Apollo's Prophecy (Book One)

Chapter Sixteen

I'm so sorry I forgot to upload on Friday again! My excuse this time is that I had a staycation week off so all the days blended into one. Also, the pre-order for the second book of my fantasy series is available so check out the external link in this chapter for the Amazon page for it if you'd like (I linked to the US site since most of my readers are from there). I hope you enjoy and thank you so much for all of the support so far! I'm going to start doing dedications to those I see constantly supporting. Thank you again <3 

     Danika tried to relax in the luxurious bath tub that the nymph had prepared for her. A custom mix of essential oils were added to help, but she found it hard being in the water after what had happened. Every time she would close her eyes, she imagined being pulled under again.

     When she got out, Danika put on the nice loungewear she'd picked up on her extravagant shopping trip. Apollo insisted that she wore clothes she was comfortable in after what she'd experienced that day.

     Apollo was sitting on the bed, already dressed when Danika walked in. "You're limping," he said, standing up.

     Danika frowned. "Are you sure?" She didn't think she was. Her ankle was definitely sore, but she felt like she was walking normally.

     "Yes," Apollo replied and pulled up her pants, exposing the ankle. "I should've healed this for you earlier," he said, gently wrapping his hand around her ankle.

     Danika stopped herself from pulling back when the familiar heat from his powers started healing her wound. Within a few seconds it felt normal again. "Thank you," she smiled at Apollo. "I wish I had you with me for all of the injuries I received when playing sports as a kid."

     Apollo chuckled, smiling up at her before he stood back up. "Then you wouldn't have become the strong woman you are today."

     "I guess you're right," Danika replied, her heart fluttering at the way he was looking at her. "Is Athena expecting us now?"

     "Unfortunately," Apollo replied and stuck his hand out for Danika to hold. "She's in the palace so we can walk over. I want you to learn your way around anyway."

     Danika nodded and they set off into the marble halls. She paid close attention to Apollo as he explained each room, noting the ones she'd visit again. Definitely the library once the course is over.

     "And this is Athena's favourite battle strategy room," Apollo announced when they stopped in front of an iron door. Many designs were engraved into the metal. Danika quickly found the owl.

     The door opened on its own. "Come in," Athena's voice rang from inside.

     Apollo stood to the side and motioned for Danika to head in first. "After you," he said.

     Danika nodded, for once wishing he wasn't such a gentleman, and slowly made her way into the room.

     The room was drastically different from the others Danika had seen in the palace. The walls were a darker colour and for once the floors and countertops weren't made of marble, but a darker stone. Messy bookshelves were all along the walls and a large wooden table sat in the centre of the room. The goddess of wisdom, and many other things, stood in front of it.

     "Welcome, Danika," Athena smiled and motioned for her to come closer. "It looks like we have important things to discuss."

     Danika walked toward the goddess, avoiding stepping on things that were all over the ground. I thought she'd be organized.

     "Son of Zeus," Apollo laughed, watching Danika maneuver her way through the room without stepping on anything. "It's a pig sty in here."

     Athena glared at her half-brother. "I'm the goddess of wisdom, not clean rooms."