“How is that?” She rubs the last bit of salve into my skin. The wound feels better already.
“With debauchery and gluttony. Losing ourselves to the spirit of wine and food and immersing ourselves in the pleasures of the flesh. Dion’s a bad influence.”
“And will you be there? Taking part in all of this? You are a winner and a loser at the same time.”
I shake my head and my standard excuse rolls off my tongue. “No. Not my scene. I’ll bury myself in a good book and a large mug of mead.”
She takes a roll of bandages out of her pocket and lifts my leg, wrapping it slowly around. “You’re very wise,” she says. “Has anyone ever told you that?”
“Yes. Many people.”
She laughs, even though I’m not trying to be funny. My chest warms through, knowing I was able to make her smile.
32
ARTEMIS
I don’t need Fulla to help me dress or come with me to Dion’s party. The trial today confirmed the alliance between the five of us. I also don’t feel the need to hide dozens of weapons in my skirts. I keep one dagger in my boot; there is a murderer in the Academy, after all. But I feel confident in my abilities after coming in second place to a god who’s the embodiment of a raging storm.
I’m slipping a pin in my hair when there’s a knock on the door. I don’t know who to expect—one of my gods, or maybe Fulla decided I shouldn’t be left to my own devices.
“You didn’t have to worry,” I say, opening the door. “I can dress myself.”
It’s not Fulla, or anyone on my team. Hati’s lanky frame stands in the hallway.
“Did she worry that you don’t know how to use buttons?” he asks with a small smirk on his lips.
I look both ways to make sure no one sees him. Males aren’t allowed in the dormitory by rule, although that’s broken daily. I grip his hand and pull him inside.
“What are you doing here?”
“I came to congratulate you on your first trial.”
I frown. “Thank you, but the victor is probably knee-deep in goddess skirts and a barrel of mead.”
He laughs and it’s nice to see a smile on his face. I watch Hati around the school. His demeanor is quiet. He’s obviously not one of the popular students, like his brother with his dangerous, dark look. My alliance ignores Hati entirely.
“Shouldn’t you be consoling your brother? I doubt he’d be happy to know you’re here.” I still struggle with the idea snide Skoll is his family. My allies clearly don’t trust either of them.
“My brother has little interest in my activities, and although he may not be the victor, I’m sure he’s drowning his loss the same way Thor celebrates his win.”
“I won’t lie,” I tell him, “Skoll is a good competitor, I can see why he was chosen for the Trials.” He shrugs, making it clear he’s not interested in discussing his family, then pulls an envelope from his pocket. I recognize my father’s seal. “Zeus asked me to give you this.”
I take it from him. “When?”
“Just after the trial. I watched the finish with him.”
Hati seems to be a very close confidant of my father’s, and his trust earns mine as well.
“Thank you.”
Hati nods and turns to leave. His hand is on the doorknob when I stop him. There’s a question I have that I can’t help but ask. “What was his reaction to me during the Trials?” I’m disappointed my father has never approached me since I arrived. Is he still protecting me by keeping his distance?
He smiles. “He was very proud. And worried sick. After the last trial...with Apollo…”
I nod in understanding and clutch the letter in my hands. “Right. Well, thank you again, Hati. Have a good evening.”
“You too, Artemis.” His eyes sweep over me. “And you’ve dressed yourself very well, I think every god will fight for your attention tonight.”
My cheeks heat from the compliment, but his words reassure me. I’m a fish out of water at this Academy and it’s nice to hear another outcast tell me I’m doing it right.
Once he’s gone, I grab a letter opener off the desk and slice open the top. The note is short but I recognize my father’s handwriting. His words are direct.
Dear Artemis,
I’m proud of your performance at the Trials today. Don’t be too hard on yourself for not taking the win. Thor did well to ensure your alliance crossed the finish line first.
You walk a slippery line when it comes to asserting yourself on campus. Eyes are watching, waiting for the slightest reason to push you off course. Too strong and you’re a dangerous threat. Too weak and you’ve no reason to be here. I’ve placed you in an impossible position. Apollo, as you know, was the brightest sun. Impossible to shade. His mates trusted him but I am not sure he did the same. Winning was too important. He was a bit vain. I wonder where he got that?
Your alliance is so important. Keep the gods close. Flatter them. Encourage them. Cultivate their loyalty. They are your lifeline and hopefully, eventually, your court.
Love,
Father
The guard nods me through, and a second one, a massive demi-god with a wide nose and dimpled chin, congratulates me just inside the door.
“Thank you,” I say. “Although Thor deserves the accolades. I barely managed to stay alive.”
He snorts. “I saw the way you handled the giants. I’ve never seen a goddess, well, you know...”
I arch an eyebrow. “You know what?”
I’m sure his cheeks turn pink. “Kick so much ass. Frost giant ass.”
Laughing, I touch his arm, his very muscular bicep, and walk into the room. I hear my name ripple through the crowd, many the same from the other party. Eros stands across the room, leaning into a beautiful goddess. His eye is bruised from the challenge. A glass of wine is in one hand, the goddess’s hip in the other. His ally Adonis presses a beautiful blonde against the wall. His cheek is bruised from a hit he took in the challenge.
We exchange a look and I clearly see Adonis mouth the words ‘mad bitch’ at me before turning his attention to the girl fussing over his injuries. Keeping my eyes on his, I head over and don’t miss the widening eyes as I do. Does he think the madwoman has changed her mind and is coming to finish the job?
“Evening,” I say.
“What do you want?” he asks, then slides his arm around the pretty goddess’s shoulders.
The goddess scrutinizes me and looks away quickly when I arch a brow at her. “To offer my condolences. I agree, it’s very difficult to almost win and have the opportunity snatched from you.”
“Yeah, especially when someone’s pointing a bloody arrow at my head. I told them you threatened me—the judges. They’re watching you now.” His lip curls into a sneer. “I don’t think you’re suitable to take over from Apollo and now they can see that too.”
I clench my jaw at the mention of my brother’s name. I never intended to hit Adonis; I only wanted to frighten him. My aim is always true and he wasn’t in any danger. What bothers me the most is Thor genuinely believed I’d shoot another god through the head. Believe me, if that’s what I intended, then that’s what would’ve happened.
“It must hurt your heart when you injure your pretty face, Adonis.” I point, “I bet it scars.”
The girl next to him runs fingertips against his chest. “He’ll be fine. I’ll kiss him better.” She tiptoes and places her lips on his cheek. “Is there anywhere else that needs kissing better, Adonis?”
Her accompanying giggle grates. Is this how goddesses charm their gods? By playing to their big egos? I look around the room and purse my lips. Every guy here has more than one girl with him, fawning over every word, as if they’re already kings.
Why fight for attention like this? It’s demeaning.
I say a brief goodbye to Adonis and the nameless girl and then scout the room. Triton was right. This is where the winners and losers will spend their evening, talking up the day and sharing stories to wow the others invited from the Academy.