Khinei's POV
Just when i thought i was going to die of suffocation and explosion occurred. Hera lets go of my throat, which probably is an opportunity to attack her but i'm so weak due to lack of air i didn't even bother that is until she said, "Oh, your foolish friends have come to join the party. Don't worry i'll entertain them well. In the mean time have a grand time at the cellar for it will be your last."
My eyes widen hardly believing my bad luck, since Hera will probably kill my friends too. But before i could curse the goddess to the damnation she snapped her fingers and it's as if i've been teleported to a cellar so dark i can't see anything. Then i feel chains locking around my arms and just like that i blacked out.
Hermes POV
Hermes’ POV
I heard the explosion that signals Apollo along with Percy, Jr, Joan is ready with the distraction. I nod at Jeanne, iza, Nic, Elle and Jude we head in the castle. The plan is Apollo’s team will distract Hera while my team will be looking for Khinei.
After walking around with no interference Nic said, “We should separate that way we’ll find her faster before Hera realizes she’s being tricked.”
I raised my brow at the suggestion knowing it’s risky but our best chance to find Khinei. I nod and I move straight ahead. Jude and Iza took the left while Nic and Elle took the right.
I keep wandering around, being the messenger of the gods I should’ve had a map of every place that exists but even I am lost here in Hera’s castle which is probably…
I heard a familiar scream up ahead,
“Arzeya!” I called out and rush to the direction, instincts taking over me soon I reached a door. I leaned in and I heard muffled breathing on the other side. I walked back preparing to launch a kick to open the door, I kicked the door open to find nothing inside.
First I was puzzled then my eyes widened and one word crossed my mind “Trap”, but before I could run the door closed I looked back and saw Hera, “Oh Hermes, leaving too soon? You just came? How about we wait for the other guests? Here sit and watch everything that happens in the mansion.”
I tried to get out from her magical grip but she’s stronger so she managed to drag me down and tied me on a chair where every movement cause a celestial bronze to slice me letting my ichor drop, weakening me. I stopped struggling to glare at Hera too angry for words which is a miracle for they do call me the god of babbling mouths.
Hera laughed and said, “Oh dear don’t stare at me you should be focusing your attention on that.” A big holographic image appeared in front of me and I saw Khinei in a cellar unconscious and tied.
I growled at Hera and said, “What did you do to her?”
“To be honest nothing… yet. She’s just unconscious.” Hera said with a wave of her hand dismissing the topic. “Anyway take a look at this.”
The image flashed and it was replaced by Apollo’s team attacking Serpent like ladies but this are different you could tell nothing will beat this monsters. “Like them? I just made them today? I still haven’t named them for I had to hurry Apollo’s running out of toys. You have any suggestions for names.”
I almost punched her in the face when a celestial knife cut so deep, a dozen ichor dropped. I grit my teeth in pain which Hera just laughed at.
“Anyway this is where the fun begins.” She said still laughing. I automatically looked up and saw Nic and Elle being attacked by Hera’s monsters too. I thought that’s what she meant: she wanted me to see how her creatures could everybody even Apollo is also bleeding ichor. Then I suddenly remembered Jude and Iza where are they? As if answering my question the image flashed and changed once again.
I saw Jude and Iza walking. They seem to be talking though I can’t hear. I closed my eyes and I strained my hearing and soon enough I could hear their voices though muffled. Then I remember the muffled voice I heard I opened my eyes and sure enough saw in the image Iza opening the door.
I don’t have to look at the image for the door opened and they are standing right in front of me. I was about to scream at them to run when Iza said some words which made me feel really stupid… “Lady Hera, everything’s out and according to plan. We could now head to the cellar for the execution of The Goddess of Gifts Arzeya.”
