Contents
Chapter 25: A Massacre of Power
Overview
Alexis endures a seductive nightmare before the initiation massacre. She accepts Kharon’s diamond gift, then takes part in the flag ceremony, publicly affirmed as Hades’s lost heir. During the brutal trial, Zeus abruptly accelerates the SGC to start tomorrow and orders Chthonics detained and interrogated, igniting panic and forcing immediate choices.
Summary
Before dawn, Alexis dreams of a charged encounter with Kharon and Augustus that turns cruel, jolting her awake. In Helen’s room, she finds a blue diamond choker clearly from Kharon. Prodded by Nyx, Alexis decides to accept the gift as a sign of giving Kharon a chance, despite her nerves about the day’s rites.
The group portals to the Dolomites Coliseum for the initiation massacre. Amid chants and scrutiny, the flag ceremony begins: Augustus raises Ares’s banner; Kharon carries Artemis’s, revealing his hellhounds and missing ear to the crowd; Patro and Achilles hoist Aphrodite’s together. Alexis then runs the Hades standard, drawing whispers of “lost heir” and “Angel of Rome,” a recognition that hardens her resolve even as it unsettles her.
The massacre starts: one hundred boys enter, and slaughter follows. Alexis forces herself to watch while Nyx alternates between Kharon and Augustus, needling both. When the fog clears, ten survive. Fate arrives to assign mentors, and Zeus addresses the arena, preaching unity and Medusa’s eventual capture.
Zeus shocks the stadium by moving the SGC to start tomorrow, ordering all Chthonics to remain at the arena for the twelve-day showcase and to submit to extensive questioning about Medusa, under threat of Underworld imprisonment or death. The crowd erupts—chants to kill Medusa, accusations, and panic sweep the stands. Helen and Charlie look to Alexis; Achilles tries to steady Charlie; Kharon urges Alexis to stay close.
Reeling that their preparation time is gone, Alexis vows to figure something out as the arena seethes. With the federation tightening its grip, the Chthonics face immediate scrutiny and confinement, and Alexis recognizes their margin for error has vanished.
Who Appears
- AlexisPOV; accepts Kharon’s diamond choker, carries Hades’s flag, watches the massacre, reels as Zeus accelerates the SGC.
- KharonSupportive yet intense; carries Artemis’s flag, displays hellhounds, flanks Alexis, urges sticking together amid Zeus’s decree.
- AugustusSharper-eyed after Ares madness; carries Ares’s flag, sits with Alexis during the massacre, reacts tensely to Zeus’s announcement.
- NyxSerpent protector; nudges Alexis to accept Kharon’s gift, banters with Kharon and Augustus during the massacre.
- ZeusAnnounces mentors, accelerates the SGC to start tomorrow, orders Chthonics detained and interrogated, inflaming the crowd.
- PatroRaises Aphrodite’s flag with Achilles; exchanges tense looks with Alexis during the ceremony.
- AchillesHelps carry Aphrodite’s flag; later steadies Charlie, signing reassurance amid chaos.
- HadesLeads the procession, oversees the massacre, and acknowledges Alexis during the ceremony.
- PersephoneEncourages Alexis before the flag run, moved by her public claim to Hades’s House.
- ArtemisWatches Kharon carry her House flag; publicly acknowledges him despite private disownment.
- AresChthonic leader at the ceremony; his House’s flag is carried by Augustus.
- AphroditeLeads with others; her House flag is borne by Patro and Achilles.
- HelenAnxious witness; looks to Alexis for a plan after Zeus’s decree.
- CharlieOverwhelmed by the massacre and Zeus’s order; reassured by Achilles.
- FateArrives after the slaughter to assign mentors to the surviving initiates.
- DrexAlerts Alexis to the event; distressed witness during the massacre.
- Fluffy Jr.Hellhound pup; stays by Alexis, whimpering during the massacre.