01_-_The_Alchemyst

begun, change cannot be reversed.”
It was dark inside the chamber, whose walls were composed entirely of
knotted and twisted roots. Sophie could feel her brother’s hand in hers and
she squeezed his fingers slightly. His hand tightened in return.
As the twins moved deep into the hollow, which was obviously larger
than it had first seemed, their eyes gradually adjusted to the gloom and the
room took on a greenish glow. Thick, furry moss covered the twisted roots
and radiated a watery jade green light, making it appear as if everything were
underwater. The air was heavy with moisture, and drops of liquid gathered
on their hair and skin like tiny beads of sweat. Although it wasn’t cold, they
both shivered.
“You should consider yourselves honored.” Hekate’s voice came from
the green gloom directly ahead of them. “I have not Awakened a humani for
many generations.”
“Who…,” Josh began, and then his voice cracked. He gave a dry cough
and tried again. “Who was the last human you Awakened?” He was
determined not to let his fear show.
“It was some time ago—in the twelfth century, as you humani measure
time—a man from the land of the Scots. I do not remember his name.”
Both Sophie and Josh instinctively knew that Hekate was lying.
“What happened to him?” Sophie asked.
“He died.” There was a peculiar high-pitched giggle. “He was killed by
a hailstone.”
“Must have been some hailstone,” Josh whispered.
“Oh, it was,” Hekate murmured. And in that moment, they both knew
that she had something to do with the mysterious man’s death. To Josh the
goddess suddenly seemed like a vindictive child.
“So what happens now?” Josh asked. “Do we stand or sit or lie down?”