1304 The Harbinger (The 13th Floor) by Christine Rains

expression was clear.
    “Sam.” When Meira called his name, those gorgeous eyes focused on her alone. “Whatever they do to me, don’t give in. I’m theirs no matter what. They won’t kill me.” At least she was partially certain they wouldn’t since she was promised to Ares. Unless Ares was certain that Sam would give up.
    “I won’t let them hurt you.” Sam shook his head.
    “A little pain will pass. I can assure you I’ve felt worse pain than whatever they choose to do.” Next to a broken heart, this would be a piece of cake. “Please, for me, don’t give up.”
    Sam’s lips thinned with her pleading. The crowd hung on their every word. Zeus said not a thing during their chat, and when Sam was silent for a minute, the Thunder God retrieved something behind his throne. Or rather, someone.
    Confused by this move, Meira watched as Zeus led a white robed crone to the edge of the dais. The old woman could barely stand on her own. Zeus crooned a few sweet words to her before hopping down and lifting her to place her on the ground.
    “Samuel Wright, may I introduce to you the eldest of my oracles. Georgia has served since she was seven and never had a false vision.” Zeus led the oracle to Sam and let go of her arm. “She’s here to give you some incentive beyond Meira’s pleas to not give up.”
    Georgia shuffled closer to Sam and toppled over. Sam darted forward and caught her, helping her to straighten. Or as much as the crone could stand straight.
    Sam whispered something, and Meira thought he asked if the old woman was okay. Georgia patted his cheek and croaked something in return. Sam’s eyes widened and put another question to the oracle. Her white hair waved as she shook her head with her answer.
    Zeus held up his hands to get the audience’s attention. “For those of you who didn’t hear the oracle’s words, she told our hero that he would survive. He would fall in love with a woman, have a family, and save many more lives. When he asked about our dear Meira, she said she could not see her future as we all know when someone’s life is at a crossroads.”
    Georgia gestured to Sam, and he helped her over to where Meira stood. The oracle held onto the edge of the platform and motioned for Sam to step back. When Zeus came closer, Georgia held up a hand for him to stop too. Both Ares and Zeus frowned.
    Meira knelt down to the old woman. “Thank you for giving Sam hope.”
    “It’s not hope. I only speak as I see. His future is certain unless you change it.” Georgia rasped and coughed once. She crooked a finger at Meira, and she bent closer so the oracle could whisper to her. “Many futures and none are before you. One has made you a wanted woman. From your womb, a child of great influence will be born. War or peace. It will depend on the father. Your daughter could save or destroy the Middle Realm. Or you will have no children at all.”
    This was the last thing Meira expected to hear. She realized she was at a crossroads, but either death or servitude was in her future. And if she were a servant, she would refuse to bear a child into such a life. Why would the oracle tell her of such a thing right now?
    She only knew one thing for certain. “I will not change Sam’s future. He deserves happiness and I cannot give that to him.”
    “What you can and cannot give is infinite.” Georgia’s eyes fluttered as her body shuddered, and she sagged against the platform. Zeus was fast by her side, helping her up away from Meira. If the Thunder God heard what the oracle said, he didn’t comment, nor did he relay it to the crowd.
    Meira stood, brows furrowing. Clearly that wasn’t supposed to happen. Hera was on her feet with a frown and Ares leaned forward in his throne with a dark look. It was likely they had all heard, and it surprised them as much as it did Meira.
    Why mention a child like that? It was the last thing on Meira’s mind. If she lived through this test at all, she only wanted to