14

Mason watched from his bedroom window as some children hauled Owen's body from the collapsed building with a gold cloth covering him.

He turned away and slid down the wall next to Cinnamon,Cinnamon,Cinnamon,Cinnamon, who was looking up at him in concern.

There was a knock at the door and Mason called out, "Who is it?"

"Really, son? Can I come in?"

Mason froze at the sound of his father's voice. He pulled Cinnamon into his lap to give himself time to answer. "Uh. Sure."

The door opened and his father stepped into the room wearing a white robe and a gold belt around his waist. On his back was a large wooden bow.

"Father? This is a surprise."

Apollo looks around the room nervously. "What, a father can't see his son?"

Mason scowled at him and distracted himself by scratching Cinnamon behind the ear. "Why are you here? Speak your piece and leave."

"Tomorrow is Owen's funeral, and the day after that he's sending you kids to the museums to retrieve the weapons." Apollo sighed. "I talked Zeus into letting you stay behind."

"What?!" Mason placed Cinnamon onto the ground and got to his feet. "What are you saying?"

"I'm trying to protect you, Mason. I don't want you going out there and getting hurt." Apollo snapped. "We need you here to protect Olympus from any further attacks."

Mason snorts "That isn't what this is about. You don't want me to see Keith."

"You're right. I don't. I do not approve of your relationship with this boy, just like I didn't approve of your relationship with Caleb." Apollo glared down at him. "You gave me no other choice."

"Are you fucking kidding me? You made Hades keep his son away from me?" Mason took a step toward Apollo. "What, did you set him up with that other boy, too? What the hell!! I thought he fucking cheated on me and you set the whole damn thing up."

Apollo blinked. "If you let me explain-"

"Explain my ass." Mason snarled. "You ruined my life."

He pushed past his father and stormed from his room down to the empty lobby where Hestia was sitting in front of the fire.

Hestia looked back at him. "Why so angry, Mason? I saw your father a little while ago." she cocks her head sympathetically. "I'm guessing another fight."

"Something like that." Mason muttered, plopping beside her. "Did you hear about what happened to Keith?"

Hestia hummed. "Some rumors. But one stuck out to me was that he was being possessed by Blade. Is this true?"

"Yes."

"It is possible for him to return to normal," Hestia whispered.

Mason turned toward her. "How?"

Hestia paused before answering. Then she pointed to his heart. "You two have a strong connection. But there is a long-lasting effect once he's no longer under the influence of darkness."

Mason nodded, waiting for her to say more.

"That scar will never go away. It will never heal. Any strong emotion will bring out the darkness left in him."

"So you're telling me there is no way to get rid of all of it?"

Hestia nods. "Correct. There will be some traces left. But I believe you can bring him back to us."

"Owen tried that, Lady Hestia! And look where that got him!"

"He had a different connection to Keith, and it's not at strong as yours. You'll have a better chance." Hestia got to her feet. "I must go now. Go luck, hero."

Mason frowned at the fire. "What kind of-" he turned back around, but Hestia was gone.

***

Emerson had been walking around the garden with Milana when they heard a thump and bushes rustle.

Milana pulled out a dagger and Emerson whipped out her bow. "Who's there?" she demanded. "Show yourself. We are armed and will not hesitate to shoot."

The bushes rustled and Caleb stumbled forward. A black boy followed after him.

"Caleb!" Milana exclaimed. "You had us worried!" she squeezed him in a hug. "Who's that?"

Emerson squinted her eyes at Caleb's companion. He wore tattered clothes and had straight black hair. The bewildered look on his face gave him an adorable look.

"Oh, this is Liam. Nola's brother." Caleb squeezed Emerson in a hug. "Hey, Emmy. Where are Keith and Mason? I need to talk to them."

Emerson and Milana exchange a look. Emerson sighed and went on to tell him about the attack and Owen's death.

Caleb collapsed onto a nearby bench. "Holy shit. I missed a lot. How's Mason doing?"

"As well as he can." Emerson slipped her weapon over her shoulder. "So who is Liam's godly parent?"

Liam folded his arms. "What makes you think I have a godly parent?"

"How else were you able to get here, knucklehead?" Emerson snapped. She folds her arms. "Guess we'll find out later, then. Caleb, are you about to leave again?"

Caleb nodded. "I just came by to see how everyone was doing. I was heading over to one of the museums to see what I can do about the weapons." he scratched his neck. "I wanted to see if Mason and Keith wanted to tag along. But…"

Milana folds her arms. "But Owen's burial is tomorrow!"

"Can I tag along, Caleb?"

Liam frowned. "But you're a-"

"A girl?" Emerson whirled toward him. "What the hell does that mean? I can take care of myself. Thank you."

"I like this one, Caleb. She's got a sharp tongue."

Caleb rolled his eyes. "Sure Emmy. Milana, would you cover for us?"

"I'll try." Milana kissed Emerson on the forehead. "Be safe, alright."

The friends said farewell, and Caleb dragged Emerson and Liam back into the shadows.