Chapter 7
The entrance was partially hidden it didn't have a ledge to it so once they were by the mouth they had to swing slightly to get their footing. They detached themselves letting the ropes fall back into the open air, there was a small click and the dark cave was suddenly illuminated, Markos passed torches to each of them.
"Stay close together" he muttered to them taking a cautious step forward, following the tunnel ahead "She knows we're here" The only sound was their footsteps quietly echoing, all were vigilant and looking for any signs of trouble or ambush, but none came.
"It's too quiet" Percy murmured and got shushed by Markos, he could feel eyes upon them. Sudden illumination had them taking up defensive positions, weapons drawn ready for anything. All eyes scanned the now vast cave, fire torches lined the walls. A throne made of stone sat up on a ledge upon it a female figure sat, her jet black hair hanging to her waist, swaying as she stood. She wore a brown leather vest and shorts, which barely covered anything.
Markos took a breath stunned by the appearance of the Goddess, he sheathed his sword taking a step away from the trio's defensive grouping.
"Enyo" he began "Eimai Markos, gios tou Ares" introducing himself as the Son of Ares
Enyo moves were so fluid it was clear she was other worldly as she bewitchingly moved towards them
"Markos" she purred walking slowly down the steps carved into the stone "Son of Ares" she had a slight accent, she wandered over to Markos.
"You have your fathers good looks and broad shoulders" she walked behind him, running her slender fingers across them, pointedly ignoring the younger half-bloods "You have travelled far to see me young Markos" she left her hand draped over his chest looking him in the eyes, her irises were an amazing dark purple.
"What is it you want for me?" she asked, a small smile toying on her lips
Markos swallowed, heat spreading from where Enyo's skin touched him "My companions and I seek your aid" Finger slid over his chest, making his skin tingle, but it wasn't in a good way, this Goddess radiated danger and Markos knew it.
Annabeth watched, her hand tightening around the bow "Hades plans to release Tityus from the Tartarus, he may try to use the Harpe of Perseus"
Enyo let out a laugh stopping Markos's words.
"Oh and let me guess" she stroked his dark hair leaving her hand knotted there "You want to keep it safe for little old me, how brave" she placed a soft kiss on his cheek, her lips burning Markos's skin, almost like acid, the son of Ares recoiled slightly but found that he couldn't look away from the Goddess's eyes
Annabeth's jaw clenched as she watched "Do you have it?" both Markos and Enyo turned at Annabeth's sudden outburst, Enyo's eyes flickered between Annabeth and Markos a smile spreading over her full lips, even Percy looked between them
"My, my" she said sauntering back towards her throne with a click of her fingers the cave wall to their right shattered revealing a short bronze sword, Percy read the etched writing 'Perseus'. Markos moved towards it.
"Uh, uh, uh handsome" a crack appeared between Markos and the sword "Not so fast, why should I part with my prize?"
She lounged in her throne "Persuade me Son of Ares" she gave him a meaningful look, he deliberated for a moment, then he leapt up the ledge to stand before the Goddess kneeling so he was at her eye level. He brought his lips close to her ear, whispering to her.
Annabeth chest tightened at their proximity, her eyes never leaving Markos, Grover and Percy didn't know what to make of this. They couldn't make out what he was saying but whatever it had been made Enyo's eyes gleam dangerously
Annabeth couldn't help but look away, something swirling in her stomach. Another moment passed then Markos stood and walked down the stairs leaving a very pleased looking Enyo. Markos moved towards the sword taking it from it's rock case, he bowed to the Goddess, her purple eyes scanning the other faces stopping on the young female, there it was… contempt, anger, jealousy.
The Goddess knew that look well and she couldn't resist messing with the young Demi-Gods, It was time for the Goddess to have some fun, her eyes narrowed, her wrist flicked causing the floor and walls shook making Grover stumble back from the splitting rock, cutting off Annabeth from the others.
"Annabeth" Percy called reaching for her but she was too far away
"Percy!" she screamed as the rock she was standing on crumbled away leaving just enough space for her feet, she tried to keep her balance, her stomach flipping as she stared down into an abyss
Markos watched the scene unfold, seeing the that fear crossed Annabeth's features, he charged towards her wanting to reach her, but more floor fell away. He stopped turning his gaze to Enyo who was grinning down at the panic she was causing.
His teeth gritting, anger bubbling he leapt up to the ledge, harpe in hand as he confronted the Goddess of destruction
"ENOUGH" he bellowed his fists clenched, purple eyes fell on him glinting "Release her" he demanded "Now!"
He cast a glance back to where Annabeth stood trying to keep her balance, she met Markos's eyes silently pleading. Markos growled spinning back to face the Goddess hands gripping at what little clothing she wore, pulling her close to him, feeling the pain in his chest once more
"Let her go or I swear on the river Styx I will tear you to pieces" his voice low and menacing.
Enyo's expression changed, understanding Markos's reaction "I see she is not the only one with desires" she sneered, bringing her hand down to the side of his face
"She desires you too Markos, but maybe…" she paused "Maybe I want you all to myself" she brought her lips to his, catching him by surprise, her Godly strength easily overwhelming his, their mouths moved together for a moment. Annabeth's heart sunk when she saw the two of them, what was he doing?
Markos came to his senses pulling away from the Goddess's embrace "Release her, please" he whispered, pleading with her, knowing that he could not force her hand, she gazed at him for a long moment, the wheels in her head turning, manipulation was what she did best and this could come in very useful in the future.
"Very well" she snapped her fingers creating a rock bridge for Annabeth to reach the others, falling into Percy's arms, Markos turned to leave with the others, but Enyo behind him, lips by his ear, whispering.
"Be careful of that one, he wants her too" she warned
Markos tried to ignore her as he followed after the others not looking back as they disappeared back into the tunnel.
Enyo watched them leave, a hell hound coming to her side "Kill the girl" she commanded, the hound leapt to life and pursued the Demi-Gods at full speed.
Percy held tightly onto Annabeth as they made their way back to the entrance with Grover close behind them
"Yo, that Goddess is crazy" he said as he continued to look back "Can't wait til we're out of this creepy cave"
A rumble came from down the tunnel, they all stopped and turned to the source of the noise
"What the…?"
Markos sped into view, a roaring behind him "RUN!" he called, with a hell hound hot on his heels, lashing at Markos's legs missing them by an inch "GO!" he ordered
They raced towards the mouth of the cave, the light being their guide. Howls echoed around them as their legs pounded the rocky floor,
"We're gonna have to jump" Annabeth's heart pounded against her chest as she looked back for Markos
"What?" called Grover, slowing ever so slightly to cast a look at the others, Percy grabbed his jacket tugging him over the edge
"JUMP!" he commanded, Annabeth's screams echoed as the four plunged 50 feet into the cold waters below, leaving the hell hound skidding to a halt in the entrance. Percy had just enough time to break the water's surface before the four plunged into the cool water.