The Mark of Janus (Book 2)

Chapter 10

I sat back in the shower, the water cold, drinking my last can of soda. I tossed a drachma through the water repetitively, picking it up every time it clanked on the tiles.

I leaned against the wall, closing my eyes as the spray of water rushed over me. The repetitive sound of the water was almost calming, like rain or a fountain.

If I listened closely enough, I could hear tiny birds in the distance. I could almost smell flowers. And pomegranates.

I opened my eyes and was surprised to see that I was once again in Persephone's garden. I took a deep breath and knelt next to Persephone, who was pruning some roses. She smiled at me and handed me some clippers.

"It won't be so bad. I'm going to talk to Hades and see if you can stay in the garden with me." She smiled at me.

I folded my hands in my lap. "Why are you being so nice to me?"

She sighed. "You're going to go through a lot of trials. While you're here, I want you to be happy." She wiped away a tear.

I nodded. "Thank you."

"Honey?" The door of the palace opened and a man walked out. He was wearing dark robes, and was tall with a staff. His hair was longer, and his face was slimmer. He was even a little more pale.

I bent my head down a little, since I was already kneeling, to show some respect.

"Oh, Primrose, hello." The man nodded. "I was hoping you were here."

"Why?"

He eyed the rose in my hands. "It's not going to get any easier. Only one person can fall. You'll meet the other at the bottom."

"The bottom where?" I handed Persephone the rose.

"It will all make sense in time." He nodded, kneeling next to his wife, holding her hand. "I can explain better the next time you see us."

"When will that be?" I pleaded. I was scared.

Persephone gently caressed my hair. "Soon, honey. I'm so sorry."

I nodded. "I understand. Can I tell my friends yet?"

Hades shook his head. "You can tell them that you are working with us, but if you tell them, their fate will change. This has been chosen for you since birth. You were given the mark for a reason. You've got a big role to play."

I nodded again. "I guess I'll see you soon." I whispered.

Persephone gave me another primrose, placing it behind my ear. "Be strong, Primrose."

"I'll try."

"Pepper, wake up." A frantic voice spoke, gently holding onto my body.

I opened my eyes, looking at the source of the voice. Jason was looking into my eyes.

I placed a gentle hand on his cheek, pressing my mouth to his.

"Why were you asleep, fully clothed in the shower?" He asked me, pulling away.

"I had to talk to someone." I apologized, pulling the primrose from behind my ear.

I sat up, kneeling to face him. "Things are just going to keep getting complicated."

Jason smiled slightly. "That's the beauty of being a half-blood." He brushed my dripping hair behind my ears. "Are you going to be okay?"

I smiled. "I think a kiss might help."

He leaned in and gently kissed my nose. "You're soaking wet."

"So are you. We're sitting in the shower. The water is still running." I giggled.

"Seriously, are you feeling better?" He held my hand.

"I'll let you know." I shrugged. We sat under the stream silently for a minute, before I pressed my lips against his. He pulled me close to him and kissed me back, before gently nibbling at my neck.

I giggled, whispering in his ear. "The coach is going to kill us."

Jason whispered back. "He doesn't have to know."

"You're really hot when you're sneaky." I murmured, running my hands through his wet hair.

He pressed another kiss to the base of my neck, giving me a little love bite. He slowly trailed kisses back up to my lips.

"Oo, coach is gonna be maaad." I heard a smirk from the doorway.

I pulled away, staring at the smarmy ass who stood there. "Dude, you have to stop doing this to me." I frowned at Percy.

He waved a hand and the stream of water shut off. "I didn't do anything. I wasn't the one getting freaky in the shower."

I blushed. "Why are you here?" I stood, wringing out my hair.

"Jason went out of our meeting to find you, it's been 15 minutes. You two are crazy."

Jason muttered. "She only woke up 5 minutes ago."

"Is the meeting still going right now?" I stepped out of the shower.

"Yeah why?" He waved his hand again and both Jason and I were dry. I was kind of jealous of his powers, but I did have the earthquakes.

"I have to tell you all something." I muttered, picking up the flower from where it had fallen on the shower floor.