The Grace Curse

Chapter Thirty-Three (Bethany)

I AWOKE TO THE SOUND OF SOMEONE TALKING. At first it was faint, but soon it began to grow in volume. "Is she awake yet?" One voice asked. My eyes gradually adjusted to the light.

"No. I don't think so," Another voice said. I could feel my skin ripple with goosebumps. Is that Apollo talking? Who is the other voice? I tried to force my eyes open but felt the light of the room blind me.

"Bethany?" The voice asked.

My eyes widened, as the light faded I gasped. I knew this voice, a voice all too familiar to me. "Dad?"

My father smiled and hugged me tightly. "I am so glad you're ok," He turned to Apollo who had his arms crossed with a large bandage over his nose. "What's the status of her condition? Will she make a full recovery?"

Apollo nodded. "She should,"

My Dad frowned. "Bethany wouldn't be in this condition if you didn't kidnap her,"

The Sun God's eyes darkened. "Triptolemos, I'll leave you two to enjoy your family reunion, I'll be back to check on her status later," He turned to the large doorway of the Olympian infirmary and sauntered out.

He turned back to me with a winner's smile. I always admired that about him, he consistently remained positive despite all of the troubles life threw at him. Even as a God, Triptolemos was someone to be admired. Whether you judged it by his verbal kindness, or his warm appearance, you could tell that he was to be trusted. "I missed you so much...you've become such an independent young woman...so much like your mother,"

I could feel my face burn in embarrassment, I wasn't used to getting compliments. "I will still always be your little daughter,"

Triptolemos laughed. "You look almost as old as me, but yes; I know you will be,"

I felt a warm sensation. "I know I will be,"

He continued. "But I actually have good news to tell you," I went to get up but felt a searing pain in my side. "You're still hurt, lay back down,"

I nodded. "What's the news?"

My father smiled. "Due to your outstanding performance on the quest, Zeus has invited you to live back on Olympus with your mother,"

I looked down. "That's...great,"

Triptolemos frowned. "Bethany, what's wrong?"

My lip quivered, I was afraid to word what I was about to say. "I want to be on the surface, with Chase and Blake,"

His eyes widened. "But you loved it here, I thought you would be happy—!"

I shook my head. "No. Being on Olympus only reminds me of the things wrong in our world...all the selfish cutthroat gods who would see each other dead for their own survival,"

My father gasped. "This is what you always wanted—!"

"I know what I need, and it's to be with the people who really matter. Your palace is on the surface, and I can always be with you,"

Triptolemos softened once more. "Aww Bethany, I—!"

I put my hand up. "I will live at Chase's house, he has already invited me there,"

My Dad nodded. "I'm glad you will choose to be with those who make you happy, that is all I can wish for you,"

There was a flash in the doorway as Apollo strode forward. "Times up minor God, let me check her out,"

"Apollo," Triptolemos growled. "Watch yourself,"

The Sun God turned brashly to him and jabbed a finger at his ribs. "No, you watch it. Now go! I have to check her injuries,"

My father gave me a defeatist expression. "Just give me a shout if he gives you any problems,"

I nodded. "Hopefully he won't," Triptolemos disappeared in a flash of light leaving me with Apollo.

"So you're planning to live with Chase, huh?"

I clenched my fists. "It's rude to eavesdrop,"

He laughed. "Sorry, couldn't help myself,"

I turned away from Apollo, his golden aura was beginning to hurt my already sore eyes. "I don't need to tell you a thing,"

The Sun God approached me. "Roll over, I need to check your spinal column," I tried to protest but he quickly spun me around and began examining my back from the white chiton I wore. "Your back will heal just fine, I knew from how I inflicted the injuries to you and Blake,"

"Thanks, by the way," I groaned. "For putting all of us through hell,"

I could hear the God growl in an almost animalistic manner. "Shut up,"

I went to stand up but he refused to me. "I'm going to get help somewhere else,"

Apollo stopped me. "You may have nothing to say to me, but I have a message for Chase,"

I felt my lungs heave. "What?"

A smile spread across the God's face. "Tell him I will be back, this is far from being over,"

"Give up already,"

He shook his head. "Don't worry, I won't kidnap anyone, or anything like that. You'll see, just wait,"