The Crowns of the Gods.

Rhode's Birthday Surprise

 Blair was still wary of her sisters. She was trying to get back into the motion of things, but she couldn't figure out how to bring her confidence back. The once strong and determined leader now felt a shadow of her former self. Jinx had stepped into her place as leader, and Blair wondered why they needed her at all. Peri and the girls noticed the shift, realizing that Blair was letting Jinx carry the council. She was no longer as confident as she had been before.

The dimly lit archives felt like a sanctuary for Blair, a place where she could lose herself in the ancient texts and forgotten lore. The smell of old paper and the soft glow of candlelight provided a comforting cocoon. Bayo told Jinx that all Blair needed was a push, much as they did in high school when Blair shut down. Jinx was unsure whether or not that technique applied to this situation but decided to give it a try. They knew Blair had spent almost all her time studying a succubus's powers, so that she could release Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon from Rhea's hold. So Jinx decided to give her a shove toward action.

Jinx found Blair in the archives and sighed. Blair was surrounded by stacks of books and scrolls, her brow furrowed in concentration.

Hey sissy, Jinx said telepathically, her mental voice carrying a blend of affection and concern.

Hello, is there another meeting? Blair asked meekly through the mind link, her mental tone barely above a whisper.

No, I was just wondering if you have discovered the answer to releasing Hades and the others, Jinx said, still speaking telepathically. She leaned against the doorway, watching her sister's reaction.

If I had, I wouldn't be down here, now would I? Blair responded, a touch more forcefully but still meekly through the mind link. Her frustration was palpable, yet it was tinged with a deep-seated insecurity.

Easy, don't get so testy. You need to find an answer soon, Jinx replied, trying to keep her tone light yet firm.

Why? It's not like anyone misses them, Blair said, her voice tinged with bitterness and fatigue. She looked up briefly, her eyes filled with a mix of sorrow and determination.

Well, Bayo and I are getting tired of trying to run their shit and ours at the same time. So why don't we just let them go? Jinx said, playing her part well. She walked closer, her footsteps echoing softly in the quiet room.

You're funny, JJ, Blair said, a small, humorless smile tugging at her lips.

I'm serious, Blair. We need a break, Jinx told her, her expression earnest. She placed a hand on Blair's shoulder, trying to convey her sincerity.

Jinx, we are not releasing them, and that is final, Blair said with forceful finality, her eyes flashing with a rare intensity. Even without using her voice and speaking through the mind link, it sent chills down Jinx's spine.

If you really meant that... Jinx said, trying to keep her composure, but the weight of Blair's words hung heavy in the air.

Jinx, do you really want to piss me off right now? I haven't eaten yet, and I really don't feel like being tested. You can go now, Blair said again, sending chills down Jinx's spine. Blair's hair was lit up like a Christmas tree, glowing with an ethereal light that signaled her rising power and emotions. Jinx smiled.

There's the real you, Jinx said, relief and pride mixing in her voice.

What are you talking about? Blair asked, trying to calm down, her hair's glow dimming slightly.

I wanted you to stop being so damn passive, Jinx said, her voice firm but affectionate.

Yeah, well, I am back. So leave me alone for a little bit. I want to keep researching until it's time to get ready. I will talk to you in a while, Blair said, her tone softening.