21: THE START OF THE TEMPEST

RAVEN

I'd seen it as an opportunity. Aries' condition had created a chance for me to use him as a leverage. If I wanted to survive long enough to escape from the palace and live my own life, I needed him to believe that I was a damsel in distress in need of saving.

I'd been more than satisfied with the minor punishment he'd given to me.

That was until I encountered Hades, who had taken the form of a guard to harass me.

Again, he'd threatened to harm Aries if I refused to leave with him. Little did I know that someone had been watching. And somehow, Aries had the wrong idea about the situation.

"Have you gone dumb?" Aries demanded.

I could feel his claws elongate, his grip on my throat tightening. I didn't understand why he was mad at me. But I needed to let him know the truth.

"Your majesty, I do not know that guard. He touched me without my permission," I said, and he narrowed his eyes, his blood red eyes clouded by rage.

"Do not lie to me."

A shiver ran down my spine. I'