Page 114 of Bonds of Hercules
“Leave me alone.”
“I can’t,” Patro whispered, like he was sorry.
I stepped back and bounced against Achilles’s unmoving chest.
Turning in a rush, I struggled to breathe.
Achilles raised his hands, as if dealing with a skittish animal, and moved to stand beside Patro.
“Our initial offer still stands,” Achilles signed, the end of his cigarette burning, smoke curling around his face.
A sharp pain stabbed behind my eyes.Is Augustus using his power right now?
“Do you accept?” Patro asked.
I looked between them with confusion. “What are you t-talking about?”
“We’ll help you.” Patro stepped closer, his icy scent contrasting with Achilles’s heat. His voice dropped to a low whisper. “Use your powers to … you know …breakthe marriage bond with your husbands.”
I stepped back, banging against the door.
“No way,” I blurted.
Why on earth would I want to do that?
You’re supposed to be getting revenge.
Not like that.
Patro sighed. “You’ll justalmostkill them—just use your power and bring them to the brink.”
I shook my head.
“Kronos.” Patro raked his hands through his short curls, messing up their perfect placement. “Why are youalwaysso difficult?”
Angry words gathered on the tip of my tongue, but they wouldn’t come out.
“Thenwe’lldo it for you,” Patro said. “Since you’re too afraid to do it yourself.”
“Leave m-me alone.”
Patro studied my face like he was searching for something.
Light flashed at my feet. I glanced down. The flames in Hell’seyes were bright red, instead of their usual teal flame.What the heck?
Patro grabbed my arm gently. “This will just be a pinch,” he said. “It will all be okay, I promise.”
“What—”
Patro jabbed a needle with an Olympian vial into my skin, and the tube filled with scarlet. In a flash, he removed it, pocketing my blood. “You’re welcome. You’ll thank us.” He nodded like he was trying to convince himself.
Panic paralyzed me.
Poco hissed and swiped—Patro dodged his claw and backed away from me with Achilles at his side. Something that looked like regret glimmered in his eyes.
“I’ll make you pay for this.”
Patro smiled sadly. “All you have to do is give us a signal. We’re onyourside.”
