Page 283 of Bonds of Hercules
No.
Three simple words.
As a previously incarcerated individual who’d been labeled clinically insane by Olympian doctors as a child, there was only one right answer.
“Oh yeah, I’m doing fine,” I said as Athena continued monologuing about taxes and protected zones. “One could even say I’mreallygreat right now. Fabulous. I’ve been doing a lot of research and reading. It’s been very informative. Did you know the great Cyclopes rebellion of …”
I trailed off as Alexis grimaced.
Right.
Rambling makes people uncomfortable.
Act normal.
The problem with being a Gorgon, a Chthonic, an opinionated woman with the power of Fate, and a bookworm was that it unsettled people.
I was too passionate.
Too strange.
My existence was a walking red flag.
“I think I saw a fly,” I finished lamely. “Above your head. Pesky little buggers.Veryannoying.” I waved my hand and pretended to crush a nonexistent animal.
Alexis didn’t seem convinced.
“Now to our next manner of business,” Athena announced. “The reason we’reallhere today.”
Alexis reached out her hand and I quickly took it, wrapping my fingers around hers and shuffling closer. If she was alarmed by my proximity, she didn’t show it.
Physical touch had always been my love language.
Murmurs echoed all around as Spartans whispered to each other.
“Snake scum,” someone spat in the row behind me.
I didn’t turn around.
Athena unrolled a scroll. “In the case of the federation versus Medusa—in light of new evidence, acting in my power as interim speaker to rule from the podium …”
The clock behind her was frozen at two twenty-two and the small glow on top of her head was growing stronger.
Everything was narrowing to this singular moment.
Alexis gripped me harder.
“Medusa is …” Athena’s mouth moved with painful slowness. “Pardoned of all alleged crimes.”
Holy Kronos.
Sharp and heady relief filled me. I fought the urge to pass out.
I was free.
After everything, I was really—
“On one condition,” Athena said sharply.
