Morning arrived faster than expected, the golden light filtering through the palace as the city stirred to life.

  "Hijo de puta!" Veronica's voice echoed through the chamber after Jim explained why Perseus was handcuffed to a column. Without hesitation, she surged forward, swinging her M16 rifle around and driving the stock into Perseus's face. The force of the blow snapped his head back, but before she could strike again, Jim, Hansen, and Brown rushed in and grabbed her, holding her back. She dropped her rifle as she fought against their grip, thrashing wildly, her fury boiling over.

  Captain Slater and some more soldiers entered the palace megaron from the outside, just in time to witness the scene. His voice rang out, firm and commanding. "Torres! Stand down! Now!"

  Veronica gritted her teeth, still struggling in the trio's hold, her breath coming in sharp, ragged gasps. "Told you we couldn't trust him! Fuckin' murderer! You hear me, puto?" Her eyes blazing with fury as she fought to break free.

  Slater stepped in front of her, his expression cold and unyielding. "Cool it, or I'll detain you too. Understand?"

  Veronica's muscles tensed, her scowl deepening. For a moment, it seemed like she might try to break free again—but then, with visible effort, she exhaled sharply and stopped resisting.

  She nodded her head, though the rage still burned in her eyes. "Yes, sir."

  Slater's gaze stayed locked on her.

  "This isn't going unpunished. From this moment on, you are not to go anywhere near him. That clear?"

  "Yes, sir," she answered again, her voice thick with resentment.

  "Good." Slater turned toward two nearby soldiers and gestured sharply. "Uncuff Perseus and move him somewhere more secure. I don't want anyone seeing him like this. And get him some medical attention. Now!"

  The two soldiers quickly moved to obey, stepping forward to unshackle the battered hero. Perseus groaned slightly, blood trickling from his face as they hoisted him up. As they led him away, Veronica remained standing, her hands clenched into tight fists at her sides, her breaths still uneven.

  As the two soldiers dragged Perseus out the door, a voice rang out.

  "Wait!"

  All eyes turned as the lavishly dressed princess swept into view.

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  "I wish to have a word with him," Andromeda said as she stepped into the large chamber.

  "Certainly, Your Highness," Slater replied, stepping aside with a respectful bow.

  Andromeda bore down on Perseus like a storm as she stopped inches from his battered face. The two soldiers flanking him tightened their grip on his arms.

  "You." Her voice trembled with rage. "What were you thinking? We trusted you to help protect this city!"

  Perseus couldn't meet her burning gaze. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I thought these soldiers would be powerful enough to? stop Cetus."

  "Sorry?" The word dripped with contempt. "That's all you have to say?"

  "I figured there was no need for me here anymore."

  "So your plan was to murder Medusa, take her head, and abandon us?" Each word cut deeper than the last.

  Perseus went limp, his silence stretching between them like a blade.

  The slap cracked across his cheek with vicious precision. "You murderous coward!" Andromeda's voice shook with betrayal. "You should be fed to the Cetus for your selfish treachery!"

  Slater stepped between the two, looked at Andromeda, and shook his head. She then turned to Phineus and ran into his arms. Slater ordered the soldiers to take Perseus away.

  Slater turned to Jim, his expression stern but appreciative. "Good work protecting Medusa. We almost lost her back there."

  Jim gave a firm nod. "Yes, sir. I had a gut feeling something was about to happen—and unfortunately, I was right."

  Slater exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Couldn't have picked a worse damn day to pull this stunt. Little bastard."

  He then turned to the rest of the assembled soldiers and personnel. "All right, show's over! We've got work to do. Move! Let's go, let's go!" The sharp command boomed through the chamber, sending soldiers and attendants scrambling back to their tasks.

  Off to the side, Phineus watched the scene unfold, still holding Andromeda close. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. He looked down at her. "Are you all right, my love?" he asked gently.

  Andromeda's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. She inhaled shakily, her voice barely above a whisper.

  "No... I can't believe someone we trusted would do a thing like this."

  Phineus tightened his hold around her, his voice soothing.

  "At least the truth came out, and we all saw it for what it was. Luckily, his plan didn't succeed." He let out a small chuckle.

  Andromeda furrowed her brow, looking up at him. "What's so funny?"

  Phineus grinned, shaking his head in disbelief. "The irony of it all. The illustrious son of Zeus, reduced to this—a coward and would-be murderer. I can't help but wonder—what does his mighty father think of him now?"

  Jim crossed his arms. "I'm not sure. Perhaps Zeus lent him a hand."

  Phineus erupted in laughter, still shaking his head. "You could be onto something! Damn that Zeus! You've got a keen mind—I admire that."

  His attention returned to Andromeda, voice dropping to a warmer tone. "And how do you feel about what lies ahead for you?"

  Andromeda's eyes fell to the floor, tension visible in her rigid posture. She gave a silent shake of her head.

  After watching her for a long moment, Phineus exhaled deeply. "I see how it is." With gentle care, he took her hand in his. "Come along, beloved."

  With that, Phineus led Andromeda away, guiding her toward his section of the palace. Jim watched them go, his expression unreadable. The magnitude of what had just happened—and what was still to come—settled over the room like a thick fog.