Page 259 of Blood of Hercules
Betrayer eyes sparked with satisfaction—I glared back.
Screw you.
He knew I’d had no idea that I was accepting anything by opening a box. He’d backed me into a corner and played me. Just where he wanted me.
His smile was sinful.
Pure male satisfaction oozed off him, like he’d playedthe long game and won.
Another horrible realization punched me.
No.
Holy shit.
It can’t be.
He’d stared at me with interest while Christos drowned. My eyes must have been bloodred.
He’d known I was Chthonic.
All along.
He fucking knew from the beginning.
His puzzling comments about secrets and backing me into a corner the first time we’d met didn’t seem so cryptic anymore.
When he’d talked about Chthonic lives mattering and staying safe, I’d assumed he was just worried about my mentors.
He wanted me to stay safe.
Because he knewIwas Chthonic.
He’d wanted to marry me as soon as he found out.
I’m the fucking loophole. I’m how he gets around the law and doesn’t have to marry an Olympian.
Bile filled my throat.
I’d felt so bad for the poor person he was going to marry.
TheFalcon Chronicleshad said they’d seen him sending betrothal jewelry at the same time I’d received my box.
I was the betrothed they’d written about.
He’s been playing me all along.
“SILENCE,” Hades bellowed, and once again the coliseum went silent. “Patro—is it true?”
Green eyes glanced at mine, full of apologies. “Yes, he spoke the truth.” Patro grimaced, like it pained him to say the words.
Hades turned to me. “Daughter, do you deny what he says? You can speak freely. Please, be honest. If he’s lying, I can?—”
“He’s telling the truth,” I said numbly, cutting him off.
Bone-deep agony mixed with exhaustion.
It wasall too much.
