Page 56 of Heroines of Olympus

“If I ever hear that name leave your lips again, you willwishI had merely put you in a god cage. Guards!”

They file in from out in the corridor.

“Take her and put her in with our other prisoner.”

“Yes, goddess.”

“Now,” Aphrodite says, turning back to Nicodemus. “First, you’re going to tell me everything you know about the rebels’ plan for tonight.” She runs her hand along his forearm. “Then we can talk about how you might like to be rewarded.”

32

MEDUSA

The cargo hold of the ship is dark and cramped as Medusa dresses for the gala there rather than trying to lug everything she needs back to the cramped cabin.

The large space is empty of people save for Medusa, and she opens the container that has her evening wear. Psyche’s gown is on the top and Medusa takes it out, carefully running her fingers over the thin bronze chiffon. The dress sparkles, even in the dim lantern lighting. Medusa stares at the dress. Psyche was supposed to wear this. She was supposed to be here.

Medusa lifts out the two masks- her bronze one and the other a dark, dusty gold.

A shiver spreads across Medusa’s body as her bare skin meets the chilly air of the dank space. Stepping into her dress, one leg at a time, the silky green fabric feels smooth and cool as it slides over her hips and then clips over the right shoulder, leaving her left shoulder bare. The black cloak fastens at her collarbone. The velvety texture of it matches the black velvet of her hood, making it look like part of the ensemble.

Knowing she is alone, Medusa lowers her hood and slips the mask over her eyes. The strap is tricky to adjust comfortably around her snakes, who are slithering excitedly at not being covered. One of them coils around her finger and Medusa reaches up and pets the top of its head. “Hello.”

A necklace is sitting in the crate, and Medusa picks it up. It’s the same bronze as her snake mask that wraps around the base of her neck. She puts it on and gasps as Psyche’s magic comes pouring out of it.

As sparkling particles envelop Medusa, she glows. It twines all around her, kissing her skin and sending the faintest shivers coursing through her body. Medusa’s eyes widen when snakes appear. They are slithering around her arms, one around her neck, but she doesn’t sense any presence from them the way she does with the ones attached to her head.

She looks into a mirror that someone set up for her. “They’re illusions.”

Standing before her is not a monster or a hideous beast. Medusa can almost convince herself that she is beautiful. Is this how Psyche sees her?

To blend in better, they had given Medusa an outfit with snakes everywhere. Very few people actually know what she looks like now, so this should help keep anyone from being too suspicious if they catch a glimpse of a serpent or two. Medusa did not love the idea at first, but looking at her reflection now, there is not as much shame as she expected.

Pulling her hood back up, Medusa makes her way up to the deck to gather with the others. When she emerges from the stairs, the Temple is looming on the hill and a wave of anxiety crashes through her. It seems stupid to go right underneath the noses of the gods, but Medusa cannot idly sit by, hiding. Especially as she hears more and more of how The Pantheon has wronged so many people, and destroyed so many lives and families. Even if her rebellion is short-lived, Medusa is going to fight back. Even if it means her death, which it almost certainly will.

The group that is going ashore huddles together near the railing where the large dinghy they will be boarding is located. The Council members are dressed lavishly but lack the luster that Medusa exudes. Ajax, Cyril, and Cadmus opted for more understated but elegant looks. They each wear black tunics, pants, and boots, with black cloaks. The only color to be found is from their bronze masks.

“Line up!” Cadmus says and they all do so. He goes down the line, handing each one a bracelet. By the time he finishes and they put them on, their party truly looks fit for a godly gala.

They all board the dinghy, and Iris and Chloe lower it into the water. Medusa’s pulse races with every inch as they get closer to the surface of the sea, but she stamps it down defiantly.

I’m done being held hostage by my emotions. I AM stronger than this. This shall not break me.

Medusa controls her breathing until her heart rate slows to normal once more.

Cadmus takes Medusa’s hand and mouths, “Are you okay?”

Medusa squeezes his hand and nods yes in response.

The landing party makes their way to the shore in silence, the only sounds coming from the water slapping against the sides and the effort of Cadmus and Cyril rowing.

As they get closer, they can see the main harbor in the distance, filled with ships of all sizes. People in robes and masks make their way along the main path to the Temple.

The Allegiance, however, will avoid that route until they get closer to the Temple, and slip in amongst the stream of gala goers unnoticed. They could not have asked for a better cover for their operation than the gala. Opportunities that allow them to slip through the door do not come around often.

The boat jerks a little as it connects with the soft mud of the shore. Medusa’s stomach drops, but she holds her head up. Cyril takes his cloak off, hops out, and ties the boat to a small tree on the shore. One by one, everyone steps off the boat until it is Medusa’s turn. She pauses, and Cadmus reaches his hand out and helps her to neither fall nor destroy her dress.

Medusa puts one foot on shore, then the other, standing up straight and smoothing her dress and cloak while also being unable to take her eyes off the Temple.

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