The Last Olympian: Apollo's Daughter

The Offering

When I opened my eyes we were standing on the edge of Domino Park. It was a strip of gardens on the Brooklyn side of the East River. Alecto held me by my forearm, her long stiletto pointed nails dug into my upper arm.

"Is that really necessary? It's not like I'm going to run in this." I gestured down to the peplos.

She let out a strangled cackle like she wasn't fully confident in her horrid voice.

"You're scared," I observed. Her eyes darted to me then back to the churning waters of the East River.

"You should be the scared one, girl."

"Don't try to turn this around, I know my fate and what waits for me... but you, you're terrified to be here. To be in his presence. Scared to get snapped into Tartarus?" I whispered.

"Enough, I will gag you."

"Now, now," I shuddered at the voice. I was now probably as scared and uncomfortable as my Fury deliverer. "I don't think that's necessary."

Luke...Kronos was walking towards us down the concrete sidewalk. He walked with this horrible dark presence that hung around him like a coat. Like you could just tell this wasn't the Luke I had known.

His eyes, golden eyes, stared into my soul as he and his small group of demigods and snake women grew closer. Ethan Nakamura walked by his side like the guard dog he was.

"Sunshine," He greeted, his voice honeyed and calm.

"Evil creep possessing my friend,"

"Now that's not very nice,"

"Neither is possession," I mumbled, tilting my head to the side as he grew closer. He wasn't anywhere near as tired-looking as the last time I'd seen him.

His shoulders heaved when he sighed, coming to a stop with his entourage in tow.

"I was trying to be nice, Skyler. Must you always make it so hard?" He asked.

"Hard to see niceties when you've been held captive in hell," I scoffed. "Literally."

"Yes," He nodded, looking towards the auburn-haired woman who held my arm. "You've done your job demon, return to your masters."

"I'm not supposed to leave until I have confirmation of-"

"I accept your gift. But there will be no agreement or delay. Tell your boss that." Kronos chuckled with a cruel smile. "He will be dealt with just as all the other Olympians will."

Alecto tried to protest but the look Kronos gave her must have scared her more than I had guessed earlier... She made a strangled swallowing sound, and sprouted her true form, and flew across the East River.

"Well," Kronos clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. I fixed my gaze back on him. His cold golden eyes watched me closely, waiting for me to make my move. "I see they tried to make you presentable...Nakamura, take her to get changed. Can't have her fighting in that,"

Ethan looked like he wanted to protest but nodded. He stepped forward, grabbing me by my wrist.

I turned my wrist between his grasp, pulling myself free from his fingers only to turn and grab his forearm. I pulled his arm taut behind him, twisting to apply a twinge of pain.

"I'm not going anywhere with him." I hissed through clenched teeth.

Ethan winced, trying to wiggle his wrist free of my grip. Kronos watched with amusement, letting out a low chuckle. "Fair enough. You two haven't had such a good track record. Maybe you'd prefer someone closer? One of your own?" He said with a smirk. He waved his left hand and a girl stepped forward.