Page 288 of Bonds of Hercules
I was so grateful for how it all played out, I could curl into a fetal position and never move again.
Outside the hall windows, Lake Como reflected the Milky Way. I’d heard a ridiculous rumor that before the apocalypse,humans had lost the stars. A world without them was unfathomable.
Tonight, the lawn was serene under moonlight, and the electric fence had been taken down—the threat level was once again low.
When I left hours ago, Nyx and Fluffy Jr. had decided to stay back with Helen and Drex in her room. My throat felt bare without scales around it.
Crack.
Two shadows stretched across the marble at the end of the hall.
I’d just been with them, but we’d been surrounded by people; this was different.
We were alone.
“My sweet honey—I’m home,” Kharon rasped in a mocking, singsong voice. Augustus stood beside him, eyes sparkling.
Of all the places in the villa they could have leapt to.
They’d come straight to me.
It reminded me of the nightmares that I was having again—ever since the SGC, the grim reaper stood above me at night, watching me sleep.
Dress shoes echoed across the marble as they headed toward me.
Kharon sauntered; Augustus walked with clipped precision.
The real headline ofTheFalcon Chroniclesshould have read: “Two Deviant Chthonic Royals Seduce Unsuspecting Prudish Woman.”
I could have told themallabout it.
Spiky ruby crowns sparkled.
Kharon wore a tattered black cloak, Augustus an air of heavy responsibility.
Both looked divine in white button-down shirts, sleeves rolled up to their elbows. Leg holsters stretched across their thighs, loaded with weapons.
Augustus’s tie was loose, like he’d been pulling at it, a sliver of his bronze chest visible.
Red was splattered across Kharon’s shirt.
“Hello, husbands.”
My voice was hoarse from disuse, because in my stress, I hadn’t spoken much lately. Medusa did all the talking.
“Wife.” Augustus’s lips twitched like he was trying not to smile.
“Carissima.” Kharon arched a dark brow, his face chiseled marble, blue veins almost glowing beneath his skin. “I believe we made a promise to you before your labors. Are you …readyto collect your reward?”
I gathered my courage.
“Yes.”
Kharon blinked, his composure slipping. “Are you … sure?” His voice deepened.
I nodded.
They both sauntered closer, stopping inside my personal space.
