Chapter 7: The Lover

Patro watches Augustus and Kharon exit with Alexis, who wears a diamond and stands between them under chthonic crowns. Feeling replaced as mentor and stung by status, Patro’s Gorgon torture memories surge. He bristles at Kharon’s taunts, storms to the showers, and obsessively scrubs, desperate to purge the past.

Achilles intercepts Patro’s self-destructive spiral, reminding Patro that Alexis is their mentee but that Patro’s stability is his priority. Patro accuses Achilles of yielding to their brothers and abandoning their bond. The dispute escalates, exposing Patro’s nightmares, poor appetite, and fear of regressing.

Achilles pins Patro, channeling the beastly Ares persona to anchor him. Their argument turns to sex, which steadies Patro. During the encounter, Patro voices dread about a law forcing them to marry an Olympian, fearing it will ruin their relationship. Achilles silences the panic, maintaining control until they both climax.

In the afterglow, Patro admits he sensed Alexis respected their love but fears anyone could take Achilles away, the only family he trusts. Achilles studies him and, with fierce resolve, promises to protect what they share. He declares for Patro’s sake that “she’ll be ours,” reaffirming loyalty while reframing Alexis as part of their unit.