Page 171 of Blood of Hercules
“Oh,” the female siren said. “No worries, honey.”
“Oh, I’m not worried.” I waved my hand dismissively as the two men moaned loudly at her feet.
I’ve never been more worried.
She smiled and opened her mouth, then her eyes widened, and she froze. Long seconds passed, and she didn’t move.
I looked around awkwardly.
Before I could find out why she was freaking out, she lunged forward and grabbed my face.
Stranger danger. Stranger danger. Someone who isnotnaked, please help.
Pastel eyes stared deeply into mine, and her fingers trembled where they cupped my cheeks.
Wait—are we falling in love?
“You can... understand what I’m saying?” she whispered in awe.
Never mind.
“Uh, yeah? Can you understand me?” I asked as I tried to tug out of her grasp.
She pulled me closer.
“You’re a Spartan?” she asked.
“Y-Yeah.” I tugged harder, neck straining. She held me immobile.How strong is this woman?
She flung her head back, long silky hair sparkling, and then—she burst into tears. “I’ve”—gasp—“always”—gasp—“wanted to be able to”—gasp—“talk to someone in Sparta.” Falling onto my lap, she convulsed with sobs (still very naked).
I didn’t do it.
I patted her back awkwardly. “Let it out, s-sister.”
She cried harder.
In my defense, it was my first time dealing with a randomly sobbing woman. I’d never had a sister.
“Uh—Alexis,” Nyx said. “When did you learn to speak siren?”
“I don’t speak siren,” I said in a duh tone, grimacing as three sirens and two Spartans started having (aggressive) sex in the booth across from us.
Nyx tightened around my neck like she was reeling back. “Then how the heck are youspeaking to a siren right now?”
My hand stilled as I stared down at the crying woman languishing naked on my lap.
“I can speak siren?” I asked.
Oh my god. Augustus said they only speak one unique language. It was why they were subjugated by Spartans.
“And you can speak to me...,” Nyx said slowly. “Do you know what this means, kid?”
I narrowed my eyes. “I’m trilingual?”
Nyx hissed, fangs snapping the air. “It means you’ve found your power—you can talk to sentient creatures.”
“But my brain doesn’t feel... euphoric?” I pursed my lips. “Like it’s supposed to.”
