𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑'𝐒 𝐃𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐄𝐑, luke castellan

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞

When Keira hopped back on the motorcycle, it was the early hours of December 19th, meaning she had three full days left to return the Knee to the camp, as Chiron had instructed.

Returning to the streets of Seattle from the altar, Keira chose a different path, hoping it would lead her to where Luke had entered. She had taken a torch from the cave to light her way since she had lost hers. 

Fortunately, she chose the right path. On the way back, Keira didn't encounter any spirits or anything similar to what she had experienced before. She assumed that, in this case, the challenge was in reaching the altar rather than leaving, a stark contrast to the Underworld, where it was easy to get in and took much effort to get out. In fact, getting out was nearly impossible.

As she traversed the damp passages of the cave to exit, she couldn't help but wonder what Luke had seen on his journey. Keira didn't know if everyone faced the same dangers and challenges upon entering, but she supposed what he had seen wouldn't be pleasant either.

There were still too many thoughts in her mind to analyze the fight with Luke. Something in her mind told her that she had acted recklessly and disproportionately while walking on the black rocky floor, but the reality was that Keira had been so angry, and Luke's comment had been so unfortunate that she couldn't bring herself to regret it even after the fight.

Finally reaching the end of the cave, it seemed to her that the path was shorter, but perhaps it was because there were no challenges or obstacles this time, contrary to what had happened on the way in.

Upon climbing stairs similar to those she had descended, she found a door that, from her side, led to a refrigeration chamber. Upon opening it, she immediately felt the characteristic cold of winter, although not enough for the refrigerator to be operational. Obviously, it was abandoned, just like the car wash. Nevertheless, the climate contrasted with the humidity and the heavy air in the sanctuary.

Finally, Keira exited the abandoned butcher's chamber and sighed in relief when she saw Apollo's golden motorcycle in the spot where the counters and customer service used to be. Unable to believe her luck, she hopped on the motorcycle and started riding into the night, the cold wind hitting her face. 

The journey from Seattle to New York was too long, almost two days, but perhaps with Apollo's motorcycle reaching a speed worthy of a magical item, she could make it on time. It would have been useful to secure a plane ticket, but Keira had no more money, and devising a plan to sneak onto a flight, while possible, would take quite some time.

Because of this, she embarked on the cross-country journey from west to east at the maximum speed the motorcycle allowed, promising herself that when she reached the camp, she would sleep for five consecutive days.

Keira realized that the more time she spent on the motorcycle, the more energy she felt. Amid the anxiety of reaching Seattle quickly, she hadn't noticed it before, but on her way back to Long Island, she became aware of it. It was likely related to another magical aspect of the motorcycle. Apollo, being the god of healing, could make anyone using it feel rested and energetic. However, the blonde couldn't shake the feeling that as soon as she stepped off the motorcycle, sleep and fatigue would return to her, as it had happened when she had stopped to eat in Oregon.

Thanks to this peculiarity, she managed to ride for more than a day straight, only stopping briefly to steal some fruit from a plantation along the way and nourish herself. Keira only did it because she was afraid of passing out, as the truth was that she didn't feel hungry. She only felt energetic and eager to keep riding along the road while the wind hit her face and made her ponytail dance in the air.

She knew something was wrong when she barely passed Chicago.

The evening was setting in, and the wind, intensified by the motorcycle's speed, muffled her surroundings. Amidst the gusts, a familiar sound reached her ears —a distinct flapping of wings, a sound she had encountered before, specifically in Utah.