Page 188 of Blood of Olympus

“Sorry!” I shouted above the din.

“My mistake,” she replied, slashing at something else I couldn’t see before swooping back around. “I should have known better than to get in the way of a blind queen on the back of a mighty dragon.”

I like her, Vel purred.

“I meant no offense, your grace!”

A rasping chuckle escaped me. “None taken.”

“It’s just that you’re magnificent — you both are” — Velira preened beneath me — “and I wanted to get a closer look at you both in action!”

Awe twisted her voice into something resembling childlike wonder.

Tell her she’s welcome to witness my magnificence any time she likes if she has more compliments to share, Vel drawled.

I snorted, relayed the message — to Nike’s eternal delight — then said aloud for her benefit: “You hoard more compliments than treasure, Vel.”

What use is treasure to a creature who can do nothing but stare at it. At least compliments are food for the soul.

True enough, I laughed, grateful for the tiny burst of joy in an otherwise monotonously violent day.

Not to rain on your parade, but we have a situation, Caelus inserted.

What is it?

Kronos’ brothers — all four of them — are here. And I’m currently squaring off with them.

Take no risks, Caelus. It’s time for Orpheus to make good on his promise.

Done. A brief pause. I don’t like this, Nightshade. It feels like a trap.

Let’s make sure it’s a trap for Titans instead then, shall we?

Yes, my queen, he growled, lethal amusement and something more insistent bursting to life in my chest.

Hardly the time, Golden.

It’s always the time when you’re around.

An enormous crash ricocheted off the clouds surrounding us, shattering the moment like a broken mirror.

Vel?

The second gigante is down. From what I can tell, it was one of the minor gods who did it.

Interesting.

Nike shot downwards, returning a minute later reeking of sweat and fresh blood, whooping. “Dionysus! Dionysus downed a giant! Can you imagine?!”

It was impossible not to share her joy. Perhaps the tide of battle was turning. Perhaps we would be able to make our stand and fend them off — and keep holding them off long enough for Aros and Evie to return.

As if summoned by the sound of falling mountains and my audacity to think we could win, a great shadow appeared from above, instantly blocking the warmth of the sun.

“What the fuck?” Nike rasped. Her dread painted the air in undertones of frost and copper.

“He’s here, isn’t he?” I murmured without turning.

“Yes,” she said hesitantly, as if admitting it made it real.