Medusa's Revenge

Chapter 68: Shadows in the Palace

Lyrius's vigilant gaze never wavered, his focus split between Calypso and potential threats. Calypso's thoughts, however, drifted to Athena, her rescuer-turned-absent-savior.

"Why didn't Athena come herself?" Calypso wondered, a mix of relief and disappointment swirling within. "Did I err in leaving the Underworld? Should I have remained hidden, basking in the sun's warmth, free from divine entanglements?"

Her musings halted abruptly as Lyrius's cold hands grasped her shoulders, shaking her back to reality.

"Calypso, are you hearing me?" Lyrius asked, his voice low and urgent.

Calypso's frown met Lyrius's inquiring gaze. "My apologies, Lyrius. Did you say something?"

Lyrius's expression turned peculiar, his eyes narrowing. "I asked how you escaped the River Styx and the Underworld. Did someone aid you?"

Calypso's hesitation was palpable. Unaware of Lyrius's knowledge, she chose caution.

Lyrius ensured they were alone, then reapplied his gaze to Calypso. "Well? Are you going to tell me now, or shall we discuss this later?" His raised eyebrow emphasized the unspoken warning.

Calypso's shaky hand rose to her throat, her scratchy voice pleading, "Water, please...Lyrius."

Lyrius sighed, his eyes scanning the area for Khronos. "I cannot leave you unattended. Orders are to stay with you."

His gaze returned to Calypso, a mixture of suspicion and duty. "Fine, you'll come with me. Don't think you'll escape again; I won't risk it. Not that you'd get far in your state..."

Lyrius's voice trailed off, his thoughts lingering on the potential dangers of Calypso's weakened condition.

Calypso's eyes locked onto Lyrius's, a spark of defiance flickering within. She knew her secrets were precarious, and Lyrius's probing threatened to expose Athena's involvement.

Lyrius supported Calypso, guiding her toward the closed doors leading to the dining and kitchen areas. His hand on the hilt of his sword, prepared for any surprise.

As Lyrius pushed open the door, a sight beyond expectation greeted them.

Inside the dining hall, a lavish feast lay spread before them, candles burning brightly amidst the opulent decor. However, it was the unexpected occupant that stunned Lyrius and Calypso.

A gigantic, serpentine creature with piercing gazes, a Kerkopes, emerged from the shadows. Its body coiled around the table, its eyes glowing with malevolent intelligence.

Lyrius instinctively positioned himself between the Kerkopes and Calypso, hand tightening around his sword.

Calypso's eyes widened, alarm and confusion etched on her face.

"By Zeus," Lyrius muttered. "A Kerkopes. Hermes' favored pet."

The Kerkopes' gaze locked onto Lyrius, its forked tongue darting in and out, sensing the air.

Calypso nodded, understanding Lyrius's urgent whisper. "Run, find Khronos!" he yelled, blocking the Kerkopes' strike.

Calypso sprinted, slamming the door shut behind her. Panic fueled her weary legs as she fled down the corridor, heart racing.

Where was Khronos? Hermes' Palace seemed endless, its traps and secrets lurking around every corner.

As she turned a corner, she collided with an imposing figure. A growl accompanied the firm grip on her arm.

Khronos's stern face loomed above her. "Where do you think you're going, Nymph? Where's Lyrius? What did you do to him?"

Calypso swallowed hard, explaining, "Lyrius is fighting Hermes' pet, a Kerkopes, in the dining room. He told me to find you."

Khronos's concern for Lyrius eclipsed his questioning. He yanked Calypso along, rushing toward the dining room.

The sounds of crashing, screams, and shattering wood grew louder.

Khronos kicked open the door, revealing Lyrius pinned beneath the Kerkopes.

Without hesitation, Khronos shoved Calypso to the ground in a corner. "Stay there, don't move!"

He charged at the creature, sword flashing in the dim light.

The battle raged on.

---

Perseus and Hades arrived at Athena's Temple, its serene atmosphere a stark contrast to the urgency burning within them.

Perseus called out to Athena, but only one of her maidens responded. Her bright smile faltered momentarily as she took in Hades' presence.

"Greetings, Perseus," she said, bowing gracefully. "It's an honor to see you again."

Her gaze shifted to Hades, her tone measured. "Lord Hades."

Perseus's impatience grew. "Where is Athena?"

The maiden's confusion deepened. "You mean...she's at Mount Olympus, for your wedding?"

Perseus's expression turned grim. Hades intervened, "Athena's not at Olympus."

Perseus cut in, urgency edging his voice. "Nevermind that. I need Medusa's head. If Athena's not here, I must take it. I know it's irregular, but time is crucial."

The maiden's concern was palpable. "Athena will...punish me," she whispered.

Perseus's eyes locked onto hers. "I understand the risk. But I must save Andromeda."

The maiden nodded resolutely. "I trust you, Perseus. You're a hero, and Athena recruited you for a reason. I'll retrieve Medusa's head."

With a determined glance, she turned and hastened toward the sacred repository.

Hades watched her depart, his expression unreadable.

Perseus paced, his mind racing with the impending battle.

The maiden returned, Medusa's head carefully wrapped in a cloth.

"Take it," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "May the gods guide you."

Perseus carefully took the wrapped Medusa's head from the maiden, his gratitude evident. "Thank you. This will aid me greatly."

Hades stepped forward, his voice low and calculated. "I have a plan, Perseus. A surprise ambush. We will capture Hermes alive and bring him before Zeus for judgment."

Perseus nodded, determination etched on his face. "Let us proceed. Justice will be served."

Together, they departed Athena's Temple, bound for the location indicated in the letter from Hermes.

Meanwhile, at Hermes' Palace, Khronos and Lyrius stood victorious over the defeated Kerkopes. Lyrius's broken arm and battered body testified to the ferocity of the battle.

Khronos rushed to his side, concern etched on his face. "Lyrius, my love, how badly are you hurt?"

Lyrius managed a weak smile. "I'm fine, just a few bruises."

Khronos's gentle touch soothed Lyrius's cheek. "Why must you always rush into danger?"

Lyrius chuckled, wincing in pain. "You know me...I love a good fight."

Khronos's lips brushed against Lyrius's. "If we return, you'll face punishment for disobeying orders."

Lyrius's blush deepened.

Calypso, still shaken, rose from the corner, her eyes fixed on the gruesome scene.

As they exited the Palace, Lyrius asked, "Did you find anything?"

Khronos's gaze turned triumphant. "The Eye of Hades. Hermes wasn't clever enough to hide it."

Lyrius's relief was palpable. "Hades will be pleased."

With Calypso supported between them, they made their way back to Mount Olympus.