My father put his hand on my shoulder. “He gets that from me.”

“Why aren’t you lot joining us on the island? I’m sure we’d fair better with three gods fighting by our sides?” Lou asked.

“Because Elouise, Queen Lorelei is smart, and gods are divine, not all-powerful,” said Artemis. “She built runes in her ivory castle that prevented Apollo from saving his imprisoned beloved. After he rescued Rylander, she extended them across the whole island. Now, the shallows surrounding Anthemusa are as far as we can go. This is a fight you will have to manage on your own.” Artemis stood, smoothing her dress.

“With the weapons you have provided, we will win,” I said, taking my seat again.

Smitter and Artemis smiled, nodded, then vanished. Only Father, Lou, and I were left. Apollo whispered in Lou’s ear. Her amber eyes widened like a stoked flame. He kissed her cheek and released her. Then he looked over at me. Sadness crept into the creases of his eyes. “I love you, my son. I know you will make me proud. May the Fates smile upon you.”

And with that, he disappeared, leaving us to the task at hand, ridding the world of the bloodthirsty sirens once and for all.

Chapter twenty-seven

Lou

Flushed from the tropical heat, hidden from the sea breeze by the overgrown forest, I wished I’d left more than my coat behind. Rylander’s sleeves were rolled to his elbows, and sweat beaded his brow. His unbuttoned shirt offered a pleasant view that rivalled even the mystical, rainbow terrain. I noticed he kept touching his collarbone where his amulet used to lie, and I wondered if in some way he missed it.

Anthemusa’s wildlife fought for my attention. Lizards in vibrant shades of yellow, purple and orange skittered along the tree branches, making the leaves and blooming fruit flowers bob. They chose perches that matched their colors, blending flawlessly until they darted after prey with pink tongues extended.

Dried leaves crunched under my feet. The dry ground, uneven with undergrowth, roots, and rocks, made navigation difficult. On steep rises, I held onto Rylander’s thick leather belt. There were plenty of ordinary plants, in the typical earthy tones, but an equal number dazzled the eye with pigments so vibrant they hurt to stare at too long. Their illusory draw muddled the already zagging, maze-like path we traveled. I knew I could never find my own way back. One moment the ground felt hard as ice beneath our boots, the next sodden as milk-soaked bread. I had a million questions, but I knew we were on a mission, not a scenic getaway.

“Will you tell me now?” Rylander asked, jumping over a stream. He turned around and offered his hand to help me cross.

“No. Stop questioning me. Apollo said telling you would alter the future.” I pressed my pointer and thumb together, miming tight lips.