Rachel held out her arms. She didn't look scared.

 

"You've waited too long," Rachel said. "But I'm here now."

 

The sun blazed more brightly. A man appeared above the porch, floating in the

air — a blond dude in a white toga, with sunglasses and a cocky smile.

 

"Apollo," I said.

 

He winked at me but held up his finger to his lips.

 

"Rachel Elizabeth Dare," he said. "You have the gift of prophecy. But it is also

a curse. Are you sure you want this?"

 

Rachel nodded. "It's my destiny."

 

"Do you accept the risks?"

 

"I do."

 

"Then proceed," the god said.

 

Rachel closed her eyes. "I accept this role. I pledge myself to Apollo, God of

Oracles. I open my eyes to the future and embrace the past. I accept the spirit

of Delphi, Voice of the Gods, Speaker of Riddles, Seer of Fate."