THREE

I had the worst luck of anyone. Out of all the people in the world who, I'm sure, were making wishes at the exact same time, Zeus decided to pick me. And he plopped me right in the middle of what I'd assumed was a legend, but oh, no, it turned out not to be a legend. And the icing on the cake? I literally met one of the most integral characters... people?... to the Trojan War. And I kicked a stone at him.

Paris, Prince of Troy, stood in front of me with a look of concern as my chest heaved. I braced myself for the inevitable crash of the world around us. Was it even going to come crashing down? I hadn't let Athena get to the rules before I trudged off, so I had no idea what would happen if I meddled in things. Meddle isn't the right word. Stumbled. If I stumbled into things. Oh, now even my storytelling skills are spiralling.

"Are you alright?" he asked, taking a step closer.

I raised my hands and staggered out of his reach. "I think I'm going to be sick," I wheezed. "I-I need to not be here right now."

"Alexis," he said, but I was already hightailing it out of there. "Alexis, wait!"

Sobs bubbled up my chest and caught in my throat as I hurried away from him. I had no idea where I was going but anywhere was better than with Paris. A horrible thought bounced into my head. Zeus was probably sitting on his throne on Mount Olympus, laughing his ass off because I was having a panic attack.

I didn't get very far before I tired. Between the sobs, panicking, and the abrupt exercise, I collapsed onto my knees. I looked over the ocean and wiped my sticky cheeks of tears. I wanted nothing more than to be back home, bundled under my heavy, fluffy blanket with a cup of tea while I watched the big, pristine snowflakes fall. It was safer than here, in this strange, ancient world.

"Screw you, Zeus!" I screamed, startling a flock of seagulls. "And screw you, Athena, for abandoning me!"

Where was she anyway? I thought she wanted to help me, but clearly, she didn't care enough.

"Be careful when cursing the gods. They are vengeful."

Paris approached slowly as if I were a rabid animal. Granted, I felt like a rabid animal, so he was right to be cautious. I rolled my eyes with a sigh, too exhausted to care about him or anything.

"It's a little late for that."

I stared at the ocean again and, as the waves surged forward and retreated, they chipped away at my panic piece by piece. My throat felt thick with caught sobs, and my eyes stung from the salty tears, but it had felt good to let it out.

"Have you ever felt so out of place and alone?"

I wasn't expecting an answer from Paris, but he shrugged anyway and wrapped his arms over his knees. It was clear why he was portrayed as a coward. He was around my age, but he seemed too soft and gentle. Hardly the warrior type. He carried himself regally, but he'd been raised humbly.

"I've never really felt like I belonged anywhere," he admitted. "Sometimes I think that my father isn't actually my own father... we don't even look that much alike. I suppose my answer to your question is, yes, I understand."

He gave me a small smile that held so much warmth I felt the corners of my own lips turn upwards in response. He was not at all how I'd expected. My views on him had been twisted because of what he'd done to Troy and Sparta, and Homer hadn't given him much depth otherwise.

We lapsed into a comfortable silence, both of us staring out at the drifting waters. The sun hung low in the sky, and for a moment, I worried about where I was going to sleep for the night. I doubted sleeping outside near the beach was a smart idea. And I wasn't about to go anywhere with Paris, not with the threat of messing with the timeline looming over my head. I was guaranteed to mess things up even more at this rate, but right now, he provided a surprising comfort, and comfort was something I desperately needed.

"I suppose you would feel like an outsider," I said, attempting to distract myself from that conundrum. I kicked the sand at my toes. "It can't be easy, being in your position."

"I don't understand," he said, glancing at me with those beautiful brown eyes. "My position?"

Oh, good job Alexis, you just had to go and say that. It was clear that he wasn't a prince yet, which meant he had no idea of his legacy. My mouth popped open, scrambling for an explanation when someone spoke before me.

"Oh, thank Zeus, there you are."

My back stiffened as a vaguely familiar woman approached. Seeing her goddess-like features sent me reeling all over again. Her beauty was blinding, and standing next to her I probably looked like a sweaty, pathetic freak.

"And you met a friend," Athena said, her eyes widening in disbelief. She quickly glanced at me, but I refused to meet her, staring at the sandy ground instead. "Of all the people you had to run into..."

"It's not like I intended to run into anyone," I grumbled.

"Alexis, you didn't tell me your friend was a goddess" Paris gasped, star-struck.

Athena stared at him for a moment with an unreadable look before flashing him a dazzling smile. "I must say, I didn't expect her to catch the attention of someone so beautiful. She certainly doesn't compare to me, though."

"Okay," I exclaimed with a strained laugh. Paris's cheeks turned scarlet. He was surprisingly cute for an ancient dude—no, Alexis, don't go there. Not only could I start a chain reaction, but he was old. Like, centuries old. That thought helped a bit. "We really should be going. I'm sorry, again, for kicking a stone at you, Paris, and I wish I could say it was nice to meet you, but... it was something..."

Ignoring Athena's protests, I pushed her away but made the mistake of glancing back at Paris. He stood watching us with a lost puppy look that, regardless of who wore it, pulled at my heartstrings. I needed to get away from him and stat.

"Thank you for being there for me," I added, smiling gently at him.

That stirred him out of his reverie, and he rushed over to me. He pointedly ignored Athena though I couldn't tell if it was because he was nervous around her or in awe.

"Must you leave?"

"I..."

I bit my bottom lip and nodded while Athena made a sound that resembled a strangled sigh. Even though going with Athena would be better for me in the long run, I was tempted to take Paris up on his offer.

"Sorry, Paris, you have a different fate waiting for you," the goddess said, tugging on my arm. "You could do way better than her anyway."

I gave the prince-to-be an apologetic smile as Athena whisked me away. He stared at Athena with a frown, something strange etched in his eyes.

"Wait."

"Oh, so help me I don't strangle him," Athena muttered, "I know he's a dunce, but he really needs to learn what a hint is."

"You know what they say about muttering," I muttered back. My smile widened as her nostrils flared indignantly

"It's getting dark," Paris said, thankfully missing our spat, "and there are bandits and pirates this close to the sea... The least I can do is offer a bed and some food." He turned to me shyly. "I'd be honoured to help someone as lovely as you."

My eyes widened, and my cheeks flared as ripples of Athena's anger wafted over me. I don't know what was more surprising: that he boldly shut down Athena's insults or that he genuinely seemed to like me. The first was amusing, the second was sweet but a big fat no.

"You are as blind as you are dense," Athena said, eyes narrowing at the eventual prince.

I glared at her and Athena returned my glare with an impassive look. She was daring me to argue in front of him and, while I was almost furious enough to risk everything, I wouldn't be as careless as she was.

"I appreciate the offer, I really do, but I am in good hands with Athena," I assured him. I, however, didn't feel all that reassured.

"Thanks, pretty boy, for looking after her," Athena smiled, dragging me away from him. "You should hurry home before the sun sets. Like you said, there are bandits and pirates, and other creatures who lurk in the shadows of night."

As we walked away, I couldn't help but glance back at him. Paris was staring back, his dark eyes a swirl of conflicting emotions.

"Is he safe being out alone?" I asked as I caught up to the goddess.

"Oh, he's fine. He's protected by the gods."

The way she said it did little to comfort me. When I glanced back again, Paris was gone. Silently, I prayed he would stay safe.

After my encounter with Paris, Athena and I didn't say much. She led me further and further into the wilds of the ancient world. When I did ask her where we were going, she remained tightlipped.

We walked until the uneven ground gave way to another forest. By that point my feet were raw, each step agony. Athena showed no signs of slowing and I'd forced myself to keep going as long as I could. Until I hit a rock, needles of pain shooting through the arch of my foot.

"I can't," I gasped, stumbling to a halt, "I need to rest... my feet are killing me and I need something to eat."

Sighing, Athena joined me as I settled on a rock. One look at my feet had my empty stomach churning. They were destroyed and slippery with blood and dirt.

"Ew," I whimpered, "if I don't die of hunger or at the hands of a monster, I'll die by infection."

"Stop being so dramatic," Athena scolded with a click of her tongue. "You'll be fine."

"Oh, I'm sorry, have you forgotten? I'm a human being. I need things like shoes and food."

"I'm well aware of your needs. If you stop this whining you'll be happy to learn we're almost there."

"Almost where, Athena?" I waved my hands around, a little wildly. Did I sound frantic? Maybe. "Because all I see around us is nothing but wilderness."

"Of course, as a puny human you won't be able to see it until we want you to see it. Get up, now. The longer you dawdle, the longer you have to wait for nourishment."

"Has anyone ever told you, your bedside manner sucks."

Athena made no remark as I climbed to my feet. Each slight move made me wince, each step breaking the old cuts and making new ones. I wanted to distract myself by peppering Athena with questions, but the pain overrode any will to speak.

The powdery blue was leached from the sky when Athena finally—blessedly—said we'd arrived.

I looked around. Though we had wandered away from the sea, the air was still parchingly salty and weighed down with moisture. It was cooling down quickly, though, the sweaty sheen on my body making me shiver.

There was nothing different about that particular spot Athena picked. It looked like the rest of the terrain we'd crossed: rocky, hilly, lush with greenery. The mountains had become shadows on the backdrop sky. I wasn't sure what to expect, though perhaps a hut, or even a cave, anything that provided a modicum of shelter.

"Where's here?" I asked. "There's nothing."

"That's because you're not looking," Athena tsked.

Her whistle echoed through the area, a clear sharp call for whomever, or whatever was hiding.

A twinkling giggle carried out from the trees. A whisper, the words lost in the wind, followed. Disembodied laughter and whispers were pretty high on the creepy list, and I found myself edging closer to the goddess.

"Athena," I murmured, "what are you doing?"

"Relax, precious little human. I'm not calling anything that will eat you."

"What are you calling then?" I demanded, stepping backwards—

Only to feel something brush through my hair. A giggle, this time so close, warm breath tickled my neck. I wanted to scream, but the sound was lodged in my throat, and my brain no longer had any control over my body. As a result, I stood trembling as someone or something captured my hair.

"Such a pretty little human," came a twinkling voice. "You don't smell like this world though... how far you have travelled! Have you come to stay with me, pretty thing? I have been so lonely, I'd love to have a plaything."

"Dryope, let the girl go," Athena ordered. "She is under my protection, which means you must protect her in my stead."

The grip on my hair fell away and it was like a spell had broken. I found I could move again and I scampered away from the creature behind me, seeking shelter behind Athena.

The creature was actually a woman, or, what looked like a woman. Her curling hair was the colour of dark tree bark. Summer leaves covered her most vulnerable parts, but otherwise her hourglass figure was exposed. Her skin was smooth and golden, like she basked in the sun all day long.

It was her eyes that betrayed her. They were gold, with large obsidian pupils that almost reminded me of an owl.

"Oh, but I don't answer to you," Dryope pouted. Her voice was enchanting and light like little bells. "Artemis is my goddess—"

"You, a lowly dryad, would dare cross an Olympian?" Athena's voice was sharp, poised to strike. Was it just me, or did she seem to grow in size? "Do not cross me. Artemis may be your goddess, but I can ensure swift justice should you disobey me. You will host us as your guests and keep Alexis safe until I can figure out a way to get her back to her own time."

Dryope's shoulders shrank in obedience, though she stuck out her tongue when Athena turned to me.

"You will be safe in Dryope's territory," the goddess said. "I suggest you eat and get some rest." She paused and then added. "Though be careful what you take from the dryad. Nymphs are mischievous creatures. If you take too much from her, she may punish you."

I glanced at the nymph who watched me with those unsettling eyes. She was perched on a rock, her slender legs kicking out innocently. When our eyes met, she smiled brightly and wiggled her fingers at me.

"Where are you going? I thought you'd be staying with me."

The thought of staying out there with a nymph was not my idea of safety. At least if Athena was there I'd feel better... but alone, with Dryope? Yeah, like I was going to get some rest.

"I'll return soon. I must get you some appropriate clothing and to see if there is anything I can do to get you home." Athena placed a hand on my shoulder, its weight surprising and warm. "Just keep your wits about you, as difficult as that might be for your peon brain."

"Funny," I scoffed, shrugging her hand away. "The sooner you leave, the sooner you return, right?"

Athena nodded, glanced at the innocent smile on Dryope's face and, with a final sigh, disappeared. Just like that. Poofed into nothingness.

Now that I was alone with Dryope, my body was coiled and ready for flight. I turned, slowly, and jumped when I noticed the rock Dryope had been sitting on was vacant.

A cool hand tapped my feet. With a yelp, I jumped back, only to find my ankle restricted. The dryad held me in place, her owl-like eyes like daggers on my foot. She peered close, her nose twitching.

"Oh, you poor thing," she lamented. "Look at all this blood. Come, come and sit by the water. It will help. And I have berries. Berries are delicious to humans. You will love them, I'm sure."

I had no choice but to follow the nymph, all the while praying Athena would hurry up and come back.