The Winters

Chiron

Lauren's POV:

The first thing I noticed is how bright it was. The light blinded me and I tried to shrink away from it but there was nowhere to go. The next thing was a stern voice, ordering me to hold still. I tried to get up but they pushed me back down, I kicked them and they backed off.

My lips were chapped and cracking and everywhere hurt. I saw, on the table beside me, a tall drink that resembled apple juice. I grabbed it and drained the glass in one gulp, then cringed. It definitely didn't taste like apple juice, more like sour pomegranates, but at least my tongue wasn't dry anymore.

I got to my feet but fell before I could even take a step. My leg wouldn't bend and it felt as if someone had torn off my kneecap. I ground my teeth, embarrassed, as a person in a bright orange shirt helped me back up.

"Where's my sister?!" I demanded, fighting to stay standing when they tried to force me to sit.

"I don't know what you're talking about," They told me. "But you can't walk on that leg."

I rolled my eyes. "Just watch me." And I pushed past them, admittedly leaning most of my weight on random pieces of furniture, as I made my way outside. I stumbled through the doorway and latched onto the porch railing, holding on for dear life so I wouldn't fall.

I grinned when I saw Scarlett out in the field, talking to someone I didn't know.

"Scar!" I shouted, watching her expression change from confusion to exasperation when she saw me. I willed my shadow up the hill as she brought hers down to meet mine. As soon as they touched, Scar sent me a mental message, You're an idiot.

Really? You're blaming me for how that went? I responded.

Well, you were the one who got blasted out of the sky!

She had a fair point. Not that I would ever admit it. I was about to respond when my concentration was broken by that one annoying guy grabbing my arm.

"I told you not to walk on that leg!" He growled and I jerked away from him.

"And I told you I was fine!" I retorted, limping toward the stairs that would bring me off the porch, down to the field where Scarlett was. When I got to her I drew her into an embrace, mostly to keep her from scolding me which was a nasty habit of hers. We pulled apart and she gave me that look.

"I told you it was a stupid idea even before you went up there." She sighed.

"They're the stupid ones," I argued. "My plan was perfect." The sky thundered and I rolled my eyes.

The centaur dude Scarlett was talking to tapped my shoulder. "Let's try to avoid angering the gods, alright?"

I rolled my eyes again. It's not like they were going to kill me or anything. Besides, it was far too late for that.

Chiron muttered something under his breath, then held out his hand to me. "My name is Chiron. Yours is?"

I sighed but it sounded more like a growl. "I know who you are, and I already know everything about your little camp so no need for introductions."

He made a face I couldn't discern, then motioned to a blond boy who stood next to Scarlett. "This is Will, he's going to show you around."

"I am?" Will's expression turned rather alarmed.

Chiron gave him a look. "Yes." Then he turned to look back up at the big house. "I'm sure Mr. D will be thrilled to meet you lovely young ladies." He said, and I wondered if this dull old man had just attempted a bit of sarcasm. "I'll inform him of your..." He paused as if searching for the right word. "Arrival." Then he cantered off, leaving us with this Will guy.