Medusa by Katherine Marsh

Author:Katherine Marsh
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2023-11-21T00:00:00+00:00

Twenty-Two

“Clio,” Ms. Demi said with a look of surprise. “What happened? Are these two in trouble?”

Layla shoved Ava and Fia through the door of her office.

“Yes,” she said. “But it’s me, Layla.”

Ms. Demi sighed. “Layla, I told you not to transform into teachers. You’ll get a strike—”

Arnold ducked in after them. “A little late for that.”

Ava poured out the story. Ms. Demi’s eyes widened when Ava came to the part about her mom’s file, then Mr. Orion bursting in on them. When she explained how the headmaster had taken away Fia’s voice before expelling her, Ava noticed a flash of anger cross Ms. Demi’s face. It confirmed she had come to the right place.

“Can you help her get her voice back?” Ava pleaded.

“I’m not strong enough to reverse this magic, and even if I was, I would anger Zeus. But there is something you can do. Take Fia to Poveglia.”

“Poveglia? Where my mom went?”

“Yes. There’s someone there who may be able to help Fia. But I am bound by my oath to Zeus not to tell you more.”

Layla shape-shifted back into herself. “But no captain would ever agree to take them to Poveglia! No one is allowed there. Venetians are really superstitious about it too, including me. Is there someone else who could help?”

“I’m afraid not,” Ms. Demi said.

“Can you get us there?” Ava asked. “I mean, if no captain will go—”

“If I did, I’d be breaking faculty rules and Hades would keep Persephone in the underworld even longer than he already does.”

“But I don’t know how to get to Poveglia without you!”

“I do,” Layla said quietly. “I’ll take you.”

Ava turned to her. “Are you sure?”

Layla sighed. “You clearly need me. And so does Fia.”

Arnold stepped forward. “I’m coming too.”

Fia frowned. Ava knew she was probably thinking that he’d lose his nerve again halfway there. But it was also obvious that he genuinely cared and wanted to help. It was just that he had no powers to protect them or himself either. Ava couldn’t stand the idea of him getting hurt.

“You’re in the least trouble of all of us—” she said.

“Zale already hung me upside down over the stairs tonight,” Arnold said. “So I’d actually feel safer with you.”

Ava had to admit he had a point.

“Take him,” Ms. Demi said. “You need all the help you can get. When you get to Poveglia, have him stay outside the insane asylum as a lookout.”

Layla blinked nervously. “The insane asylum? We need to go in there?”

Ms. Demi nodded. “I promise, you’ll be safe. And though I can’t help you in big ways, I can still help you in small, invisible ones.” Ms. Demi ran over to her desk, unlocked a drawer, and rustled around in it. “There’s something I’ve been saving for you, Ava. As soon as I find it, I want you to go.”

“I’m sorry, Arnold,” Ava whispered to him once Ms. Demi was out of earshot. “I forgot to check your file. I meant to and then Mr. Orion—”

“It’s okay.” He shrugged sadly.

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