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“Does he not like chicken and waffles?” Sprig sniffed. “How can you not like waffles? They’re like tasty clouds of heaven.”

“Think it was you.” Katrina wiggled her shoulder. “He couldn’t be in the presence of a god.”

Groaning, I palmed my face. “Why? Why did you have to do that?”

“That’s right!” Sprig puffed up. “I am a Monkey God!” He peeked out toward where the boy departed. “You should fear me, peon! I am the all-powerful, supreme, invisible…”

“You mean invincible.”

“King of all kings…”

“He can’t hear you anymore.”

“Packed with extra glory! Don’t let this tiny, super cute body fool you. I make grown men weep.”

“That you do.” I nodded, rubbing my hand over my face.

“I make them bow! I make them tremble. I am the God of all gods!”

“He really needs an off switch.”

“Shush, lesser one…” He held up his hand to me. “Your god is speaking.”

“When will that narcolepsy kick in again?” Kat sighed.

“Shhh.” Sprig put his hand over her mouth. “Subordinates do not speak in my presence.”

Kat wrenched her shoulder.

“Ahhhh!” Sprig flew off, hitting the ground.

“How the mighty have fallen.” I smirked.

“Curse on you! And you!” He pointed at us. “Poop on both your shoes!”

The sound of hooves hitting the earth pulled my attention, and I moved in front of Kat and Sprig.

“It’s Cooper and AB.” Kat’s senses picked up on them way before I could see them.

The horses came up the trail, Cooper and Annabeth on one horse, with Churro tied to Chocolate, carrying some supplies on her back. The Dark Dweller held AB tight to his chest, keeping her secure to him. Only an hour’s journey, and it had clearly taken its toll on her. She appeared fatigued and pallid.

“Oh good! I am saved!” Sprig chirped, scaling up Chocolate as they trotted up. “Thank gods you arrived when you did. I almost died!”

Cooper ignored him and glanced around, his eyes taking in all the other horses, his jaw straining when it landed on the fae door. “What’s going on?” He swung off the horse, gripping AB’s sides and helping her down. “We saw a young kid on a horse barreling down the hill like a bat out of hell. You guys have anything to do with that?”

“That one did.” I pointed at the furball sitting on Chocolate’s head.

“Fae and human cower at my name! I really need my cape on for this, don’t I?” He paused for a moment, like he was debating going to find it in his backpack. It was the one thing that hadn’t fallen out in his tumble, the fabric stuffed tightly inside. “Next time.” Sprig stood up, his arms reaching for the sky. “He couldn’t handle my power, my ultimate-cy…”

“That’s not a word.”

“It is now. I decree it so.”

“Have anything to shut him up?” I tipped my head at Cooper, nodding at the supplies, ready to lose it.

“Come on, Sprig.” Annabeth motioned to him. “I found some granola bars at a stall.” She shuffled unsteadily toward Churro.

“Honeyhoneyhoneyhoneyhoneyhoney.” Chatter splintered in my ear, his high-pitched sounds of excitement, his tiny frame racing down the horse’s back and leaping to the other one.