack… The same way I saved another one of yours today."
The last bow still aimed at me lowered.
I turned toward Percy.
"You will be safe here for now," I said. "Your mother, on the other hand… the monster will continue coming after her. They will do that in order to get to you."
I raised my clean right hand toward the mortal woman.
"I was sent to make sure that Percy arrives here without coming to harm," I called to her.
"I was also told to rescue you from a monster's grasp. I have fulfilled my mission. I am finished here. However—should you desire it—I can provide you with safety until the danger has passed in full."
The corner of my mouth twitched as I received the woman's answer.
I stilled it before she could notice.
————-
A familiar flash of jade light was the last thing Audrey saw of Ladora before he vanished from the clearing.
He took the human woman with him.
She must have done something truly extraordinary to attract his attention to this extent.
Audrey did not believe for even a second that the half-devil had offered his aid to the mortal without any ulterior motives.
Whatever it was he hoped to gain from her, it had to be exceptionally valuable.
The blonde girl straightened her shoulders and directed her gaze toward the first demigods beside herself she had ever come across.
At a first glance, they were intimidating.
That impression did not last.
As soon as the light show that followed each use of the Dragon's Mark began to fade away, their postures slouched and the fierce warriors disappeared.
In their place stood a disorganized group of supernatural teenagers talking loudly amongst themselves.
While most were busy conversing with one another, more than a few sets of eyes were gawking directly at her.
Audrey's sharp chin rose as she ascended the muddy hill.
In the privacy of her mind, a velvety voice whispered out of her memories.
We will remain in this country for no more than four years… I know that it is a lot to ask of you—especially this soon into our relationship—but I need my best eyes and ears in their safe haven. If my guess is right, they will fight me if I attempt to enter myself. I need you, Audrey… can you do this for me?
A small sigh escaped her as she advanced upwards.
When the boy made his request, her first impulse had been to decline.
Merely recalling what little he had told her about the demigod camp was enough to make her stomach turn.
The only reason she accepted in the end was because she caught the brief calculating flicker in his crimson eyes before the mask he usually wore slid back into place.
Audrey was not blind to the devil's character.
She knew precisely what the person she had chosen to ally herself with was like.
The camp itself didn't appeal to her, but the people that called it home were a different matter.
When she finally reached the top of the hill, she locked her gaze with the figure in charge.
The centaur had not taken his eyes off her even once since Ladora pulled her away from home.
"Welcome, young half-blood," he said.
Audrey frowned.
"You are…."
A screaming centaur herd—burning in a garage—flashed before her eyes.
"…Chiron. Right?"
"That is my name, yes," he said. "I will be your trainer for as long as you choose to stay here with us. I will teach you how to defend yourself and properly use the gifts you have been given."
The civilized monster's eyes softened.
"I'm sure that things have not been easy for you. Such is the life of all demigods. You did very well to reach this far."
His tone darkened.
"However, I must urge you not to associate with that creature any longer. Do not be deceived by his words and appearance... he cannot be trusted."
Audrey arched a brow as she peered up at the bearded man's face.
"What do you mean by 'creature'? What is he? He never told me."
"Unfortunately, I am not permitted to say," Chiron said. "However, know that he and his people are born liars. They find delight in sin and despoliation. Whatever it is he has told you, you would be best served to forget all about it as soon as possible."
Audrey internally rolled her eyes.
She was educated enough to know that the Greek gods were hardly any better.
Chiron's gaze sharpened as he looked down at her.
"Did he… make any offers to you? Some kind of deal, perhaps? It is very important that you tell me now if you agreed to anything."
Are all centaurs like this?
"He didn't," she said calmly. "He offered me a place to stay for a few days and then ignored my presence until he teleported me here today."
The ancient man exhaled a deep breath.
"That is a relief to hear," he said, straightening.
"I will send someone to show you the ropes soon. We will speak more later. For now, you will have to excuse me… there is a certain young man who requires his old teacher's attention."
Audrey watched him trot away, until he halted in front of a disheveled boy carrying an unconscious satyr on his shoulders.
"Mr. Brunner?!"
Her head tilted to the side.
"Hello."
"You there!"
A melodious voice drifted over the remaining crowd of demigods.
Most of them had already returned to their camp.
Audrey pivoted towards the source—
Then blinked.
The girl gliding towards her was beautiful.
It was an aristocratic kind of beauty that was as intimidating as it was enthralling.
Hair groomed to perfection.
Clothes immaculate.
"…Yes?" she said slowly. "How can I help you?"
The older girl halted her approach close enough that she could feel her rose-scented breath on her face.
Audrey's thoughts slowed as her grey eyes met a heated purple gaze.
"That boy," the girl said. "Ladora Buné…. You know him, yes?"
"… I do."
"Do you know him well?"
"The best."
The smile stretching across the older girl's beautiful face was almost too bright to look at.
"That is precisely what I wanted to hear," she said.
"Thank you, dear."
She reached out and grabbed onto Audrey's arm.
"Come. I will show you around. We cannot have you standing here looking clueless for much longer, can we? It is not a good look for a daughter of wisdom!"
Audrey blinked as she was pulled along.
"My name is Isabella," the girl said suddenly.
"Isabella Barthomeloi."
Audrey shook her head in an attempt to clear her mind.
"My—my name is Audrey… Sinclair."
Isabella's grip on her arm tightened as a light chuckle tickled her ears.
"It is nice to meet you, Audrey Sinclair," she said. "I have a feeling that the two of us are going to get along just beautifully."
She paused.
"But for now, let me be the first to say…"
The sound of distant thunder disappeared as they crossed over the barrier.
"Welcome to your new home."
——————-
"Drink this," I said softly.
"You will feel better once you're properly hydrated."
I gently placed the full glass on the stone table in front of the silent woman.
Her disheveled appearance and cheap clothes contrasted sharply with the luxurious furniture of my living room.
I seated myself on the couch opposite her as she took a sip of the drink.
The dim lamp above illuminated her pale face.
"The situation should be resolved in a few more weeks at most," I said. "Monsters will not be a problem for you anymore then. Until that day comes, you are free to stay here for as long as you desire."
Silence spread between us.
Sally raised her gaze from the table and met mine.
"I am beyond thankful for what you did today," she said quietly. "You saved my life, but I have to ask… who sent you?"
Took her long enough.
"Fate."
"...Fate?"
I chuckled.
"Yes, Fate. The Moirai asked me to keep you and your son safe.
I leaned forward.
"I will never regret doing that. However… I do regret having to inform you that their intentions were likely far from… benevolent."
I fixed the brunette woman with a stare.
"There are things that I believe you should—and deserve to—be made aware of," I continued. "They concern your son… and his future."
Sally's breath caught.
"Tell me!"
"The issue lies with his heritage," I said. "With his father, specifically."
My eyes narrowed.
"What do you know about the workings of the Greek pantheon? Did that man properly explain to you the world he lured you into?"
Sally exhaled.
"Not much," she murmured. "We were only together for a summer. He told me his identity… and later—that Percy would be in danger from monsters because of his scent."
Her shoulders tensed.
"A scent that would intensify with age and again once he learned of his heritage. He also said his brothers would try to kill Percy if they found out about him!"
I nodded.
"All of that is true, yes… but he left out the most important part." I hesitate. "There is a reason why Percy's life is in danger from the Olympians."
My voice lowered.
"There was a prophecy—a child sired by one of the three elder gods will reach their sixteenth year and either save Olympus… or destroy it."
Sally stilled.
"Decades ago, the three of them swore an oath that they would produce no more demigods," I continued. "It is an oath Poseidon broke—which is the reason why Zeus believes Percy is the child of prophecy."
"Over the next four years, the fate of this pantheon will orbit your sons every move. As is expected of their kind, allowing such power to reside in the hands of a half-blood... is a difficult reality for the gods to accept."
Sally's breathing quickened.
"If that is true," she snapped. "I need to get him back! He is not safe there!"
I moved to sit beside her, gently settling a hand on her shoulder.
"I'm afraid that—for now—that is not possible," I said softly.
"The prophecy is not the only issue. Zeus' symbol of power has been stolen… and he blames your son. If Percy doesn't resolve this situation…"
I shook my head.
"There will be no corner in this country he can hide where Olympus will not find him. He will never be safe."
My tone lifted.
"However, the situation is not as hopeless as it could be. I have already dispatched someone to look after him while he's at the camp. I will not let him face this alone. He will be alright… I promise."
Sally traced my face with wide blue eyes.
The tension of a mortal straining against the supernatural simmered in her gaze.
"You," she whispered. "You have already done so much for us… and yet."
Her voice steadied.
"There is one more thing I must ask of you."