“But,” Isadora added, “something tells me my father’s passing isn’t the reason you’re standing before me now.”
The Sirens glanced at each other and then Khloe said, “It’s no secret that in these tumultuous times it is as important as ever to maintain balance within the human realm.”
No one knew that more than Isadora. “I agree.”
“There are those who would choose to destroy the balance the gods have created,” Khloe went on. “One in particular, who seeks the Orb of Krónos for personal gain. I’m sure you’re aware of the Orb’s significance.”
Oh, was she ever. Not that they needed to know that little detail. “I was under the assumption the Orb had not been found,” she lied.
“Unfortunately, it has. By a warlock who once inhabited your realm.”
Apophis. Yep, Isadora knew him too. And she was fully aware he was lurking somewhere in the human realm, in Gryphon’s body, waiting for the chance to use the Orb and build his coven of witches so he could one day overthrow Zeus.
“Interesting.” Isadora crossed her feet at the ankles, braced her hands against the solid desk. “But I’m not sure what that has to do with us.”
“Athena respectfully requests the help of your Argonauts in locating the warlock,” Rhebekkah said, “and the Orb.”
Isadora narrowed her eyes. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but the Orb isn’t of much use without the four basic elements.”
“You’re correct. It’s not.”
“So you’re telling me the Sirens are having trouble locating one insignificant warlock who is unable to harness the true powers of the Orb? And you want our help because he’s of this realm?”
“Not entirely,” Khloe said. “Normally, we wouldn’t need to enlist the aid of your guardians, but our efforts have been diverted. You see, it’s one of your own that seeks to take the Orb from the warlock and disrupt the balance of the human realm. We have Sirens working to head him off, but he already has one element. Perhaps more.”
Orpheus.
Their visit suddenly made a whole lot more sense.
She pushed away from the desk, stepped toward the windows, and looked out at the emerald green fields beyond the castle. Far off in the distance, the Olympic Ocean glimmered in the sunlight. “One of our own, you say?”
“Yes,” Khloe said, turning after her. “An Argolean. One with a history of causing imbalance within the human realm. He also happens to be a daemon hybrid. I’m sure you can understand why Zeus does not want to see the Orb fall into his possession.”
Skata. Orpheus’s lineage was one secret she’d kept for many years. And had hoped to forever keep from the Argonauts.
Isadora caught Casey’s surprised look before she turned back toward the Sirens, careful to keep her face as neutral as possible. “So you want us to find the warlock before this Argolean hybrid does.”
“Yes.”
“And what of the hybrid?”
“We’ll take care of him.”
Isadora didn’t like the sound of that at all. She glanced toward Theron and read his no way in hell look. He wasn’t Orpheus’s biggest fan—not by a long shot—but even he knew Orpheus had helped the Argonauts on several occasions.
She refocused on Khloe. “I’ll speak with my Argonauts and see what we can do. Unfortunately we’re stretched thin as it is. We recently lost a guardian, as I’m sure you’re aware, and with the increase in daemon-hybrid activity, in addition to Atalanta’s daemons still roaming the human realm, my guardians have their hands full.”
“Of course,” Khloe said, though her olive green eyes screamed her skepticism. “If they could keep a lookout and report back anything they hear to us, though, Athena would be most appreciative.”
“I’m sure that won’t be a problem,” Isadora lied. “And if you happen to come across this Argolean hybrid, I would appreciate the same.”
“Of course,” Khloe replied in what was very clearly the biggest lie of all.
Loud footfalls echoed from the hallway. Isadora looked toward the door just as Titus stepped into the room and froze, his hazel eyes shifting to Isadora, the Sirens, over to Theron, and back to Isadora again.
Isadora moved toward the Sirens and held out her hand. “Please send my best to Athena.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
They each grasped her hand in turn, bowed slightly, then turned for the door. Titus moved back to let them pass.
When they were finally alone, Theron said, “Titus, close those doors.”
A lock of wavy hair fell free of the leather tie at the nape of Titus’s neck as he shut the double doors and turned to face the room once more with no way that was real eyes. “Was that what I think it was?”