The Oracle Series: Vols. 4, 5, & Grave Endowments

by Cynthia D. Witherspoon

  “Too famous.” My beloved pressed his lips together. “The spotlight makes a damn fine target, Little One.”

  “Yeah, but I’m damned good when it shines on me.” I smirked when he pulled me into his arms. “Cyrus of Crete, I am surprised at you. Doesn’t this go against your whole ‘relationships such as ours are frowned upon’ creed?”

  “Out of all the things I tell you, that would be the one statement you would remember.” He tightened his grip around my waist. “It doesn’t matter. Not down here where no one can see us. Now hush, Little One. Let me hold you for a moment.”

  I rested my head against him with a sigh of contentment. Cyrus was my one constant. My rock in this crazy life I was forced to live. I breathed in his scent of old liquor and whispered the single prayer I repeated so often, it had become a mantra of mine.

  “Keep him safe, Apollo. If nothing else, keep Cyrus safe.”

  Chapter Twelve

  “Eva, are you in here?”

  I glanced up to see the door to my room crack open just before a squeal filled my ears. I couldn’t help but laugh when Kassandra of Troy rushed across the carpet to wrap me into her embrace.

  “I came as soon as I heard.” The girl tightened her grip around my neck. “Are you excited? Are you ready? Are you…”

  “Trying to catch my breath? Yes.” I disentangled myself from her arms. “It’s been awhile, Kassandra. How are you?”

  “My wellbeing is of no consequence.” She dropped down on the edge of my bed. “The tales of you, however, are horrifying. I warned you not to fall, Sister. I tried to tell you to be careful.”

  “You did.” I sat down next to her. “And I tried to remember your words. Truly I did. But nothing could have prepared me for my fight against Elliot.”

  I didn’t want to tell her that every attempt I had made to record her prophecy had been destroyed. I didn’t have to. Kassandra was all too familiar with the curse which had been placed upon her head. She was a prophetess. She could see visions of the future and tried to warn others of the dangers which awaited them. But no one believed her or, if they did, they would forget her words within hours of hearing them.

  I shook away my thoughts as I turned back to her. “You knew, didn’t you? About my blood connection to Apollo. I remember you saying as much when we first met, but I didn’t understand what you meant. I thought you were confused.”

  Kassandra studied me with her clear green eyes before she took my hands into her lap. “Dear Sibyl, we all knew. Your birth was the first in quite some time where a god had procreated with a human. You were quite the scandal.”

  “I’m still a scandal.” I smiled at her. “I didn’t stop with the whole ‘being born’ bit. I wanted to make an impression.”

  Kassandra giggled behind her hand. I couldn’t help but wonder if this was what it was like to have a real sister. A kindred soul who understood how necessary it was to laugh when the world began to crumble around them. I started to thank her. I started to tell her how much I appreciated her attempts to help me. But Kassandra had other ideas.

  “Aren’t you supposed to be ready by now?” She glanced at the window. “I thought the ceremony was going to start at noon.”

  “It’s not really a ceremony. There’s not going to be any pomp and circumstance.” I shrugged. “And anyway, I’m not in any hurry to sign myself up for this.”

  “You still do not believe in yourself.” Kassandra clicked her tongue against the back of her teeth. “After all that you have done, after all you have accomplished…”

  “I am still a monster.” I finished for her. “I am still responsible for so many horrible things, Kassandra.”

  “Cerebus is a monster. Arachne is a monster. You are a poor soul thrust into a world with no knowledge on how to control your surroundings.” She raised her eyebrows at me. “Your words are those of a hero, darling Eva. So willing to take the blame for everything that has gone wrong. So eager to make the world right for those lucky enough to know you. But if you learn nothing else from me, know this. The only difference between a hero and a villain is not how the world sees them, but how they see themselves. Embrace the mistakes you have made. Embrace the power you have discovered in this place. But most of all? Embrace yourself. You’re a damn fine heroine, Eva. You serve us well.”

  I wiped away the tears which had slipped out when she was speaking before I let loose a broken laugh. “You should be a mentor for Hecate, Kassandra. That was one hell of a pep talk.”

  “I thought so.” She smirked at me. “Now, tell me true. What are you going to wear?”

  “Hecate wants me in classic Greek garb.” I crossed over to the closet. It took a moment, but I found the ensemble Teresa had delivered to my room just after sunrise. “I’m not sure it fits me though.”

  Kassandra took the white gown from me and ran her fingers over the thin cloth. It was long. Flowing. The embroidery around the skirt was a delicate Greek key created with golden thread. When she finished her examination, she whistled.

  “It’s a beautiful piece, Eva. I am surprised that you can’t wear it though. Hecate’s witches are meticulous tailors.”

  “No. It fits me like a glove.” I took the dress back. “What I meant was that it doesn’t feel right. It doesn’t feel like me.”

  Kassandra pursed her lips together before she moved over to my closet. She began to push the hangers aside as she searched. I watched when she knelt down by a pile of jeans. Finally, she emerged with her arms full.

  “You are right, Sister. The gown is beautiful, but it represents a era now forgotten.” She grinned. “Let us begin, shall we? We have much to do and very little time to do it.”

  I laughed. I couldn’t help it. I felt like I was on a location, chatting it up with my favorite hairdresser while he worked his magic. I surrendered myself to Kassandra’s vision while she gossiped about the inner circle of the Council. It was nice. Familiar. And did a damn good job of taking my mind off of the events about to unfold.

  I snagged her hand as she swept my hair up on top of my head and twisted in the chair enough to smile at her.

  “Kassandra, Sister. Thank you for being here with me. For everything.”

  She seemed surprised before her smile lit up her entire face. She gave me a quick hug and resumed her work without another word. I closed my eyes as I felt the tension which had mounted up since I had learned of my parents’ deaths began to fade away. For the first time, I began to believe in the advice everyone – Cyrus, Hecate, Kassandra – had given me. I was extraordinary. I was special.

  I was strong enough to be the girl I was meant to be.

  ***

  “Zeus has arrived with Hera on his arm.” Kassandra was peeking out the window which faced the Academy’s courtyard. “She doesn’t look too happy.”

  “Why would she? Hera hates me.” I shrugged. “I used to think she was pissed off because I refused to bow down to her. Now I’m not sure why she hates me so much.”

  “Because you are a threat.” Kassandra didn’t turn around as she spoke. “You figured out a way to steal the very minds of the gods, Sister. You can know their most sacred of secrets with a mere touch of your hand. That makes you dangerous to her.”

  “No offense, but absorbing their knowledge is not my favorite thing to do.” I twirled a golden bangle around my wrist. “So if she’s after me because of that, then she hates me for nothing.”

  “Hera does not need a reason to be displeased with someone.” Kassandra muttered before she sighed. “Apollo has arrived. Hermes as well.”

  “Why do I feel like this is graduation day all over again?” I rolled my eyes. “Did they roll out a red carpet too?”

  “Hush. They are being seated now.”

  I couldn’t explain the nervousness which churned at the base of my stomach. This was not my first time appearing in front of an audience. But it was the first time I had been presented before a group of gods. I swallowed down the knot which threatened to choke me. I jo
ined Kassandra by the window and stood on my tiptoes to see over her head.

  Thirteen deities stood behind a long table decked out in a white cloth. I had to give credit to the Ambassadors. They knew how to do formal in style. Small arrangements of flowers dotted the length of the table. It was simple. Elegant.

  And completely overwhelming.

  “Maybe I should have worn the dress.” I muttered. “Now I feel awkward.”

  “You look gorgeous.” Kassandra dropped the curtain when Hecate crossed over the lawn. “At any rate, it is too late to run and change. Hecate will be requesting your presence at any moment now. Do you have your speech prepared?”

  “Speech?” I squeaked. I actually squeaked out the word. “No one said anything about a speech.”

  “Of course you will have to give a speech.” Kassandra rolled her eyes at me. “How else will you be able to declare your intentions to the Council?”

  “I am not giving a speech.” I spoke through gritted teeth. “And right now? I’m two seconds away from running out the back door and saying to hell with the gods. Don’t push me, Kassandra.”

  “Don’t be silly.” She patted my arm. “You’re just nervous.”

  I felt Cyrus appear just before he stepped out of the shadows. I turned to face my beloved who looked me over with a smirk.

  “Where on earth have you been?” I huffed with indignation. “I haven’t seen you all morning.”

  “Watching the Skinwalker.” He glanced over at Kassandra. “He arrived with Hera, but was refused entrance on the account that he is not a deity.”

  “He’s waiting for me to leave.” I closed my eyes. “Kassandra, if you see anything. Any danger whatsoever, tell me now. I’d rather be prepared for an attack than surprised by one.”

  The girl did not have a chance to respond before I heard my name being called. Hecate had made quick work of her own speech to the Council. Now, it was my turn. I grabbed Cyrus’ hand and squeezed it.

  “Stay with me?”

  “Always.” He smiled. “Time to shine, Little One.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” I grumbled. I moved over to the door, squared my shoulders, and counted to ten. When Hecate called my name a second time, I moved forward. I felt my confidence grow with each step I took. This was my destiny. I was convinced of that now.

  I just hoped I didn’t screw it up.

  “May I present the Sibyl before the Council.” Hecate gestured to me when I stopped by her side. “Eva McRayne, the true Daughter of Apollo.”

  “Eva, what a pleasure to see you again!” Zeus exclaimed. While the other gods were dressed in their finest, he was wearing the loudest Hawaiian shirt I’d ever seen. I was sure he was dressed in a pair of white cargo shorts to match. He waved his arm towards me. “Come closer. Let an old man get a good look at you.”

  “Old is right.”

  I mumbled under my breath as I did what I was told. Hera was to his right. Her cold green eyes looked me over with a disdain that was so obvious, it hurt.

  “You were told that you were going to meet with the Council, correct?” Hera’s eyes flashed. “Yet, you appear before us dressed in commoner’s clothing. If you are not going to respect us by dressing appropriately, then I am leaving.”

  “Wait.” I held up my hand when she started to rise. “My clothes don’t mean anything and you know it. At least, not to you.”

  I turned my attention to the line of deities. Most I had no clue who they were. But the ones I recognized were my focus. Zeus and Apollo. Hera and Hermes. The gods who had the most influence on my life. I took a breath and was in the process of counting to twenty in an attempt to calm my nerves when I was struck by a moment of brilliance.

  Yeah. I’m awesome like that.

  “First, I want to thank each member of the Council for coming to Hecate’s Academy today.” I spoke slow as the ancient language they preferred rolled of my tongue. “It was an honor to be taught by her and Medusa. But such an honor is nothing compared to what you are here to offer me today.”

  I ignored Hera’s dark look and turned my attention to Apollo. The Golden One winked at me when I continued.

  “I have discovered that the life I had known was nothing more than a lie. I’ll admit, I am still having issues adjusting to the information I learned regarding my family. And I don’t know if I will fully be able to process it. But my life is what I make of it, regardless of the blood that flows through my veins. A life that I now dedicate not just to Apollo, but to all the gods of Olympus. I am your servant. Your voice.”

  I cleared my throat and clasped my hands in front of my waist to keep them from shaking.

  “That being said, I can only do so as myself. I’m modern in every sense of the word. I drink too much. I wear jeans and t-shirts. And I speak my mind far too often for my own good. A wise friend of mine told me that what defines a hero is not the world’s expectations of them, but their own. I’m no hero. There is too much blood on my hands to make such a claim. But I will do what I can to bring honor to the gods I serve. I will work to increase your followers to the best of my abilities. I know I will fall. There are others who wish to see me in the darkest corners Hades has to offer. I won’t become the hero you expect me to be.”

  I raised my chin and spoke directly to Apollo. The god who demanded I be granted the powers of his Sibyl at my birth. The god who had guided me. Aided me when I needed it the most.

  “I’ll become the hero I expect myself to be. If that pleases you, then I will gladly represent this Council on Earth. Otherwise, Hecate’s Academy. My time as the Sibyl. It has all been for nothing.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  I let my words hang in the air between us when I finished. It wasn’t Zeus who broke the silence. It was Hera.

  “Very pretty words.” She straightened the chain hanging around her throat. “But words will be of little use to you, Sibyl, when you are confronted on the battlefield. You must prove yourself to be effective in battle.”

  “I’ve defeated you once already, Hera. I’m surprised you wish to fight me again so soon.”

  Ok. That one slipped. I was trying to be respectful after all. But the great goddess infuriated me. I hadn’t forgotten her fierce determination to destroy me. I was surprised when Zeus laughed.

  “She got you there, wife.” Zeus pounded the table. “Your Sibyl is full of fire, Apollo. I approve of her.”

  “You are wrong, Hera.” Apollo spoke up, but he kept his golden eyes on me. “Pretty words entice crowds. This girl has proven this by utilizing the technology of her day to bring followers to me. She will do the same for all of us. I am certain of it.”

  “True.” Hera agreed. “Yet, my pet has defeated her time and time again. Her heart is too soft for this life. How effective can she be if she is sent to the Underworld the first time she encounters one of our enemies?”

  “Once.” I corrected her. “Elliot defeated me once. And even then, he had Kampe’s help. It was a cheap shot, Hera, and you know it.”

  “I propose you provide a little entertainment for us, Daughter of Apollo.” Hera’s lips curled into a cruel smile. “A sparring match against my pet. If you win, then I will gladly give the Council my blessing for this ridiculous endeavor.”

  “We are not here to watch a fight, Hera.” Apollo snapped. “The Sibyl has accepted her new role as our representative. There is no need…”

  “Are you afraid she will lose?” Hera interrupted him. “It appears that you have as little faith in your Sibyl as she does.”

  “I’ll do it.”

  “What?” Apollo whipped his head around to stare at me. “Eva, there is no need for you to cater to Hera’s whims.”

  “Yes, there is. Council decisions must be unanimous unless there is reason to believe fraud has occurred.” I gave Hera a cold smile of my own. “I may not access your knowledge often, goddess, but I will do so whenever it is necessary.”

  She snapped her fingers at Hecate. “Drop the barrier, witch.”


  Hecate bowed her head just before the air around us filled with the strange smell of ozone. She disappeared from my peripheral vision and I knew the barrier that had protected me from the spirits was gone.

  It wasn’t long before I felt an arm wrap around my throat. Somehow, Hera had contacted Elliot to invite him to this little spectacle. My enemy tightened his grip just before he leaned in to whisper a single word into my ear.

  “Boo.”

  I acted on instinct. I couldn’t help it. This man had done so much to harm me. He had done his damnedest to destroy me. So instead of waiting for him to squeeze the breath out of me, I went on the offensive.

  I kicked behind me. His arm loosened enough for me to slip beneath it. But I didn’t kick out again. This time, I slammed my elbow against his mouth. Elliot stumbled. He doubled over, but I didn’t give him a chance to recover. I turned around, jerked my knee up, and smiled when his head snapped back.

  “No weapons, Elliot. No powers.” I knelt down to strike him in the throat with my open hand. “You want to take me down? Do it the right way. Fight me without help.”

  “How,” He choked on the blood overflowing from his mouth. His voice was raspy when he continued. “I loved you, Evie. Adored the very ground you walked on. How could you do this to me?”

  I watched as his eyes filled with tears. Yet, I didn’t feel compassion for him. I felt my heart harden against him. I wanted to hurt him with as much pain as possible. I gritted my teeth together as an unfamiliar rage rushed through me. At long last, I understood why Medusa was so insistent I embrace my hate. My anger sharpened my focus. It sharpened my strategy. I spat on the ground next to Elliot’s head before I responded.

  “You never loved me.” I knew my voice was shaky, but I didn’t care. “You could never love anyone more than you love yourself. Your dedication to Hera is proof of that.”

  Elliot rolled to his side, so I started to stand. Yet despite his injuries, my opponent acted fast. He managed to grab a rock hidden in the grass and threw it right at my head. I grunted when it made contact. I dropped down on my hands when the world started to spin. I knew I had to move. I had to get out of his way. But my hesitation cost me.