Pelagios folded his arms. “So, we attack through the gate?”
“Yes. Leukos will lead the attack there.” Theo’s eyes flicked to him. “He’ll make it loud and draw as many soldiers as possible. And many will come once they recognise him. The Emperor put a price on his head.”
Alena’s head lifted at that, her gaze locking on him. He gave her the faintest nod. He’d draw out all five hundred men if it meant keeping her safe.
Theo continued, “While Leukos holds their attention, Danaos, Despoina, and a handful of men will sneak into the camp, locate the prisoners, and transport them back to Tiryns. You may encounter resistance, but with most of their forces at the gate, it should be manageable.”
“Do we know how many were taken?” Phoebe asked.
“No.” Theo’s gaze shifted to the twins. “Could be more than three dozen. A lot of children?—”
Despoina stepped in, shoulders squared, eyes fierce. “There won’t be horses this time. We can carry more. We won’t leave a single child behind, I promise you that.”
Theo nodded. “Once the prisoners are rescued, Leukos will unleash his ice, sealing the camp. Whatever soldiers remain will panic and run for the forest.”
“Kallisto’s forest,” Danaos said with a wry smile. “She’s one of the Huntress’ nymphs. If the gods are willing, any cowards who flee there will never make it out alive.”
On the map, the forest sprawled all the way down to Argos. It would be difficult to find any survivors within.
“Any soldiers left will be scattered, without horses or supplies,” Theo finished. “They won’t be able to continue their raids.”
It sounded too simple. Too easy. The whole plan hinged on him, and though he had enough magic to destroy the camp, he wasn’t sure how much of it he could control.
Still, time was running out. And Theo had never steered him wrong.
“The Twelve be with us,” Danaos said, his eyes lingering on Alena before he led his men away to prepare offerings to the gods. Soon enough, some poor animals would be butchered and burned, all in a futile attempt to gain the Twelve’s favour. If the gods had cared to intervene during his father’s reign, they could have stopped the bloodshed long ago. Still, Leukos held his tongue. There was no need to anger the Sea God more than he already had. His thoughts drifted to the soulmate declaration the god had made—only to be cut short when Alena stepped towards Theo.
“What about me?” she asked, a slight frown on her face.
Theo hesitated, flicking a glance at Leukos before answering. “You’re with Leukos. He’ll keep you safe.”
“No.” Her voice was sharp as she folded her arms. “You need help to locate the prisoners. The wolves can track them, and I can help Danaos.”
“Absolutely not,” Leukos cut in before Theo could respond. He couldn’t help himself. The rescue was the most perilous mission—straight into the heart of the enemy camp, with prisoners to find and soldiers to fend off. “That’s out of the question.”
Tension crackled, thick enough to make nearby soldiers exchange uneasy looks. Theo winced, quickly rolling up the map as if to escape the brewing storm. Phoebe leaned against a tree with a sly scoff. “This should be good,” she muttered.
Alena squared her shoulders. “It’s not up to you.”
“Actually, I’m the one leading the assault.” His look could intimidate most men, but not her—and in that moment, he didn’t know whether to scold her or kiss her.
Her gaze narrowed. “And I’m not one of your soldiers.”
Nik winced, rubbing the back of his neck. “Should we?—?”
Theo shook his head with a weary sigh. Phoebe tugged Nik back with a grin. “Oh no. Let them sort this out.”
The others stepped away, leaving Leukos and Alena locked in a silent standoff. From the trees came the distant clatter of weapons being readied—harsh and restless against the charged quiet between them.
“Stars be cursed, what’s your problem?” Alena snapped at last, as though she weren’t the one being difficult.
“I can’t watch you throw yourself into danger!”
“I’m not throwing myself into anything!” Her eyes burned with defiance, her cheeks flushed. She was so mesmerising that his retort died in his throat.
“I’m doing what I was chosen to do,” she went on, oblivious to the way she commanded his attention. “I’m the Omega, Leukos. I’m not just a symbol to sit back watch battles from afar. Why do you think Phoebe’s been training me to fight?”
Her words were sharp, but all he could think about was how easily she stole his focus—even in the heat of an argument.
