Goddess Boot Camp(79)

“Racers to the starting block,” Coach Lenny calls out again, “for the men’s long-distance trial.”

I release Griffin and shove him toward the box, like he’d done for me.

While he’s jockeying for position with the other racers, I take my place in front of the spectator section, prepared to cheer him on at every lap.

“He’s going to win, you know,” Adara says as she slides up next to me.

“For once,” I reply, giving her a grin and a sideways glance, “I think I’m actually going to agree with you.”

“Someone call the Chronicle.” She stifles a fake yawn. “This is headline news.”

Coach Lenny fires the starter pistol into the air. As the guys take off to follow the same course I’ve just run, I break out in a grin. Next to me, Adara eyes me warily, as if I might seek revenge for her months of torture, now that I’ve got my powers under control.

Now that I trust myself to control them.

With all the people I care most about in the world—yes, even Stella (who is here with Xander!)—gathered around to cheer my victory, and Nola and Cesca just an e-mail away, I can’t help thinking I’m a pretty lucky girl. I’ve got my powers under control. I’m going to be racing in the Pythian Games. I just ran on the same course as my goddess ancestor. And—although I could never prove it and I’d deny the insane idea if anyone suggested it—I have a feeling that Dad was right there by my side with every step.

Out of all the moments in my life, this is the most perfect.

I sling an arm around Adara, ignoring how she cringes away. She has nothing to worry about from me. We goddesses have to stick together, you know.