Medusa halted, confused at the unexpected question. Map?

  Yes, yes, Clotho answered in her usual light-hearted tone. You’ll get the map and more stones than you need tomorrow.

  More than I need? That was too generous; something didn't add up.

  “Soft hands, why'd you stop?” Medusa blinked at Akrivi. They were standing in a dimly lit corridor that led to a flight of stairs.

  “I need a moment to… think,” she said.

  “Whatever the patron needs,” Akrivi replied with an easy shrug.

  Why would I need an incentive to use a map? Usually, Clotho freely gave directions and offered pointers.

  Using it comes with certain… risks, Clotho finally said after a beat of silence. And you may encounter my sister.

  “Hey!” Medusa cried as her heart sank to the floor of her belly.

  “No need to yell; I'm right here,” Akrivi said, expression shifting from concern to exasperation. “

  “I wasn’t speaking to you.” Medusa waved him away as she tried to make sense of Clotho's words.

  He shook his head and whispered something about the misfortune of getting shackled to a loony customer.

  But I never want to meet your sister again. Medusa had found that no amount of mental gymnastics could free her from the stain of that single encounter. She felt marked by a hunter.

  Recall that my sister is searching for someone? You must get to them first.

  Why? Medusa’s unease worsened.

  Finding them will bring answers, and those answers will also benefit me. That’s why I'm giving you more than enough aether stones.

  More than enough stones? How many high-grade stones are we talking about?

  Fifty.

  Medusa’s hands flew to her mouth. That was more than the amount they paid at Tartarus' gate. Medusa's head swam. It was more than worth it. Not only will it make her plan with the dogs smoother, but she could also explore other uses of the stones.

  All I have to do is find this person?

  Yes. And the path to them cuts through Agria’s nest. Quite convenient, no?

  Medusa's eyes reduced to slits. It was too convenient. What aren't you telling me?

  Um… let’s see. Ah, almost forgot. I wouldn’t be with you as you go about the search, Clotho said after a pause. I’ll be away for a considerable period.

  Why? It was always one bomb after another with Clotho. First, Akrivi being cursed, then the possibility of encountering her murder-incarnate sister, and now this?

  You should be fine on your own. The time you spent in training has yielded good results, no? And I’ve provided lessons. You'll find them at the annexe along with the formula for the antivenom. Oh, and I also… Clotho chatted on, but Medusa wasn't listening.

  Her mind raced as she considered the implication of Clotho's words. If she were facing her sister, would it be physical or as it was before? If it was the latter, she had the beaded band, and staying away from near-death experiences could help. But if the encounter was physical, that's something entirely different.

  I… Medusa schooled her features and ignored the sinking feeling of abandonment and rising panic. I hope I won't have to face your sister physically.

  Huh? Clotho laughed. Face her physically? Even Zeus wouldn't dare. But, her tone grew serious, from what I glimpsed of the future, she may have found a way to make up for that weakness.

  Medusa began pacing as her panic increased. She vaguely noticed Lonian and Vyron had joined Akrivi; they were looking at her weirdly, but she was past caring.

  You know this and you still want me to risk it? She marked me. She said she’d kill me.

  Worry about finding what she seeks, Clotho answered in a firm voice. I'll keep her from harming you.

  Clotho’s words hardly banished her worry, but she offered her thanks anyway.

  You're welcome. There was a smile in Clotho’s voice. Oh! And Athena has gotten news of Ares taking you as his contender.

  I see. How ironic that she feared another being more than Athena.

  Do not despair, Clotho said in a breezy tone. She doesn’t know you’re Medusa.

  But she’s coming for me all the same.

  Athena is too proud to act in person. She has something planned; I’ve seen glimpses, Clotho said. Do not let that distract you. Everything is set. The next time we speak, it will be face-to-face. Be well, child.

  Her link vanished before Medusa could respond.

  “Thanks for the heads up,” Medusa muttered to thin air. Just how long will Clotho be away?

  Akrivi strolled over. “We just talked about it. If you're scared, we can shift the plan.”

  Medusa observed them. Vyron looked like he wished he were somewhere else, Lonian appeared concerned for her, and Akrivi still had that merchant gleam in his eyes. His following words didn’t surprise her.

  “I'd prefer it if you don’t give up, though. I need those stones.”

  “And you'd get them.” She pushed off the wall and tucked away Clotho’s revelations for later observation

  Lonian peered at her as he walked over. “You were mumbling to yourself and staring at nothing.”

  Medusa shrugged. “I was… talking to a divine being.”

  “So, prayer?” He smiled down at her. “The Monks of Mount Seiraphon, have you heard of them? They’re my people. They pray like that sometimes. See,” he gave Akrivi a smug look, “she's not mad.”

  Akrivi waved off the comment. “Say, can I get one of the stones now?”

  “Not until the first stages of my plan take shape,” Medusa said as they made their way down the steps leading to the quadrangle.

  “Come on.” Akrivi threw his hands as he matched her steps. “Never heard of an advance? You certain you’re a merchant's kid?”

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  She glanced at Akrivi. Why had Clotho bothered to tell her he was cursed? Judging from appearance alone, he looked normal save for his exceptional looks. She swept away the thought, choosing to consider it later.

  “Say something.”

  They stopped at the edge of the quadrangle, and Medusa took it all in. A considerable number of the dogs were still about. Good.

  Ahead was a weather-beaten illuminated water clock. The deep blue bubble—signalling night time—slowly travelled up the glass, showing that there was at least one hour before curfew.

  “We should also use food,” Medusa said as she dragged her attention from the clock.

  “Food?” Lonian raised a brow.

  “We can use it to get them in line.”

  Akrivi’s face fell. “So we’re abandoning violence.”

  “Yes,” Vyron spoke for the first time. “Let’s avoid violence.” He gave Akrivi a pointed look as he spoke.

  “Make it look like I’m the one pulling the strings,” Medusa continued, “that way those from powerful houses wouldn’t target your families.”

  Akrivi made a face. “Who says I have family?” He mumbled. “Allow me to earn those stones, May. Those stingy nobles give nothing. It'll be satisfying to set them straight and get paid for it.”

  “And you’ll get paid, but not for fighting… at least not tonight.” Her eyes danced over each floor, taking in movement. “Who’s the most influential noble among the dogs?”

  Vyron’s answer was immediate. “Arke of House Delion.”

  That was unexpected. “Not Eristes?”

  “A close second,” Vyron said. “Arke’s family has been one of the top managers of the Bank of Athena for many generations. Her family also has a few low deities.”

  Low deities, huh? Medusa tucked away the information. “How strong is she?”

  “Are you thinking of fighting her?” An incredulous look animated his face. “She… her house… they’re vindictive—nasty lots. They hold unbelievable influence!”

  Akrivi, on the other hand, wore a thoughtful expression as he considered her question. “She's incredibly lazy. I've never seen her do anything remotely taxing, but she keeps up with Nestor's training without breaking a sweat.” His tone grew serious. “If I'm guessing, I'll lean more on her being a sleeping beast we shouldn’t wake.”

  “I agree with him,” Vyron said with a quick nod.

  Lonian remained silent.

  “She’d be our first target then.”

  “Why?” Akrivi looked concerned. “This protection is harder.”

  “You can pause your guard duties,” Medusa said as she began tightening the strip of cloth around her arms.

  “What if you die? How'd I get my payment?”

  “Do not speak so casually of death,” Lonian chided.

  “Where's her room?”

  “Hey, are you serious?” Vyron’s gaze darted among them. “Are you just going to let her do this?”

  Medusa met his panicked gaze. “I’ll do anything, even fight some lazy child to get Rico back.”

  “Child? Rico?” Akrivi laughed and shook his head. “Why do I keep forgetting she's insane?”

  “Where's her room?” Medusa asked again. She was eager to see how strong dying sixty-six times had made her.

  “Third room to your left. Topmost floor,” Lonian answered. “Strength to your bones,” he added solemnly as he made a fist and touched his chest.

  “Thanks, Lonian.” Medusa beamed at him before turning to the rest. “Whatever happens, do not interfere.”

  “Fine,” Akrivi answered with a huff.

  “You don't need to tell me,” Vyron mumbled.

  As Medusa took the stairs, she emptied her mind of every thought but one. Whatever it takes. Even if she had to risk using breathing again, she'd do it.

  Medusa stopped before the door and listened.

  Low voices, soft laughter and the calming tune of a lyre. Arke could be a sweet girl, uncorrupted by power and wealth. Medusa chuffed, discarding the ridiculous thought. Vyron’s explanation and reaction were enough reasons.

  She pushed the door open and casually stepped in. The music stopped with an awkward strum as their conversation fell to a hush.

  Though the room was as spacious as the one she shared with Akrivi and the rest, its luxury threw her off. Embroidered silken curtains framed the windows, and an ornately carved chaise complemented two stately beds. The carpeted floor, bronze mirror, and shelf laden with lotions and scents added to the opulence. Was that a golden incense burner in the shape of a nymph? Not a single detail hinted that this room belonged to a crumbling dormitory.

  Medusa’s focus returned to the most concerning sight of all.

  There was a thin, kneeling girl holding up a tray laden with a variety of fruits. When Medusa took a closer look, she realised she was the same knobby-kneed girl who presented the plaques yesterday.

  Apart from the kneeling girl, there was the brunette playing the lyre. Judging from her poised posture and delicate appearance, she was likely a noble. The same went for the girl who was lying on her side on one of the beds. That similar haughty air.

  Arke must be the girl lying on the second bed. The kneeling girl had been in the process of feeding her a piece of fruit when Medusa came in.

  “You’re Arke,” Medusa said with a smile.

  Arke’s eyes remained closed as she spat a fruit seed at the kneeling girl. It hit an already red spot on her forehead before falling to the carpeted ground.

  “Why did you stop?” Arke asked. The only unusual thing about her appearance was the marking peeking past the neck of her chiton; other than that, she was brown-haired and freckled across the nose and cheeks.

  The kneeling girl resumed feeding duty.

  “Why the visit, daughter of Venetis?” Arke asked after taking forever to chew a piece of fruit.

  Despite their speed, Medusa noticed the other two girls pulling something out of their hair. Likely weapons.

  Medusa made a show of looking around and took a step forward. “I heard you're scary. I was curious.”

  “Take one more step and you’ll be dead before the goddess’ roots can save you,” Arke spat without opening her eyes.

  If Arke's minions had any sense, they’d probably attack Medusa based on the skill she displayed during her trial. A pity that was old news. She planned to outspeed them before they activate whatever bothersome awakened abilities they possess.

  Unwilling to waste a moment, Medusa took a step forward and attacked in the same breath. Flinging a laced needle at the lyre girl, she snatched the second by the neck just as she rushed at her. There was the sound of something metallic—a hairpin, perhaps—falling to the ground as she tightened her grip and slammed her to the floor. She clapped in her face, the harsh collision of air and aether forcing the girl to sink into a dead faint.

  Straightening, Medusa snapped her attention to the lyre girl.

  “Arke!” she cried out in a shaky voice. “I can’t move.” Her tearful eyes widened when Medusa began her approach. “Stay away from me.” She sobbed and tightly shut her eyes when Medusa extended a hand and retrieved the needle sticking from her arm. “Relax, will you?”

  Medusa strolled over to the kneeling girl. She was trembling so violently that the fruits on the tray threatened to spill to the floor. “Dinner was awful. Surely, you understand,” she murmured before drawing the fruits into her dimension.

  Now Arke’s eyes were open. Though she glared at Medusa, she remained reclined.

  “You threatened to kill me.” Medusa retrieved the empty tray and hefted it as if judging its weight and strength. “This is how to threaten a person properly.”

  Medusa flung the tray at the frozen girl, manipulating air to triple its speed. She screamed as it zapped past her ear and pierced the opposite wall with a twang.

  “No, should keep your friends out of this.” Grabbing the unconscious girl by her tunic, Medusa dragged her to the second bed, settled her in an upright position and arranged her arms all proper and noble-like. “There.”

  When Medusa faced Arke again, she smiled at the change. Those previously arrogant eyes were no longer as fierce.

  “You should leave," Medusa said to the kneeling girl. Yet she stayed frozen, her hand suspended in the same position and her trembling gaze fixed on the floor.

  Sighing, Medusa walked over and gently patted her head. “Soon. Soon you’ll be free.”

  “I heard you’re a sloth,” Medusa forced a smile as she looked at Arke, “but I didn’t know you're a quadriplegic as well.”

  Arke flinched and sat up. It was a marvel her joints didn’t creak from sudden use. “Get your hand off my property,” she spat.

  “Property?” Medusa made up her mind then. “I promise, you'll be born anew by morning.”

  “Do you know who I am?” Arke asked, a note of incredulity in her voice.

  Medusa flatly stared at her. “Let me ask you. Do you know who I am?”

  The girl frowned, clearly taken aback by the question. “I… it doesn’t matter who you are. My family is the topmost—”

  “Eristes said something similar. But look at me—” Medusa met her eyes “—does it look like I care?”

  Red-faced with fury, Arke pushed the kneeling girl aside as she surged to her feet. “You dare speak to me in such a manner?”

  How original.

  Medusa resisted the urge to roll her eyes as she flexed her fingers in preparation for the confrontation that was soon to come. “The only thing that will save you is if that child—” she pointed at the girl who had returned to her kneeling position like a well-trained animal “—begs on your behalf.”

  Arke laughed, the sound harsh and insincere. Then her face hardened. “You are finished. I promise—”

  “I heard you have some obscure deities in your ancestry,” Medusa cut in.

  Arke reeled back as if physically slapped.

  “You should pray to them for strength tonight.”

  Medusa’s words were the final spark that ignited Arke’s fury. With a shrill, enraged cry, Arke shot forward, her arms locking around Medusa’s waist in a vice grip. They hurtled through the door, smashed over the stone railing and plummeted to the quadrangle below.

  Thanks to the kind soul who dropped a rating two weeks ago. You're the best.

  This weekend was the busiest ever, but I insisted I'd get this chapter out before Monday.

  It's the editing, guys. I never learn. One session and a blink later: 4 Hours gone and my brain is panting for distractions. Phew.