Page 34 of Descent

I used him the other night. Just like we’re using him for Ananke’s schemes. Just like she’s using me. Only, I’m a willing participant. Mostly.

I’m eating my breakfast when a bold, intrusive presence enters the room. Pristine, manicured from toes to tits to uncomfortably symmetrical face. Ananke always struck me as unnatural, somehow.

Not that I am one to judge. She’s agreatwoman. She’s done so much for me.

I keep telling myself that as her gaze bores a hole through me.

“Circe, darling, so good to see you bright, awake, and…indulging. Careful, all that cream and fruit will make you pudgy.” Her smile borders on a sneer.

“I’ll do a few extra laps.” That’s about as much sass as I dare.

“Sarcasm doesn’t suit your complexion, child. Did you do as I asked?”

“Yes. He’ll be ready.” I nod toward the window. Ananke glides to the other end of my quarters, her hands clasped behind her back.

“Mm. Quite ready, indeed. Fit too.” Her eyebrows arch slightly. I definitely do not clench my teeth. Or reach for my butter knife.

At a subtle flick of her hand, I rise, joining her at the window. Below in the courtyard, Ero spins through a maneuver, sparring with a few of the guards. Graceful as ever. And deadly calm. Even when he’s clearly holding back to avoid crippling the two huge men gasping and sweating as the circle him.

One of the brutes rushes him and he deftly steps to the side, straight-arming the opponent down into the dirt, face-first. I catch a little glimmer of his eyes twitching up, right at me. He rolls his shoulders, flexing in the morning sun.

Show-off. Of course he’d sense us watching.

I’m not impressed or blushing. Nope.

“Something to share?”

“No.” I mostly cover the hitch in my voice. I’m not embarrassed. But she also doesn’t need to know about…

“What do we need to ensure your lover continues to cooperate?”

Dammit. How does she always…

“Training. Exercise. Development. Keeping him busy will be key. He thinks too much.”

“Two of a kind, then, the two of you. A match made in…well, somewhere.”

This time I can’t hide my grimace. She knows just how to grind my gears.

“I apologize, dearest. That was not meant to be a jab. I merely see the bond between you. Well, the bond that used to be. Use it, if you can.”

“I don’t like lying to him.”

“You’ve been a liar your entire life, my dear, you’ve been anassassinand a tool your entire life. This shouldn’t be any different. Stay the course and all will be restored, renewed.”

Tell her to go fuck herself. Nothing can bring me back to life. Or your kids. Or your marriage. The rest of your family.

I—I know. But it’s so much easier to just believe. To hope.

To let her make you forget.Artemis sneers, disgusted.

“Remind me how you’re going to accomplish that,” I utter, almost under my breath. “I don’t feel re-anything.”

Ananke’s head swivels toward me, her mask coming off in her hand as her entire posture changes. One instant she’s a regal, poised noble, the next she’s a menacing, almost haggard beast. Her shoulders arch back, her neck thrust forward.

“I’ve had enough of your petulant insubordination lately, Circe.”

“I—”

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