But as soon as I step outside, the heaviness of my vision returns. The others are already gathered, waiting anxiously for news of the future.

I open my eyes to see Apollo staring down at me. “So?” he asks, sitting back on his heels, thumbs nervously drumming on his thighs.

The man sighs, a glint of frustration in his eyes. “Basil Andino, I have been patient with you, but this is becoming ridiculous. I have already told you that you will save the world.”

“The end of the world is upon us, Basil Andino,” he says, his voice booming through the kennel. Even the dogs around us have stopped barking for once. “Death and destruction are around every corner.”

“Actually,” he says after waiting for a moment to make sure that I’m finished speaking, “I was going to say that I have some questions about you.”