I dreamed of Nico again. I was glad because it had been a while and I was growing worried about him. He wasn't as bright as usual, not as chipper as he had started to become, but when he saw me he managed to smile, getting up from the riverbank as a pale stream of clouds seemed to drift slowly by us. "Hey, it's good to see you Lily. How are things?"
"Steady, at the moment. How about you? It's been some time, there must be some new things going on." Sitting myself down beside him on the bank, I wished that we could at least have one dream where we're at my place. At least we had comfy chairs and sofas, not black sand and rocks surrounding us with a creepy looking river ahead. Maybe it's because Hades was opening our dream link through Nico, so he was the source and wherever he was happened to be where we would meet. Nico told me a little about what had been going on, though none of it was good. He was now practically a skeleton with skin stretched over him, making me wonder when the last time he'd eaten had been. At this point I was considering telling him to let himself be captured by Luke's forces just so that we could feed him up a bit. I refrained from doing so, however. At present it seemed that Nico was trying to summon ghosts, practicing so that he could try to bring back his sister from the dead, though he was depressed because it wasn't working. "There is a way to do it according to the Ghost King, but I don't want to do it that way because it means trading a soul for a soul. Murder. I can't do that."
"And you shouldn't, Nico. Bianca wouldn't want you to, and you have to consider that every action you take will have a consequence in the afterlife. If you murder someone, no matter what the reason, you'll be in the Fields of Punishment for all eternity and not even your dad will be able to save you. He has rules he has to live by, after all. Bianca will probably be in Elysium by now, the place where the good people go because she died a hero, saving her friends. Just think about what she'd really want, Nico. It hurts to lose someone, but it hurts even more to disappoint them after they're gone." He started and stared at me blankly, but I could see that my words had hit home. I should really record all this for Annabeth, she'd be so proud of me to be giving such sound advice. "How about we talk about something else? Let's forget about everything, about being demigods and the war, everything that's weighing down on us. Tell me something nice, Nico, and I'll tell you all about stuff I did growing up. You'd love my mom, she makes the best cookies ever." So that's how we ended our dream, talking about pleasant things and I hoped that Nico would consider my warning and think twice about trying to bring someone back to life. It sounded like this Ghost King was manipulating him somehow for his own gain, and it was probably to resurrect himself, and not Bianca.
Things were moving quickly now, and as a character on the side lines, there was little I could do. Luke kept me pinned to his side more than ever, meaning that I couldn't sneak off anywhere to try and learn more stuff, and now that I had my sight he made sure to keep all documents away from me. Deep down, I think he knew I wasn't really on Kronos's side and that I was working towards stopping him from taking over the world because it would mean Percy dying, but he still trusted me enough that he believed it when I said I was on his side. I was glad for that much, at least. I took the time to at least enjoy my sight whilst it lasted because Kronos could take it away again whenever he felt like it, though it was sickening to watch Luke flirt with Kelli whenever she was around. Admittedly, she was totally gorgeous, the kind of woman that every girl would envy though I argued that with her it was all fake because she actually looked like a hag behind the illusion. Next to her I felt like a stumbling moron with no grace or class, whereas she just oozed sophistication, and Luke's attention to her made me more than a little jealous, which he found amusing because as always I wasn't very good at hiding my expressions. I passed it off as just a severe dislike for Kelli and her minion because they smelled bad and were always snubbing me. This much was true, I just kept my envy of her a secret.
With my eyes I could now also see the ocean and I took to just staring at it for hours at a time whilst resting against Snowstorm, feeling an instinctive pull towards it. Sometimes I would see shapes in the distant water like a school of shadows before they disappeared, and Hermes words whispered in my mind…have you not been able to sense the army of his mer-people following the Andromeda waiting for it to sink so that they can dive in and spirit you away to safety? I wonder if that's what those shadows were. If I wanted out of here, all I would need to do was cast myself overboard and they would rush to my aid. One jump, and I would be free. Cursed again, but free. Then I would look over to Luke, gorgeous and stunningly attractive as he was, hunched over his desk hard at work managing supplies and equipment, and remind myself again why I stayed. Luke was softer to me than ever before these days, and honestly it was addictive. I couldn't get enough of it, and it was starting to make my head spin. Maybe I'm just going crazy.
When we sparred he would laugh and tell me that I was fighting with my eyes closed out of habit, giving me a tap of his double edged sword before reminding me to look at him, but every time I did I just wanted to blush and run away. The worst time was when he'd gotten hot working with me and stripped off his shirt to reveal every single inch of his bare chest and back, and quite honestly I couldn't decide which was more godly and impressive because even his back was defined and rippling with muscles. Some of the older demigod women would smirk and tease me in private, knowing full well that I'd developed a crush on Luke though I'd insist that it was just because he was handsome and that we were just good friends. The words felt like sulphur in my mouth when I said them. I didn't want to be one of those shallow people that only looked skin deep, that my feelings were only going a little crazy because I was overwhelmed by suddenly being able to see and that's why I'd started to have stronger feelings towards Luke, though when I thought about it, I couldn't be sure. I'd always liked Luke, but how much and in what way? I couldn't say. Snowstorm thought it dangerous to develop deeper feelings for Luke, and warned me that if I chose to continue down that road then I would most likely end up heart broken. I had scowled at her. "Why are you such a smart horse?" She was both pleased with the compliment and insulted that I'd called her a horse.
The days blurred together though time meant very little to me, though at least now I could actually read a clock. I preferred to just continue living quietly whilst biding my time, however I hated it most when Luke and I had to present ourselves to Kronos, because now Kronos seemed to insist that I be present whenever reports were made. I think he was considering fashioning me into another military leader like Luke, another subordinate, or perhaps he thought the closer he could keep me, the better his chances at using me later. Anyway, we both dressed formally when it was time to present ourselves to Kronos, Luke often wearing a clean white chiton and himation which made him all the more incredible looking. Honestly I could now understand why pretty much every girl who could see at Camp Half-Blood had been in love with or attracted to him. I discount myself from that number because at the time I couldn't see. Still, I didn't look too bad in my flowing ocean dress, and the pair of us together seemed to draw the eye wherever we went. Luke was kneeling before the casket which glowed to signify Kronos's status as awake and alert. I stayed as far away from it as I could without seeming suspicious, also kneeling behind Luke as he made his report. "Our spies report success, my lord. Camp Half-Blood is sending a quest, as you predicted. Our side of the bargain is almost complete." It vexed me to no end that I usually only understood half of what was being said. I knew nothing about any bargain, or plan for a quest. Somehow, however, I knew Percy would be stuck somewhere in the middle of it.
Excellent. I would never get used to hearing his voice and it would probably haunt my nightmares for the rest of my life. Once we have the means to navigate, I will lead the vanguard through myself. Kronos decided, causing both Luke and I to panic internally whilst wearing masks to hide our emotions. Neither of us could reveal too much of what we really felt, though Luke struggled whenever it was mentioned that he would soon have to give up his body. I had even gone to Kronos secretly and alone to offer myself to him in Luke's stead, but he had only laughed and told me that although he had removed my curse and given me back my sight, I was still imprinted with the power of the gods and he did not want to be held within my body. He had also hinted that Luke was a preferable host, because one he was returned to his true form, he had plans to make use of me afterwards, meaning that I could not yet die. It turned my blood to ice, but I could argue no more and had meekly retreated.
"My lord, perhaps it is too soon. Perhaps Krios or Hyperion should lead…" Luke tried to play it cool and get us some more time, but Kronos was adamant.
No. I will lead. One more heart shall join our cause, and that will be sufficient. At last, I shall rise fully from Tartarus. Looking to Luke, I saw his knuckles turn white with how tightly he was grasping his fists and even his voice began to quaver from the fear of what was to come, but Kronos would not hear his excuses or suggestions, cutting across him and ordering Luke to show his sword, even using his full name to assert his power and dominance over Luke. Having no choice, Luke drew his sword and presented it before Kronos, but as he did, my acute senses began to register something. Despite gaining my eyesight, my other senses had remained exceedingly sharp, and so when I sensed a presence my eyes turned towards the edge of the room, where I could almost swear I felt…Percy. I mouthed his name silently then quickly stopped myself and looked away. Impossible. There's no way he could be here. You pledged yourself to me. You took this sword as proof of your oath.
"Yes, my lord. It's just…"
You wanted power. I gave you that. You are now beyond harm. Soon you will rule the world of gods and mortals. Do you not wish to avenge yourself? To see Olympus destroyed? Having little else to say, Luke only answered 'yes' and in response, the unearthly glow of the coffin started to brighten and swell as if Kronos was taking a breath, inhaling deeply. Then make ready the strike force. As soon as the bargain is done, we shall move forward. First, Camp Half-Blood will be reduced to ashes. Once those bothersome heroes are eliminated, we will march on Olympus. In the back of my mind, a small voice whispered.
Not if I can help it.
We were interrupted by someone knocking upon the door and Kronos pulled away from us, retracting his voice and presence in order to rest further, allowing Luke and myself to rise. I ran to him as he sheathed his sword and the moment it was away, I ploughed into him with a tackling hug, quick and fierce before letting him go. I looked at him with all the courage I had, and nodded my head. He looked back at me and for a moment, there was a glint in his eye and the corner of his mouth turned upwards, but then it all vanished and he turned towards the door, placing his arm around me so that his hand rested in a firm grip on my shoulder, out of protectiveness or possessiveness, I wasn't sure. "Come in." His lowered tone swelled to fill the room and the door swung open to permit the entry of three monsters. There were the two dracaenae, the dragon-women who I played poker with, and also Kelli, who sauntered in wearing a red cocktail dress and looking as glamorous as ever, though she still smelled of metal and animals to me. To make a point, I scowled and wrinkled my nose which caused her to hiss at me before then turning to Luke, smiling seductively and practically purred his name as she said hello. His fingers gripped onto me tighter. "What is it, demon? I told you not to disturb me."
"That's not very nice." Kelli said with a purse of her lips that looked so red and slippery I could almost swear they were painted with fresh blood. "You look tense. How about a nice shoulder massage."
"And you look constipated. How about I rip out your entrails and see if that improves anything?" I countered with a dark glower. Neither of us liked Kelli at all now. I mean, I had never been taken in by her in the first place, but ever since we had stopped in Seattle and Kelli had seduced a boy who worked on the dock to come back to the ship whereby she had bit into his neck and drained his blood dry, even Luke was no further attracted by her allure. I had screamed so loudly that he had come running as I'd attacked Kelli to fight her off the boy but it was too late. The mortal died, and I had to be dragged away from the bitch in order to be kept from killing her. Luke didn't let me out of the suite for two days after that, just to be sure I cooled down. Kelli's eyes now turned to me, smudged rather messily with dark makeup but somehow it looked good and intentional. Gods I hate her so much.
"My, my, still a little spitfire of pleasantness, aren't you? I must say I can see the family resemblance. You and your brother do look alike. Or rather, you did. Tasty boy, though I've had better." It was a good thing that Luke had such excellent reflexes because if he hadn't, I would have leaped across the room and slaughtered her with my bare hands. As it was, Luke grabbed me around my waist and lifted me off the ground so that I kicked and struggled with a writhing fury that even made the dracaenae retreat with worried expressions as I spat.
"Let me go Luke! What did you do to Percy?! If you touched him, I will rip you limb from limb then stitch you back together just so I can kill you all over again! My brother better be alive, or I'll make sure no man will ever find you attractive again no matter how much Mist you cover yourself with!" It was only when I took a breath to begin another tirade of threats and insults that Luke murmured into my ear, soft and subtle, telling me that Percy was alive because his sources said so, that he was currently at camp and that Kelli was just messing with me. I went still and quiet, considering for a moment before nodding my head and Luke let me slide from my arms, though he kept me in front of him and did not remove his grasp which was ready to tighten on me like a seatbelt at a moment's notice if I went for Kelli again. She smirked. Luke had to pull me back once more.
"Such a temper, it really isn't attractive on a woman, you know. Plus that look in your eye makes them so hideous, if you ever want tips on how to seduce a man you know where to find me." Kelli said to me and Luke instinctively snatched his arms closer around me, practically giving me a bear hug from behind as he snapped at Kelli to get to the point and stop messing with me, though now she just tittered her tongue with a dramatic sigh. "I don't know why you're so huffy these days. You used to be fun to hang out with."
"That was before I saw what you did to that boy in Seattle." Luke said darkly, still not easing up on his grip though I quietly rather liked the feeling of his muscular arms holding me so close. I considered for a moment before pointedly leaning back against him so that my head was against his chest and smirked smugly at Kelli who bristled but then brushed it off, trying not to rise to my baiting as I had to hers.
"Oh, he meant nothing to me. Just a snack, really. You know my heart belongs to you, Luke." Dream on, demon. Dream on.
"Thanks, but no thanks. Now report or get out." My smirk spread further, and Kelli now glowered openly at me, parting her lips in order to reveal her teeth whilst most likely thinking about ripping into my throat and leaving me to bleed on the carpet but she knew with Luke here, she'd have no chance. I felt like I'd won this round.
"Fine. The advance team is ready, as you requested. We can leave…" She stopped midway through her report, tensing up which prompted Luke to ask her what was going on. "A presence. Your senses are getting dull, Luke. We're being watched." With a flash of alarm, I remembered thinking I'd felt Percy nearby early. Kelli looked towards the same spot I had at the corner of the room, suddenly grinning and baring her fangs as her face aged and withered until she was grotesque and disgusting. Not attractive at all. She lunged all at once before I could do anything, only having time to tense my body all over in preparation to spring at her as the breath caught in my throat but when she reached the spot I'd sensed Percy, or at least thought I had, she stopped and swiped at the air. "Hm, nothing."
"Explain yourself. What did you sense?"
"Someone was listening to our conversation, though I'm not sure how much they heard. As I said, your senses have dulled, you'll need to work on them if you don't want other unnecessary ears listening in." She looked at me. I stuck out my tongue in a truly mature counter reply. Behind me Luke gave a heavy sigh before then letting me go, lowering his head to murmur that I should go back to the suite and stay there until he came back, because otherwise somebody in this room was going to get killed. I put my hopes on Kelli but I didn't say so. Instead I shot a smirk over my shoulder then pointedly rose up onto my toes so that I could reach Luke's face and gave him a quick peck on his scarred cheek.
"Sure thing Luke. See you later." Then I sashayed away with a final grin being tossed over to Kelli who was already back in her hidden form but her beautiful features were twisted with hatred and fury so they looked rather ugly. Never more satisfied I didn't even think to look at Luke's face who appeared to be stuck on one expression, uncertain of how to react before he just smoothly played it off as me messing around before then asking Kelli to continue, his voice muffling as I closed the door behind me and walked away.