She had planned simply to live for ever, watching the world change, while never changing herself. That came with its own problems, of course – trying to find a book you hadn’t read or film you hadn’t seen was no fun at all. But life would continue whatever you did. There was nothing to be afraid of, because, in truth, she’d never had anything to fear.

But now that had changed. There was a distinct possibility that Virgo could . . . not be any more. That there would come a point when she would simply cease to exist. She felt incredibly sorry for the world. After all, a world without her in it would be an infinitely lesser place. It was a troubling thought, so she chose not to think it any more.

‘Nearly there,’ Hermes announced as the bike turned off the main cloud road to a smaller wispy track. ‘Hold tight.’

Again, without entirely realizing it, Virgo put her arms around Elliot to cushion him from the bumpy road. In fact, she was so concerned about Elliot’s comfort that she didn’t look up for several moments. When she raised her head, Mount Olympus was rearing majestically above them.

Virgo had never been to the Gods’ ancestral home and was rather overawed by what she saw. Through the mist enveloping the grey mountain, a building came into view – a mighty temple, with golden pillars supporting the triangular roof. It was surrounded by gardens that, though a little worse for wear, gave a sense of the majesty of this place in its day. As they drew closer, she could see that every inch of the marble structure was ornately carved with images of the Gods and their fabled adventures. It was truly a palace fit for the Olympians.

The bike drew to a gentle halt and Elliot stirred from his sleep.

‘Mum?’ he groaned, in the dozy moment before reality struck him. Virgo’s heart ached as she saw the weight of the world return to his shoulders. She knew that sensation only too well – many was the morning she’d awoken, convinced she was riding a marshmallow unicorn in Elysium, only to find she had fallen asleep on the lavatory again.

‘It’s all right, mate, we’re here,’ said Hermes softly, holding Elliot’s hand. ‘Take your time.’

Elliot’s face clouded with the memories of all that had happened in the past few days. Virgo wished he could hold on to those moments where everything was OK for much, much longer.

‘Where’s here?’ he asked once he was fully conscious, pulling himself up in the sidecar to look around.

‘My gaff,’ said Hermes. ‘Mount Olympus.’

Elliot continued to look confused. But Hermes simply grinned at him.

‘Epic mega-multi-bosh – it’s good to see you, mate,’ he said softly. ‘Come here, little man. I’ve missed your ugly mug.’