I tried to fight his magic. I concentrated on the sea around me — the source of

my power. I'd gotten better at channeling it over the years, but now nothing

seemed to happen.

 

I took another slow step forward. Giants jeered. Dracaenae hissed with laughter.

 

Hey, ocean, I pleaded. Any day now would be good.

 

Suddenly there was a wrenching pain in my gut. The entire boat lurched sideways,

throwing monsters off their feet. Four thousand gallons of salt water surged out

of the swimming pool, dousing me and Kronos and everyone on the deck. The water

revitalized me, breaking the time spell, and I lunged forward.

 

I struck at Kronos, but I was still too slow. I made the mistake of looking at

his face — Luke's face — a guy who was once my friend. As much as I hated him,

it was hard to kill him.

 

Kronos had no such hesitation. He sliced downward with his scythe. I leaped

back, and the evil blade missed by an inch, cutting a gash in the deck right

between my feet.

 

I kicked Kronos in the chest. He stumbled backward, but he was heavier than Luke

should've been. It was like kicking a refrigerator.

 

Kronos swung his scythe again. I intercepted with Riptide, but his strike was so