Contents
Chapter 9: Poisoned Tongues
Overview
On their Rome mission, Patro and Achilles reveal a plan to free Alexis from her marriage by bringing Kharon and Augustus to the brink of death. The offer exposes their self-interest and contempt, igniting a fierce confrontation. Alexis rejects their manipulation and shocks them by revealing she understands Roman Sign Language.
Summary
At dawn in ruined Rome, Achilles leads Alexis and Patro through desolate alleys toward the Colosseum to tag Titans. The city’s devastation unsettles Alexis, and Patro’s dismissive reassurances stoke her frustration. Their animals shadow them as the trio advances through debris and human remains.
Patro stops Alexis, insisting he and Achilles have something private to admit. After tense hesitation and silent looks, Patro claims they want penance for the crucible and offer to help sever her Spartan marriage bond. He explains their research: using Alexis’s blood power to bring Kharon and Augustus to the brink of death would break the oath.
Horrified, Alexis challenges their timing and motives. Patro minimizes the danger, insisting they would recover, while Achilles tries to restrain him. Alexis presses, suspecting ulterior motives tied to their ages and desire to marry a Chthonic. Patro’s mask slips, and he responds with cruelty and insinuations about Kharon.
The exchange spirals into taunts and near violence as Achilles repeatedly pulls Patro back. Patro belittles Alexis as weak and unworthy; Alexis counters, accusing them of jealousy and self-interest. The supposed help is revealed as manipulation, not concern.
When Alexis demands to know their “script,” both freeze as she signs. The scene ends with Achilles realizing Alexis understands Roman Sign Language, a revelation that shifts the power dynamic and leaves their plan exposed.
Who Appears
- AlexisProtagonist on first Rome mission; rejects mentors’ plan to break her marriage; reveals she knows Roman Sign Language.
- PatroMentor who proposes severing Alexis’s marriage by near-killing her husbands; antagonistic, insulting, and volatile.
- AchillesMentor leading the mission; conflicted, restrains Patro, communicates via sign, stunned by Alexis’s signing.
- NyxAlexis’s companion serpent; comments and urges Alexis to verbally strike back.
- Fluffy Jr.Protective companion animal; moves to guard Alexis during the confrontation.
- NeroCompanion animal walking with Achilles; present during the tense exchange.
- PoppaeCompanion animal trailing the group quietly through Rome’s ruins.