What in the world could have happened? Were they hurt? Was it about Athena's glowing eyes? Issa's head spun, imagining all the terrible things that could have happened while she was trapped in Val's room. She gripped the small cloth bundle of gifts in her fist, her knuckles whitening from how hard her fist tightened. She gazed at Aries, giving him a go-ahead look in her eyes.

But before Aries was able to utter another word, they heard footsteps approaching so close to their shelter.

Then, a ...