Aphrodite tugged at her arm. "What is she saying?" she whispered. "I can't get this thing to work."

"She wants us to go away and leave her alone."

Aphrodite's face crumpled in disappointment. "Tell her I really would like to communicate with her. Tell her "

Pandora swung her gaze back to Athena, who felt a wave of weakness sweep over her.

"My friend," she began, but she got no further.

The dog that had been whining in the corner let out a howl of ...