Curses of Olympus (The Olympus Trilogy #2)

29. Arachne

29

ARACHNE

“ Y our move,” Psyche says with a grin, gesturing to the table before them.

Arachne studies the pesseia board before her and is delighted to see a move that will allow her to capture one of Psyche’s pieces.

Since arriving in the Underworld, she has been devouring books and games. The absence of entertainment on Corcyra leaves her unable to get enough of it now. With the Allegiance based out of the Under Temple, there is an abundance of game partners and people to converse with. She feels alive again for the first time after being cursed by Athena.

A constant by Arachne’s side has been Cyril, and she wishes he was here now. His presence makes her feel safe and grounded, which she finds odd since she hardly knows him. The only other people she feels truly trusting of are Psyche and Hera. Everyone is being so kind to her, but it is too risky to completely open up just yet.

Psyche studies the game board, reaching for one of her purple pieces when Cyril comes running into the room calling for the goddess. Arachne blinks hard, trying to assess if she is hallucinating him after wishing for his return only seconds prior.

He flashes Arachne a quick smile as he rushes over to Psyche. “Goddess, pardon the interruption, but your presence is urgently requested.”

“What is the matter?” Psyche asks, all previous amusement gone from her expression.

“There’s someone that needs to be oathed. I will explain on the way, but I must implore that we leave immediately . This person will be a huge asset to the Allegiance, but if we are not quick, she might change her mind or worse—the Pantheon could discover her intentions.”

Psyche leaps up, abandoning the game, as she and Cyril make for the door. Sadness pokes at Arachne as she watches him walk away after only just being excited to see him again.

The thought of both Cyril and Psyche not being here, hardly having anyone she can comfortably talk to, makes her skin crawl.

“Wait!” Arachne calls out, running after them.

Cyril stops for Arachne, while Psyche continues on to prepare for the impromptu journey.

The idea of being back on the sea again makes Arachne’s stomach turn, but she wants more time with Cyril. “Can I come with you? I promise I’ll stay out of the way.”

Cyril offers her a warm smile. “Did you miss me?”

Arachne nods, and he reaches out to take her hand. “Let’s go.”

Exhilaration and dread take turns being the dominant emotion as they get closer to the ship. As they walk up the ramp, Arachne sends up a hope to the Fates that Psyche will have more of her sea sickness tea.

Reaching into her pocket, she thumbs the stone within from the precious journey, thankful she always has it on her. Arachne does not need the stone’s anti-nausea properties on land in the Underworld, but after the time at sea, she is accustomed to its presence and uses it to fidget.

Like the ship before, this one only holds enough room for a small crew and very few additional personnel.

In a matter of moments, they are pulling away from the docks and on their way to retrieve the mystery asset.