Contents
32. But You Belong to Us
Overview
In the aftermath of Alexis’s coerced marriage, Patro and Achilles argue over failing to intervene. Patro confronts his conflicted attachment to Alexis. They resolve to reclaim her from her new husbands, declaring she already belongs with them. This decision reframes their mentorship into a possessive, defiant mission.
Summary
Patro stumbles into the home he shares with Achilles, reeling with rage and helplessness after Alexis’s binding marriage. He drags Achilles into their bedroom for privacy from Alexis’s brother and vents that they should have intervened.
The confrontation turns physical as Achilles restrains Patro against the wall. Patro, shaken and in pain, admits that Alexis was supposed to be an annoying mentee but he doesn’t hate her—revealing a confused, growing attachment. He rubs at his branded scar, grounding himself as he voices despair and asks what they can do.
Achilles signs a decisive plan: they will find a way to take Alexis away from her new husbands. When Patro asks if she will be theirs, Achilles insists she already is—she just doesn’t know it. Their argument crystallizes into a vow, turning private conflict into a clear objective to reclaim Alexis.
Who Appears
- PatroNarrator; furious they didn’t stop Alexis’s marriage, admits conflicted feelings, and commits to taking her back.
- AchillesPatro’s partner; restrains Patro, communicates by signing, and declares they will reclaim Alexis, claiming she is already theirs.
- Alexis HertOffstage; newly married against her wishes, subject of Patro and Achilles’s possessive vow to rescue her.
- Alexis’s brotherOffstage presence outside the room; prompts Patro to seek privacy during the confrontation.