Jim needed to talk to Maddie. So much was riding on this conversation. The thought of Maddie getting what she wanted, but also leaving, conflicted him. For the brief amount of time they spent together, he was getting very close to her. So close, he thought, perhaps maybe she was the one for him. A peaceful picnic at Lake Bogart seemed like the perfect setting. Despite its unimaginative name, the lake was a serene retreat tucked beyond the river and cradled by dense woodland. For extra security—and to avoid leaving the base completely unguarded—he invited Veronica and Euryale along. Both were thrilled at the prospect of finally seeing the lake they'd heard so much about.

  Lake Bogart was breathtaking. Pristine waters stretched for miles, mirroring the towering mountain range in the distance. Birdsong drifted through the air. Gentle ripples across the lake surface made the scene feel untouched by time.

  Jim brought the group's Humvee to a stop and helped unload their supplies. Before long, the group had settled into a simple rhythm—eating, drinking, and even fishing. Euryale took to the sky, scanning the shallows before diving spear-first after her quarry. Veronica stretched out along the water's edge, savoring the rare moment of peace. Meanwhile, Jim and Maddie wandered off for a quiet stroll along the shore.

  Jim broke the comfortable silence first.

  "I have some good news for you."

  Maddie's eyes flicked toward him, curious. "Is it about our upcoming temple visit?"

  Jim nodded. "Yeah. I spoke to Slater. He approved a flight for us."

  Maddie's expression softened, but she noticed something—Jim didn't look particularly happy about it.

  "You don't look happy. What's wrong?" she asked.

  Jim stopped walking and turned to face her, gently taking her hands in his. "I wonder... what color was your hair before?"

  Maddie blinked, then answered, "Brown. I had brown hair."

  Jim's expression turned to a warm grin.? "It must've looked beautiful."

  Maddie blushed. Her snakes turned from where they swayed about peacefully to gaze at him. "Yes, I've been told."

  Perhaps there's another way. After a moment, Jim asked, "Can priestesses have relationships?"

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  Maddie's smile faded slightly. "I know why you're asking this, and I've thought about it too. But unfortunately, no. They can't."

  So much for that. Jim hesitated for a beat before speaking again. "I don't think there's an easy way to say this. Whatever you decide, it's your choice. You've come so far and deserve all the good things you want in life." This is it. "And that includes choosing what's next—whether it's staying with us or going to Athena's temple. But if you do choose the latter... I'll miss you. A lot."

  Jim couldn't read her expression. Maddie replied, "Will you be disappointed?"

  Jim shook his head. "No. A little sad, but not disappointed. There's a big difference."

  She nodded, and Jim could tell she understood. "Initially, I've wanted this ever since I was turned. I've dreamed of returning to the way things were—a normal life, with Mother in the temple. And now I have the chance to go back. But... I don't know."

  What did she mean by that? Jim tilted his head slightly. "You don't know?"

  Maddie sighed. "I don't. It's a lot to think about—especially now that I've seen and been through so much. I have a home, I've made friends, and I've saved so many."

  Jim smiled. "It sounds like you're unsure."

  She nodded.

  OK, try to be helpful but not controlling. "How about, let's try it from a different perspective—Is there anything you know for certain? We could start there."

  "I know that... I don't wish to be apart from you."

  Jim's breath caught slightly, his heart pounding.

  "Yeah," he said. "I want to be with you, too."

  With tears in her eyes, Maddie slid her arms around Jim's neck. As she leaned closer, he kissed her. Then she wrapped her body around his legs, pulling him closer, as her snakes encircled his head.

  They remained with lips locked together, wrapped up in the warmth of the moment, each holding the other tightly as if nothing else mattered.

  Maddie pulled back slightly, her voice quieter now.

  "I need a bit more time to think about all this."

  "Of course," Jim nodded.

  Jim felt Maddie tense beneath his touch. Her gaze snapped past him, locking onto something in the distance.

  He turned instinctively, following her line of sight—and saw it.

  A dark mass crept in from beyond the mountains, low and unnatural. It wasn't a storm cloud—at least, not one any meteorologist would recognize. It moved wrong, almost alive.

  Jim saw the shapes within it sharpen. Figures—humanoid, winged—glided through the gloom in swarms. Dozens. No... hundreds. Massive, leathery wings beat the air with eerie synchronicity. And their faces—

  He squinted. Twisted, furious. Snarling mouths and burning eyes, locked in expressions of pure rage.

  They resembled harpies, but larger. More menacing. They were smarter, their shadowy forms moving with purpose. And right now, they were coming straight for Jim and Maddie.

  "furies!" Maddie exclaimed, pointing at the approaching swarm.

  Jim barely had time to process what he was seeing before his stomach lurched in alarm. "Holy shit—where the hell did they come from!?"

  "I'm more concerned about where they're headed!" she exclaimed, her gaze snapping to Fort Bogart's distant outline. "We must go—now!"

  Maddie grabbed Jim's hand, and together they bolted toward the picnic area—their peaceful outing now a race against time.