“You don’t need to worry,” Athena said. “They agreed to the deal. I’ll take your place.”

“That’s not what I was going to say.”

“Listen, it doesn’t matter. This is our mess. And besides, I made a promise to Aidan.”

25

BLOOD STAINS

When Athena returned to her house, Hermes greeted her from the couch.

“Where’ve you been? What’s all the excitement?”

The shock of hearing his voice made her knees buckle, but she got her legs underneath her fast enough when he looked ready to jump from the couch and help.

“Stay!” She pointed. “Stay there. I’m fine. None of the blood is mine. Most of it is Ares’.”

“Most of it?”

She went to the couch and pressed her hand to his forehead.

The fever was gone. He’d kicked all of the ice packs onto the floor like a child.

“You’re so difficult,” she said, smiling. “You wake at the worst times. I wanted to be here. I didn’t want you to wake up alone.”

“I knew I wasn’t alone. Packed into all these blankets? And my mouth still tastes like broth.”

“You must want real food. And maybe a hot bath? Or a warm bath?”

He put his hand on hers.

“I want to know what’s happening.”

“No. You don’t want to know that,” she said, trying to spare him. But he made a stern face, so she told him anyway.

“I’ve slept through my part,” he said when she was through. “I wasn’t here to keep you from making false promises.”

She squeezed his thin hand. He wouldn’t be there to stop her from keeping them, either.

“Where’s Ares?” he asked.

“Hanging around outside Cassandra’s house. He’s convinced that her parents are going to return with the National Guard. And he’s worried about Panic.”

She hoped the wolf made it. They owed it now, and Ares and Oblivion, too. Even Cassandra knew it.

“Isn’t he injured?” Hermes asked.

“Yeah, but he stitched it up himself. It was pretty disgusting.”

Hermes pushed himself into an upright position and reached for a cup of water.

“What’s there to eat?” he asked. “Or should we order out?”

“There’s a ham in the refrigerator. And a few dozen sandwich rolls. What do you think you could eat?”

“At least a few dozen ham sandwiches. Be a peach?”

“There’s no need to bat your eyes.” Athena hauled herself up. But before she let go of his hand, she leaned down and kissed his forehead. He tasted of sweat and sickness. Hermes was awake. But he was not well. He was not better.

Athena pulled the ham out of the refrigerator and grabbed two knives: one for the bread and ham, and another for mayo. As she assembled sandwich after sandwich, she stole glances back into the living room to make sure his eyes were still open.

Headlights flashed in the driveway. Andie, dropping Odysseus off at home.

“It can’t be,” Odysseus exclaimed when he came through the door. “You’re awake!”

Athena smiled at their reunion, full of laughter and fond insults and manly embraces.

“Where’s your sister?”

“In the kitchen.”

Odysseus rounded the corner and grasped her around the waist, lifting her half a foot off the ground.

“A bad night turns good,” he whispered.

“A good night all around.” She looked into his eyes. “Hermes is awake, and nobody died. Except maybe Panic.”

“Panic’s set to make a full recovery. Andie heard from Henry while we were at the hospital. The mutt’ll be out in a day.”

“How’s Andie?”

“Stitches. Another scar to add to her collection. But you’re right. It could’ve been worse.” He nodded toward the plate of ham buns. “Any of those for me?”

“Maybe one.” She held it up and walked around him to take the rest to Hermes. Odysseus caught her by the elbow.

“I won’t say anything tonight,” he said. “About your mad plan. Because your brother is well. But tomorrow…”

Odysseus. His eyes were still bright from their kiss upstairs. He wasn’t afraid. He didn’t think she’d be able to leave him. Athena’s heart hammered in her chest.

“Tomorrow,” she agreed. “For now, let’s just enjoy a night of small favors.”

*   *   *