Page 237 of Bonds of Hercules

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He turned to me. “Alexis can feel our pain.”

Static filled my head.

That would mean …

No. No. No. No. No.

I’d just been tortured;she’dbeen tortured.

I was free-falling. Plummeting.

“Breathe!” Augustus’s voice warped above me as black spots dotted my vision. “Breathe, Kharon!”

There was a commotion as someone fell to the floor; it might have been me.

I blinked.

Augustus heaved me upright.

I blinked again.

Augustus forced my jaw open with his hands.

I inhaled air like a starving man. When I finally stopped hyperventilating, Augustus gently rested me back on the bed.

Alexis sat up, leaning over me—two-colored eyes wide with shock.

“Sorry.” My voice cracked, agony pulverizing my soul. “So …sorry. Why didn’t you … tell us?”

Soft fingers touched my cheek.

“Because—I didn’t want you to worry,” Alexis said with heartbreaking sincerity. “I’m strong … I don’t need you to take care of me—I’ve been surviving on my own for years.”

My vision blurred.

“It’s all my fault,” I whispered.

“No,” Augustus said, his hand resting on the top of my head.

Alexis wiped the moisture off my cheeks, her thumbs shaking. “No, Kharon—we’re in this together.”

I reached up, my fingers wrapping around a golden curl. “Together … forever—promise.”

She nodded, a tear spilling down her lashes. “Lacrimosa,” she said under her breath.

I smiled. “From Requiem Mass in D Minor.”

Her breath caught. “Wait … you know—”

“Mozart? Carissima … I’m apianist.” I coughed. “Of course I do.”

Alexis stared down at me like she’d never seen me before. I tried to tell her how perfect she was, but I could no longer find my voice.

“Shhhh.” Alexis kissed my forehead. “Sleep … heal.”

Nodding to let her know I understood, I mouthed, “I love you,” but no sounds came out. Defeated, I closed my eyes.

“Familia,” Augustus whispered.Family.

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