“We would extend the best hospitality. Percy could stay with my family—we have the space,” Fotis offered quickly. “Please, we really need the help,” he begged, watching Selene as closely as I did. She finished her drink and waved the servant over, who quickly replaced Selene’s glass with a new drink.
“No,” she said after taking a sip. “I am sorry, Fotis, but I cannot risk my pet’s safety,” she explained.
“I promise you, no one from Cliffwind would ever harm a flower girl. She’d be a local celebrity. Only the best treatment,” Fotis promised.
Selene’s frown deepened.
“Please, Selene. I’ll be fine. It will only be a few days,” I begged.
The situation in Cliffwind was dire. People would starve if I couldn’t help—they might still starve with my help. She couldn’t say no.
Selene turned to me, her eyes flashing bright, a soft rumble of a growl. “Silence,” she commanded, her tone harsh.
I saw Adamantia place her hand on Sasha’s shoulder to prevent her from intervening.
“People will starve!” I argued, unable to understand how Selene could be so cold-hearted towards her own people.
Selene took a long drink from her glass and waved the servant over who took the glass away. I was infuriated as she ignored me.
“It’s quite alright. I understand your concerns,” Fotis said. “Please do not worry yourself, Percy.”
I didn’t pay Fotis attention; I was too angered by Selene’s callousness.
“Don’t ignore me,” I said, reaching for her arm.
Before I could take hold of her, she turned to me, taking my hand tightly in her own, squeezing painfully. I cried in pain and bent, twisting, trying to free my hand.
“You do not question nor make demands of me,” she hissed, pulling me towards her.
“You have overstepped, pet. You have but one chance to apologise for your outburst, and we will move on and continue with the evening as planned.”
She released my hand, and I stumbled away from her, cradling my hand to my chest. The pain was relieved the moment she released me, but I still clutched my hand in shock. When I turned and saw the sad look that Sasha gave me, and the way Fotis was staring squarely at the floor, I felt a wave of embarrassment come over me—followed immediately by an unwillingness to cow to her.
She was being unreasonable and selfish—and how could she treat me like this in front of others, humiliate me?
“I will not apologise. You’re heartless,” I told her.
Selene’s nostrils flared. She turned to the others. “I will return shortly,” she told them calmly.
“Where are you going?” I asked.
The answer came when she took hold of me by the back of my neck and began to drag me from the room.
“What—" I said, panicked. Her grip was tight and painful, and my feet struggled to keep pace with her. “Let me go! Selene! Stop!” I cried, as I was dragged from the dining room and into the hall.
But she did not listen or slow her pace. When we came to the staircase, she released my neck only to swiftly grip me around the waist and haul me over her shoulder. She was not gentle, and the way I hung upside down felt insecure, unsafe.
Only the previous day, she had carried me similarly and it had been fun, exciting. Now I was filled with fear as she took the steps three at a time, bounding up them as if she carried nothing.
When we reached the master tower, she turned the key to the barricade door and quickly climbed the remaining stairs to our room. She threw me unceremoniously to the bed, and I bounced, rolled, and fell off the other side.
“I will deal with you after dinner. Stay here,” she said and turned to leave.
“Selene, wait,” I cried. She stopped at the bedroom door but didn’t turn to me.
“Why?” I asked. Why had she reacted so horribly? I had questioned her, but that was no reason to drag me like a dog and put me to bed. I was scared and confused and hurt as I kneeled on the floor and leaned against our bed.
She didn’t respond. She simply walked out the door and slammed it behind her. I laid my head on the bed and cried.
