Contents
Chapter 48: Medusa
Overview
In a flashback, Alexis rescues Medusa from the federation’s Underworld prison, killing two Hermes guards. Hades covertly aids her, relocating them to Crete. Back at the villa, Alexis executes traitor Ceres after forcing a confession, then—with Helen and Persephone’s help—disguises Medusa as Ceres and disposes of the body, cementing the deception.
Summary
In the Underworld prison, Alexis hears a woman screaming and chooses to investigate despite Nyx urging escape. She finds two Hermes guards abusing a sedated prisoner held in age-stasis. Alexis and Nyx kill the guards; Alexis unlocks the restraints and reveals the captive as Medusa. Committing to her choice, Alexis carries the weakened Medusa into the corridor, where Hades intercepts them.
Hades, impressed by Alexis’s resolve, offers support and teleports them to his villa on Crete. Persephone and Charlie tend to Alexis while Hades plans to cover for her return to training. With the federation likely to search the island, Alexis promises to devise a way to hide Medusa.
That night, unable to sleep, Alexis descends to the dungeon and confronts captive Ceres about aiding Theros in murdering Zeus House children. Using her blood, Alexis forces a confession, then kills Ceres. Helen discovers her in shock and volunteers to help, picking the manacles and agreeing to a plan to disguise Medusa as Ceres.
Alexis returns to Crete with Ceres’s body; Persephone compassionately assumes responsibility for disposing of it. Alexis brings Medusa back to the villa disguised as Ceres, completing the ruse to misdirect the federation and protect Medusa.
Who Appears
- AlexisRescues Medusa from the Underworld, kills two Hermes guards, executes Ceres, and orchestrates Medusa’s disguise.
- NyxSerpentine companion; kills a guard, counsels Alexis, and endorses her decisive, lethal choices.
- MedusaPrisoner in age-stasis; freed by Alexis, later disguised as Ceres to evade the federation.
- HadesFinds Alexis freeing Medusa; supports her choice, teleports them to Crete, and covers for her.
- PersephoneComforts Alexis, prepares to hide Medusa, and disposes of Ceres’s body without hesitation.
- HelenCatches Alexis in the dungeon, assists by picking locks and helping disguise Medusa as Ceres.
- CeresImprisoned traitor; admits aiding Theros under blood coercion and is killed by Alexis.
- CharlieAt Crete villa; helps tend Alexis after the rescue and reacts to the unfolding plan.
- Hermes House guardsUnderworld prison abusers; two are killed by Alexis and Nyx during Medusa’s rescue.