Umbra

Chapter 35

Looking casual was difficult.

They'd had to huddle together over the entrance to block her from view. It was better that the tourists saw nothing... though, with this in mind, it did seem oddly suspicious that two teenage boys and a teenage-looking girl were standing shoulder-to-shoulder next to the tomb like guards.

But thankfully for them, most tour groups just ignored them. A few people glanced apprehensively and kept walking. They turned away quickly when either Leo or Emilia grinned. At first, Leo had made a comment that it was because they were Mexican. Emilia made a gesture over her face, reminding him that she looked like a serial killer. His argument stood because he didn't think he looked like one, which must mean the stares were for another reason.

The trio of Americans were still in the room, glancing at them ever so often. Why they lingered, Emilia didn't know. She didn't think they were here for a good reason. The sooner Hazel came back, the sooner they could get away from those men.

"So," said Frank abruptly, making both Leo and Emilia flinch. "Um, well, Leo, Hazel told me you figured out about my lifeline."

"Lifeline?" asked Emilia.

Hesitantly, Frank admitted, "My life is tied to this piece of firewood... Juno revealed it to my mother and grandmother when I was a baby and I've known it was my weakness ever since. If the stick ever burns up, I'll die."

She winced, finding it a cruel way to balance out his incredible abilities. "Look, man," said Leo, knowing Frank was most wary of him, "I'd never do anything to put you in danger. We're on the same team."

Frank fiddled with his centurion badge. "I always knew fire could kill me, but since my grandmother's mansion burned down in Vancouver...it seems a lot more real."

Leo hesitated. "Your grandmother—did she die in that fire? You didn't say."

"I—I don't know. She was sick, and pretty old. She said she would die in her own time, in her own way. But I think she made it out of the fire. I saw this bird flying up from the flames."

"Does everyone in your bloodline have this power?" asked Emilia curiously.

"I guess," said Frank. "My mom did. Grandmother thought that's what got her killed in Afghanistan, in the war. Mom tried to help some of her buddies, and... I don't know exactly what happened. There was a firebomb."

Leo winced with sympathy. "So we both lost our moms to fire."

Emilia was silent as Leo told Frank the story of how his mother died in the workshop when Gaea appeared to him. She felt out of place there, given her mother wasn't dead (rather, just wanted to hurt her as far as she knew), but it seemed both of them were comforted by her quiet presence. Leo glanced at Emilia multiple times while telling his story, having already spoken to her at length about it. Even Frank seemed to let his eyes flicker to her, using her as a guide for how he should be reacting.

Frank's eyes got watery. "I never like it when people tell me, Sorry about your mom."

"It never feels genuine," agreed Leo.

"But I'm sorry about your mom."

"Thanks."

Hazel still wasn't back. Frank continued, "Back at Camp Jupiter, our cabin Lar, Reticulus, told me I have more power than most demigods, being a son of Mars, plus having the shape-changing ability from my mom's side. He said that's why my life is tied to a burning stick. It's such a huge weakness that it kind of balances things out."

"Nemesis and her games," muttered Emilia. "Balance... it's both a wonderful and terrible thing. This piece of firewood, where–?"

"With Hazel," said Frank. "I trust her."