Athena dug her fingernails deep into her palms.
Caves. The Moirae burrowed into the ground like moles, and wanted them to stick their hands in blindly after. No thanks.
“I don’t think we should go to the caves,” Athena said. “No holes or wells or mazes. We ought to take the high ground, with open space and cover.”
“I didn’t think they were giving us a choice about location,” Cassandra said.
“I didn’t, either. But aren’t you tired of following other people’s plans?”
From behind the couch, Andie smiled. “I’ll get food, water, and supplies,” she said. “The first-aid packs from the basement.” She slapped Henry on the arm. “Let’s go get your shield.”
“What are you doing?” Odysseus asked Athena from across the room of mobilizing bodies.
Athena wasn’t quite sure. But whatever they did, they would do it on their own terms.
*
“I need to ask you to do something for me,” Athena said. She sat before Cassandra’s parents, her weight making the coffee table creak.
“You mean we’re not coming?” Tom asked. “It feels like we should. I want to go.”
Athena nodded. He did want to go. To be a dad and protect his kids. But his eyes were wide and bewildered. He wouldn’t know what to do if she agreed.
“I know you want to. But I was hoping you would do something for me here.”
“What is it?” Maureen asked.
“Hermes is upstairs in his room. We can’t move him. And we can’t wait for him to…” She paused and let the tightness in her throat pass. “He’s not going to last much longer. And I don’t want him to be alone.”
They looked at Cassandra, and their eyes went unfocused as they thought of Henry. Then they nodded.
“When will you be back?” Maureen asked.
“Your kids will be back. Soon.” She touched them fondly on the knee and on the shoulder. “I have to go say goodbye to my brother.”
*
Hermes lay still. He was so thin, he barely made a shape underneath the blankets.
Athena sat on the edge of the bed and held his hand, careful not to disturb him even though he wouldn’t wake up. She’d said his name three times to no response. She should have been happy about that, that he was unconscious and not in pain. But she would have given anything for one more word. One more smile. All this sleep and slowness didn’t suit him.
Ares sat in a chair on the opposite side. When she’d come in, he’d made to leave her alone, but she’d told him to stay. Hermes wasn’t awake. She didn’t need to be alone with him, and truly, having another god in the room felt like comfort, even if it was Ares.
“Knock knock.” Andie poked her head in. Henry and Odysseus stood behind her. “Can we come in to say goodbye?”
Athena nodded, and stepped back to give them room. She didn’t listen to what they said. She just saw them laugh, and wipe tears, and touch Hermes’ shoulder. Andie kissed his cheek.
If he were awake, he’d tell me to keep them safe.
“Cars are packed. Ready to go,” Odysseus said.
“We’ll be down. Soon.” She leaned down over Hermes as they filed out of the room, and kissed his forehead. It felt strange. She thought there’d be more to say. But Hermes knew everything he ever would. And the cars waited downstairs.
Ares stood.
“I’m not going with you,” he said. He hung his head a second and gestured weakly to his stomach. “He cut me up worse than I thought. It isn’t healing.”
“Let me see.” Athena put her hands out, but he caught them.
“The day I get examined by you,” he said, and smiled. He looked down at Hermes. “I’m going to stay with him. Make sure they don’t check here first and do something you wouldn’t want them to do.”
“I thought you’d want the blood,” Athena said.