Daughter of Apollo

Chapter 16

That night I could barely sleep, even though I was exhausted. I tossed and turned for a few hours before finally falling asleep. "Ellie."

I heard a deep voice call my name, definitely a male. I groaned, as I had just started sleeping and it was probably around 3 AM. Still half asleep, I assumed I had imagined it and didn't even open my eyes.

"Ellie!" he insisted, this time louder. I opened my eyes and knew immediately that I wasn't in my bunk bed, or even in the Apollo cabin. I was laying on the sand next to the lake, and although there was no sun anywhere to be seen this early in the morning, there seemed to be a warm glow coming from the man standing above me. I scrambled to my feet quickly, taking in the man's features. He looked young enough to be a college student, but at the same time there was something about his face that made him seem middle-aged. He smiled, and I noticed that his eyes were the exact color of a sun rise and his neat hair was the same shade as mine.

"Dad," I breathed quietly, almost too softly to be heard over the movement of the lake and the wind in the surrounding trees. Apollo nodded and I crossed my arms self-consciously. I had never met my father before, and it was strange to think that I had come from two attractive parents and turned out as average as I had. "Is this a dream?"

He seemed to ponder my question, then answered carefully. "Somewhat. It is one of the only ways for a God to contact their children, and it works through a dream, so yes. But at the same time, you are completely awake. So no."

I nodded even though I didn't fully understand what he was trying to say. I was awake, but not? "So, why did you need to.... contact me?" You never have before, I added mentally. I figured it wasn't a good idea to tick off Apollo, even if he was my father.

He suddenly got serious, and the sparkle behind his eyes dimmed. "There is a.... test... coming. And although I have tried to stop it, it will likely involve you." I tried to interrupt but he held up a hand politely and I waited. "I can't tell you more. But I can help prepare you." He walked closer and took my wrist in his hand gently. I feeling of warmth filled my body and I had the urge to throw my arms around him and hug the father I had never truly had. Before I had the chance to stop myself or go for the hug, my skin started to burn where he had his hand wrapped around my wrist. I cried out sharply, and he immediately looked apologetic. "I'm sorry I haven't been there for you." He brushed some hair out of my face. "But you are strong like your mother and you have friends who care about you deeply. Good luck."

Before I could even say goodbye, the air around him started to shimmer, and I looked away so I wouldn't see his true form. When I turned back, I was sitting up in my bed. The clock next to my bed blinked the numbers 5:23 in neon green lights. My wrist was still stinging, and I gasped when I saw a small black arrow tattooed there.