Page 49 of Heroines of Olympus

The Siren Strait is the stretch of water between Sparta at the tip of the main continent and the Isle of Remembrance. That small channel of water allows for more ship trade and commerce, creating a faster alternative to slower transport on land. The only downside is the terrifyingly beautiful beings that inhabit it.

According to Psyche, there had been much debate about the Siren Strait during the planning stages of this mission, but The Allegiance came to the consensus that the time it would take to go around them would cause too great of a delay.

Ajax, one of the crew members, adds, “We have Psyche’s protection, though, so nothing to worry about.”

He has broad, muscular shoulders and long, shaggy blond hair, a beard, and tattoos covering his arms. Ajax looks like he can handle himself in most situations, but the Strait requires more than strength and grit.

“How does your magic protect the entire ship?” Medusa asks Psyche.

“When the sirens sing, it is to the soul, stirring up emotions and unrest, sowing chaos in their victim’s mind. I will use my powers to keep souls calm, making them resistant to the draw of the sirens.” Psyche places a hand on Medusa’s shoulder in reassurance.

Official Pantheon ships have a seal that allows safe passage, but the rebels have Psyche.

Psyche’s abilities are impressive, and Medusa does not doubt them, but everyone knows the dangers of the Strait.

“What would we do to make it through if Psyche weren’t with us?” Medusa looks at Iris and Ajax.

Iris’s chest heaves as they exhale loudly, and Ajax scoffs. “Try your best to not go over.” His muscular hands clench tightly around a coil of rope as he gathers it before leaving in search of more.

Medusa and Psyche make their way back below decks to ride out this treacherous part of their voyage.

Nonessential crew and personnel will stay below decks while going through the Strait, still needing to remain silent, but at least safer behind locked doors. The crew members unlucky enough to be the ones operating the ship through the Strait will have a harder time. In the past, sailors would try to block the sound from their ears. This also meant they couldn’t hear the captain’s directives and ships crashed against the jagged rocks.

“I have to find Alec. I’ll be right in to join you,” Psyche says, taking Medusa’s hand in her own and kissing the inside of Medusa’s palm before walking away.

Medusa’s foot touches the top stair to go below deck when Nicodemus’ voice sounds behind her, sending a shiver down her spine.

“Ah, there you are, Medusa. There are some logistics that Isadora asked me to discuss with you.”

Medusa’s heart pounds, and she forgets how to breathe. Something is off. Beneath the hood, her serpents stir. Excuses fly through Medusa’s mind and she tries to come up with any reason not to follow Nicodemus.

“All right.” Medusa’s chest tightens at the thought of being alone with the captain, and she wishes Psyche was still with her.

“Excellent, come with me and we will have a quick chat before we get to the Strait.” Nicodemus gently grabs Medusa’s upper arm to guide her.

Her instincts scream that something is wrong, and she bristles at his touch, yanking her arm from his grasp. Nicodemus glares at her through a clenched jaw but does not reach out to touch her again. Is Medusa confident enough to jeopardize the mission? If only Psyche were still with her.

They reach the back of the ship, and the aft deck is empty. No Isadora, no other crew members. Just a dinghy, ready to drop into the water. Medusa spins around to find Nicodemus invading her personal space, close and threatening.

“Medusa, your role in this mission has changed. Get in the boat.”

“No.” What is Nicodemus doing? There is no chance the plan would have changed like this without Psyche knowing.

Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out a vial. Medusa takes a step back, bumping into the railing. She is cornered. Subtly adjusting her feet, Medusa strengthens her stance. She will fight this man if it comes to it.

But what if it did? Indecision claws at her, pricking her skin with shards of doubt.

Pain stings Medusa’s waist, and she finds a dagger digging into her side.

“I can make this easier and kill you right now, but that’s not how he wants you.”

Nicodemus thinks Medusa will be easy to subdue? Good.

Medusa brings her knee to Nicodemus’s groin, and the resulting groan is satisfying. He hunches over slightly and Medusa tries to slip around him.

“She’s not going anywhere, Captain. What is the meaning of this?” Psyche says.

Distracted by Psyche’s presence, Nicodemus twists Medusa around and holds the dagger to her throat. Before she can process the absence of pain in her side, the blade is digging into her throat. Nicodemus digs the blade in deeper and a warm trickle of blood trails down to her collarbone.

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