01_-_The_Alchemyst

“But Hekate said that could kill us!” Josh said in alarm. He was
beginning to suspect that Flamel’s agenda was about more than just protecting
him and his sister. The Alchemyst was up to something.
“She was only guessing,” Scatty said. “She’s always been a bit of a
drama queen.”
“Then Nicholas is sure we’re in no danger?” Josh said.
“No, he’s not really sure.” Scatty smiled. “But believe me, you are in
danger. The only difference is if Hekate Awakens you, then you’ll be in grave
danger.”
Nicholas Flamel followed Hekate through the house. The young
woman’s fingers trailed along the walls, leaving streaks of bright wood
touched with leaves and flowers in her wake. “I need your help, Hekate. I
cannot do this alone,” he called after her.
The goddess ignored him. She turned down a long, straight corridor and
darted ahead. Her feet left little puddles of green grass that grew even as
Flamel hurried after her. By the time he was halfway down the corridor it
was knee high, then waist high, and suddenly, the entire corridor was
covered in the tall, razor-sharp grass. Its blades whispered softly together,
sounds that might almost have been words.
Nicholas Flamel allowed a little of his growing anger to seep into his
aura. Closing his right hand into a fist, he suddenly splayed his fingers and
the air was touched with the rich, tart odor of mint. The grass directly ahead
of him flattened as if it had been hit with a strong wind, and the Alchemyst
was just in time to see the young woman step into a room set slightly apart
from the rest of the house. If he had delayed a moment longer, he would have
walked right past the opening.
“Enough of these games,” Flamel snapped, stepping into the room.
Hekate spun to face him. She had aged in the few moments she had spent
running down the corridor. She now looked about fifteen. Her face was set in
an ugly mask and her yellow eyes were bitter. “How dare you speak to me