“Athena,” he said. “Don’t hurt her.”
She glanced at him with irritation. “Ridiculous words, coming from you.”
You were the one who cursed her in the first place. You gave her the gift of sight and then made her never be believed. And now she kneels at your side, protecting you from me, who could twist her in half.
The innocence in Cassandra’s eyes made her want to scream. The blind affection in how she held him. There was something so sick about it. That she didn’t know.
“Don’t, sister. I love her.”
“I notice the ‘sister’ only comes out when you want something.” She crossed her arms. “She doesn’t even know who you are.”
“I know who he is,” Cassandra said. “He’s Aidan Baxter.”
Athena snorted.
“But he used to be called Apollo. Who are you?”
“You used to know.”
Cassandra’s brow knit. “What do you mean?”
“Athena, don’t.” He started to rise, but Athena put him down with a finger.
Don’t blame me for this. You found her, made her love you again. I’m sure it was done with the best of intentions. But you’re an idiot if you thought it wouldn’t all blow up in your face.
“I mean, you aren’t you. But back when you were you, you would’ve known who I am.” They hadn’t come all this way to find half a prophetess. They needed her whole. They needed Cassandra of Troy.
Blood dripped down Athena’s cheek, warm against her skin. Owls in the trees hooted absently. She gestured vaguely toward Cassandra’s body.
“This. It’s empty. Hollow. There’s a hole inside you in the shape of a girl.” And even then it didn’t look special. Athena had hoped for more. Some flag or shining space to let her know what Cassandra was capable of.
“What are you talking about?”
“Don’t you deserve to know who you are? Isn’t that justice?” She looked at Odysseus, at his throat, at the heart in his chest. Make her remember. Isn’t that what Demeter said? Make her remember, and she’ll be much more than that. Wheels turned inside her head. “I mean, if there was something about me that I didn’t know, I’d want to know. Wouldn’t you?”
Apollo struggled to his feet and pulled Cassandra up with him. He put himself between them. Futile. Silly. Athena’s wrists tingled. It felt like springs had formed in the balls of her feet. She knew what she had to do.
And I’ll do it. Even though it’s cruel. Even though I hate to. There’s no one else.
“Let me tell her, at least,” Apollo said. “Please.”
“You turned me into a cherry snow cone.” Athena gestured to her bleeding head. “Why should I do you any favors?” She looked at Cassandra. A pale, scared girl with long brown hair, the tips of her ears and nose starting to turn red from the cold. Odysseus reached for Athena’s arm and she turned to him.
“It was better for you, wasn’t it?” she asked Odysseus. “After you woke up?”
He knew what she was up to; she could see that. “I didn’t wake up quite like this.” He glanced at Cassandra. “Maybe it would be better, if he explained first.”
Athena looked at Hermes, who hung his head. She sighed. “This isn’t the Cassandra we’re looking for. It’s only half. If there’s a less unpleasant way to make that happen, you’ve got thirty seconds to think of it.”
No one spoke, and Athena gritted her teeth. “Look, I wish we didn’t need her at all. I’m not a f**king tyrant. I don’t want to turn someone’s world on its ear.”
She looked at Odysseus, but he said nothing. She turned to Hermes.
“Would you hold him, please?” She nodded toward Apollo. Then she smiled sadly at Cassandra.
The soft brown hair. That petite, lanky frame. I remember you now, standing with your sister on the walls of Troy. Watching your family die with a stone face. So brave. I’m ashamed that I forgot. And now I’m sorry that you’ll remember.
“What are you doing?” Cassandra backed up as Athena advanced.
“Don’t be afraid.” Beside them, Apollo struggled in Hermes’ grip, but it was feeble. He knew when he was beat. It was just more of a show for Cassandra’s benefit.
“You’re a goddess.” Cassandra smiled shakily. She raised her brows at Athena’s clothes. “With tattoos and a faded t-shirt. I saw you through Aidan’s skin. The feathers.”