The Spirits of the Universe (PJO)

Chapter 61--I Confront Aridne

The issue of finding an inn was easily solved—at the corner of the temple was a staircase that led down below to a space entirely devoted to harboring the temple staff. There were kitchens, a big community living room, king-sized beds with each bedroom having a private bathroom, and even an armory. Normally, we'd never be able to reside in such a place. However, since Daphne was convinced that I was Order, she insisted we stay—each in our separate room. It should've easily been one of the most comfiest nights since the start of the mission.

But it wasn't.

Even though the day's events had tired me to exhaustion, I couldn't get a wink of sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, all I could see were the evil smirks of the sibling statues on the temple floor above me—smirks full of deceit. A tiny voice in my mind said uneasily, What if End and Order can control my body when I'm asleep?

That's impossible, I said. If they could, they would've already done it.

What if they can, but they've been hiding it all along? the voice countered. Hiding it until they need to defy you outright. Like right now—when what they want puts yout entire future at stake.

I hated how the voice had a point.

But it wasn't like I wanted to stay awake, either. At dusk, I heard Daphne and the other priestesses retire to their quarters, finished with their duties for the night. But the temple still wasn't quiet. 

Up above, the wind blew roughly, making the temple creak softly in the night. But then the flooring started making noise, and I couldn't help but wonder if it wasn't nature—but Chaos soldiers. Maybe Elda and her squad had broken out of their restraints (Don't worry, we didn't just leave them tied up outside—Daphne had locked the solders into the shed outside and planned on releasing them after we left. "We can't get into any more trouble with Chaos," Daphne had said. "After all, we're already sworn enemies.") and were slowly converging downstairs.

If that were the case, then all of the sacrifices I'd made for the past two months would be for nothing. I'd be in jail for the rest of my life, and tortured—the Geneva Conventions were unknown here.

Even worse wold be the danger my friends would be in. Obviously, Aridne would be charged with treason—ruining her life all because she wanted to be kind. Liam, one of the most dependable people I'd ever met, would never have the chance to ever be happy again. That's what bothered me the most.

Sometimes, I absolutely hated my thoughts.

The whole situation was quite ironic; the one day that I struggled with getting sleep was the day I was quite possibly in the comfiest bed on Planet Chaos.

That's how I found myself in a pub at one in the morning.

Okay, let me be clear: I'm not condoning drinking—especially when I was supposed to be on high alert for a caravan raid. But I just needed . . . noise. And people.

For being a fugitive, I felt strangely safe in the chaotic environment. Besides, who was I kidding—with fierce tattoos, weapons, and battle scars, most of the people in the packed club had definitely walked beyond the gray line before. Now, with alcohol coursing through their veins, they screamed in joy as they danced in the middle of the building to a live rock band. 

Still, something about being the quietest person in the room made my muscles relax for the first time in a while. My heart slowed pace as I sunk deeper into the cushion of my barstool.

Unfortunately, I wasn't as invisible as I hoped I was. Before I had fully made myself comfortable, a pretty red-haired girl my age sauntered up, then slid into the stool beside me. "Hey there, handsome. I haven't seen you around here before."

"Just on my way to Deeplige," I lied. The less people who knew my real intentions, the better. 

"We got a city boy here? Want a drink to celebrate your travels? It's on me today." She winked flirtatiously at me.

I eyed the double-handed battle-axe that hung off her belt; denying her offer didn't seem like a smart choice. "Any chance y'all have blue Coca-Cola?"

The bartender and the girl stared at me blankly. I sighed, "Nevermind. I'll be fine with a water."

"You heard the boy, Barley." The girl then turned to me. "Say, I didn't catch your name. Mine's Alicia."

"Percy." I shot the bartender a look of gratitude when he slid me the glass, and I took a sip.

Alicia continued talking to me without a care in the world. Her first sentence alone was forward enough to have made me do a double take—if I were listening, that is.

Okay. Before you get any ideas, I just want to clarify that I am a great listener. I've been an impromptu therapist for many of the cabins back at CHB—and that wasn't just because I was the oldest and most experienced camper back then. I would have given Alicia my entire attention—if not for the fact that, before I could drink my water, a hand slid over my mouth.

The hand was soft and warm, and smelled faintly of flowers and vanilla—a familiar smell that made my mind go numb.

From behind me, a voice hissed, "Back off."

Alicia was taken aback. "We're just talking. That's no crime, right?"

Before anyone could react, a fist flew through the air. Alicia tumbled to the floor, unconscious.

A lithe figure gracefully stepped over her body, then stole her seat. The bartender had a look of concern on his face, but one sharp look from the person sent him scrambling away in fear.

No one else noticed the altercation. Maybe I'm not as safe from being arrested as I thought I was in here.

The person turned toward me, then smiled in a way that made my heart flutter. "Hey, Percy."

"Dude—knocking her unconscious was not necessary."

"She was as asshole," Aridne defended herself.

"What, for being nice?"

"For spiking your drink."

I didn't usually feel this giddy about having Aridne care about me (after all, I was her questmate. It was natural for her to worry about me), but something about her words made alarm take over. "How do you know my water was drugged? I was staring at her the whole time."

I knew how wrong that last sentence sounded—and Aridne certainly noticed. She narrowed her eyes, but, to my relief, she didn't press me any further. "You should've looked at the guy handling your drink."

"The bartender?"

"That's the one."

"There's no way he would sabotage a customer."

"You might be a customer, but your lover there—"

"She's not my lover."

". . . is a regular," Aridne finished. "She's sunk more money into this establishment. Her wishes come before yours. Besides, did you not see her nod to the bartender?"

"I . . . thought she was saying hi."

Aridne stared at me in disbelief. "Why would she be interested in talking with him when she only got eyes for you? Have you never been to a bar before?"

No, should've been the right answer. But I was done fumbling the bag. "I was supposed to be here alone. Why are you following me?"

"I found you merely by coincidence. There's only one source of entertainment in this town, and it's this bar . . ."

"Oh, so Aridne, who would kill anyone who wakes her up voluntarily decided to explore this town's nightlife—on the one day as I snuck out?"

"It seems so," Aridne said stubbornly.

"Really? Because it just seems like you don't trust me." I glared at her, wanting to force out the truth. 

Even if it endangered the mission.