The strange queasiness churned deep in my stomach, and a flush burned across my skin.
His breath hitched.
A calloused thumb dragged slowly across my jaw line.
“Alexis,” he rasped softly, fingers still stroking with unbelievable gentleness, his face close to mine.
“Kharon?”
“This is your last warning. If youeverput yourself in harm’s way like that again.” His voice shook. “There will be... consequences.”
“Why do you care?” I whispered. “You hate me—we’re enemies.”
He inhaled sharply. “Carissima, don’t test me.” His voice strummed with viciousness, lips centimeters away. “Please,” he begged.
“What?” I asked with confusion.
The fingers tightened into a vise, and I yelped as he squeezed painfully. His pupils dilated. “Why the FUCK DID YOU NOT RUN AWAY WITH THE REST OF THE INITIATES? YOUR LIFE WAS IN DANGER—CHTHONIC FUCKING LIFE!”
I blinked up at him as he bellowed into my face, numbness washing over me in an icy wave.He’s mad that I put my mentors’ statuses as generals at stake.
Breath caught in my throat.
“EXPLAIN YOURSELF,” he roared.
Phantom pains shot up both my wrists.
Flickering green lights—fists—ropes—pain—Mother screaming in my face.
Muscle memory took over.
I froze.
How to Take a Beating 101: Stay still and minimize damage. Don’t complain. Don’t flinch. Don’t react. Suffer in silence.
Everything warped and twisted.
My vision blurred.
I was insensate.
“Breath through your nose,” Nyx said soothingly. “He’s locked away, and she’s dead. You’re safe, kid. I promise.”
Glacier-blue eyes widened as they stared into mine.
Paralysis locked my limbs into place. I couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe—couldn’t feel. Anything.
Kharon stumbled away.
He dropped his knife and swore under his breath, dragging his hands roughly through his short hair.
“FUCK,” he bellowed as he pulled harder at his hair and looked at me. “I didn’t mean to do that—I’m sorry, are... are you okay? Alexis?”
I tried to speak, but my lips didn’t work.
Kharon swore vehemently, looking more distressed by the minute.
He stared at the mutilated Titan. “I need to take it to the underworld—NO,” he shouted and turned back to me. “I need to get you away from here—I need to get you somewhere safe. You’re hurt. SHIT.”
