Demonic power surged through my body like a raging river.
The Heart of the Dragon was a complete success.
While I could have done without the 'rip out your heart and replace it with magic' part—
the results spoke for themselves.
My demonic energy reserve had risen dramatically, and once I finally acquired other sources of power, they would similarly be amplified by my new heart.
The door sealed shut behind me as I cast a glance around Audrey's bedroom.
It was hard to believe that it had stood empty just over a week ago.
With my devil magic, conjuring up the requested furniture had been a simple task. Made even easier by the meticulous sketch of her dream bedroom the girl had given me.
If it wasn't for the way her pantheon treated demigods, she would have undoubtedly had a promising career as an artist or interior designer.
I stepped toward the small table at the center of the bedroom, lightly clicking my tongue.
It would not do for my demigoddess to return to a home coated in dust.
No matter how little of it there was.
Magic rippled outward from me—and the furniture was spotless again.
The white chair next to the round table creaked softly as I took a seat and fixed my gaze on the queen-sized bed opposite me.
I raised my hand and watched as a bed tray weaved itself into existence above the grey sheets.
After a brief moment of contemplation, an assortment of desserts materialized on the porcelain plates.
A pleasant scent filled the bedroom.
My lips pursed as I tilted my head.
Something was still missing.
The built-in fireplace—framed by two tall bookshelves—blazed to life as I snapped my fingers.
"That's better."
I snapped my finger again, and a young girl appeared on the chair next to me in a flash of jade light.
"Welcome back," I said, shooting her a smile. "Miss me yet?"
"You're late," Audrey replied, crossing her arms. "You said you'd summon me at sunset."
She turned around and demonstratively stared at the floor-to-ceiling windows behind us.
"Do you see the sun anywhere?"
"I'm afraid time has run away from me again."
Confronted with the overwhelming power my new spell granted me, how could I have resisted the temptation to test myself against the local monster population?
Audrey sniffed the air, her head snapping toward the source of the scent.
A wide grin split her face as she leapt over the wooden table to sprang onto the bed.
"I take it you accept my peace offering?" I asked, chuckling quietly as she pulled the tray close.
"I sure do!"
She pierced the first steaming pancake with a fork and stuffed it into her mouth.
"Did you know they put us on a diet in camp?" she asked, chewing loudly.
I suppressed a wince.
Living on the streets had done nothing for her manners.
"I wasn't aware of that, no."
She swallowed another bite. "Forget dessert, I'm sick and tired of eating grapes and cheese with every meal!" Her movements slowed as she met my gaze.
Colour crept onto her cheeks as she lowered the fork.
"Anyways …what took you so long? Was it the mortal you kidnapped?"
She continued eating at a more sedated pace.
"Sally? No. I was out—"
I blinked.
"Did you just say kidnapped?
"So her name is Sally?" Audrey said, humming softly. "Yeah, I think I'll just continue calling her Percy's mom."
She arched a brow, meeting my gaze.
"You didn't do anything strange to her, did you?"
Kidnapped… who did she take me for?
"Of course I didn't," I scoffed. "I'm pretty sure she's happier here than she's been in years."
Especially after I delivered the news of the successful housecleaning.
"And she doesn't mind," Audrey hesitated, looking up and down, "you know… living under a child's roof?"
I shrugged.
"As far as she knows, I'm some kind of ancient monster sent by fate to become her guardian spirit."
Which wasn't even that far from the truth.
Audrey finished the last piece of food on her plate and peered down at me.
"Percy is going to lose it if you get up to any of your 'devil shenanigans' with her," she said, forming air quotes as she mimicked my trademarked expression.
"Come on now," I snorted, "That boy has nothing to worry about. I'm the best thing that's happened to her in—"
"Scratch that. I'm the best thing that's happened to her, period. Her life sucked before she met me."
"How humble."
"I'm a devil."
Audrey tilted her head, her shoulder-length blonde hair falling to the side.
"There is something different about you," she said, studying me closely. "What happened?"
I blinked.
"In what way?"
Her gaze traced over my seated form.
"You hold yourself differently," she said, humming. "It's the posture… and the voice. You're proud of something. What is it?"
Right… daughter of wisdom.
"I am proud of something, yes."
I met her gaze with a faint smile.
"I've been training very enthusiastically since you left."
The girl's brow rose.
"Enthusiastically?"
The memory of a screaming human face surfaced in my mind.
"Very enthusiastically."
I suppressed a smirk.
"However, that is neither here nor there," I added, my gaze sharpening. "What did you learn? Camp Half-Blood—tell me about it."
My words lingered in the air as Audrey pushed the finished tray to the side.
"Well… the first thing I found was that Chiron hates you."
She snorted, shaking her head.
"Maybe even more than he does the average Greek monster."
"That much was obvious," I huffed. "Pretty hypocritical of him, don't you think? Judging me for my race when he might very well be the only decent centaur in history."
Audrey's expression hardened.
"It's not that surprising," she said, her voice low. "In my experience, his kind aren't the most intelligent."
I had almost forgotten she had a thing against centaurs.
"Enough about the horse guy," I said, leaning forward. "How was living amongst your own people? Did you like it?"
"I…"
She hesitated, chewing on her lower lip.
"I didn't dislike it. The people are… nice. I even have siblings now!"
"But?"
Her shoulders slumped.
"It is all so… sad."
She pulled her knees close to her chest.
"My story isn't as unique as I thought… everyone has suffered. So much."
Her voice lowered as she looked away.
"And nobody even talks about those of us who never made it to camp."
A fragile smile touched her lips as her gaze met mine.
"If it wasn't for you, Ladora… I would be one of them."
The room fell silent, save for the crackle of burning wood.
"Do you still want to leave?" I asked, watching her closely.
She rested her head on her knees.
"Yes."
"Even if it means abandoning your newly found family?"
She nodded slowly.
"I don't want to stay here. The gods… they are exactly as you said they would be."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"Don't be," she said, exhaling deeply. "Dad told me not to expect anything from that woman."
Her legs straightened as she leaned back.
"Can you believe he found me on his doorstep one day with a note that said, 'You impressed me. This is your reward'?"
A quiet laugh slipped past her lips.
"She didn't even bother to add a weapon to the basket, like she did with some of my siblings."
"It is alright if you hate them, Audrey."
I stepped forward and seated myself at the edge of her bed.
"I'm a devil. Even at your worst, I would not judge you." I grasped her hand. "You're not in Camp Half-Blood anymore. You can be honest with me."
The humour drained from her face as her grip on my hand tightened.
"I don't think I hate her," she said, her voice trembling. "I'm just so… disappointed."
Stormy eyes reflected the light of the fireplace as her gaze grew distant.
"When I was 'claimed' almost instantly after crossing the barrier, I thought—"
She paused for a moment, shaking her head.
"It doesn't matter."
Her expression steadied as she turned toward me.
"Speaking of claimed—do you want to hear about how the boy, whose mother you kidnapped, became the newest big shot in camp?"
I gave her hand one last squeeze and returned to the chair
"Sure," I said, accepting the change in topic. "What has Percy been up to?"
"What hasn't he been up to?" she chuckled, her shoulders loosening. "First, he defeated a group of House Ares warriors during capture the flag. Then he was claimed as a son of Poseidon. And then—as if that wasn't enough—he killed a hellhound that had snuck into camp."
I arched a brow.
"A hellhound? As in singular?"
Audrey snorted, her lips twitching as she shot me a glare.
"It was a very big hellhound."
I sank back into the cushioned chair, considering her words more seriously.
"So his heritage has finally been revealed."
"Oh yes. It was very dramatic."
I scoffed.
"I'm sure it was. The Greeks do love their spectacles."
"There is something else," she said, hesitantly. "Someone else."
"Oh?" I hummed, leaning forward. "Do tell."
"There is this girl. She's the Head of House Aphrodite."
Her voice firmed she met my gaze.
"You should meet her."
"And why would I do that?"
"Because she's special. Even for a demigoddess." A faint smile played on her lips. "And I know how you feel about 'special people'. Don't even try to deny it."
I clicked my tongue, looking to the side.
"Fine. You've piqued my interest," I said, my eyes narrowing with focus. "Tell me about her."
"Her name is Isabella Barthomeloi. She…"
Audrey's voice faded into the background as my thoughts raced.
Barthomeloi.
I knew that name.
"…for over a decade. She's one of the oldest…"
Barthomeloi… Barthomeloi… Where did I—
A sudden jolt shot up my spine.
"…so I gave her some of your flyers in case she…"
Could it be—
A demigoddess daughter of the most powerful Lord Family?
"Ladora?… Are you listening?"
A bright smile spread across my face as I gave her my full attention.
"Audrey Sinclair… I truly am very happy to have met you."
————-
"And then I punched him so hard he hasn't left the infirmary since," the warrior of House Ares bragged, a smirk curling his lips.
"How impressive," Isabella said, observing the celebrations unfolding before her.
Their victory in the capture the flag game had stoked the members of House Hermes into a frenzy.
As the largest House by far, their excitement had swept through the camp, spreading amongst the other demigods like a plague.
Even the loser teams had abandoned their brooding and joined in the commotion.
The young man sitting beside her laughed loudly.
"It was!" he proclaimed proudly. "If it had been me fighting that new kid…"
He scoffed derisively, spitting on the ground.
"I would have done him in the same way!"
She cast him a sidelong glance.
What was his name again?
Something with an M.
Marcellus?
Markus?
There were a lot of those in House Ares.
"How impressive," she repeated, averting her eyes from the rambling man to search for the camp's most recent wunderkind.
She wondered how long this one would last.
Her gaze lingered in the direction of the infamous Thalia's tree.
The image of thunder shaking the heavens just outside the boundaries of their safe haven formed in her mind.
Not very long, most likely.
She found their newest demigod surrounded by a gaggle of Hermes' children.
The son of Poseidon grinned widely as a blonde girl fed him a cube of golden ambrosia.
A faint crease formed between Isabella's brows.
That poor boy.
It was a scene she had seen repeated more often than she cared to remember.
Children joining their camp.
The joy of their first capture the flag victory.
The pleasure of drink and celebration.
The heartwarming moment when they finally realized they were safe and amongst people who understood.
Their happiness never lasted.
"How come you didn't fight during the game?" Marcellus asked. "I would have kept you safe, beautiful."
He winked at her.
Isn't he getting a bit old for these lines?
Her gaze traced the warrior's face, pausing on his patchy brown beard.
He looked around 18.
A late bloomer then.
"Unfortunately, I am no longer allowed to participate in capture the flag," she said.
While that had been upset at first, it didn't turned out to be such a bad thing.
Even the most exciting of games could grow stale after the hundredth time.
"That's only proper," Marcellus said, giving a firm nod. "A beauty like you shouldn't have to get her hands dirty."
He winked at her.
Again.
"Chiron truly is as wise as they say."
"Lady Isabella!" A high-pitched voice called out to her.
She quickly tuned out the older boy's chatter, turning toward the approaching girl.
"Hello little dove," she said, her smile growing genuine. "What's wrong?"
The child came to a stop a short distance in front of her and inhaled deeply.
"It's a… uhh..." she stuttered, searching for the right words, "a code pink!"
Isabella stilled.
"Thank you for telling me, dear," she said, gracing her favorite sibling a warm smile. "Wait a moment."
Her expression dimmed as she rounded on the silent boy beside her.
"I'm afraid you will have to excuse me, Marcellus. My sister needs to speak to me."
"My name is Markus."
Her smile remained unchanged.
"Off you go, Marcellus."
His face fell as he nodded and made his retreat.
The little dove didn't hesitate to claim the empty seat for herself.
She then grinned and stuck out her tongue at the crowd of boys standing just a bit too close to their table.
Isabella's lips curved slightly as she stroked her half sister's red hair.
"I'm ready now, sweetheart. Tell me what you heard. From the beginning."
The young girl leaned into her touch and nodded.
"Chiron and Mr. D were talking about Percy—that new boy!"
Her little brows furrowed.
"They said something about lighting and," her voice lowered into a whisper as she drew closer, "a Quest! They want to send him on a Quest as soon as possible!"
Isabella's chest tightened.
This was it.
"You've done great, little dove," she whispered, bopping the girl's nose. "I'm so proud of you."
She rose from her seat and gave her sister one last smile.
"Be sure to look through your closet tomorrow. There will be something new waiting for you."
The little girl vibrated with excitement as Isabella left her behind.
As always, the crowd of demigods parted before her as she marched toward the aptly named Big House.
He cannot deny me any longer.
I will not allow it.
"Oh… Who do we have here?" the god of wine jeered, reclining on the chair outside the looming building.
"Mommy's little favorite. Here to throw a tantrum again?
"I need to speak with Chiron."
"Already know about that, don't you?" Dionysus clicked his tongue. "Which one of your brats told you this time?"
He sipped his Coke, quickly lifting his hand as she made to respond.
"Wait!" he called. "Never mind that. I couldn't care less."
He laughed at her expression.
"Chiron!" the god shouted, "The little princess wants to speak to you."
His purple eyes glinted as he met her gaze, slurping his drink.
"There you go."
Her jaw tightened as she simply nodded and walked past the Olympian to enter the building.
"Young Isabella," Chiron said, glancing down at her. "What can I do for you tonight?"
The sight of a centaur descending a flight of stairs was as bizarre as ever.
Her heels clacked against the stone floor as she crossed the entrance hall.
"You know why I'm here, Chiron."
"Must we really do this again?" he asked, exhaling deeply. "My answer remains unchanged."
She ceased her approach in the middle of the vast hall, glaring up at her teacher.
"Why not?" she demanded. "Things are different this time."
"They are not."
"They are! You're sending the child of prophecy on a Quest."
Her voice rose as she lifted her chin.
"Who else would you send with him but me? I am the most powerful half-blood here."
"It is too dangerous," Chiron said, his voice as steady as always.
The only time she had ever seen a crack in the ancient man's unflappable demeanor was during his confrontation with Ladora Buné.
"Of course it's dangerous," she snapped. "That's why he'll need me."
"Your mother's orders are clear." Chiron's front hooves stomped against the floor. "You're not to leave. No matter the circumstances."
Isabella's teeth clenched as she stared at the man who had raised her since she was a child.
He met her gaze without flinching.
"I… I hate you!" she shouted, regret rushed through her the moment the words left her mouth.
She did not apologise.
Instead, she pivoted sharply and fled the building.
A recurring nightmare flashed through her mind as her feet carried her down a familiar path.
"You are my instrument of vengeance, little dove." A towering man would tell her. "You will make them regret the way they treated me."
Then he would lean in until his huge head filled her vision.
"It is a shame I couldn't find a more fitting mother for you… but there is power to be found in beauty as well."
Though his face was featureless, she knew he was smiling.
"Never forget that."
A frantic scream tore from her throat as she finally arrived in the dense woods.
A ceaseless torrent of power flooded from her core through the rest of her body. The magical outpour transformed into lightning and struck down the surrounding trees.
She collapsed to her knees and shut her eyes. An irritating smell invaded her nose as the earth burned beneath her palms.
When she had finally regained control over her emotions, she pushed herself upright, assessing the scene of devastation around her.
The smile returned to her lips.
Those poor Dryads.
When would they learn not to grow in this place?
Her clothes rustled as she brushed the dirt away and composed herself.
Just as she took her first step back toward camp, a sudden heat—burning from her back pocket—stopped her.
She blinked, retrieving the flyer Audrey had given her earlier in the day.
The meticulously drawn western dragon pulsed with a faint crimson glow.
Her heart skipped a beat as she clutched the paper.
He agreed.
The other one is hidden under my cushions—just like she told me—so it should be alright.
Without any more hesitation, she tore the flyer apart.
In a flash of jade light, Isabella Barthomeloi vanished from Camp Half-Blood.
For the first time in over a decade.
————-
I sank back into the couch, studying the young woman I had summoned into my living room.
Her beauty was still just as striking as it was before—but this time, I was prepared.
After all, what kind of devil would I be if I allowed myself to be tempted so easily?
"Isabella Barthomeloi. Favored daughter of the goddess Aphrodite. Long-term resident of Camp Half-Blood. Student of Chiron, trainer of heroes."
A smile faint tugged at my lips.
"I understand you wished to see me?"
Her amethyst eyes flicked to Audrey, sitting next to me.
My demigoddess simply smiled at her.
"I did," Isabella said.
I learned forward, folding my hands between my knees.
"Why?"
"I have questions."
"And why should I care about your questions?"
She blinked, staring blankly at me.
"I… don't know. I thought you wanted to see me too?"
"Ladora," Audrey said, nudging my side, "Stop that. I know you see it too."
I rolled my eyes, the harshness fading from my expression.
Of course I saw it.
My mind was practically hardwired to detect signs of emotional instability.
Not matter how well she hid it, the cracks in her mask were obvious to me.
"Fine," I said, gestured toward the chair to my left. "You're right—I did want to see you. Take a seat."
I tilted my head as she took a seat, my gaze tracing the lines of her expression.
The tightness in her features spoke of hesitation.
She was unsettled. Unbalanced.
Audrey was right.
This one will require a gentler touch.
"Please excuse my earlier rudeness," I said. "Ask me whatever you want."
My expression softened as the corner of my mouth lifted.
"Consider me at your complete disposal for the rest of the night."
"It's alright," Audrey said, smiling gently. "I told you, didn't I? He's harmless."
My brows shot up as I shot the blonde a sidelong glance.
Harmless was a strong word.
Isabella's gaze shifted from Audrey back to me, her posture straightening.
"Who are you, really?" she asked. "What are you?"
"I'm Ladora Buné. And more important than what I am," I propped my chin on my fist, "is what I can do for you."
Her brows knitted together.
"And what would that be?"
"That depends on one thing."
"What?"
I hesitated—but continued when Audrey nodded from the corner of my eye.
My pupils narrowed into slits as I turned fully toward Isabella.
The demigodess daughter of Aphrodite.
The scion of a magus family.
My lips curved upward.
"How would you like to become a traitor?"