The Oracle Series: Volumes 1-3

by Cynthia D. Witherspoon

  Cyrus looked like he wanted to argue. In the end, he simply nodded. "Alright. Make sure to pack an overnight bag, though. I don't want to be coming back here every hour on the hour because you forgot something."

  "Fine."

  I offered him an exasperated sigh in the hopes to see him smile. I wasn't disappointed. Cyrus gave me a crooked grin as I slipped past him to go change clothes. Connor was going to help me with this. He would get me to Chicago before my trial with the Erinyes.

  One way or another.

  Chapter Eight

  We arrived at the restaurant thirty minutes later than I wanted to thanks to the battle I'd fought with my curling iron. Spago of Beverly Hills was famous thanks to its owner, but it felt more welcoming than I had imagined. I will admit I'd been expecting a place where they would turn you away at the door if you dared to show up without a tuxedo on. Instead, the dining room was charming with its wooden accents and white tables that broke up the open floor plan.

  My imagination just goes to show how much I'd partaken in going out since we'd moved to Los Angeles. Maybe Cyrus was right. Maybe I really was nothing more than a glorified shut-in.

  I glanced around the room, spotting a familiar head in a curved grey booth as a hostess approached us. I started to explain to her why we didn't have a reservation, but she simply waved my words away.

  "Right this way, please, Ms. McRayne."

  "Connor Garrison!" I exclaimed as we walked past his table. "What a surprise to see you here tonight."

  "Eva? What are you," Connor had picked up his wine glass, but sat it back down when I stopped by his table. "I mean, hello."

  "Hello." I smiled to him and the woman he was with. I was pleasantly surprised by his choice of a date. She seemed naturally pretty, not the plastic doll perfection I've gotten used to seeing here in L.A. I extended my hand to his companion. "Eva. Nice to meet you."

  "Theresa." She didn't just shake my hand in return, she clasped it and cupped her other hand overtop of mine. "Oh, my. I wasn't expecting to meet a star tonight. Connor didn't mention that we'd be seeing you."

  "To be honest, I wasn't expecting to be here tonight." I managed to free my hand with as much grace as I could muster. I introduced Cyrus, but it seemed as if I didn't have to.

  "Yes, I know. I'm a huge fan of Grave Messages. Join us, won't you?"

  "I don't think that's such a good idea, dear." Connor's dark features were growing even darker as he frowned at me. "We can arrange for you to get together with Eva and Cyrus later. Surely Eva would like to be left alone tonight."

  "Actually," I grinned as I plopped down on the bench next to him. "I am looking for company. I won't stay long though, I promise. I have a proposition for you."

  "What sort of proposition? I'm off the clock, Eva, so if you aren't here for dinner, then I suggest you leave."

  Connor was positively glaring at me now as he shifted on the bench to put some distance between us. He started to turn away the waitress approaching us, but I got in an order for a glass of merlot before she scurried off. When he realized I wasn't going anywhere, Connor changed his tactic from hateful to charming.

  "Eva, take tonight off. Don't worry about the show until Friday."

  "I wish I could, but my abilities aren't something I can just switch on and off."

  I let out a big dramatic sigh as Theresa squealed. She all but clapped her hands as she leaned over the table towards me.

  "Can you show me? I want to see the Sibyl in action."

  "What?" I blinked as she started digging in her purse. "I don't know if that is such a good idea right now. I'm kinda in the middle of a crisis."

  "Oh, come on." She pulled out a compact and passed it over to me. "Just a quick little display of your powers. It won't hurt anybody."

  Except me.

  I wanted to throw the small mirror back across the table as I realized she saw me as some sort of freak. I was nothing more than a circus performer to the likes of her. But before I could get my hands around it, Cyrus put his hand on my shoulder.

  "Perhaps we can make some sort of arrangement." Cyrus gave them both a strained smile. "You're right, Garrison. We aren't here for dinner. Eva got word that Elliot is in more danger than either of you can imagine."

  "Leave it for the office." Connor took a swig of his wine. "We can talk about anything of importance tomorrow."

  "Ah, but Theresa wants to see me in action." I spun the compact against the white tablecloth as I realized what Cyrus was getting at. "Agree to give me what I want and I'll do the reading to make your date happy. Surely you want her to have a pleasant evening, Connor."

  "What do you want, Eva?" Connor glanced at his companion as if he was wondering if she was worth having to deal with me or not. "What price am I going to have to pay for this?"

  "Our trip to Chicago has to be moved up. I have to be there by Tuesday, which means rearranging some things."

  "Some things? We'll have to reschedule the entire filming crew. Not to mention trading in at least fifty airline tickets and switching out the equipment shipments." My boss looked absolutely flabbergasted. "And what of Elliot? If we give him a few more days, perhaps he will come out of his coma to join you."

  "No, he won't." I squared my shoulders as I looked to him. "Listen, I'll explain everything later. I don't want to go to Chicago any sooner than I have to, but I've been given no choice. Don't worry about sending an entire crew with me if it'll be too much trouble. Just as long as I have Joey and Cyrus, I'll be fine."

  "Eva..."

  Connor started but I interrupted him.

  "I'm leaving for Chicago on Monday whether you change out my ticket or not. If you want the footage of my encounter with something really ancient and really mean on Grave Messages, then you'll find a way to work your magic. Otherwise, you could very well lose one of the most dramatic episodes of the season."

  I waited, toying with the mirror as he fumed. The waitress stopped by with another glass of wine for him. After I declined her offer to take my order, she disappeared again. It was Theresa who finally broke the tension between us.

  "Oh, Connor, what does it matter?" She patted his hand. "It's just money, right? Give Eva what she wants. I'll get my reading. Everybody wins."

  Connor sighed before he tossed back his wine. When he placed the glass back down, he nodded. "Alright. I'll see what I can do. But you have to deal with Joseph when the invoices start rolling in."

  "Deal."

  I stuck out my hand. Connor shook it, tightening his grip around my fingers until I winced. I knew Joseph wasn't the only one I'd have to deal with about rearranging our trip. Connor was furious.

  "Now, for your reading." I pulled my hand free and took up the small mirror. "There's nothing special about what I do, Theresa. The first Sibyl used water before she was given the golden mirror by Apollo. I'll try to call anyone you wish to speak with forward, but I'm still learning about how to bring forth the specific spirits. Is there anyone you wish to contact?"

  Theresa tapped her fingertips against the side of her jaw before she shook her head. "No. No one in particular. My grandmother died when I was nine. Can you try to contact her?"

  "I can try." I shrugged. "I can't promise she will come through. What was her name?"

  "Sarah Stanton."

  "Alright." I took a deep breath as I pressed the small clasp to open the compact. "No promises, remember?"

  She nodded as I pressed the small mirror against the table. Within seconds, the whispers began to fill my ears. I ignored the desire to throw my mental door up as I stared into the glass. I saw my own face first, pinched and drawn after the events of the day. Then, my image began to shift.

  "I call forth Sarah Stanton, grandmother to the woman sitting before me."

  Faces long dead flickered in the glass until a single image formed. But this woman wasn't a stranger to me. She had my eyes. My blonde hair. She was covered in the dirt and grime that had accumulated after years of living outside.

&
nbsp; It was Delphine.

  "Seventh Sibyl." She smiled as I leaned forward. "You are such curious creature. So quick to dismiss your abilities, but then use them when you can get what you want."

  "I had to. I have to give the Erinyes what they want." I spoke to the glass as the woman staring back at me laughed. "Elliot is in some serious trouble."

  "You are all in serious trouble, dear girl. I am not surprised you would feel this way, but I am surprised at Cyrus. He should know better than to let you play around with gods from the Underworld."

  "Can I get a meeting with Athena? I need to speak with her."

  "About her twisted daughters?" Delphine tilted her head to the side. "You could. She is on your plane now pretending to be a human to stave off boredom. It would not be too difficult to find her."

  "What?" I shook my head. "That's impossible."

  "No, its not. The gods have a history of coming to Earth to interact with humans. It is only when you know who they are that their knowledge is in danger."

  "So I don't have to wait for Apollo's response." I realized what she was telling me and smiled. "Delphine, you are a lifesaver."

  The spirit made a sound much like a snort. "I am nothing of the sort. But I've been informed of the Erinyes' intentions. They mustn't be allowed to put their puppet in your place. They are cruel in their judgments of the living and the dead. To allow them to gain followers on earth would give them a power none of us are prepared for."

  "I don't understand. What sort of power?"

  "The power of belief, girl. This is why you are so important to Apollo. The more followers you bring to him, the more his power here on Olympus grows. The same would be true for the Erinyes, except they won't be happy with just strutting around the Underworld like queens without a throne. They will use it to destroy anything or anyone they deem unjust."

  "So this isn't just a way for them to be remembered." I spoke slowly. "They are trying to regain their foothold over humanity."

  "Yes. It cannot be allowed. Let your beloved go, Eva. His soul is already in the Underworld. This is about so much more."

  I felt my heart wrench in my chest at her words. Let Elliot die? No. I was shaking my head as she began to fade.

  "I can't."

  "You will. If not now, then soon enough. He will grow old and die while you remain. The pain of loss is great, but unavoidable, Sibyl. Do your duty first. Deal with your heart later."

  "Delphine," I shook the mirror when she disappeared in an attempt to bring her back. The whispers returned as the glass began to flicker again with faces. "Dammit, Delphine..."

  "Eva, you must stop." Cyrus took the mirror from my hands and snapped it closed. "She is gone."

  "Cyrus, oh my god."

  I swallowed as I remembered where we were. Connor and Theresa weren't the only ones staring at us. The entire restaurant seemed to have taken notice.

  "I'm so sorry."

  "Sorry? Are you crazy?" Theresa laughed as she started to clap. Within seconds, the rest of the patrons around us joined in. "That was great! Do it again."

  "No, I can't. The connection has been lost."

  I looked to Cyrus for help as she began to throw questions at me I didn't dare answer. He took my arm to lift me out of the booth. When I was on my feet and the world felt steady, I turned back to Connor.

  "I'll explain everything when I can. Thank you for working on Chicago for me."

  I let Cyrus lead me outside before I collapsed against him. He caught me, turning me to face him, but I wouldn't look up to him. Instead, I pressed my nose into his shirt to breath in his scent. It helped to keep me from bursting into tears. Cyrus didn't say anything at first. He held onto me, running his hand over my hair until the shaking stopped. When I was convinced I wasn't going to cry, I pulled back.

  "Sorry."

  "Don't be sorry, Little One." Cyrus brushed his hand over my cheek as if to check for tears. When he didn't find any, he took hold of my shoulders as he continued. "Do you wish to talk about it now or when we get home?"

  "Now." I looked up at the night sky as if I could find answers there. I got nothing, so I started with the most important part of our conversation. "Delphine came through. She said I have to sacrifice Elliot to the Erinyes. Otherwise, they will cause havoc for both the living and the dead."

  "Is that all she said?"

  I shook my head. "No. She said that Athena is here on earth. If we can find her, then I can ask her about the Erinyes. They are fighting for power, Cyrus. That's why they took Allison Thomason up on her offer to seek vengeance against me."

  "Eva, it is still dangerous." Cyrus tightened his grip on me. "Remember if you will, Athena is a vengeful goddess. She can still strike you down if she knows you recognize her."

  "But would she?" I studied his eyes as I considered the choices I had. There weren't any. "Cyrus, it doesn't matter. If she won't help me, then I am going to give up the mirror to Thomason. I can't let Elliot die over this. I won't."

  "Tell me something, Eva." Cyrus tilted his head down. "Why are you so desperate to save him? He is still the man who abandoned you at the first sign of trouble."

  "I love him. I would think you of all people would understand that." I tried to pull away, but Cyrus was stronger. "Let me go, Cyrus."

  "I don't think this has anything to do with love." My keeper shook his head. "If that were the case, then you would have jumped at the opportunity to resume your relationship with Elliot. Instead, you told him you wanted to wait. To take things slow."

  "Is that so?" I narrowed my eyes at him, ignoring the curious onlookers who had started slowing down around us. "What do you think about how I feel? I'm dying to know."

  "That you are clinging onto the past. Elliot is your version of a child's security blanket. You feel as if you need him to survive. You are convinced that Elliot is the only one who has ever truly cared about you. That's not true, Eva. I think you realize it, but refuse to see it."

  "I am not clinging to the past."

  Cyrus kissed me which turned out to be a very effective way of shutting me up. I froze at first in confusion before I found myself responding in kind. My mind was screaming for me to stop. I should have jerked away and slapped him for taking such liberties.

  I couldn't do it. Instead, I leaned further into him until he released my shoulders and wrapped his arms around me. Cyrus was the one who pulled back first, closing his eyes as he rested his forehead against mine.

  "Ok. That was unexpected." I managed as I willed my heart to stop beating so fast. "Where in the world did that come from?"

  Cyrus ignored me as he responded to my previous comment.

  "You are. One day, you'll realize that. Perhaps Elliot is right about one thing, Eva. I don't want to let you go. I can't stand by and watch you give up your immortality for a man who has thrown you away."

  "Cyrus..."

  I started, but the words got stuck in my throat. Maybe it was because of the emotions he brought forth. Or maybe it was because this wretched day and all of its sadness had caught up to me. But I couldn't think of anything to say. I couldn't explain the sudden confusion in my heart. I couldn't explain why I had reacted to his kiss the way that I did.

  The only thing I knew for certain was that I didn't want to.

  "Delphine was right. Even if we save your Elliot now, he will die in time. And I will be there waiting, Eva." Cyrus took my hand. "The centuries have made me a patient man."

  "What about Delphine?" I asked as we walked down the sidewalk towards the car. "I thought you were madly in love with her."

  "I did love her, and I still do. But she is gone from me." Cyrus shook his head. "Even though I can cross from this plane to Mount Olympus, I am not allowed to see her. Delphine knew this when she gave up the mirror. She knew that by killing herself, she destroyed any chance we had in being together."

  "And she did it anyway." I pulled at the strap on my purse, tugging it free from my shoulder as we approached the car. "Cyrus, I don't
know what to say."

  "Say nothing, Little One." Cyrus pulled out the keys to unlock the door. "If I have come to know you, then I should realize you are stubborn. You will find a way to survive this. And come to the right decision regarding your heart."

  "By finding Athena." I slipped into the car. "Let's go to the hospital, Cyrus. I don't want Elliot to be alone."

  "Your wish is my command."

  Cyrus shut the door as I sank back into the seat. My mind was racing as I considered what he said. Could Cyrus really be in love with me? I shook my head. No. If anything, he was in love with the image I portrayed. He said it himself. I reminded him of Delphine. I was the Sibyl. Besides, he was bound to me. Being with someone day in and day out was sure to have an effect on him.

  Even as I was telling myself these things, I knew they weren't true. I'd felt his attraction to me through his kiss. Hell, I'd felt my own attraction to him when I kissed him back. I brushed my fingers against my lips before shoving my thoughts away. There would be time enough for my twisted emotions later.

  I had a job to do. I had to find Athena. I had to learn all that I could about the Erinyes and their puppet. Once Elliot was safe, then I could make my choice between the man I'd loved for the past four years or the one by my side now who had been become the only person I could count on.

  ***

  Elliot was alone when I reached his room. The lights were off as if he was asleep. Yet his skin was too chilled. His features too slack to be anything other than the coma he was in now. Elliot's body was still here, but he was far, far away from Los Angeles.

  I dropped my bag beside the chair I had spent so much time in that morning wondering where Joey and Joseph had gotten off to. It was just after ten so I shouldn't have been surprised to find the room empty. Still, I couldn't imagine Joseph being all cozy in his big mansion while Elliot was here in this tiny space all alone. So I pulled the chair up to the side of the hospital bed and took his hand to settle in for the night.

  Cyrus appeared next to me, kneeling down my level as he spoke.

  "I'm going to disappear for a bit. Go to Olympus and see if I can find out where Athena is hiding herself amongst you humans. Stay out of trouble, will you?"