-Carter Kane-

Kyra opened the door to the Forty-sixth Nome to welcoming magicians. Apparently, a good portion of the magicians in this Nome was already aware that Kyra is the Chief Lector's cousin, so they spoke casually towards him. However, me being Pharaoh, they still kept formal, whispering going around amongst them as Kyra led us to our rooms.

"So, we only have two spare rooms," Kyra explained. "Alyssa and Zia will have to share, and Amos and Carter will make do with the other."

"Don't see a problem with that. Thank you for letting us stay here," Amos spoke gratefully.

Kyra rolled her eyes in response. "Well Amos, it's not like I would refuse family," she grumbled under her breath. "This way girls. Amos, you two are in three hundred and one."

Amos gestured me to continue up the stairs to the third floor, then led me to a room all the way down the hall, the second to last. "Hu, right next door," he observed three hundred's door.

"What is it?" I asked.

He faced me abruptly and ignored the question by opening the door. It was spacy like the rooms in Brooklyn House, but only contained the simple furnishings compared to when Sadie and I were introduced to our rooms three years ago. Then again, I'm certain Amos checked up on our interests and stocked up before paying the Fausts a rude visit.

"So, I'll be taking the couch," Amos started immediately.

"Wait," I protested instantly, "the bed would probably be better for you-"

He waved it off, "I'm the uncle here, what I say goes."

"Well, we could rearrange the room a little and look into getting another bed in here-" I continued.

"Nope, and that is the end of that," Amos finalized. "Besides, I'll probably be reading up in the library while we are here."

I sighed towards his stubbornness, which he simply chuckled, "Well, it would be awfully rude of me, Carter. And you better get used to it; a majority of the Nomes are usually this full compared to Brooklyn House."

I rolled my eyes. "And no, you can't share a room with Zia," Amos immediately started. "I would rather not have to put up with two teenagers sharing a bed while we are practically in crisis mode."

I stood frozen to his words, yet my cheeks heated up as he rolled his eyes, setting a few things on the couch. "We're better than that, Amos," I managed to speak in defense.

"I'm sure you two are, so we're not going to push it," Amos stood his ground. "Besides, it would be weird for Alyssa to be stuck in a room with me."

He did have a point, so I relaxed and set my bag beside the bed. "We'll stay here for a week and move to the One hundred and ninth Nome," he informed. "And we'll change it up every week. Can't stay in one place for too long."

"And how long do you think we will have to keep this up?" I asked worriedly.

Amos sighed as his eyes saddened for a second, a good enough response for me, "Until the demigods and Sadie have managed to defeat the Goddess."

I was about to respond when a knocking sounded from the door. "Hey Amos," Kyra's voice started immediately through the door. "It appears Carter's appearance is causing a bit of panic in the Nome. You should come up with a good lie before leaving the room," she informed quickly.

"Okay, thanks for the warning," Amos replied immediately.

Silence for a few seconds. "How am I causing panic?" I hesitated to ask.

Amos glanced at me, deciding on what to say I suppose. "They're used to the idea that the Chief Lector is in charge, not so much the idea of a Pharaoh being around. Seeing you three here instead of staying in New York is an easy signal that something's up."

"Why am I here then?" I asked.

He closed his eyes for a second to exhale deeply. "We need to stick together," he managed to start when he opened his eyes. "She's been hunting the Pharaoh down, trying to use me to get to him. Might not be the best way to ensure the safety of you three, but I would prefer to be around if anything occurs."

I promptly sat on the bed, taking in the information. "Ever get sick of the Gods using us like chess pieces?" I asked.

Amos had a small smile appear. "Always have been, it's not like I'm about to appreciate them for destroying lives any time soon," he admitted. "The best way to cope, that I've discovered, is to not focus so much on the entities trying to control you and instead focus on the people around you."

I unfortunately took in that he would know better than I thanks to Set. "I'll remember that," I answered dryly, which he hesitated to nod out of approval.