“Georgeta cleared her throat, and pushed herself deeper into the sofa cushion.“You know Penelope Stephanopoulos, Jasmira’s best friend?” she asked.“That Greek redhead with an attitude bigger than the Parthenon?” Erik snorted.”

“Georgeta paused by the door and turned around to look at the boys. “Keep in mind there are humans around. Don’t show off with your physical strength, like you did last time.”“It was an accident—” Erik tried to protest.“An accident? You bent the basketball hoop with one hand.” “Erm.” Erik sheepishly looked at Bogdan for reassurance, but Bogdan didn’t comment, just chuckled.”

“The Goddess kneeled and slowly moved her hand over Jasmira’s heart and the Amulet. “She’s coming back. She carried a big burden. The Summer Race has a brave Queen,”

“Penelope screamed incoherently in Erik’s tight embrace. Kaliope sat on her heels, rocking back and forth, silent. Her eyes were wide open, unblinking. She was silent”

“Jatred gripped Jasmira’s hand. This time his fingers didn’t go through like they did before, when she appeared as an illusion. Her body was solid again. She held onto the chain halfway between the jewel and the clasp. The clasp flew open. One side of the chain encircled his wrist. The other part snaked around Jasmira’s wrist. It linked them in an unexpected bind. The metal felt as cold as a sheet of ice. They both yelled and tried to pull free, but it wouldn’t budge.”

“Her hair came undone and rose off her shoulders, quivering as if from a breeze. Static kept snapping through the strands, and Jasmira’s eyes turned completely white. Her arms were covered in spiraled script. It crawled and twisted on her skin. The text shone burgundy. Single letters kept separating and slowly flaking off. They resembled tiny red fire sparks, burning brightly, and then disappearing all together.”

“Come and get it, J,” she teased. “You are an illusion,” Jatred answered calmly.“Am I?” “You just walked on the water, but your dress is dry,” he snorted.”