I stood in the middle of the road, the words still echoing in my head. "I have a prophecy?" I said again, confusion and anxiety twisting together in my voice.
Galatea studied me carefully. "Yeah. I take it your mom really hasn't told you anything about your heritage or the god's?"
I shook my head. "No. She teaches me magic, along with the other women in the coven, but that's it. My grandmother does the same but she is a little more cryptic about things, I thought that was just cause she was old and used magic to look younger."
Galatea frowned. "What about monsters attacks? Or why you have ADHD and dyslexia?"
I nodded " Yes I have those," Kainos said easily. "But I'm not dumb. I'm homeschooled. My education level's is on a eighth graders."
She blinked. "Aren't you… five?"
"Yes," he said. "I will turn six in two days."
"That's pretty amazing," Galatea admitted, "but not unheard of. Some demigods aren't hit as hard by it. But—no monster attacks? No even seeing things no one else can?"
Kainos chuckled. " From what I understand now I am demigod born into a witch coven in New Orleans. I've seen things every day since I was a baby. Nymphs. Dryads. Spirits. I study magical creatures for potion brewing. But monsters? Nothing's ever tried to kill me. besides other humans."
As I said it, the thought settled uncomfortably in my chest. That's not normal in this world.
In the Percy Jackson universe, demigods are monster magnets. So why wasn't I having the problem?
"…We should ask my mom and grandma," he said finally.
When they returned home, the scent of herbs and spices filled the house. Samira looked up as they entered. " Welcome back, how was Ramona?"
"She was fine," Kainos said, holding up the necklace and bonnet. "She gave me these."
Samira nodded in approval. "Good. Those will help a lot. I already placed the tome on your bed you can look over it later. Let me know if you struggle at all." She smiled softly. "Are you excited for your birthday?"
Kainos hesitated. "Mom… I can worry about that later. I have questions."
Madame Moon, stirring something on the stove, didn't turn around—but her shoulders stiffened.
Samira met his eyes. "What is it, baby?"
"Why haven't you told me about my demigod heritage," Kainos asked quietly, "but you'll teach me magic? And why won't you ever let me leave New Orleans?"
Galatea's head snapped up. "You can't leave the state?"
Samira winced. She clearly hadn't expected this conversation yet. "Kainos… I have my reasons. I need you to trust me and wait."
"Mom," he said, voice tightening, "I have mystical abilities, a prophecy with a target painted on my back, and I go into a bloodlust frenzy whenever I see blood—especially powerful blood. I need the truth."
Samira's eyes widened. She looked at Galatea, whose face clearly said I didn't know it was a secret.
But before Samira could speak, Moon turned around.
"Samira he's right, sweetie," she said calmly. "I respected your wishes, but you can't hide him forever. No matter how many powerful witches you gather, or gods, or even Titans back you or—he'll need to stand on his own someday."
My eyes widened. Did she say God's and Titans, seriously how bad is this prophecy.
Samira closed her eyes, then sighed deeply. "You're right, Mom."
She pulled Kainos into a hug, holding him tightly before sitting him down at the table.
"Kainos," she said softly, "let me tell you a story."
She then explained the gods—the Greek pantheon, how they followed Western civilization, their history, monsters, demigods, and the dangers of the world. It was everything Kainos already knew from the books… but hearing it out loud made it feel more real.
"But then why," I asked, "—haven't I been attacked? Why can I see nymphs and dryads just fine, but no monsters?"
Samira nodded. "Because the nymphs and dryads here are part of the coven remember Nia is one of the leaders. They work with us to protect this land so its a mutual partnership. As for the monsters… the witches and I placed barriers around New Orleans. Certain monsters simply can't cross them without our permission."
"And the gods?" I asked
"That's different," she admitted. "But the wards hide your scent and suppress your power. Gods can pass through the barriers no problem, but they won't sense you unless you're right in front of them."
Kainos stared. "…That's insane. You're really that powerful you can create a a barrier to keep out monsters of a whole state."
Moon chuckled. "Of course she is . She's a demigod, just like you."
Kainos froze.
Galatea spoke first. "Wait—you're a demigod? Who's your father?"
Samira raised a hand sharply. "Don't ask."
Her tone brooked no argument.
"He never wanted me," Samira said quietly. "And he never claimed me. Knowing who he is won't change that."
Kainos swallowed. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"
She softened slightly. "It's a sore subject, and I don't want to talk about it. Thank you for understanding."
I nodded, then asked, "Why can't I leave New Orleans?"
Samira sighed again. "The barriers are strongest here because their are enough Witches maintaining it. I haven't created a portable enchantment strong enough for you yet. I wasn't trying to cage you, Kainos. I'm trying to keep you alive. I was gonna send you to Lady Hecate to learn magic instead of going to the God's camp."
Wow I really am blessed to have such a mom in this life. "I understand mom ," I said honestly. "Thank you for telling me."
I then glanced at Galatea. "Then why is she here?"
Samira turned to Galatea. " She is what your father planned without consulting me. Since I know you want to learn from Hecate as well. I can't promise anything yet. But I've been speaking with Lady Hecate. I will see if she is willing to consider letting you study under her as well. You could even continue teaching Kainos how to fight as well."
Galatea's eyes widened. "You're serious?"
Samira nodded. "She hasn't formally taught anyone since she closed her school in 1914. But my mother was one of her students—and with help from Kainos's …" she coughed lightly, "…father and other mother… she might be willing to consider it. That way, you can get a full education without having to go to camps. Plus it's in New York so you will be able to leave New Orleans."
Kainos looked between his mother and grandmother them. How old is grandma if she was a student of Hecate but Hecate has 't had a official student since 1914. And what they hell did mom mean by other mother? Their is no way Ares is married, his most consistent main side piece is Aphrodite, but why would mom call her my second mother. I just have more and more questions.
"Other mother and grandma how..." I asked.
Moon laughed. "Don't you dare ask how old I am, sweetie. You'll live longer that way."
"Yes ma'am," I said quickly.
I then looked back to Samira. "You said my father's helping… but what do you mean by other mother?"
Samira's face went flushed. "I'll tell you when you're older."
I opened his mouth to protest— "Fais ce que je te dis, mon fils," she said sharply, (do as I say, my son.)
"Oui, madame," (Yes Ma'am"). Kainos replied in French, immediately standing. He went to clean up and get ready for his lessons later that evening.
As he walked away, he didn't miss the look on Galatea's face. She looked excited and terrified at the same time. I wonder why, but first I need to know what this prophecy is about..