The Oracle Series: Vols. 4, 5, & Grave Endowments

by Cynthia D. Witherspoon

“I have been in contact with Apollo.” Cyrus let his words come out slowly, so I knew that meant he was about to tell me something I didn’t want to hear. “He agreed with Connor that you should be in the public eye, but only to a point.”

  “What does that mean?” I frowned. “Where else am I going to be?”

  “Why, you will be going to Cate's Place, darling Sibyl!”

  I groaned as I recognized the god who appeared beside Cyrus. Hermes clicked his tongue against his teeth as he looked me over.

  “You are by far the slowest healing immortal I’ve ever seen.” Hermes crossed his arms over his chest. “Lancaster is going to die of old age before you are able to extract your vengeance, Daughter of Apollo.”

  “Hello to you, too.” I grumbled as I looked between the two of them. “Now what the hell are you talking about? What is ‘Cate's Place’? It sounds like a halfway house for hapless heroes.”

  “It is much better than that.” Hermes grinned wider. “The formal name is simply the Academy. It is the school where Keepers are trained. And it just so happens to be the perfect place to send someone as stubborn as you.”

  “I don’t have time. I have a show to do.” I pouted. “Besides, did you forget about Cyrus? He’s doing a fine job of teaching me everything I need to know.”

  The great god of thieves rolled his eyes at me. “The show is on hiatus. It can’t go on without you in tip-top condition. Need I remind you of our agreement? You can’t obtain Lancaster’s soul at the rate you are going.”

  “I was just fine before Kampe jumped in.” I shot back. “I don’t need to go to school.”

  I focused on Cyrus with the hope that he would listen to reason. "You said yourself that I need to listen to the doctors. And the nurse said last night that they weren’t going to release me anytime soon. So that settles it. I’m not going.”

  My beloved rubbed his hands over his eyes before he responded. Yet another sign that my pleading wasn't going to work.

  "Little One, you know that your wellbeing is the most important thing to me. The Golden One is convinced that the Academy will do you a world of good."

  "Why?" I glared at my keeper and the god beside him. "Why now, after all that we have been through, do I need to attend this Academy?"

  "Because I said so isn’t going to work with you, is it?” Hermes sighed. He stuffed his hands in his pockets as he looked down at me. “Fine. The Council of Olympus has put a great deal of faith in you, little Sibyl. They decided that you would become a representative on Earth for the gods as a whole, not just Apollo.”

  “No.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “There is no way. I have a hard enough time being Apollo's representative as it is.”

  “Your participation is not voluntary in this, Eva.” Hermes shrugged. “Your titles will remain the same as will your duty to Apollo. We’re just expanding your responsibilities.”

  I found it very hard to breathe as Hermes detailed my new role. I would talk about the gods and their stories on Grave Messages. I would make appearances at the new temples being built to them across the globe. But most of all?

  I would fight their enemies. I would prove the strength of the Greek pantheon to the world once more. And I would be rewarded for my efforts. When he finished, he rocked back on his heels with a smug smile on his face.

  I should have been ecstatic by such news. It meant that I had been successful so far. That I had done well as the Sibyl. Instead, I wanted to double over and burst into tears. I couldn’t help but think of the people I had lost since I’d become the Daughter of Apollo. My friendship with Elliot? Gone. My parents? Gone. The only people I had left in my life were Joey and Cyrus; both of whom were tied to me through my work.

  “Hermes, I’m flattered.” I slumped back to study my hands. “But what happens if I’m not the girl they think I am?”

  “By the very gods.” Hermes threw his hands up in the air. “You lose one fight and all of a sudden you’ve turned into Debbie Depressant? Get a hold of yourself, Eva. Or you will fail in anything you try to do from here on out.”

  “Look, I,” I swallowed down the knot which had formed in my throat. “I have to do the publicity for the show first. I have interviews to do if I’m going to keep my spot on Hollywood’s hot list. Then we’ll talk more about the Academy.”

  “Two weeks.” Hermes held up two fingers. “You will report to the Academy in two weeks.”

  I didn’t respond when he faded into the cloud of gray that had announced his arrival. When we were alone, I did the very thing I had wanted to do. I folded over to cover my face in my hands.

  “Evie.”

  Joey was on his feet within seconds. I felt his hand on my shoulder as Cyrus joined him. My keeper brushed my hair over my other shoulder before he started to stroke the back of my neck.

  “Eva, are you alright?”

  “No.” I mumbled against my palms. It took a minute, but I regained enough control over my emotions to lift my head up. “Do you have any idea what this means to me?”

  “That you’re the new poster girl for the Greek gods?” Joey’s joke fell flat as soon as his words left his mouth. He must have realized it because he tried again. “Hey, it won’t be so bad. Maybe you can use your new status to knock Hera down a peg or two.”

  “Hera.” I breathed the name of the hateful goddess. She was Elliot’s sole supporter. His creator. And my true enemy. I reached out to squeeze Joey’s hand. “Joey, do me a favor?”

  “Always wanting me, eh?” He managed a crooked smile. “Sure, Evie. What can I do?”

  “Go find Jaclyn. Keep her preoccupied. I need to talk to Cyrus for a minute alone.”

  My friend drew out a long sigh. “So my orders are to find your beautiful new assistant and keep her out of your hair? It’ll be a stretch, but I’ll do what I can.”

  “Just go.” I gave him a light push. “Give me ten minutes.”

  “Actually, it’s almost noon.” He glanced down at his phone. “I think I’ll take her out for lunch. Give her the rundown on the manly heroics of your fearless cameraman.”

  “Oh?” I raised my eyebrows. “Are you going to tell her how you hide behind every wall and pillar you can find when I make contact with a ghost?”

  “Got to protect the equipment, baby girl.” He leaned down, gave me a peck on the cheek, and waved behind him when he crossed the room. “See you, Evie.”

  “See you.”

  I watched him go before I reached for Cyrus. My keeper lowered himself down on the side of the bed. He took my jaw into his hands and leaned forward to press his forehead against mine. We stayed that way for what felt like forever, but forever ended far too soon. Cyrus brushed a kiss across my nose when he pulled back.

  “Little One, I want you to listen to me.” He squeezed my hands. “I know you don’t like the idea of the Academy, but Hecate has quite the reputation for herself.”

  “Hecate?” I frowned. “Isn’t she the goddess of the home?”

  “Yes,” Cyrus nodded. “But like most of our gods, she is multi-faceted. She is also the goddess of knowledge and mystery.”

  “And she started a school. That I am now expected to report to in two weeks.” I let my words come out slowly. “I just don’t get it, Stick.”

  “I shouldn’t have to tell you what an honor this is, Eva.” My beloved released my hands. “Only those chosen as Keepers have had access to Cate’s Place. And the other gods, of course.”

  “I know.” I sighed. “I just feel like I’m being distracted from my main goal, Cyrus. I have to stop Elliot. I have to keep him from…”

  “You have to get stronger.” My beloved interrupted me. “You must eliminate the weaknesses that Lancaster continues to use against you.”

  “Like my parents.”

  “Yes.” Cyrus tilted his head to the side. “As well as the spirits themselves. For as far as you have come, you are still unable to control the spirits in the mirror. And you are still so vulnerable when you sleep.”

/>   “Well, then.” I huffed. “That settles it. I just won’t go to sleep.”

  My beloved chuckled. “I don’t think that is an option for you, Little One.”

  “Not with you around.” I shifted until I could rest my head on his shoulder. “Have I told you how comfortable you are?”

  “A few times.”

  I could tell my beloved was smiling when he kissed the top of my head. He began to play with my hair before he spoke again.

  “Evie, I want to warn you. You may learn things at the Academy you are unprepared for.”

  “Like what?” I covered my mouth to hide my yawn. I wasn’t kidding earlier when I said I was exhausted. “That Hermes is bald under that ball cap?”

  “No.” Cyrus didn’t laugh which worried me. “Just do not be surprised, alright?”

  “The only way I’m not going to be surprised is if you tell me.” I shrugged. “But really? What does it matter? I have to go whether I want to or not. Which means I have to cram as much of Connor’s promotional tour in as possible in two weeks.”

  My beloved worked his way free of me before helping me lay back. “Worry about that when the time comes, dear girl. For now, rest. I fear you are going to need it in the coming weeks.”

  “So am I.” I rolled over on my side, adjusting the damn tube so that I wouldn’t be laying on it. “So am I.”

  Chapter Four

  “I want it dually noted that I hate this.” I glared at Jaclyn while the make-up woman finished painting over the fading bruises under my eyes. “Put that down on my agenda next to every single interview you’ve got lined up.”

  My new assistant took my bad mood in stride. She chuckled and started typing on her phone. I thought she was really noting my displeasure until she stood up straight again. Jaclyn Williams was all business when she responded.

  “You have three tapings before noon. Lunch until one-thirty. Then two magazine interviews and the last taping at four.”

  “You are trying to kill me.” I hissed. “I am still recovering for God’s sake. Can’t we cut some of those out?”

  She shrugged. “I’m only following orders, Ms. McRayne. You were the one who insisted on accepting every taping that came your way. Tomorrow is going to be worse.”

  “I can only imagine.” I stiffened when the woman began to add mascara to my lashes. I didn’t speak again until she had stepped back. “What about the photo shoots?”

  “Thursday.” Jaclyn consulted her phone. “And most of Friday. We were able to get a single photographer to do the shoots. Her office will send out the photos to the appropriate venues.”

  “Fantastic.” I tried to keep the sarcasm out of my voice, but it was hard. “Have you heard from L.A.? Has Leyton been working with Research?”

  “I did.” The girl pressed another button before she passed her phone to me. “Here’s his response.”

  I took the phone and glanced down as much as I dared. Black words slashed across the yellow bubble on the screen.

  Tell our darling star I will see her at Cate’s Place. We will discuss options in person.

  “Dammit.” I muttered. I started typing a response when Jaclyn cleared her throat. I ignored her while I finished writing out what I had to say.

  Leyton, I can’t handle you right now. Stay in L.A.

  I hit ‘send’ and passed the phone back to her. “Delete that when he replies. I don’t want to know what he has to say.”

  “Fine.” Jaclyn cradled the device against her chest. “Ms. McRayne, I need to speak with you.”

  “Is it about Joey?” I rested my head back against the chair I would be doing the interviews in. I refused to be on television in a damned hospital bed. “He’s sweet, I promise, but he gets a little too excited about new people.”

  “No.” Jaclyn offered up a small smile. “Joey was great, really. It’s about what you do.”

  Here we go.

  I closed my eyes and waited for the questions to start. It didn’t matter who I encountered outside my small circle. They all wanted the same thing from me. It was only a matter of time before Jaclyn would ask me to contact her deceased loved ones. It was all part and parcel of the whole ‘messenger of the dead’ thing. Yet, this girl surprised me. I opened one eye to see that she had lowered herself down in the chair across from me and leaned forward on her elbows.

  “I don’t believe in what you do.” Jaclyn turned her phone around in her hands. “I don’t believe in your gods. I am only here because Mr. Garrison offered me a substantial sum to be your assistant.

  “The money is why I’m here too.” I managed a small shrug. “Or at least, it was. Now, I’m bound to Grave because of Apollo.”

  “Is that your only reason?”

  “No.” I admitted. “I’ve put a lot of work into the show. It’s become my life. My mark on the world.”

  My assistant became so quiet, I was sure she had gotten up and left the room. I resigned myself to the woman who was piling on the powder over my eyelids when I heard her speak again.

  “You can’t speak to the dead. It’s not possible. Souls go to heaven or hell. There’s no in between.”

  I started laughing so hard, the make-up woman jerked away from me. When I was able to control myself, I peeked at Jaclyn again.

  “You’ll see, Jaclyn.” If you’re around me long enough, your life will be threatened in more ways than one by the dearly departed souls you speak so matter-of-factly about.”

  “Show me.” The girl lifted her chin. “I want to see a ghost.”

  “No, you don’t.” I waved the make-up woman away from me. “When the time comes, you will know more than you ever thought possible about the afterlife.”

  “And if I don’t want to know anything?”

  “Then you are free to leave. Tell Connor that you changed your mind about being a member of my team.”

  Jaclyn looked down at her phone as if she were contemplating making the call that would end her career with me. She tossed the device into her purse instead.

  “Where are we going?”

  “What are you talking about?” I frowned. “You are going back to L.A.”

  “Your schedule is blank after the 15th.” Jaclyn pointed at me. “And if I am going to help you, then I need to know why. It’ll help with the press releases.”

  “The press can’t know.” I sat up in alarm. “You can’t just go around telling the media where I’m going to be. I’ll be swarmed by reporters and fans.”

  “Oh, relax.” Jaclyn rolled her eyes. “I’m only asking so I can make up an adequate excuse. Is it rehab? We can say you are going on vacation.”

  “No, it’s not rehab.” I scowled at her. “What kind of person do you think I am?”

  “I know you drink a lot.” She raised an eyebrow at me. “And I know you’ve been on some pretty heavy painkillers since your incident.”

  “I’m not an alcoholic. And I am being forced to take the painkillers. I’m not a drug user. Does that answer your questions?”

  “No. You still haven’t told me where you’re going.” Jaclyn stood. “Is it somewhere with your bodyguard?”

  “Yes.” I lied. “A romantic retreat. Just the two of us.”

  “And Leyton just happens to be tagging along?” Jaclyn smirked. “Ms. McRayne, you are a horrible liar.”

  “It’s a school, alright?” I found myself glaring at her for the second time that morning. “To help me better myself as the Sibyl.”

  “A school.” Her look of disbelief was so evident, it hurt. “For Sibyls.”

  “No. For Keepers.” I grinned. “You know what? Maybe you tagging along would be a great idea. It would be the perfect introduction into the world you have just fallen into.”

  “Right.” Jaclyn sighed. She seemed to be contemplating her next words, but a knock on the door interrupted. “That’s Rise. You ready?”

  I smoothed out the collar of the blouse I wore while Cyrus opened the door. Yes, I was still in my hospital room. And yes, I still
looked like death warmed over. But none of that matter. It was time to shine.

  Whether I wanted to or not.

  ***

  I was right. Jaclyn was trying to kill me. By the end of the day, I wanted nothing more than to crawl into the hospital bed, pull the thin blanket over my head, and disappear.

  Too bad the world was clamoring my attention. Four more offers had come in by noon and I had my assistant add each one of them into my jam-packed calendar. If the Olympians wanted me to be a representative for them, then by God, that was what I was going to be. When the last crew left just after six, I let Cyrus lift me out of the chair I’d spent the majority of my day in. I wrapped my arms around his neck, placed my head against his shoulder, and tried to fight off the drowsiness that had been threatening me for the past hour.

  It was a fight I lost.

  I can’t say what happened next. One minute, I was secure in Cyrus’ arms. The next? I was walking through my parents’ house. The one I had sold right after their deaths. Everything was the same as it had been when they were alive. Including the mirrors my mom had adored so much. Yet, they were silent. No voices greeted me. No whispers.

  The whole house was silent except for my footsteps.

  “Mom?” I called out. “Dad? You home?”

  I stopped to lean into the living room before I caught sight of a foot just past the couch. I swallowed down my scream as I rushed to the man crumpled on the carpet.

  “Daddy?” I grabbed his shoulder and shook it. “Daddy, wake up.”

  “You are so easy, doll.”

  I jerked up to see Elliot coming down the stairs. He wiped a knife against his pants leg when he reached the landing. I scrambled to my feet when he started to laugh.

  “You should have let me kill you.” He glanced down at the blade. “Tell me, Sibyl. What do you know about dreams?”

  “I know that they aren’t real.” I snapped. “You aren’t real.”

  “Is that so?” Elliot closed the gap between us. He raised the blade until the cold metal rested against my cheek. “Shall I show you how real I am?”

  I knocked his hand away, but I wasn’t fast enough. I hissed when the knife sliced across my skin.