Contents
Chapter 13: The Hunter
Overview
In the rain-soaked aftermath, Kharon surgically sews his own ear onto the grievously injured Alexis while Augustus battles and captures Titans. As Augustus carries both Spartans toward a safe house, Romans gather, defending Alexis and dubbing her the Angel of Rome. Achilles appears, is condemned for abandoning Alexis, and retreats in shame.
Summary
Amid a downpour and the echoes of battle, Kharon focuses solely on saving Alexis, who lies critically injured after fighting two flying Titans. Using Spartan fusion, he stitches his own ear onto Alexis to replace hers, monitoring her body’s acceptance as Hell and Hound guard them and Augustus fights nearby.
Assessing Alexis’s shredded back and her wavering consciousness, Kharon refuses her plea to be left. He vows lifelong devotion, claiming their bond, and kisses her possessively. Augustus interrupts, exasperated, and, judging none of them fit to leap, decides to reach a local safe house while hauling three chained Titans.
As Augustus carries Alexis and supports Kharon, armed civilians confront them, insisting Alexis saved them and demanding assurances. Augustus publicly pledges, as Ares’s eldest heir, to protect Alexis, which calms the crowd. Romans then line the streets, touch Alexis in reverence, spit on the Titans, and chant “Angelus Romae,” while Kharon bristles at their claim on her.
At the street’s end, Achilles emerges from the ruins. Augustus explodes, accusing him of abandoning Alexis to die. Shamed and speechless, Achilles withdraws with a leap. The trio continue toward the safe house with Alexis in Augustus’s arms, the city’s acclamation trailing them through the rain.
Who Appears
- KharonPOV; stitches his ear onto Alexis, vows lifelong devotion, supports Augustus toward a safe house.
- Alexis HertGrievously wounded after killing two flying Titans; accepts Kharon’s graft; hailed as the Angel of Rome.
- AugustusFights and captures Titans; carries Alexis and aids Kharon; pledges protection to calm civilians; condemns Achilles.
- AchillesReappears after leaving with Patro; accused of abandoning Alexis; retreats in shame.
- Hell and HoundKharon’s hellhounds; guard Alexis and menace onlookers during the retreat.
- Fluffy Jr.Alexis’s rapidly growing beast; nuzzles her and accompanies the group.
- LuciaElderly Roman who confronts the Spartans, defends Alexis, and spurs the crowd’s protection.
- PocoPerches on Augustus’s shoulder, shivering in the rain during the march.
- TitansThree captives chained to Augustus; others earlier mutated to fly and maimed Alexis.