CHAPTER ELEVEN:
M IS FOR MURDER IN MACY'S

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WHEN KIT SPOTTED THE polished metal elevator doors waiting for them at the end of the sewer, he immediately realised that something was wrong. On one side of the door was a cursive letter M that was engraved into the stone in perfect handwriting. On the other side was a directory of some kind, which Kit struggled to read from such a distance. With a weary sigh, he stepped closer, and boy did he regret it.

Parking, Kennels, Main Entrance: Sewer Level
Furnishings and Cafe M: 1
Women’s Fashion and Magical Appliances: 2
Menswear and Weaponry: 3
Cosmetics, Potions, Poisons and Sundries: 4

“What the fuck?” he muttered, the confusion in his voice prompting Leo to join him. 

Immediately, Leo’s eyes went to the weirder of the departments, like kennels and weaponry and poisons. He whirled around to face Jason and Piper, cutting off whatever Piper was whispering to the other boy as he exclaimed, “Guys, you should read this directory. It’s messed up…”

Piper’s brows furrowed as she ambled over to Kit’s other side. “Kennels for what?” she asked what was on both of their minds. “And what kind of department store has its entrance in a sewer?”

“Better yet, what kind of department store sells weapons and poisons,” Kit deadpanned. 

“Man, what does ‘sundries’ even mean?” Leo added, too curious for his own good. “Is that like underwear or something?”

With a determined glint in his eyes, Jason declared, “Well, when in doubt, start at the top.”

He didn’t hesitate to move towards the elevator doors, encouraging Piper and eventually Leo to do the same, but Kit’s feet remained firmly in place even when the doors opened and they filed in one-by-one. Frankly, he had no interest in seeing what this so-called Macy’s was like. He couldn’t fathom the others’ curiosity, or in his opinion, sheer idiocy. They were asking for trouble...

But when they turned to him with expectant expressions, and Leo tugged him in by the sleeve of his jacket Kit was yet to give back, he didn’t fight. Instead, he spent the whole time grumbling to himself, narrowed eyes tracking the number that eventually spat them out on the fourth floor. Almost as soon as the doors opened, the scent of perfume was prevalent in the air, sickly sweet.

Just like poison.

“I’ll go first,” Jason volunteered.

“Don’t have to tell me twice,” Kit shrugged, then stepped out of the way so the blonde boy could move past him.

Not a moment later, Jason’s breath hitched, shoulders visibly haunching. “Guys, you’ve got to see this,” he exclaimed, sword falling limp at his side.

Piper was the next to join him. Kit noted the shock in her voice as she breathed out, “Well, this isn’t Macy’s…”

Leo all but shoved Kit out the elevator then, forcing him to stand beside the others instead of disappearing back into the sewer like it was obvious he wanted to. For a second, Kit’s eyes lingered on the side of Leo’s face, tracing over the few prominent freckles that were scattered across his nose. They were subtle in the cold air, but Kit had the feeling they’d stand out more after a bit of sun. 

He and Leo were yet to speak of the night before. They’d woken up the same way they went to sleep, Kit with his back facing Leo and Leo with his arm strewn across Kit’s waist. Neither of them said anything as they got up, but the burning blush on Kit’s cheeks was undeniable, as was the smirk that tugged at Leo’s lips. It was something, in all honesty, that Kit wanted to forget.

But as Leo turned to him then, that painful yet familiar smirk returned, and Kit knew he’d never let him live it down.

Scowling, Kit was quick to turn and observe the floors below.

As suspected, this was no ordinary department store.

The entire ceiling was made up of stained mosaic, each sheet of glass a different shimmering colour. Streams of sunlight reflected off each surface, casting a rainbow through the air that distracted from the dark undertones lingering in the shadows. Beds made up of nails, mannequins dressed in armour like soldiers ready for war, rows upon rows of weapons; swords, mallets, crossbows, daggers, spears. You name it, this… store had it.

In the middle of the atrium, a fountain sprayed water so high that Kit could’ve reached over the railing and ran his hand through the droplets. The pool below glittered with abnormal-looking coins, each of which reflected bright gold bits of glitter. Kit could’ve looked at it forever was it not for the claw-footed cages that sat on either side of the fountain, one with lightning flashing inside while the other held the very obvious figure of a frozen satyr holding a tree-branch in a fighting pose.

Gleeson Hedge. The satyr who was assigned to protect Piper, Leo and later Jason before they arrived at Camp Half-Blood. Also known as the satyr they chose to leave behind, taken hostage by a flock of storm spirits.

“Coach Hedge,” Piper cried out, having spotted him at the same time. “We’ve got to get down there.”

But before they could even think of moving towards the escalator, a new presence made itself known. “May I help you find something?”

In an instant, Kit had whirled around, unsheathing his sword as Jason lifted his own. At first, it seemed like no one had been there at all, just a blip in their imaginations. Then, a woman -- no, a Goddess slithered out of the shadows, baring her teeth in a sickly sweet smirk. She was no ordinary woman, that much was obvious. She wore an elegant black dress that tumbled past her knees and down to the floor, its train dragging along the marble as she closed the space between them. Her long dark hair swept over her shoulders in wild curls and down to her hips like a sheet of moving ink, framing sharp features and cold gray eyes. There was something about her that screamed danger, but Kit and the others remained frozen, just waiting for her to make the next move.

“I’m so happy to see new customers,” she sighed in a dreamy kind of voice that sent shivers up Kit’s spine. Kit bristled at the sensation, frowning at her. “How may I help you?”

All eyes turned to Jason then, expecting him to take the lead once more. 

“Oh, um,” he stammered, ruffling his hair nervously. “Is this your store?”

The woman nodded with an obvious sense of pride. “I found it abandoned, you know. I understand so many stores are, these days. I decided it would make the perfect place. I love collecting tasteful objects, helping people, and offering quality goods at a reasonable price…”

Kit couldn’t quite place her accent, but he knew she wasn’t from America as she discussed her first acquisition in the country. Something didn’t feel right, even as Jason then Leo visibly relaxed. Her voice set the other boy of the group on edge, made him feel as though he was running his sword right through her heart. 

That instinct only made itself more prominent as she revealed, “I am the Princess of Colchis. My friends call me Your Highness. Now, what are you looking for?”

When no one spoke, Piper poked Jason in the ribs, whispering with a pointed sniff, “Jason…”

“Uh, right...” he shook himself out of his daze. “Actually, Your Highness, that’s our friend down there. Gleeson Hedge, the satyr. Could we… have him back, please?”

His question made the so-called princess smile in delight. “Why, of course! I would love to show you my inventory. But first, may I know your names?”

Don’t tell her, a voice screamed in Kit’s head. No, no, no…

But before Kit could say as such, Jason eagerly nodded, pointing at them one-by-one as he listed off their names. “This is Piper,” he said, then moved on to the other boys despite Kit's warning stare. “And this is Leo and Kit. I’m Jason.”

Keenly, Kit watched as the Princess’ face dropped. It happened so quickly that the others missed it, but Kit had been trained to notice the small details, to pick apart a person’s weak spots. Jason’s name was certainly a weak spot for this Princess, one that was far too easy to irritate.

“Jason,” she repeated, voice taut like she’d swallowed glass. “What an interesting name.”

“Thank you…?” the blonde boy trailed off in faint confusion.

Quickly, the Princess plastered on a smile that came across as more of a grimace, but it did the trick in placating Jason. Kit, on the other hand, could see right through it. Her brows remained furrowed, even as she said, “I think we’re going to have to make a special deal for you, Jason. Now come, children. Let’s go shopping.”

Like a puppy following his master’s command, Leo tore after the Princess, nearly tripping over her skirt with his eyes glazed over and a giddy smile tugging at his lips. Jason was right behind him, but Kit paid him no attention as scowled at the back of Leo’s head. All the same, he followed along anyways, jaw clenched and eyes narrowed.

“Kit,” hissed Piper in his ear the second she could press herself into his side without the Princess seeing. “Please tell me you don’t trust her.”

“Of course I don’t,” Kit retorted, making sure the Princess wasn’t listening as he said so. 

“Thank the Gods,” Piper breathed out, some of the tension falling away from her bunched shoulders. “We need to get them out of here.”

Before much else could be said, the Princess had paused in front of what looked to be a cosmetics counter. “Shall we start with the potions?” she suggested, turning to Leo and Jason first before eyeing the two that lingered behind. Something told Kit that she saw right through them, knew the suspicions that were hidden beneath their indifference.

Kit gritted his teeth when Jason nodded giddily.

Stupid boy.

“Guys, we’re here to get the storm spirits and Coach Hedge,” Piper reminded. “If this… princess… is really our friend--"

“Oh, I’m better than a friend, my dear,” the woman in question simpered. “I’m a saleswoman.” At that, Kit rolled his eyes, but she didn’t seem to notice as she continued, “Don’t worry. We’ll work our way down to the first floor, eh?”

Leo nodded at that, like a kid with a crush on an older girl, one who would never notice him in a million years. “Okay!”

Kit could’ve killed him.

“Of course it’s okay.” With a stiff glare, the Princess put her hands on Leo and Jason’s shoulders, guiding them toward the cosmetics table, not that they needed much convincing to stumble along after her. “Come along, boys.”

Which, of course, meant that Kit and Piper had no choice but to go with them too, listening tensely as the woman pointed out different types of potions and what they had the power to do.

At one point, she gestured to a vial that glistened like a frozen drop of blood. “Now, this one can heal any disease,” she exclaimed, holding it to the light so that the crimson liquid would froth in its container.

“Even cancer?” Leo asked curiously. Then, like a child with too many questions, “What about leprosy? And hangnails?”

“Any disease, sweet boy,” she interrupted with a pointed smile. Then, with a dismissive once-over, she moved on to a test tube that had bright blue liquid glistening inside. It shone like a piece of sky had been caught in a bottle. Deceiving upon first glance. “And this vial can kill you very painfully.”

Kit’s hand almost immediately returned to his sword. He had to bite back a scathing remark as Jason exclaimed, “How awesome!”

Whatever this was, it was not awesome...

It was at this moment that stone cold realisation struck Kit like a knife in the back. This… Princess… was using charmspeak on them.

Oh, how didn't he see it sooner?

The last time that Kit saw charmspeak in action -- that was to say, before he met Piper McLean -- a dead boy was alive and Kit was nowhere near as immune to the call of a sweet voice commanding him to do something. He knew the dazed feeling of losing control. He could recognise easily when he needed to put up his defences. Now was one of those moments.

“Jason, we don’t have time for this,” he scowled, struggling to keep his voice even with the Princess’ eyes locked on him. 

“We have a job to do. Remember?” added Piper with emphasis.

Jason frowned at them, like the words were in a language he couldn’t understand. “Job to do,” he repeated. Kit had to give her credit. Piper did try. But she was no match for whatever monster they were facing. “Sure. But shopping first, okay?”

The Princess beamed in triumph. Piper looked ready to cry or scream, maybe both. “Then we have potions for resisting fire--”

Leo let out a snort at that, ignoring Kit’s sharp elbow to his ribs when he exclaimed, “Already got that covered.”

“Indeed?” The Princess curled a brow at him like she was unveiling all his secrets, layer-by-layer. “You don’t appear to be wearing my trademark sunscreen… but no matter. We also have potions that cause blindness, insanity, sleep, or--”

“Wait,” Piper cut in, staring at the blood-like vial with a new sense of understanding in her gaze. “Could that potion cure lost memory?”

Kit wanted to roll his eyes, to shout that it wasn’t the time for her lovey-dovey bullshit, but the Princess’ interest had peaked. It was too late now. “Possibly. Yes, quite possibly.” She smiled then, like a cat who'd just caught a mouse in its mouth. “Why, my dear? Have you forgotten something important?”

At that, Piper’s face dropped, raw eyes flickering to Jason then to Kit as the dark-haired boy cleared his throat. Whatever she saw, though, wasn’t enough, for she asked, “How much?”

Oh, they were so screwed. If Kit was the only one thinking clearly? May the Gods take pity and save them.

“Well, now, the price is always tricky. I love helping people. Honestly, I do. And I always keep my bargains. But sometimes, people try to cheat me.” The Princess’ eyes lingered on Jason in a not-so-subtle glower. “Once, for instance, I met a handsome young man who wanted a treasure from my father’s kingdom. We made a bargain, and I promised to help him steal it.”

“From your own dad?” Jason shifted then, still dazed but with a new sense of unease that had foolish hope alighting in Kit’s chest. With just one smile from the Princess, he went back under. Kit's hopes were dashed.

“Oh, don’t worry,” she said in what she must’ve thought was an assuring tone. To Kit, her voice spoke promises of bloodshed. “I demanded a high price. The young man had to take me away with him. He was quite good-looking, dashing, strong…” She looked at Piper then, a knowing smirk forming. “I’m sure, my dear, you understand how one might be attracted to such a hero, and want to help him.”

When Piper’s face went red, Kit nearly gave in right then and there. But something, or someone, stopped him… 

“At any rate,” the Princess continued, eyes moved on to Leo’s dreamy face next. “My hero had to do many impossible tasks, and I’m not bragging when I say he couldn’t have done them without me. I betrayed my own family to win the hero his prize. And still he cheated me of my payment.”

“Cheated?” Jason echoed, like the word was new but dangerous to him.

Beside him, Leo winced. “That’s so messed up.”

Kit scowled as the Princess patted his face with an affectionate hand. She smiled like she knew every single one of Kit's frustrations without even looking at him. “I’m sure you don’t need to worry, Leo. You seem honest. You would always pay a fair price, wouldn’t you?”

Leo nodded, leaning into her touch, and it damn near killed Kit when he saw him so content. “What were we buying again? I’ll take two.” 

At his words, Kit clenched his eyes shut, struggling to reign his anger in. “Oh, Ares, help me.”

Hah! The day Ares willingly assisted him was the day the world would end.

“So, the vial," Piper prompted, fidgeting with her fingers as her patience wavered. "How much, Your Highness?”

“Would you give anything for it, my dear?” the Princess asked, momentarily closing the distance between her and Piper. Kit watched nervously as Piper's control began to fade. Surely, she wouldn't give in, too... “I sense that you would."

But Piper McLean was far stronger than she realised. Kit had to smother a smirk as she stood up straight, declaring, “No, I won’t pay any price. But a fair price, maybe. After that, we need to leave. Right, guys?”

The power over her words rushed out like a tidal wave. For just a second, Jason and Leo frowned, looking almost coherent.

But that was the thing with seconds. They were over in a blink.

“Leave?” Jason scoffed, sharing a confused look with Leo.

“You mean… after shopping?” the other boy frowned.

Kit was really beginning to consider leaving them behind. But he knew Piper wouldn't even think of it, so he stayed rooted in place, placated by the thought of running the Princess through with his sword, spilling ichor all over the marble tiles…

“Impressive,” she said, like a true-born warrior conceding a fight. “Not many people could resist my suggestions. Are you a child of Aphrodite, my dear? Ah, yes… I should have seen it. But no matter. Perhaps, we should shop a while longer before you decide what to buy, eh?”

“But the vial--”

Piper was dismissed with a flick of the Princess' hair as she turned back to Leo and Jason.

“Now, boys," she cooed, in a tone that was rich like honey. “Would you like to see more?” Once both dazed boys had agreed, she clapped her hands together in delight. “Excellent! You’ll need all the help you can get if you’re to make it to the Bay Area.”

“The Bay Area?” Piper echoed, catching Kit's eyes as he moved himself closer to her side. Subconsciously, her hand had moved to her dagger, her stance similar to Kit's. He could sense the oncoming fight, the danger of it getting closer and closer… Kit would be ready when the Princess' true nature revealed itself. He'd get his hands dirty if need be. “Why the Bay Area?”

The Princess smiled. Her teeth were pearly white and too straight, like the woman had taken a knife and filed down the imperfections. Years of blood and marrow stained those teeth. It clung to the dress she wore, her hair, to every touch of skin. If she had her way, the four of them would be added to her collection of strung-up heroes. “Well, that’s where they’ll die, isn’t it?”

Then, like she hadn't just openly threatened their lives for the first time since they arrived in this killer Macy's, she turned and placed her hands on Jason and Leo's shoulders, guiding them further into the shop and further away from Kit and Piper.

Kit sighed, watching them go before turning to check with the girl, "You sure we can't leave them?" When Piper just raised a brow at him, as if to say 'are you really asking me that?' Kit sighed again. "I thought so…"

And so he followed after them, already planning the lecture he'd give to Leo if they made it out of this alive.