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.
Fire spread through her as she forgot all about being in the open with him. He hadn't kissed her like this in a long time. The next thing she knew, they were in her bedroom on Olympus.
Strange, she didn't remember bringing them here . . . But that thought was lost the instant he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. She loved whenever he carried her. It made her feel so feminine.
Acheron didn't know where his sudden surge of desire came from. It was overwhelming and exhilarating. He couldn't remember ever wanting to be with someone as much as he wanted Artemis just then. It was as if he had to have her right now.
As if something from deep within him was driving him to possess and dominate her.