Page 54 of Artemis’ Bow (Halfling Academy #5)

The most dangerous monsters are closing in. Shit. I really got caught up in the battle and my own thoughts. My magic crackles along my skin as I stare up at the sky. It darkens and flashes of lightning streak across it. I direct the lightning to the closest group of monsters.

They shriek as lightning hits them and the cyclone rolls through, turning them to barbecued monster instantly. I never realized before what a good team the two storm gods could make if they just worked together more.

I will not make the same mistakes as my father. My team is important to me and to the world. If we can’t work together, then we are doomed to fail. I can’t let that happen because it’s not just our lives on the line.

“How long can you keep this up, Thad?” I ask.

“Not much longer. I’ve used more power than ever before,” he says, shoulders sagging.

I glance at him and can see the visible fatigue. This is pushing all his limits to the max but there are still hordes of monsters coming for us.

“Drop the cyclone; you’re going to burn yourself out,” I call over to him.

“No, I have a few more minutes left in me.” Thad slices through a demon with his trident.

“Save what you can, Thad. I don’t want you to be tapped out in case things go bad.” I duck under a blade and shoot magic from my palm at the monster that just attacked me.

Fuck, that was close.

“Fine,” he grumbles.

The second the cyclone drops, monsters surge forward. I light up the sky and a hundred bolts of lightning rain down on the surging enemy. Most of them crumble to dust but a few are stunned. Shit. Why didn’t it kill them all?

A deafening boom fills the air and the ground rumbles beneath my feet. I stumble to the side, but Jayden catches me. A wave of power that reminds me of Artemis crackles up my spine and I turn to the entrance just in time to see Mia scrambling back to her feet and sprinting away from the battle.

The door to the temple bursts open and a man is thrown from the entrance, landing with a thud on his back. He’s wearing similar robes to the other gods I’ve seen.

I sprint over to the god as everyone else stands motionless, watching this new development unfold. “You must be the kidnapper and attempted rapist, Alpheus.”

I point my sword at the river god’s throat.

It crackles with energy but it’s slightly dimmer than normal.

I’ve used a lot more magic in this battle than I thought possible and it’s showing.

My stomach growls. Well, isn’t that just the perfect time to show how weak I am at the end of this fight? I roll my eyes at myself.

“Alpheus,” a female voice I know well roars.

“Thank the gods.” I spin around to the entrance to find Artemis with her bow drawn, standing next to Orion who has his arm around her back.

“I heard that.” Artemis smirks. “I’m glad you made it, kid. I was beginning to think I would never get out of there.”

“We never would have let that happen.” I shake my head.

“I know. Now, get rid of the storm clouds. The world needs the moon back.” Artemis never takes her gaze off Alpheus as she speaks.

With a thought, I clear out the dark clouds and nearly drop to my knees in relief as the night sky shines overhead.

I never thought I would be so excited to see the stars in my life, but I will never take the night for granted again.

A soft evening breeze tickles my skin and a laugh bubbles out of me.

“Cowards,” Raven yells behind me and I spin in a circle, noticing for the first time that the monsters have all disappeared.

Artemis takes measured steps toward Alpheus with an arrow nocked in her bow, staring the river god down.

“What did you think this would accomplish?” she asks the river god.

“I wasn’t going to do anything,” Alpheus screeches as Orion lunges for him.

The giant appears murderous. His granite features are even harder than I have seen them. He’s physically holding himself back from beating the shit out of Alpheus himself. His hands clench into fists at his sides so hard the knuckles are turning white.

“We all know you’re lying,” I say. “You have been obsessed with Artemis for millennia. It must suck not to be good enough for her.”

“Ahh, little sister, that’s maybe the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.” Artemis grins.

“Don’t get used to it. You’re a ridiculous psycho on a good day.” I cross my arms.

“All the best people are,” she sings and winks at me.

“She’s not wrong, B,” Raven says at my side.

“What are we going to do with him?” I kick Alpheus in his side.

It’s less than he deserves for the bullshit he’s pulled. He’s lucky I don’t barbecue his ass.

“You have a murderous look on your face, baby. No barbecuing the river god until he’s been interrogated.” Jayden wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me back into him.

“You’re no fun. Can I just zap him?” I glance up at Jayden with a hopeful smile.

“Do you think you could control yourself if you did that?” Jayden raises a brow.

My shoulders slump. Damn him for knowing me so well. I wouldn’t be able to stop myself from giving it everything I have. Artemis may be a pain in the ass most days, but she’s my friend and he was trying to hurt her. That is not okay with me.

“It’s all right, baby sister. He’ll get his,” a new voice I don’t recognize says from behind me and I spin on my heel, my sword raised in defense. “I guess I deserve that.”

I study the man before me and notice the similarities between him and Adrian. This is Apollo. I don’t lower my blade. He’s been a giant dickhead. Even if he had no choice, I don’t trust him.

“What are you doing here? All your buddies already fled.” I glare at the god of prophecy.

“You did everything exactly as I knew you would. You are truly remarkable, baby sister.” Apollo nods to me.

Is this a trap? It feels like a trick. Even Orion’s words don’t make me feel any better around the god of prophecy. He took his side in this, and it wasn’t ours. What happens if he switches things up on us?

“My role in this prophecy is finally complete after millennia. Now I can rest.” Apollo sighs. “Unfortunately, baby sister, your role is still very important. The gods and the humans are depending on you to save us all.”

With that, my half brother disappears. What a dick. Just like that he’s gone. All that’s left in his wake is a dire warning I have to stick in this prophecy or doom us all.