Hades glowed with rage. 1 thought he would show his true form and vaporize his

own children, but at the last moment he seemed to regain control.

 

"Take them," he told Alecto, choking back a sob. "Wash their memories clean m

the Lethe and bring them to the Lotus Hotel. Zeus will not harm them there."

 

"As you wish, my lord," Alecto said. "And the woman's body?

 

"Take her as well," he said bitterly. "Give her the ancient rites."

 

Alecto, the children, and Maria's body dissolved into shadows, leaving Hades

alone in the min s .

 

"I warned you," a new voice said.

 

Hades turned. A girl in a multicolored dress stood by the smoldering remains of

the sofa. She had short black hair and sad eyes. She was no more than twelve. I

didn't know her, but she looked strangely familiar.

 

"You dare come here?" Hades growled. "I should blast you to dust!"

 

"You cannot," the girl said. "The power of Delphi protects me."

 

With a chill, I realized I was looking at the Oracle of Delphi, back when she