Maiden Grim | A Pjo Fanfic

Ch. 19: New And Old Grudges

Isra had been ready to leave Olympus when the party started dying down. She could tell everybody was ready to go home when groups of nymphs and satyrs stumbled out of the throne room. Drunk on nectar and stumbling, muttering about espresso and annoying rowdy demigods.

And speaking of demigods—the campers were starting to ditch the party too. Isra followed, hoping there'd be a bus or chariot ride back to camp waiting from the at the Empire State Building. However, her attempt to blend in with the crowd proved futile. Apparently gossip traveled fast on Mount Olympus because a bunch of them shot "discrete" glances her way and whispered amongst themselves. None of them fooled her though.

Isra scowled. Yet another reason she was not looking forward to heading back to camp. (Gods, what if Nico had already heard the news from someone else?)

She was almost out of the front gates when somebody called out for her.

"Isra Salem."

Ugh, couldn't the gods just leave her alone already?

She groaned internally and turned around. The goddess of the Hunt walked up to her, having reclaimed her young form. It felt weird being taller than Artemis when just hours ago she'd the size of a two-story house.

"Come to give me a depressing pep talk too?" Isra said. "Don't bother. Her majesty already managed that."

Artemis' lips thinned. Her eyebrows were furrowed. And Isra swore there was real anger in her eyes. But not at Isra—for her.

"Ah, yes," she said distastefully. "Her majesty can be very insistent when it comes to marriage and family. But I know nothing I can say would quite make up for the council's decision."

"Yeah..." Isra let out a frustrated sigh. "I-I just don't understand. Why is it either marry some guy, have a baby—or die? Wouldn't me joining the Hunters be an easier fix? What if I just swore not to have a kid?"

Artemis looked conflicted. "Isra Salem, when I asked you to join my Hunters, I did so knowing that it would be temporary. Joining the Hunt or swearing an oath is not foolproof. With a prophecy like this, there is always a chance it may come true."

Her fists clenched. "Then why ask in the first place?"

"Because even if the gods cannot kill you, there are other ways they can impede you. Under my protection, they would be less likely to try."

Isra hated the fear that rose inside her. She hated feeling so helpless.

"Like your brother?" she challenged.

Artemis stiffened.

"He would've killed me right then and there," Isra said. "You stopped him the first time, but now...What is his problem with me?"

"My brother may see the future, but he is often stuck in the past. Thetis' son Achilles had wronged him during the Siege of Troy. and he foolishly suspects that your son might..."

Artemis' scowled and shook her head. "Sometimes I do not know what goes on through that head of his. I thought he would feel sympathy for your plight, especially considering the blood you share. But I was wrong."

The world froze.

"What?"

Her voice sounded hollow to her ears.

The goddess blinked. She frowned. "Yes, you—" Realization dawned on her face. "You still do not remember."

"Remember what?"

"Your family."

Isra stepped forward, with a little too much desperation, she asked: "My family? You know about them? Can you tell me who they are?" Who they were.