Chapter 45: Who Did This To You?

As Zeus announces the third round with two labors remaining, Alexis stands bloodied, wielding the Rod of Asclepius while Nyx coils invisibly around it and Fluffy Jr. braces at her side. Two chained figures emerge from the gate—Augustus and Kharon—drugged and bruised, sent to face her.

Alexis refuses to fight the men she loves, but the stadium roars for violence. In the tense standoff, Augustus notices her injury and realizes she is partially blind on the same side as her missing ear. The revelation halts all three, but Zeus threatens branding if they do not fight.

Adopting their Spartan armor of resolve, Augustus and Kharon decide Alexis must win. Kharon vows love and refuses to harm her; Augustus’s bond-enhanced power pushes thoughts into her mind, then he knocks Kharon unconscious to prevent Kharon from sacrificing himself. Cornering Alexis beneath Zeus’s podium, Augustus seizes her wrist and forces the Rod into his own heart, declaring love and acceptance of the cost.

Alexis tries to heal Augustus, but Zeus ends the round, leaps into the arena, and brands Augustus before guards carry him away. Zeus then brands the unconscious Kharon, adding to old scars. Reeling, Alexis accuses Zeus of his manipulations.

Under chants forging her into Hercules, Alexis limps from the sand and reaches the gate. Collapsing in the corridor, she steels herself: as heiress of the House of Hades, she will survive and make Zeus learn fear—hellhounds, not lions, rule her world.