Giggling, Apollodorus curled up in his lap and laid his head down. Acheron stroked his small back and before he knew it, the baby was asleep.
He picked him up and held him against his shoulder where the sound of the baby's soft snore kept the rest of the world away from his head. He was at peace with the universe right now and wondered if his mother would have held him like this.
For the first time in his life, he thought that she might. At least his real mother.
Apollymi.
Apollymi continued to pace as Xiamara stood, watching her. "That Greek goddess keeps seeing my son. Do you think we could use her to protect him?"
Xiamara hesitated. Perhaps she shouldn't have kept everything from her friend, but if Apollymi knew the full extent of Apostolos's human life there was no telling what she might do. "I don't know, akra. The Greeks aren't like us and Artemis isn't all that powerful within their pantheon. She would be afraid I think to protect him."
Apollymi growled in frustration. "We have to do something."
"I can bring him here, but the moment I do, Archon and the others will descend on us and attack."
"I have no fear. Once I'm free, I can defeat them, plus we have your army. But with Apostolos . . . they would attack him and one of them might kill him while we're occupied with others."
That had been the only reason Apollymi had run from them while pregnant. Fear for the baby had kept her from battling. One stray strike and it could have ended her son's life. It was a risk she'd never take.
"Should I summon a Chthonian?"
Apollymi paused at the question and her heart wrenched. Though the Chthonians were usually human in birth, they possessed the powers of the gods and functioned as a sort of police unit for the various pantheons. They kept order and prevented all-out war between the gods. Even so, they had their own agendas which weren't always in the best interest of the universe and definitely not in her best interest. "I don't trust them. They're as likely to kill Apostolos to keep peace as save him. I won't take that chance." Frustration welled inside her. So long as Apostolos was in human form, he was vulnerable. He could be killed so easily right now . . . How could she get her son to her without jeopardizing his life?
Jaden . . .
She turned to look at Xiamara.
"Akra," she said in a chiding tone. "You're not thinking what I think you're thinking, are you?"
"Jaden could be bartered with to bring Apostolos here. But I would need a demon to summon him." She gave Xiamara a knowing look.
Jaden was a broker who made deals between demons and the primary source of the universe. His power equaled if not excelled that of a god. If ever there was a being who could protect and return her son to her, he was it.
"You know there is nothing I wouldn't do for you, Apollymi. But Jaden is unpredictable. Even if he takes the bargain, we'd have to offer him something supreme for this."
Honestly, she didn't care. She'd give anything for her son. "What would he take in exchange for his services?"
"There's no telling."
Apollymi stalked toward her pond where she could spy on the universe through its waters. She could have even used it to check in on Apostolos as he grew to manhood, but her fear for his safety had kept her from it. If Archon knew when she was watching her son, he'd have been able to use the pond to find Apostolos himself. Even now she didn't dare use it to see her son. It was a risk she refused to take.
She raised the water from the pond to form an iridescent ball in the air. There in the center, she focused her powers to find Jaden and see what it was he wanted most.
Dark shadows swirled and twisted. Then they began to take form . . .
Just as it would have been recognizable, it dissolved. Apollymi cursed. The power that owned him wouldn't allow her to see how to control him.
Damn it!
Anger and sorrow mixed inside her. Fine then. "Summon him and offer him my powers and life if he will give me five minutes alone with my son before I die. And if he promises to protect Apostolos for the rest of his life."
Xiamara gaped as she let out a nervous laugh punctuated by disbelief. "Apollymi, you can't."
She met her friend's gaze levelly. "If this were Xedrix, Xirena or Simi?"
Xiamara cursed as she realized she'd do the same exact thing to protect her children. "Are you sure?"
"He's my son, Xi. The only part of me that's worth living. Whatever it takes to save his life, make the bargain. I just want to hold him one time before I die."
Xiamara pulled her into a hug and held her close. "You are the bravest woman I've ever known, akra. I will do as you ask even though I don't want to."
"And will you bond with him when I'm gone?"
"You know I will. After all we've been through together, I'd give my life for you and for your son."
Apollymi choked on her tears. "Then you are the best friend anyone could ever have."
Xiamara tightened her hug before she stepped back. "I will return as quickly as possible."
Despondent and yet hopeful, Apollymi watched as Xiamara left her. She looked at the pond, desperate to check on her son, but knew better than to try. The moment Xiamara had unlocked Apostolos's powers, it had put the others on notice.
The day of reckoning was here. By all the gods of the universe, she would make them pay for what they'd done to her baby and for every day they'd made her live without him.
June 24, 9527 BC
Acheron walked through the center of the city, feeling the power of life moving through his veins. It was as if he were now truly part of the universe. Colors were more vibrant, every sound . . . he could hear heartbeats and blood rushing through veins. Every person he passed, he knew their names instantly. Their past, their present and their futures.
Nothing was hidden from him. He could feel the power of the ages. He felt invincible . . .
Mmmm, I'd love to have a sample of that.
He turned toward the woman whose thoughts were in his mind. She immediately glanced away as if embarrassed by her wantonness.
Acheron stopped dead as he realized something.
With his powers unlocked, the others didn't pounce on him the way they'd done before. Testing his theory since he now knew he could teleport himself away from them with nothing more than a thought, he lowered his cowl. The familiar tremor went through those who saw him, but for the first time in his life, they kept their distance. It was as if they could sense the powers within him and knew better than to approach.
Amazed, he jerked the cloak off and handed it to a beggar as he continued walking through the streets uncovered. Exposed. So this was what it felt like to be normal. It was incredible to live without fear. Without being mauled and hurt.
Wanting to laugh in relief and excitement, he headed toward Artemis's temple and fearlessly strode inside.
The temple was empty this time of day. Emboldened by his powers, he approached her statue.
"What are you doing here?"
He saw Artemis in the shadows. "I wanted to see you."
"You know better than to come here," she growled in a low, fierce tone. "What if someone saw you?"
He tsked at her. "What's the matter, Artie? Why can't I make an offering to a goddess? Am I really that offensive to you?"
Artemis scowled. There was something different about Acheron today. An essence of power rippled . . . like the presence of a god, and yet she knew better. "Are you drunk?"
His grin was actually charming. "I can't get drunk anymore."
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing." He approached her like a feral beast stalking its prey. Slow. Sensual. Seductive. She was mesmerized by the beauty of his fluid movements that oozed an unnatural sexuality. Before she could move, he pulled her forcefully against him and kissed her lips.