Present, Fall

Present: Fall

Tyrus

The cold wind whipped his cloak open, the frigid air stealing his breath. Tyrus continued a second later, wrapping the hood securely around him as he trudged up the ancient steps. Honor’s vision both worried and elated him. He had to know what the future held, and he knew of only one being on earth that could determine if it was prophecy or dreaming. Well, two, but he’d already picked Joy’s prophetic brain and had come away with nothing.

Tyrus scanned the ancient temple, its lights, a beacon in the dark. A little bit further and he’d be there, his questions answered. His mythic rose within, warming his steps, as he continued to stomp through two feet of fresh packing snow.

Honor

Honor shivered as she watched the game, Connor’s last of his junior year. She didn’t care for professional sports, but found herself entertained, knowing the players, personally. She watched him break through the banner, leading his team onto the field from the locker rooms. The cheerleaders waved their pompoms proudly, crimson and black fluff blurring together. These were some of the most beautiful women on campus, but he ignored them all, instead, zeroing in on Maiden who sat next to her. He waved and pointed briefly, placing his hand over his chest. As Jayde giggled, Maiden returned the gesture.

That made her think of him, how he’d disappeared after they rescued Jayde. She hadn’t seen him in…two months, not since the incident at the apartment. That made her heart ache, her phoenix appearing. It curled into her lap and snuggled, cooing sadly. The depression came down the bond, but she felt stronger now, and could shove it aside.

She reminded herself he was a grown man, and she, a grown woman. They each had lives. Jayde smiled widely at her then began chugging a drink. She knew the younger mythic admired them. It brought back trying memories of the younger fosters she’d attempted, and sometimes, failed to protect. Unlike Maiden, who sat tending to Jayde, she worried about her lack of experience in being “maternal.”

She reached over and stole a piece of popcorn, winking. The spunky fifteen-year-old chuckled with eyes of golden oak and cheered for Connor as he walked to the middle to participate in the coin flip. A second later, the referee signaled to him. Whether heads or tails, he’d chosen correctly, and the crowd cheered.

Honor failed to locate Joy and Seth, the couple mysteriously absent. Likely, the two luck mythics were making out in some semi-private space. They’d gotten gross, well, close lately. Julius sat on the other side of her, uncomfortable with all the people. He gave her a weak grin and pulled out his phone. Sounds overwhelmed him lately with such sensitive ears. She sat back and watched the game, another shiver running down her spine. She could feel the cold in her joints. Arctic.

Chimera

She lifted her binoculars as she sat in the box seat, unconcerned with the field. A small twitch jolted across her lips as she scoured the crowd, finding her mark. Chimera sat back and took a sip of her champagne as a man joined her.

“Bonjour.”

“Ah, Dr. Blanc. Isn’t it…strange of you to be on this side of the pond, so to speak?”

“No more than you.” He gave her a fake smirk, but she knew his eyes remained stone cold under the sunglasses. “What brings you to the States and college football?”

“I’m a donor.”

“As am I. What a coincidence.” He took her hand and kissed it in greeting as he murmured under his breath. “Don’t think I’ve quit the search for my daughter, you witch.”

Chimera laughed. “Why friend, it’s been a year and a half. Maybe she simply… doesn’t want to be found.”

“She would never betray me.”

She sipped her champagne. “Have you come here in a foolish attempt to kill me?” It’d been a long time since something this… exciting had roused her beast. It moved softy against her skin.

His sneer grew cruel and twisted. “I’ve always admired the cloak you wear. One day, I intend to have it as my own, should your luck ever falter. Today is merely a warning.”

“I’m glad to see you’ve mellowed with age.” Her voice dripped with subtext and sarcasm.

“If I find out you were involved, that you killed my daughter, nothing will stop the stone.”

She swallowed hard but didn’t show any weakness. “I can assure you I am not the reason your daughter did not come back to you.”

He stood, understanding her use of the double negative. She wouldn’t openly admit to kidnapping. Leaning down, his voice dripped with venom into her ear. “Enjoy the game.”

A shiver ran down her spine as she watched a large, black explosion rock Griffin Stadium, mere seats from Honor.