"Any pressing injuries?" Gwen asked. She walked towards the door and locked it. Then, she turned back around. Reyna looked like she was about to be out on her feet, and she was cradling her side. Jason had sat back against the wall and had his head in his hands.
Gwen was still shaking from how close Jason had been to death. When the gun had been placed to his chest, Gwen didn't know what she was going to do. She told Reyna to handle the ropes, hoping the daughter of Bellona could free the goddess.
Gwen did her best to buy time, and she had almost cried out in relief as Ceres knocked Ezekiel unconscious. Then, the goddess had left without so much as a thank you. Now, the three of them all just need a moment to calm down.
"No injuries," Reyna finally muttered. "I left the rest of the supplies on the roof."
"I'll get it," Jason offered. Before either of them could protest, Jason walked towards the window and carefully opened it. He climbed out the window and disappeared from sight, hopefully boosting himself upwards and not falling out the window.
Reyna leaned on the wall and slowly slid down it, until she was in a crouched position. She cradled her side and winced in pain. Gwen gently grabbed her shoulder. After a moment, Reyna looked up at her and spoke, "I'm fine."
"You're not," Gwen stated. She sat by Reyna and looked around the carnage of the room. Gwen and Reyna had worked together to subdue Hank, and Gwen beat him senseless with the baton. "How many are broken?"
"None," Reyna muttered. Gwen gave her a look. After a moment, Reyna looked up. Gwen just studied her and remained silent. After a few moments, the younger girl sighed. "I don't know. Not many. But, it hurts to really do anything."
"Just try to keep your breathing normal. We'll get some pain medicine soon," Gwen promised. Reyna nodded and closed her eyes.
"Do you think any of the cultists will come to check on us?" Reyna asked quietly. Gwen glanced at the door. The last thing they needed was more cultist to come barging in. Reyna and Jason were in no shape to fight anymore. Gwen was exhausted as well.
"We should get out of here," Gwen answered. She led Reyna towards the window. A glance down showed that Jason had brought the duffel bag of supplies down to the alley. He was kneeling by the duffel bag. Upon looking up, Jason motioned for them to jump.
"Come on," Gwen said softly. She took a deep breath and jumped out the window. It was a crazy thing to do, even though she trusted Jason. If she hesitated, she wouldn't have the courage to jump. The ground rushed towards her, and she tensed. Air seemed to wrap around her feet and cushioned her fall.
Gwen hit the ground and let out a shaky breath. She stepped to the side and heard Reyna drop a moment later. A loud curse left the daughter of Bellona. Gwen turned and saw that Reyna had her hand to her mouth. The other hand was placed to her ribs. Jason stepped forward but was waved away.
"You two relax," Gwen said softly. She opened the duffel bag and pulled out the chains. Jason shook his head and moved to Gwen's side.
"Let's just get this done with," Reyna muttered. She slowly stood and walked towards the duffel bag as well. Gwen grabbed a set of chains and moved towards the end of the alley. She looked around to make sure that no cars were coming. Gwen moved to the front doors and chained them shut.
Gwen checked the chains a few times and looked around. Jason made it to her side and spoke, "Will the snow mess with the gasoline?"
"Let's find out," Reyna answered. She struck a few matches and threw them towards the building. Gwen watched the building catch fire.
"This probably isn't the best idea we've ever had," Gwen began. She watched the fire quickly spread. It didn't take long for Jason to turn his head and walk away. Reyna just stared at the fire. "You don't have to watch this."
"We have to make sure no one escapes," Reyna said softly. Her lower lip was quivering. Gwen looked down. Reyna was putting on a front for them, but she was clearly upset.
"I actually feel like a terrible person," Jason said. He walked back towards them. "This is terrible. We're going to let all of them burn alive."
"It's either let them be burned alive or allow ourselves to be drained of blood," Reyna muttered. She sighed and stared at the ground. Gwen tried to watch the fire burn. It was hard to tell how she felt. On one hand, this was a necessary evil. They had to kill the cult. On the other had, this was evil.
There was no honor in burning people alive. There was no mercy in letting them die a slow death instead of a quick one. What if the fire fighters and paramedics got there in time to save anyone in the cult? Gwen took a deep breath. She felt a warmth behind her and turned.
"Lady Ceres," Gwen said. She quickly knelt. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her fellow centurions do the same. Ceres motioned for them to stand. Despite the fact that only minutes had passed, the goddess looked much better. The color was back to her face, and she seemed to be glowing.
"You will not have to worry about the mortals escaping," Ceres said, and a grin came to her face. It was so evil that Gwen almost shivered. The goddess glanced up at the snow and flicked some of it off of her yellow dress. "You three did an adequate job."
"I'm sorry it took so long, Lady Ceres. Were you hurt?" Gwen asked. The goddess seemed to study each of them for a moment, but her gaze lingered on Jason. "Is there anything else that can do for you, my lady?"
"No," Ceres finally answered. She held her hand out, and three plane tickets appeared. "Take these and get back to Camp Jupiter."
"Thank you, Lady Ceres," Jason said. Ceres studied him for a moment, and a small smile came to her face. Jason shifted and looked uncomfortable. Ceres quickly lost her smile.
"When you return, tell your praetors that Lupa and I must meet with them," Ceres said. Gwen's eyes widened, and she exchanged looks with Jason. His mouth was wide open. Reyna looked confused as well, but she didn't seem to share their shock.
"Of course, Lady Ceres," Gwen said. She had so many questions, like why did Ceres and Lupa want to meet with the praetors. One immortal meeting the praetors was odd enough, but two didn't make sense. Something was wrong.
"Lady Ceres," Reyna began. She lifted her head slightly. "If I may, how were you captured?"
"You may not," Ceres said coldly. She turned towards Reyna, who flinched. Ceres looked her up and down. "I would think you of all people would have respect for immortals."
"I'm sorry," Reyna said quickly. She looked down and didn't say another word. Gwen glanced at Reyna and willed her to remain silent. No Roman should ask questions like that. Everyone knew better.
"Children of Bellona. No respect for creators," Ceres muttered. She said something else under her breath, and while Gwen didn't catch what it was, Reyna tensed. Jason scowled.
"She was just asking a question," Jason said suddenly. Ceres turned on him, but Jason didn't back down. "You don't have to act like that to the people who rescued you."
"I should turn you into a bird, boy, so you can always be with your father," Ceres growled. Jason seemed to hesitate, but he didn't break Ceres' gaze.
"That's enough. We are so sorry for this. Lady Ceres, please forgive them," Gwen said. She turned on her fellow centurions and tried to apologize with her eyes. Gwen didn't want to snap on them, but they needed to respect the goddess. "You two are overstepping your bounds. As centurions, you should know to keep your damn mouths shut and respect any god or goddess that talks to you."
"You're right," Reyna said after a moment. She glared at Gwen for a long moment before looking at the ground. "I'm sorry, Lady Ceres. It won't happen again."
"Sorry," Jason muttered after a moment. Ceres studied them, and she finally turned away.
"Deliver my message," Ceres ordered. Gwen didn't turn to look back at the goddess, but she felt a warmth on her back Gwen waited a few moments before glancing behind her. The goddess was gone.
"We should get going," Reyna muttered. Gwen opened her mouth to speak, but Reyna just turned and walked towards the van. Gwen sighed and glanced at Jason. He followed behind Reyna.
"Back to Camp Jupiter then," Gwen muttered. After a moment, she looked back at the burning building. Gwen took a deep breath and tried to get rid of her guilt. Then, she turned back towards the van and followed after her fellow centurions.