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Chapter Fourteen
I let Europa guide me away from the bath, thought just enough for us to be out of Melite’s sight. We’d only managed to get around the corner before Europa surprised me by pushing me to the wall. Typically her pushing me wouldn’t have caused me to move an inch, but she’d caught me off guard, and I stumbled slightly into the wall.
“Europa…” I started to question. The rest of my words died off, muffled as she kissed me. Her kiss was different from Melite and even different from last night's. It was desperate and chaotic. It felt like she wanted to use me to erase the trauma even hearing that boy’s name brought bubbling back to the surface. And I don’t know how I should feel about that.
But I do know I want her to feel better, so I go with it. I wrap my arms around her, lifting her to my level. Swit
BryantNew chapters are posted Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Follow me on Instagram @authorbryant for updates on this and other stories.
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I was careful as I shifted out of bed. I didn’t want to wake her. She needs the rest. I moved a blanket to cover her naked body with. “Sleep well,” I whispered, bending to pick up the cloth I’d dried off with. My clothes were still back in the bath, so I would have to wait to get dressed properly till I got there. So I tied my drying cloth back around my waist and headed to find Melite.I could smell her as I got closer to the bath. She’d washed herself using some of the oils I had on hand. Even with the scent of the oils, I could still smell her natural scent. It was mouth-watering. I could hear her humming a song to herself as I turned the corner. I smiled, watching her drying herself as she hummed.“Do you intend to lurk in the shadows or help me dry off?” she asked, turning her back to me. I chuckled, co
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I groaned as I shifted, the chains loosening now that the guards weren’t holding them in place. I looked and saw my mother with Melite and Europa just behind her. My mother was crying and the girls...they were both pale and looked horrified. Damn it. I didn’t want any of them to see that, to see me like this. Why would my mother bring them out here? “How… how could he be so cruel?” Melite sobbed as Europa hugged her. I groaned as I moved to get to my feet. I had to reach out to stable myself on the wall. “Asterion…” my mother called out, rushing forward. “I’ll be okay, mother.” I nodded trying to reassure her. “I’ll be alright, girls.” I said looking to the distraught Melite and Europa. “Does he do this often?” Europa asked. I shook my head. “Not recently.”I assured. It wasn’t the first time I’ve been beaten. Probably won’t be the last either. My mother
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There were no middle-of-the-night disturbances. No one tripped over me to leave the room. No Minos or his guards coming to hassle me. I can only hope that Minos leaves the remaining tributes untouched. I don’t want anyone harmed because of me.I groaned, hearing the horns echoing from outside. “I hate that horn.” Europa grumbled from across the room. “We all do.” Melite grumbled. But her voice wasn’t coming from across the room. I opened my eyes and looked down. Melite was snuggled against me, face buried in my chest.“When did you get over here?” I asked, shifting, tightening my arms around her. I hadn’t even woken up when she decided to lay next to me. I’m usually a much lighter sleeper than that. “Not sure. Can’t really tell the time in here.” Melite sighed, nuzzling de
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Demoleon blinked and looked from me to the girls as if wanting confirmation. All three nodded. “I would never hurt my cousin.” he defended. “It’s not just your cousin I protect. You touch Europa or Melite in a way they don’t want. If you hurt them in any way, I will kill you.” I warned, glaring at him. “I wouldn’t ever touch either of them.” he stated though I smelled embarrassment at the statement.I cocked my head, not really sure what that was about. I glanced at the girls. Europa and Andromache snickered while Melite looked as confused as me. I shrugged, letting it go. “Follow me. Did they feed you before sending you to die?” I asked, starting to walk back to the main room.“Um… no. Just some bread last night before lights out.” Demoleon answered cautiousl
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