APHRODITE'SPASSION-JULIEKENNER
APHRODITE’S GIRDLE
“So the belt makes the wearer irresistible to whomever he or she desires,” Zoë affirmed. She smiled, perhaps imagining the possibilities. “Is there more?”
Zephron nodded toward Hale. “Tell her.”
Oh, great. A pop quiz. But he smiled and turned in his chair to face his sister more directly. “You know that Aphrodite—”
“Our great-great-great-great et cetera grandmother.”
“—forged it centuries ago.” When Zoë nodded, he continued. “Well, it has all sorts of powers. On a mortal, it causes what you said: love and adoration by whomever the mortal desires. It’s sort of a sensual magnet. It also works even if there’s no romantic desire, although the effect is much weaker. In that case, the wearer can persuade people to do what he or she wants.” He paused. “On a Protector—”
“Let me guess,” Zoë said. “On a Protector, the effect is even more intense. Love and adoration by everyone, no matter whether or not the wearer desires them. Mind-control, basically. So if Hieronymous got a hold of the thing...”
“Even Zephron would bend to his will,” Hale finished. He and Zoë looked at each other, then turned to look at Zephron, who inclined his head in silent agreement.
“So where is it?” Zoë asked. “I mean, where in Los Angeles?”
“We don’t know.” Zephron’s image turned, focusing entirely on Hale. “It is your job to find out.”
APHRODITE'SPASSION-JULIEKENNER
APHRODITE’S GIRDLE
“So the belt makes the wearer irresistible to whomever he or she desires,” Zoë affirmed. She smiled, perhaps imagining the possibilities. “Is there more?”
Zephron nodded toward Hale. “Tell her.”
Oh, great. A pop quiz. But he smiled and turned in his chair to face his sister more directly. “You know that Aphrodite—”
“Our great-great-great-great et cetera grandmother.”
“—forged it centuries ago.” When Zoë nodded, he continued. “Well, it has all sorts of powers. On a mortal, it causes what you said: love and adoration by whomever the mortal desires. It’s sort of a sensual magnet. It also works even if there’s no romantic desire, although the effect is much weaker. In that case, the wearer can persuade people to do what he or she wants.” He paused. “On a Protector—”
“Let me guess,” Zoë said. “On a Protector, the effect is even more intense. Love and adoration by everyone, no matter whether or not the wearer desires them. Mind-control, basically. So if Hieronymous got a hold of the thing...”
“Even Zephron would bend to his will,” Hale finished. He and Zoë looked at each other, then turned to look at Zephron, who inclined his head in silent agreement.
“So where is it?” Zoë asked. “I mean, where in Los Angeles?”
“We don’t know.” Zephron’s image turned, focusing entirely on Hale. “It is your job to find out.”