I hesitate. “I could shoot it, but it would definitely draw attention.”
Sam and Antonio trade a glance, and Antonio finally nods. “There’s another exit through Terror. It goes under the building beside Bow & Arrow.”
Fuck it. “Let’s do it.”
We hurry to the entrance to Terror. My skin crawls as soon as the metal doors shut behind us. Tem’s stories merge with what I’m seeing, and it brings this place to life in a very visceral way.
My heart aches for her.
She got out. I hold on to that and follow Antonio and Sam. Our pace isn’t fast, but only our footsteps sound in the empty space ahead and behind us.
As we travel, I turn my attention to Ouranos.
“How did you know his name?” I suddenly ask Antonio.
The older man stiffens.
“Come on,” I press. “He doesn’t strike me as the sort to introduce himself one way to you and another to everyone else.”
He sighs. “Fine. It was a long time ago, understand, but he still resembles the boy he was.”
“You knew him before?”
“His name is Marcus Graves. He’s a judge in Emerald Cove. His appointment was a big deal… news traveled even to us in Sterling Falls. To those who paid attention anyway. The district he was appointed to covers both cities. It made sense to remember his name… in case.”
Sam bites her lip. “He presided over some of the Terror stuff.”
My steps lurch. “Excuse me?”
“Not everyone was killed, you know. The takedown was partially an inside job by the Hell Hounds—it seemed to be a scandal at the time, since Terror was also funded by them—but I remember him from testifying against some of the guards.”
Antonio nods slowly. “I would’ve had to testify, too, but Artemis kept me away from it.”
I squeeze his hand, then hers. I’m not sure who I am, being Mr. Sentimental, but it seems to help steady both of them. I have no idea of Sam’s history—but if she had to testify, it means she’s no stranger to this place.
“I’m sure she wanted to protect you. Now let me. We need to keep moving.”
It takes almost ten minutes to reach the heavy metal door. Unlike the Bow & Arrow doors, this one isn’t blocked. I make them wait, spines pressed to the wall out of sight, and take the first two steps out into the open alleyway.
There’s no sound, no movement in the darkness.
“Hurry,” I whisper-yell.
We need to get out of here before they decide to search farther out from Bow & Arrow. If they care at all that we’ve escaped.
33REESE
Bobby dropsme off on the dock closest to the parking lot, and I jog toward the truck. My phone is off, although I’m too conscious of it in my pocket. And the way to contact Daniel, which includes using a public computer—or a borrowed one, she scribbled—and messaging a public forum with a set of phrases.
It seems a little weird, but I think I need all the help I can get.
Once I’m in the truck, engine rumbling, I turn my phone on and dial Saint’s number.
He answers almost immediately. “Where are you guys?”
My gut churns. “Can you meet me at Apollo’s house?”
“Yep.”
