Page 257 of Blood of Hercules
She held me like she loved me. No one had ever done that before.
Mom?
Dad?
Tears streamed down my cheeks.
They were both holding me with such tender emotions, and I was kneeling in their arms, a monster.
Long moments passed as the three of us embraced on the sands.
Zeus stepped forward, casting a shadow across us.
His voice shattered the moment.
“Since she’s an honorable heiress, who was forced to endure the savagecrucible—per our customs, something must be done to right the grave dishonor that she’s suffered... I propose an alliance with my house. A marriage.”
Wait, what?
Hades and Persephone stilled in my arms. Together they launched to their feet.
I staggered up behind them, nearly passing out from the pain of movement. Everything spun. The urge to collapse was immense.
Adrenaline was wearing off.
I blinked rapidly, forcing myself to stay conscious.
“You dare propose a betrothal with the boy who hurt her and Helen?” Hades asked, voice brimming with violence.
Persephone shouted and stepped forward. “Look at my daughter’s ruined hands and arm—look at what he did to her! Helen is inconsolable over the attack... howdareyou—” Hades held her back.
Zeus held up his hands in a surrender gesture. “I didn’t mean to insinuate my goddaughter would marry Theros. I misspoke, my gravest apologies—Theros will be dealt with.”
He held a hand over his heart.
“A grave dishonor has been done to both women,” Zeus continued. “Helen’s honor is also at stake, through her association. You know this—it is our laws. Any Olympian House will do. Are there any heirs that will step forward for her hand?”
Why would Helen be punished for being kidnapped? Why would I be dishonorable whentheyforced me to participate in the crucible?
I wanted to scream and pull at my hair. The Spartan laws were archaic and psychotic.
Dozens of men stepped forward, and I took a step back.
No. Please no.
I’d rather fight a Titan.
I shook my head as Persephone turned back to me. Hades released her, and she went to my side.
“Mydaughter will not be selecting any marriage contracts at this moment,” Persephone scoffed, voice full of vitriol. “Step back, you fools. She’s bleeding and injured—where is your honor? You embarrass us all.”
Men bowed their heads in shame.
I sidled closer to her. The throbbing pain in my hands was making everything hazy, and it was getting harder to see.
“There’s one problem here,” a raspy voice called out.
Kharon stepped forward.
