Hyacinths and Halcyons

cHaPtEr SiXtEeN: I Have a Goddess in My Head (Kora POV)

My dreams were hazy, like someone had draped a veil over it. But even as I sat in the misty darkness, I stared at my hands. I wore a tunic, something a tradition Greek person would wear, or at least I assumed so. The only traditional clothes I knew about were the itchy sari's my mom stuffed me in. My mind drifted to my mother at the thought. She was a kind woman, emphasis on "was". After I turned 12, she decided that she didn't need to baby me anymore. She didn't even blink an eye when I told her I would be staying the summer at Camp Half-Blood. It was like she went back to the days when hooking up with random guys at the club was her favorite pastime. That's how I was conceived after all. I rolled my eyes, staring at the black emptiness again.

My memories, like the dream I was in, were hazy, but I remembered something. That Lamia. Everything was a rush but I still remembered the sensation in my veins, the pull of salts and minerals in the underground, and the spark of life, as rosemaries grew in my palms. As well as the drainage of the newfound burst of energy when it was over. But everything that happened was purely instinct. It was like my hands knew what to do, even when my mind didn't. I had barely any training, NIco could only do so much. And maybe that's why my energy left faster than the newest iPhone update.

But sitting here, in this comfortable emptiness, something ate inside of me. We didn't know where to go. We were following a nonexistent trail.

"So you finally figured it out." a voice said. I knew that voice.

"Persephone?" I croaked, my voice reverberating and echoing through the fast darkness.

"Hello, my child," she said. "I'm sure you've noticed that your dream as of now differs from your usual ones."

I nod, unsure of how to respond.

"This is called a dreamlink. I can communicate with you as I wish."

I blink. I was going to have a goddess in my head. Interesting.

Persephone's gentle laugh resounded through my head.

"I assure you, it's not as weird as you think."

"Sure." I reply. "But I'm guessing you have a message for me."

Persephone agrees, saying, "Your search for Anteros was brought to my attention. So I will provide my insight. Anteros prefers a wide view of the world while still being grounded. His wings allow him a 'bird's eye view' if you will. So obviously prefers the highest view in the world, to keep an eye out for those who need to be punished."

I felt my heart plummet. "Don't tell me...

"Anteros is on MOUNT EVEREST?!"

BANG.

And that's when I sat up, hitting my head on the roof of the car.