Snippet #2566389

The Chosen of Hephaestus stepped into the room, introducing herself as Phoebe. Wearing a blue dress that would fit into any formal dinner party, she seemed much more confident than he had been. At least he had said something. A thought struck him, causing a feeling of dread to settle in his stomach. With each passing moment it grew, becoming an effort to keep himself outwardly calm.

No no no no no no no, Athena!

Calm down, Andrew. You will be fine. Just different.

Closing his eyes, Andrew slowly began hyperventilating. Why had he ever agreed to the bond? Sure the powers that had come with it had been helpful, but he should have seen this coming. There had to be a way to back out. There had to be!

Warmth began to seep through his skin, and he flung open his eyes. A void greeted him, bereft of sensory perception except for the heat and a red light that came from everywhere and nowhere. The heat flared, searing his skin. Pain swept through his body as he struggled helplessly against the Bond. He. Would. Not. Go! As quickly as it had come, the darkness faded away. Blinded by the light coming from the lamps, it took him a few moments to adjust. Realizing his hand was resting on something he looked down and then back up.

His hand rested on Adriana's, tied to it by a red ribbon. He tried to pull away, but it would not move. The ribbon dissipated, but he did not move. Could not move. The dread that had filled him earlier was replaced by shock. In the back of his mind was a little space that had not been there before, filled with Adraina's presence. If he walked across New York he could have pointed straight to her.

Trust in her, Andrew. But trust in yourself. Remember the words you said. Your destiny is your own. I shall support you, whatever your choice, Athena spoke into his mind.

Looking into her azure eyes, he let go of his earlier shock. Slowly, but he let go. Still too unsure to move his hand, he simply said, "I guess we're bonded then..."