Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

T he Luminara Sanctum had always been a place of peace and tranquility when we'd visited previously. Now it crackled with tension as we sat gathered around the table. The place looked as if a tornado had ripped through it, leaving bodies behind in its destructive path. It hurt my heart to have been part of such destruction. I'd loved the community Elijah and his people had created. Now, he and the Apollonian elders looked beaten. It wasn't something you ever wanted to see on their faces.

My heart lightened a bit when I lifted my head and noted Elijah's presence still commanded respect. It gave me hope that their society could recover from this fiasco. Looking away, he ran his hands through his hair, making the strands stick up all over his head like dandelion fluff. His gaze swept over the room with a mixture of devastation, concern, and resolve. The lines of weariness were further evidence of the burden he carried as leader of his people. Beside him, the elders stood in solemn silence. Their expressions were just as grave as they contemplated the dire situation.

"What in the hell just happened?" Elijah blurted. It was reassuring to hear his voice echo with authority in the hushed chamber. " Our people turned against us without ever completing the ritual to become a Milen. Something that shouldn't be possible."

Faith narrowed her gaze on Elijah. "It's obvious Miletus has done something. You cannot afford to remain in the dark or on the sidelines any longer. If you don't do something to help with this, you will lose everything."

I exchanged a knowing glance with Faith. I saw the same level of frustration I felt reflected in her eyes. We had faced our fair share of challenges together and most of them involved cleaning up messes that affected more than just us. And yet, this one felt different. This was a battle for the very soul of their community. It went beyond their lives. Losing this battle with Miletus would upset the balance in the Shrouded Nation.

"Faith is right. Does anyone have any bright ideas on how our beloved Apollonians suddenly decided to join the dark side without so much as a ritual?" I asked.

Faith kept her gaze locked on Elijah and the elders as she replied, "Maybe they were just bored with the whole ‘good guy' routine and fancied a change of scenery."

"Yeah, because turning to the dark side is always the logical choice when you're feeling a bit restless," Tegan retorted in a voice dripping with sarcasm.

The corners of Eve's mouth turned down in a thoughtful frown. "Obviously there's something deeper at play here," she mused. Her thoughtful tone told me she was deep in thought about the situation. "Miletus has always been cunning and manipulative. It's entirely probable that he found a way to corrupt them without their knowledge or consent."

Tegan nodded in agreement. "How do we undo what he's done? If your people are turning against us and adding to Miletus' numbers, how can we hope to stand against him?"

Elijah rose to his feet with a resolute expression as he addressed the room. "We won't get anywhere standing here sounding defeated," he declared. "You four are supposed to be the crack team. You stopped the God of Chaos and cured his virus."

I opened my mouth to reply but one of the elders beat me to it. "I believe you can solve this too. Starting with uncovering the truth behind what happened to our people seems the most obvious. Only then can we hope to reclaim what's been lost and defeat our enemies once and for all."

The sanctum hummed with my rising anger as the Apollonian elders all agreed that we just needed to start by discovering what happened. As if it were that freaking easy. What a bunch of jackholes. Why was this our problem? It was their people who'd been turned into monsters and their community crumbling. It was a challenge to bite my tongue and not tell them off.

Faith leaned forward. Her brow was furrowed with anger as she snarled, "Is it possible that some of your people could have snuck out and performed the ritual without your knowledge?" The venom in her voice would have made me flinch. Unfortunately, these elders didn't get that the anger was directed at them. They were clueless which was how they'd gotten into this mess. I warned them months ago that they couldn't ignore what Miletus was doing. He lured their kind to his side all the time.

An elder with a grave and stern expression shook his head in response. "That's highly unlikely," he replied. How the hell was he so certain? "The ritual requires the presence of the individual and I can say with certainty that at least five of those who switched sides had not left Harmonia Grove for over a month."

I arched an eyebrow. I couldn't hide my skepticism. That seemed impossible to know unless he had a way to watch them. "How can you be sure? Did you live with them? Or are you just a creepy stalker watching people when they aren't aware?"

Eve held up her hand. "Let's not jump to conclusions. The question is valid. It is imperative that we know if it is possible that these individuals agreed to join the other side. If they did then we need to change our approach to our investigation. "

Tegan looked over the room with a troubled expression. "If they agreed to this, then we would be wasting our time and energy trying to find out what he did and how we can undo it. You may not realize it, but our time is precious."

Faith snorted and rolled her eyes. "Don't bother trying to convince them we matter. They only see us as a tool," she retorted. "But your comment made me wonder if Miletus somehow gained access to the Apollonians' minds and manipulated them from within."

Elijah's eyes widened in shock before he schooled his expression. "It's possible but not probable," he conceded. "A mind is a difficult thing to infiltrate. There are natural protections to keep others out."

Eve waved a hand, dismissing Elijah's reply. "That doesn't matter. We shouldn't jump to conclusions. We need concrete evidence so we can move forward anyway. It would be nice if we had a spell that would cure the Milens."

Tegan laughed and clapped Eve on the shoulder. "I see you've moved into fantasy territory. Our best bet to fix this is to figure out what he did and undo it."

"If this will help matters, I can say with certainty that five of those involved haven't left our community because one was my wife, and the others were my children and their spouses. We live in the same house," the elder interjected.

I couldn't imagine what that must be like for him. I stared at him speechless while Eve said, "I'm sorry for your loss. That is helpful. We know we have to focus on finding out how Miletus did it."

The conversation continued, each member of the group offering their own theories and speculations as they sought to unravel the mystery of why the Apollonians spontaneously turned.

Faith sighed and kicked one of the dead Milens out of frustration. " How are we going to find out what that asshole did? He's infuriatingly good at covering his tracks."

Tegan's voice cut through the air like a beacon of hope amidst the uncertainty that hung over us. "Remember that library Damon showed us? The one with all of Apollo's secrets?" Her eyes were alight with anticipation as she glanced around at each of us.

Eve's brows furrowed with contemplation and her gaze flickered between us. "You mean the one at Apollo's sanctuary. Do you think he would take us there again?" I agreed with her uncertainty entirely. Taking us to one of his father's sacred homes for the first time had been risky. I doubted he would do it again.

Faith's lips curled into a sardonic smirk. I grimaced at the way her eyes glinted mischievously. "There's only one way to find out," she replied as she rubbed her hands together. "We ask him nicely. It might shock you to hear, but I know how far a pretty please can get you."

Eve and I shared a look with Tegan and then started laughing. With a dramatic eye roll, Faith reached for her phone and dialed Damon's number. We laughed harder at the way her fingers tapped impatiently against the screen. She pinned us with a glare as he answered. "Hello, Faith. What can I do for you? Did you find Miletus?" She'd put it on speakerphone so we could all hear him.

"Hey, Damon? We haven't found your brother, but we are getting closer. Do you mind taking us to that library at your father's sanctuary? You know, the one filled with all that juicy information?" she asked playfully.

Damon's voice crackled over the line. His nonchalant demeanor was evident even through the phone. "Sure thing, Faith. Meet you at Black Bounty?" he asked.

"Sounds good. We will be there in fifteen," she replied before she hung up.

Elijah's expression remained stoic. "I can't go with you right now. There's too much to do here, but we will continue to research on our end," he offered with a sweep of his hand to encompass the mess around us.

I gave him a thumbs-up. "Wish we could stay and help with this, but duty calls."

"Keep in touch," Elijah instructed.

Faith saluted him with a smirk. "Aye, aye, Captain." With that agreement, we left the sanctum and the aftermath behind. As we bid farewell to the once tranquil, idyllic confines of Harmonia Grove, I braced myself for what awaited us at the council chambers. The transition from serene woodland to the seat of power of the supernatural world would be less bumpy than the encounter that was sure to follow with Caton and Lucinda.

With a swirl of ethereal energy, the world around us shifted and twisted. The sights and sounds of Harmonia Grove faded into the abyss as the portal yanked us away. When we emerged on the other side, I glanced around for our archnemesis. "We're back in the belly of the beast," I muttered under my breath.

"Let the chaos begin," Faith quipped.

Eve's head swiveled around, and a smile brightened her features. "They aren't here."

Grabbing her arm, I pulled her to the exit. "I don't trust what those two are up to, but we don't have the time to stop and worry about it. Let's get out of here."

We practically fell down the dozens of stairs leading up to the building. Faith had her car started before I even buckled up. She raced down the dirt drive and headed toward Black Bounty. I held onto the seat as she drove like a bat out of hell.

"I hope he takes us there again," I said into the silence.

"He will." Faith's reply didn't have a shred of doubt.

Eve tilted her head to the side and looked across the front seat at Faith. "What makes you so sure?"

Faith lifted a shoulder and turned onto Raven Street. "Because he wants to stop his brother as much as we do." I would have to agree with that.

She parked in the cracked parking lot, and we headed inside the building. The tingle of the wards was like walking through the tape at the end of a race that was electrified. Some of my worries settled when I noted they were still up and active. It was my responsibility to protect my hunters. I'd lost one and was on the verge of another perishing. I would never forgive myself or Artemis for putting me in this position if any more were killed on my watch.

The opulent waiting area of Black Bounty exuded an air of refined elegance when we entered. The once drab and nondescript entryway had been infused with a touch of elegance and comfort. Surprisingly, it was courtesy of Faith's meticulous design choices. I didn't think the demon hunter had it in her.

The seating area greeted us with inviting tan suede couches and a matching armchair. Their plush cushions beckoned me to sink into their embrace. It would be nice to be able to sit there and enjoy the tacos I'd made earlier.

That wasn't in the cards for us today. Walking over, I rubbed the large Buddha statue's belly. It was a relic from the restaurant that had occupied the space years ago. Faith had insisted on keeping it and I followed the same ritual each time I entered the place. It was my version of keeping the juju there good.

When I turned, I had to sidestep the strategically-placed potted plants that dotted the main space. I admired their verdant foliage as I picked up one of the red throw pillows that added a touch of color to the space.

"I'm going to get drinks while we wait for Damon," Faith called out as she went into the kitchen. Eve, Tegan, and I settled into the sumptuous couches. Sitting there, I was hit with the contrast between our mission and the urbane setting all around us.

Before Faith could return, Damon walked through the door. His arrival was like a breath of fresh air after the fight at Harmonia Grove. His easy charm and confident demeanor were a welcome respite from the weight of our situation.

"Hello, everyone," he said and lifted his hand in greeting. He entered the room with the casual grace of a born leader. His green eyes sparkled with intelligence and wit. Once again, I was struck by how effortlessly handsome he looked. His tailored suit accentuated his lean frame, and his tousled hair framed his chiseled features. Despite his undeniable allure, my thoughts drifted to Alex. When I pictured my fae prince, there was an ache in my heart. I missed him. The novelty of it scared the crap out of me. I'd been married for over a decade and had been happy with all the time my husband had spent away from home. I preferred being on my own. It was one reason I hadn't been in a serious relationship since my divorce.

Leaning forward, I clutched the pillow to my chest. "Thanks for coming, Damon."

He was nodding when Faith returned to the room carrying a bowl full of bottles and cans. Her lips quirked into a smile. "Your timing is impeccable. We're hoping you can help us find some information. Your brother has reached a new low and somehow turned Apollonians without their consent or a ritual."

Damon's brow furrowed as he took a seat on the chair. "That shouldn't be possible. An Apollonian has to agree to sacrifice their soul and take another's to complete the process," he replied. The confusion in his tone didn't bode well for us. "Are you certain?"

With a collective nod, we launched into our explanation. We recounted the harrowing events that had unfolded in Harmonia Grove and the unsettling revelation of the Apollonians' betrayal. Damon listened intently. He quietly absorbed every detail. When we had finished, Damon leaned back against the plush cushions with a thoughtful expression. "Fucking hell," he cursed. "I'm not surprised Miletus is up to his old tricks again, but I am stunned he was able to pull something like this off. It should be impossible to override someone's mind."

Eve nodded in agreement as she opened a diet soda. "I was thinking the same thing. Why target the Apollonians like this? And how do you think he managed to turn them without any ritual?"

Damon's lips pressed into a thin line. He suddenly looked a hundred years older. "That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? One thing's for sure. My father had nothing to do with this. This is all Miletus' doing."

"I would agree with you," I began. "That's why we called you here. We've been talking and we only have one place we think we might find the answers to this dilemma."

"Where?" Damon blurted as he clutched a can of coke in his hands.

Eve smiled at him and said, "It's why Faith asked if you'd be willing to take us to your father's sanctuary."

Damon's brows furrowed in confusion. "My father's sanctuary," he echoed. This time he sounded more curious than anything. "What are you looking for?"

"We need to scour the library for any information about how Miletus could have turned the Apollonians," I explained simply. "We're running out of time, and we need answers."

Eve gestured to Damon with her can and spilled some of the liquid on the glass coffee table. "Every piece of information could be crucial in unraveling this mystery," she added. Her eyes met Damon's with unwavering resolve.

Damon's gaze flickered between each of us, his expression unreadable. "It's a risky endeavor with my father out there somewhere," he conceded. "But if it means putting an end to Miletus' schemes, then I'm willing to take the chance."

Jumping up, I clapped my hands together. "Thank the gods. We should go before Elijah loses more of his people."

I felt my friends' relief as we got up and made our way to the council chambers. I was eager to begin our journey to Damon's father's sanctuary but mentally preparing for a verbal altercation with Lucinda and Caton first. There was no way our luck would hold out for a third time.

The council chambers loomed before us. We had just been at the grandiose edifice of stone and marble an hour before. I soaked up the aura of authority and power the place exuded and pulled out what tact I could manage. The air grew heavier when we entered, and I knew that Lucinda and Caton awaited us.

Sure enough, there they were with expressions like storm clouds on the horizon. They were dark and foreboding. Lucinda's eyes flashed with thinly-veiled contempt as she regarded us. Her posture was rigid with indignation. "Well, well, if it isn't the troublemakers," she spat. Her voice dripped with disdain. "Back for more chaos, are we?"

Faith's lips curled into a defiant smirk. Much like me, her eyes glinted with mischief. "You know us, Lucinda," she retorted. "We're always eager to shake things up a bit. And we don't know a rule we haven't broken. Or was that a bone?" I laughed at her not-so-veiled threat against the twit.

Caton's brow furrowed in frustration. "This isn't a game, Faith," he growled. His voice was a low rumble of discontent as his gaze flickered between us. "Your actions have consequences, whether you care to admit it or not. And this is not your personal portal. This is for council business only."

I bristled at Caton's accusation, and my own frustration bubbled to the surface. "Let's talk about that, shall we? What about your inaction , Caton?" I shot back. I could not dial back the righteous indignation. "You sit idly by while the world falls apart around us and then have the nerve to lecture us on not using the portal to save it? To save an entire group of people?"

Lucinda's eyes flashed with anger. Her voice rose in a crescendo that would have broken glass. "How dare you!" She was seething and had clenched her fists at her sides. "You have no idea what we've been dealing with since Henriette's death." I couldn't manage an ounce of sympathy for the witch healer's death. It was their own damn fault.

I squared my shoulders, refusing to back down. "We're not the enemy here, Lucinda," I reminded her. "We're the only ones trying to find a solution to this mess. Unlike you, we do all the work of saving the Shrouded Nation. If not for us, the lot of you would have died weeks ago. And right now, Elijah and the Apollonians are in danger."

Caton's body jolted, and he lost some of his coloring. I hoped he was remembering how close his daughter came to being a victim not so long ago. It had been Eve, Faith, and I to save her while he stood there with his thumb up his ass. I didn't know why I kept hoping one of them would realize how much we did for them.

"Perhaps we've all let our emotions get the better of us," Caton conceded. His comment was condescending, but I kept my mouth shut because it was our fastest way to the portal. "No one is arguing that there are lives at stake here. They need to get on with their business."

With a heavy sigh, Lucinda relented. "Fine," she muttered. "But don't think for a moment that I trust you four."

Faith rolled her eyes and quipped, "Not as far as I can throw you."

Eve ignored the banter and entered our destination into the computer. A few seconds later, the oval portal activated, and we all stepped through. This time the familiar vertigo overwhelmed me and had me stumbling when we landed at our destination. One of these days I would pull off the three-pointed hero landing upon arrival.

I gazed across the rugged shores of the island to the mainland before we hiked up the hill. "Welcome to the land of ancient myths and legends," I said.

Faith chuckled, and we entered the olive grove. As we ventured deeper into the heart of the copse, the air grew heavy with the scent of earth and olives. Underlying that was Apollo's magic. It hung suspended in the air like a veil. Sunlight filtered through the canopy above, warming me without overheating me. As if materializing out of thin air, we were looking at a structure of unparalleled beauty and grandeur. The sanctuary was nestled amidst the olive trees. It was a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. I scanned the fa?ade and noted the same intricate carvings and embellishments graced the surface. Marble columns rose skyward in silent reverence.

It sprawled across the Greek island like a masterpiece painted by the gods themselves. As we approached, the air shimmered with Apollo's energy. It infused the landscape with a sense of ancient mystique. This time, vivid bursts of color greeted us at every turn. It was as if the very essence of spring had taken root within the sanctuary's borders. Flowers of every hue carpeted the ground. Their delicate petals swayed in the gentle breeze like dancers in a silent symphony.

Last time we had been there the place was empty. My heart skipped a beat when I caught sight of all the activity. Priests and priestesses moved with purpose, tending to the needs of the sanctuary. They carried a sense of reverence that bordered on the divine. My legs felt like Jell-O as we made our way to the front doors.

Cocking my head, I watched Damon silently greet the individuals. Surprisingly, our presence hadn't caused the alarm bells to be rung. They went about their business ignoring us. I even heard the distant sound of chanting. It blended with the soothing song of birds.

As we approached one of the priests outside the door, I was struck by the sense of peace that seemed to emanate from him. His eyes held a depth of wisdom that spoke of countless lifetimes spent in service to Apollo. And his weathered face bore the marks of a life lived in devotion to the gods. Damon exchanged a few quiet words with the priest.

Anxious, I leaned toward Eve and murmured, "I hope they don't have any powers to send us to Timbuktu, or something."

Eve nodded grimly and then whispered, "Right? I can't tell. There is too much power all around us."

The priest gestured to the doors and nodded his head encouragingly. With a watery smile, we followed the priest toward the sanctuary's library, where rows upon rows of ancient tomes awaited our eager eyes.