Half-Blood

The following day, Aiden enforces discipline by making Alex endure an intense cardio workout while he reads a book. Curious, Alex asks about the book, and Aiden reveals that it is about Greek mythology. He hands it to her and instructs her to read it. 

After her training session, Alex returns to her room and begins reading. She discovers a section detailing the existence of Apollyons, a rare type of half-blood capable of wielding elemental powers and compulsion. The book explains that an Apollyon can control all four elements, along with a mysterious fifth element known as akasha. It speculates that the gods bestowed this power upon a half-blood to act as a check against the authority of the pure-bloods. 

Historically, there has always been one Apollyon per generation. However, in 1611, an anomaly occurred when two Apollyons emerged simultaneously. This resulted in a catastrophe when the power of the second Apollyon, Solaris, transferred to the first, transforming him into a “God Killer.” The gods, fearing the consequences, intervened and executed both Apollyons.

Alex and Aiden settle into a consistent training routine. During one of their sessions, Alex inquires if Aiden will attend the upcoming Solstice activities. He confirms that he will, though only out of obligation. Alex jokingly implies that Aiden does not know how to enjoy himself, inadvertently offending him. 

Later, Caleb invites Alex to a party at Jackson’s that night, and she agrees to go. He shares gossip about a recent altercation between Cody, a pure-blood, and Jackson, a half-blood, over the Breed Order. Fortunately, Cody did not report Jackson for his actions.

Alex quickly becomes annoyed at Jackson’s Solstice party because of his persistent flirting. She is surprised to find Deacon among the partygoers. Noticing Deacon’s excessive drinking, she expresses concern, and he admits that Aiden also worries about it. Deacon predicts that Aiden will come looking for him soon but assures Caleb and Alex that they have some time before that happens. Despite this, Alex and Caleb decide to leave.

As they walk, they encounter Grandma Piperi, the oracle. She offers to tell Caleb about his future, but Alex intervenes, sensing his discomfort. Grandma Piperi foretells that Caleb’s path is short but bright while Alex’s path is shadowed. She ominously declares that the gods are watching to determine the strongest. When Alex asks about her mother, Piperi tells her she already knows the truth. Before parting, Piperi grips Alex and delivers a chilling prophecy: Alex will kill those she loves.

During training, Alex spars with Kain but struggled. Aiden notices her distraction and reprimands her. They spar again, but Alex remains unfocused, haunted by Grandma Piperi’s words. Kain easily overpowers her, and Aiden ends the practice session and dismisses Kain. He examines Alex’s injuries, and she tells him about her conversation with Grandma Piperi.

Aiden insists that Alex cannot blame herself for her mother’s death. When Alex questions why no one explicitly states that Rachelle died, Aiden deflects. As he tends to Alex’s bruises, he is shocked by the extent of her injuries. She dismisses them as an expected consequence of training, but Aiden argues that she should have informed him.

As he applies a healing cream to her wounds, Aiden inquires about Alex’s father. She admits that she knows little about him but believes he lived near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a place Rachelle often visited. When Aiden asks what she would have done had she stayed in the mortal world, Alex reveals that she once aspired to be a zookeeper. Their conversation grows more intimate, but they are interrupted before they can act on their growing attraction. Alex scolds herself for developing feelings for a pure-blood.

The next day, Aiden informs Alex that Lucian is visiting to check on her. He warns that Lucian, now a Minister, has more authority than Marcus and could potentially remove her from the Covenant. He advises Alex to remain composed during their meeting.

Lea taunts Alex about Lucian’s visit, and Alex realizes that Lea must have a connection with a Guard who provides her with inside information. Alex finds a Covenant uniform in her dormitory, a gift from Aiden. She joins the other Guards, Sentinels, and trainees in greeting Lucian. To her surprise, Lucian arrives with the Apollyon, Seth. Alex feels an immediate and inexplicable connection to Seth, noting the moving tattoos on his skin.

Aiden takes Alex to Marcus’s office. Lucian is there, and he shocks Alex by greeting her warmly, expressing regret over their strained relationship. He invites her to return home and assures her that her room remains untouched. He even promises she can continue her education at the Covenant, though not as a Sentinel. Alex is bewildered by his sudden kindness.

Lucian insists that Alex leave Sentinel training due to a conflict of interest. When Alex asks why, Lucian asks Marcus if she has been informed. Marcus states that they thought it best not to tell her, and Lucian then reveals a devastating truth: Rachelle is not dead.

Alex is overwhelmed by the revelation. Marcus confirms that Rachelle has become a daimon. She immediately feels guilty for abandoning her mother, but Aiden reassures her that she could not have done anything to prevent it. Marcus reveals that they first spotted Rachelle in Georgia, and Aiden speculates that she may be searching for Alex.

Despite this, Alex insists that she can still become a Sentinel. Despite Lucian’s protests, Marcus allows her to remain at the Covenant but states that she must prove herself before being officially reinstated. After their meeting, Alex confronts Aiden for keeping the truth from her. He argues that he was trying to protect her, but Alex feels betrayed and declares she can no longer trust him.

Back in her room, she is overcome with nausea and dread. Staring into the mirror, she steels herself for the inevitable: If she reencounters her mother, she will have to kill her.