I was sick with nausea.
There was no fight left in me.
“A betrothal is sacred,” Kharon announced gravely. “The federation cannot interfere once it has been accepted. Not only am I in compliance with the marriage law, but it will also save her honorandHelen’s honor.” His face was full of sympathy, like he was just trying to help.
“I have—come to care for Alexis... greatly,” he said, voice shaking with emotion.
Liar.
LIAR!
He’s putting on a show.
It’s all a game.
I’m just a loophole.
Persephone must have sensed my agitation, because she wrapped her arms around my shoulders and cradled me against her. “It’s going to be okay, honey. I’ll make sure of it.”
Tears filled my eyes because no one had ever said that to me before, and it had never been less true.
Zeus stepped forward, his face full of outrage. “Who is this partner you speak of also marrying?”
Kharon stepped to the side.
Augustus stepped forward, crown glinting atop two-toned hair. Just like Kharon, he was splattered in blood.
No.
Not him.
Anyone but him.
Voices muttered.
Someone said, “The heir to the House of Artemisandthe heir to the House of Ares—holy Kronos.”
“Both Chthonic heirs?” someone gasped. “That’s insane.”
Augustus stared across the sand at me with the eyes of a killer. He held my gaze, unblinking.
Kharon told him what I was after that first week. That’swhy he glared at me accusingly in class. That’s why he made perplexing comments about my power and dishonor. That’s why he said Chthonic lives mattered—I was the Chthonic life, not my mentors.
They were using me.
That was it.
Helen looked up from where she was kneeling in the sand with Patro now by her side, and her eyes were wide with sympathy. They shone with misery.
The chatter intensified all around.
“We have betrothed her together,” Augustus announced, voice silky smooth and full of confidence. “That is why two boxes were sent, and both were opened. She accepted both of us.”
Never.
Unlike Kharon, he didn’t smirk. His expression was stoic.
Zeus frowned. “But the federation stated in the marriage law you cannot marry a Chthonic. It is unacceptable that you three would?—”
