HORIZON ⸺ jason grace

xviii. hera is saved (alt. the worst day of violet's life)

TO SAY THAT THINGS weren't looking in their favor was generous. It was a complete and total shit-show.

First off, they were surrounded by monsters on all sides. Thalia was frozen at Violet's feet. Jason had chosen a piece of wood as his weapon (thankfully, Leo had exchanged the breath mints for a hammer). And they had approximately five minutes until the king of the giants busted out and destroyed them.

After the Mount Diablo debacle, Violet knew she didn't have it in her to pull off another seismic event. Which meant her only assets were one terrible annoying imprisoned goddess, a worn-out son of Jupiter, a girl with a dagger, and Leo, who was steaming in the cold air.

The enemy was beautiful. Khione smiled, her dark eves glittering, as a dagger of ice grew in her hand.

"What've you done?" Jason demanded.

"Oh, so many things," the snow goddess purred. "Your sister's not dead, if that's what you mean. She and her Hunters will make fine toys for our wolves. I thought we'd defrost them one at a time and hunt them down for amusement. Let them be the prey for once."

The wolves snarled appreciatively.

"Yes, my dears." Khione kept her eyes on Jason. "Your sister almost killed their king, you know. Lycaon's off in a cave somewhere, no doubt licking his wounds, but his minions have joined us to take revenge for their master. And soon Porphyrion will arise, and we shall rule the world."

As Khione talked, Violet eyed the wolves. She knew that without a silver weapon, she'd never be able to kill them. Her mind spun with possibilities and she looked over at Leo.

By the grace of the gods, he caught her eye. She moved a hand to her stomach—where a tool-belt would sit, and mouthed 'SILVER' very obviously.

Leo nodded, reaching in and pulling out a small pocket knife. He passed it to Piper, nodding his head slightly to Violet.

"Traitor!" Hera shouted, as the knife fell into Violet's open palm. "You meddlesome, D-list goddess! You aren't worthy to pour my wine, much less rule the world."

Khione sighed. "Tiresome as ever, Queen Hera. I've been wanting to shut you up for millennia."
Khione waved her hand, and ice encased the prison, sealing in the spaces between the earthen tendrils.

"You know, I'm not mad about that," Violet shrugged. Jason sent her a look: NOT HELPING.

"That's better," the snow goddess said. "Now, demigods, about your death—"

"You're the one who tricked Hera into coming here," Jason said. "You gave Zeus the idea of closing Olympus."

The wolves snarled, and the storm spirits whinnied, ready to attack, but Khione held up her hand. "Patience, my loves. If he wants to talk, what matter? The sun is setting, and time is on our side. Of course, Jason Grace. Like snow, my voice is quiet and gentle, and very cold. It's easy for me to whisper to the other gods, especially when I am only confirming their own deepest fears. I also whispered in Aeolus's ear that he should issue an order to kill demigods. It is a small service for Gaea, but I'm sure I will be well rewarded when her sons the giants come to power."

"You could've just killed us in Quebec," Violet said. "Why let us live this long?"

Khione wrinkled her nose. "Messy business, killing you in my father's house, especially when he insists on meeting all visitors. I did try, you remember. It would've been lovely if he'd agreed to turn you to ice. But once he'd given you guarantee of safe passage, I couldn't openly disobey him. My father is an old fool. He lives in fear of Zeus and Aeolus, but he's still powerful. Soon enough, when my new masters have awakened, I will depose Boreas and take the throne of the North Wind, but not just yet. Besides, my father did have a point. Your quest was suicidal. I fully expected you to fail."