ATLANTIS | j. grace

eight

IT WASN'T UNTIL THEY were seated and ready did Elle remember she was the daughter of the sea god. Meaning there was nothing Zeus would want more than to blast her out of the sky.

Part of her boiled with anger that it was even a possibility. Here she was, on her way to save his wife, and he still might kill her.

The moment they lifted off the ground, Elle screeched and grasped Jason around the waist. If it bothered the boy, he hadn't said so, because she hadn't let go since.

Leo sat at the front, using the reins to steer the dragon in the sky. He was a good pilot, and Festus was fast — they were already soaring over Connecticut.

Grinning back at them, Leo said, "Cool, right?"

Piper nodded, but asked, "What if we get spotted?"

"The Mist," Jason answered. Elle would've, but she was too busy burying her face into Jason's back. If Zeus wanted to send her to the Underworld, he'd have no choice but to send his son as well.

Take that, asshole. Thunder rumbled in the distance.

"It keeps mortals from seeing magic things," the blond boy continued. "If they spot us, they'll probably mistake us for a small plane or something."

Piper didn't look convinced.

"We're making good time," Elle commented, switching to a more positive subject. She glanced at Piper and Leo over Jason's shoulder, finally mustering the courage to sit up straight (even if it meant she clung tighter to Jason's shirt). "We're already close to flying into Massachusetts."

The Cherokee girl glanced at Elle quizzically. "How can you tell?"

"I can sense the water," the brunette responded. "It's different up here compared to New York."

Piper nodded offhandedly. "Where are we heading again?"

Jason had told Leo as they were climbing onto the dragon, so that he would know where to take them, and Elle had overheard. It seemed Piper hadn't.

"Quebec," Jason answered. "To find the god of the North Wind, and chase some storm spirits."

Piper fell silent in thought. After a moment, she turned back around. Elle wondered how she wasn't terrified of falling off.

"Hey, um... Elle?" Jason spoke up.

"Yeah?"

"I don't mind you holding on, but could you please not squeeze so tight? You're stronger than you look."

"Oh, right, sorry." Elle retracted her arms, opting to hold the metal of the dragon instead. She was grateful Jason sat in front of her because her cheeks were burning with embarrassment.

The four sat in awkward silence for a moment before Leo blurted, "Shut up, me."

"What?" Piper asked.

"Nothing," Leo answered hurriedly. "Long night. Think I'm hallucinating. It's cool."

Piper glanced back at them, concern reflecting in her eyes. It's not cool, she seemed to say.

"Just joking," Leo said, as if sensing the group's hesitancy. "So what's the plan, Jace? You said something about catching wind, or breaking wind, or something?"

Jason shifted, squaring his shoulders. No one was looking at him, but instinctively, he grew tense. It was as though someone flipped a switch, changing him from his regular relaxed self to a leader. A warrior.

While she wanted to admire him, Elle felt jealous. Even without his memories, he slid so easily into a position of authority. People listened to his orders without doubt. He took charge with confidence, while Elle's nails dug into her palms and she sobbed into her pillow.