Page 265 of Bonds of Hercules
Blood filled the whites of his eyes.
“Alexis Hert—Hercules,” Zeus’s voice boomed, skulls rattling together. “Do you know the whereabouts of Medusa?”
I tipped my head back to Patro, silently pleading with him.
“No.”
Electricity sizzled as the silence stretched. Nyx stilled on my shoulders as she waited. The guards shuffled, jostling my chair because there wasn’t enough room in the small space.
“Well?” Zeus asked Patro.
“She’s telling the truth,” Patro said slowly, his voice monotone and expressionless.
Zeus punched the table, and the metal dented. “Alexis Hert—Hercules, did you inany wayfacilitate the escape of Medusa?”
“No.”
My bones creaked under Patro’s punishing grip, and his eyes widened for a split second.
“She’s telling the truth,” he said, the corners of his lips curling downward.
Zeus stared at both of us distrustfully. “Are you sure?” He gritted his teeth. “Remember, if you’re lying, Achilleswillbe incarcerated.”
Patro stared down at me. “I’m sure. She doesn’t know anything.”
I winced as he clutched me harder.
Thank you, I thought silently, emotions choking me.
“We have the closing symposium to attend to,” Zeus said as he fisted his hands like he was trying to get control of himself. “In the meantime, the guards will loosen her tongue—then … we’ll come back.”
It was a threat.
“Let’s go,” Zeus ordered.
Patro reluctantly released my arm, but he didn’t leave my side. He glanced at the guards.
The unthinkable was written all over his face.
He was about to risk everything.
For me.
“I won’t repeat myself,” Zeus said.
“Go,” I whispered.
Patro searched my face, a promise ofwe’ll talk about this laterin his somber eyes.
He opened his mouth, like he was going to argue.
I shook my head no.
His jaw clicked shut, face twisting with pain.
I smiled sadly as he slowly backed away, out into the corridor.
“Remember—” Zeus looked back at me. “If you attempt to leap away before the interrogation is complete, it’s an act of sedition and the federation will find you guilty of conspiring with Medusa.”
