Aphrodite's Daughter

Chapter 6

Poseidon’s Villa, Mt. Olympus

As was his custom, the God of the seas enjoyed a relaxing bath after eating dinner. While the hot water did soothe his temper somewhat, he liked to indulge in his other vices. Mainly, of the carnal variety. It was a different kind of appetite and one that he shared with his fellow divine siblings. Most of the time, he would just take on the form of a beast and find some comely, young, mortal woman to fuck. This day was different. Poseidon didn’t feel like dealing with all the hassle of mounting a weak human. They tended to scream and fight, which was fun to a point but still bothersome. Today, his loyal minion would serve her master well.

Nomiki giggled with excitement as she spread her legs apart and braced her hands against the wall. It was a rare occasion that her lord wanted to partake of her body. She offered it willingly and without hesitation. That was what it meant to serve him, after all. To say that his sexual prowess was that of a god was an understatement. Nomiki whimpered when she felt Poseidon penetrate her from behind. He began thrusting his hips almost immediately, causing the hippocampus to shiver with pleasure as the sounds of flesh meeting flesh echoed in the bath.

Poseidon grinned while he gripped Nomiki’s firm buttocks. “Ah, yes! Tighter than a clam as always. It is as though my cock is being milked by the velvety lips of a python.”

“Thank you, Master. But you created me as such. Nevertheless, I’m just glad that I could be of service to you and help sate your lustful desires~” Nomiki panted.

The sea god leaned forward and nibbled on her neck. “That’s what I like about you, Nomiki. You are obedient and docile. Unlike those petulant mortal women. They always scream bloody murder when you try to fuck them. Well, most of them anyway. What right do they have to refuse me?! I am their superior in every way possible. THE NERVE OF THEM!”

Nomiki let out a squeaky moan when she felt an orgasm blossom within her loins, sending waves of electric pleasure throughout her body. She was grateful that Lord Poseidon was holding her up. Otherwise, she would have collapsed onto the marble floor. “Unhhh… no… they don’t understand what a gift it is to—AH—receive your mighty member.”

Poseidon flipped Nomiki around, pinned her against the wall, held up her legs, and began thrusting at a faster pace. “Ha! I can feel your arousal dripping onto my legs, you naughty thing. Mmm. Good girl. You shall have my seed soon enough.”

Not one to let her master’s good mood go to waste, Nomiki wrapped her legs around Poseidon’s back and hugged him tightly. What she shared with him was neither love nor intimacy by mortal standards but it felt good all the same. With weakened breath, she loosened one final moan as her master grunted and filled her with his divine seed. A few errant globs of sticky cum dripped onto the floor but neither of them paid the mess any mind. The servants would come by later to clean all of it up. Panting and quivering, Nomiki barely had the strength to stand up but luckily, her master saw fit to carry her over to the bath and sit next to her.

Nomiki leaned over and nuzzled his chest. “That was wonderful, Master.”

The sea god nodded and rubbed her head affectionately. “Indeed. You served your purpose in sating my desires quite nicely. Now, we must discuss what you learned about the interloper. But first, a goblet of wine for us both. Tis only fitting after a good fuck. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Whatever you say, Master.” Nomiki agreed.

Once the two of them had a cupful of wine, Nomiki went about washing Poseidon to the best of her ability. She wasn’t as skilled at the task as a servant girl, but good enough to wipe away all the sweat. Unabashedly blunt, Lord Poseidon cared little for “pillow talk” after sex, so Nomiki wasn't surprised when he didn’t say anything for a while and simply let her wash him. She hesitantly took another swig from her goblet and wondered if he was brooding. That was never a good thing. He also had an explosive temper that often resulted in literal typhoons.

“Is there something wrong, Milord? You seem… pensive.”

The bearded Olympian let out a soft sigh while Nomiki carefully scrubbed his semi-turgid penis with a washcloth. “Not exactly. Forgive my brooding. I have been trying to curb my temper as of late, Nomiki. Tell me; what did find out about our mysterious demi-goddess?”

Nomiki moved onto washing his inner thigh. “Her name is Adagio Dazzle, as you know. She kept pace with me during the entire fight but she lacked any sort of training. The techniques she used were crude and unrefined, definitely of desperation rather than tacit choice.”

Poseidon rubbed his beard. “I see. She is no warrior, then.”

“No, Milord. But—ah—I’d say she’s more like a predator trapped in an alien body.”

“How so?”

Nomiki tapped her chin in thought. “It is… difficult to articulate. However, I got the distinct impression that she was not always a human. A predator of some sort, given her aggressive attitude towards me. Her strange magics spoke to this as well.”

With furrowed brow, Poseidon sat up. “Magic you say? Of what sort?”

“None like I’d ever encountered before. A green miasma fueled by her rage.”

The sea god immediately tensed up, clenching his fist into a ball. “Hades…”

Nomiki rubbed her master’s shoulders and tried to calm him down. “I don’t think so, master. It was not even of this realm or of Olympus. Trust me; I would have known if it was.”

Seemingly placated, Poseidon relaxed. “Zeus clearly doesn’t understand how much of a threat this she-devil could be to us. I can’t have Adagio Dazzle running around down there with wild magic at her beck and call. What say you, Nomiki? Do you believe she is a threat to us?”

“She did mention, and I quote, that if we fuck with her, she would fuck with us. Granted, Milord, I must agree that she is dangerous and powerful. But not to a god like you! Surely, you could squash her like an insignificant insect.”

Poseidon frowned. “Then you have learned nothing, Nomiki. The mosquito may be small and weak compared to the bull, but once bitten, the bull can become sick and die. What I am saying is that it is unwise to underestimate Adagio. She might not have realized her true potential yet.”

“What do you propose, Master?”

“Another test,” The sea god suggested, “I will summon a great typhoon so as to drive them to seek shelter from the wind and rain. The old temple of Athena should serve well for this purpose, I think. Yes. Within its crumbling walls, resides an old acquaintance of mine. I imagine she won’t be thrilled to receive unwelcome visitors. Haha!”

Nomiki’s ears lowered slightly. Even though she wasn’t very fond of Adagio Dazzle, the two humans who accompanied her were innocent as far as the hippocampus was concerned. Zeus would not be pleased if one of his sons were to be killed inadvertently. There was also Ares to consider. He treated the Spartans like they were his own children. If the princess was killed too… who knows how far his wrath would spread. Nomiki felt her stomach twist in a knot.

“Please be careful, Master. We don’t want to upset your brothers and sisters.”

Poseidon laughed and patted Nomiki’s head. “Let me worry about them.”

Rain was never a concern back when I was a siren. Most of the time, I lived underwater which was already wet… so yeah. Big deal, right? Now, not so much. Humans could barely swim, let alone survive under the waves for more than a minute. An anatomical fact that I now had to contend with in my new body. If I haven’t said it before, I’ll say it now: getting caught in a torrential downpour sucks whale dick. Sure, the water felt refreshing after the first five minutes, then it became annoying and downright miserable. Apparently, even demi-goddesses aren’t completely immune to hypothermia. Ok, maybe it wasn’t THAT bad but I was cranky, hungry, and tired. Did I mention drenched to the bone? Yep. Fuck typhoons.

Iliana looked over at me with her judgmental Spartan Princess stare. The kind of look that said: ‘I told you so’ without needing to utter a single word. In my current state of ultra-crankiness, I growled at her. “How much longer is it going to take to start a fire? I’m freezing my ass off over here!”

Iliana rolled her eyes. “Have patience, Adagio. We are all wet and cold right now. Just be thankful that we were able to find shelter in this ruined temple.”

I sighed while trying to dry out my soggy hair. It made me feel like a drowned dog. I glanced over at Flash, who, for some reason, was looking at the faded frescos on the walls. “Aren’t you supposed to be chivalrous towards downtrodden women? Get over here and snuggle me.”

“I would, Adagio. But—um—I’m just as wet as you are. It would do neither of us much good until Iliana gets the fire started. Sorry.”

My annoyance piqued, I willed as much of my anger and frustration at that damp pile of wood as I could possibly muster. Much to my surprise, a blast of raw magic came out of my eyes and lit the pile on fire instantly. Iliana looked terrified and well… I honestly couldn’t blame her. What? It’s not like I blasted her with heat-beam eyes on purpose! With a sheepish chuckle, I sat down next to the princess and offered her the sincerest apology I could come up with on the spot.

Iliana put her hands closer to the fire. “I suppose that solves one problem.”

“Wow, Adagio. That was pretty intense. I didn’t know you could use a spell of that nature.” Flash added.

“Neither did I. From this point forward, I really ought to be more careful. Or at the very least, try to keep my temper in check. Siren magic is fueled by strife and anger. Just so you know…”

Iliana shook her head. “So, we're not supposed to get on your bad side, I take it? And here I was wondering what it might be like to be barbequed alive. Better than the screaming bull, I guess.”

I stomped my bare feet in a petulant fit of rage. Of course, it hurt like a bitch because the floor was solid stone vs flesh. Marble, most likely. Not very smart of me, I know. “OW! FUCK ME! I said I was sorry, Iliana! ARRGH! I’m still not used to being in this body yet. There’s no telling how many of my former abilities may or may not have crossed over. Cut me some slack.”

“I can see that you’re not in the mood for my legendary Spartan sense of humor.”

I sat down closer to the fire and hugged my legs to my chest. “No, I’m not in the mood. I can appreciate dry, sarcastic humor as much as the next girl just not right now. Not when I’m cranky. Again, I apologize for my outburst and blasting you. I’m not exactly used to roughing it.”

“It would probably help if you wore sandals and a cloak. Just a suggestion.”

“Not going to happen. I don’t need them.” I affirmed.

When Flash sat next to me, his face was completely pale. Like he’d seen a ghost lurking about in the shadows. I scooched a bit closer to him and placed my hand on his shoulder. “Are you ok? If you’re cold, there’s plenty of room and—EHEM—I wouldn’t mind if we shared body heat…”

Flash shuddered and smacked his lips a few times. “I appreciate the offer, Adagio but it’s not that. I mean, I am a little cold to be honest. That’s not what’s really bothering me.”

“Then what is it? Did a rat spook you or something?”

Flash shook his head. “No, the frescos. They depict Athena. A little faded to be sure, but I can definitely tell it’s her. Do you understand what that means?”

“I’m not the best person to ask when it comes to Gods and Goddesses. We’ve been over this.”

Flash let out a dry, humorless chuckle. “Right. I forgot. There’s a legend about this place. Of a beautiful temple priestess who was transformed into a hideous monster by Athena. The story goes that she was raped by Poseidon during a terrible storm, one night. As punishment for the violation, Athena cursed the priestess to live out the rest of her days as a terrifying, sub-human creature. I don’t know exactly what she looks like, but I heard rumors from some sailors.”

Iliana rubbed her hands together. “Never trust sailors. They tend to stretch the truth.”

I looked around in the dimly lit sanctum and noticed a few statues. Out of curiosity, I walked up to one to get a better peek at it and gasped at how life-like it was. What struck me as odd, however, was that it was a warrior and… his armor and sword were rusty? That couldn’t be right. Wouldn’t the sculptor make everything out of stone? Something wasn’t right. A shiver ran down my spine when I saw a flash of red in the darkness. When I spoke, my voice sounded a bit squeakier than usual because I was nervous. If Flash or Iliana noticed it, they didn’t comment.

“For the record, I am getting some MAJOR creepy vibes from this place.”

Before I knew it, I heard a strange hissing noise echo along the walls. When I turned around to speak with my companions, they were frozen in place. Petrified. As in solid stone. The statue I’d investigated earlier made a lot more sense now. They weren’t sculpted. Rather, they used to be flesh and blood humans. The only creature I knew of that could do such a thing was a cockatrice. But they shouldn’t have been in this world. Or were they? I had no idea. Anything was possible.

A deep sultry voice laughed in the darkness. “What do we have here? Guests? In my temple?”

I orientated myself towards the sound and tried to look threatening. “What did you do to my companions?! I’m warning you! Don’t fuck with me right now! I’m not in the mood.”

I shuddered when something slithered across my leg. “My, goodness. What bold words! Especially, coming from the likes of some naked human whore. Oh, dear. Did I interrupt you as you were about to fuck? Hahaha! Color me terrified~ I’m quivering in my scales.”

Despite the sickening sense of unease I felt churning deep within the pit of my stomach, I got angry at her quip. “I’m not some mortal wench! Don’t just lump me in with them.”

“We’ll see about that.”

The creature finally revealed herself when she got closer to the fire. She was unlike anything I’d ever seen before. Muscular build, ashen white skin, bountiful breasts, pointed ears, fangs, and a pair of crimson, slitted eyes that could pierce your very soul. The worst part was that her hair seemed to be composed entirely of asps, each one with a functioning head on the end. When I looked down towards her lower half, it only got worse. She had a fucking snake tail! No legs. It was the same charcoal black color that the rest of the snakes writhing around on her head were.

Much to my embarrassment and shame, I backpedaled a few steps and managed to trip over my own feet. Which, you guessed it, made me fall flat on my ass. Way to be brave, Dagi. “Aww~ Where’s all the fiery bravado I witnessed earlier? All gone, huh?”

The snake bitch reached out, grabbed me by the neck, and hoisted me into the air. “Ack! You could at least introduce yourself before you swallow me whole. Rude much.”

“Hmm? Ah, yes. Where are my manners? I am not accustomed to having conversations with anyone, so you’ll have to forgive my lack of decorum. Behold my terrible glory! For I am Medusa, former priestess of Athena. This shall be the last face you set eyes upon, girl.”

The strange hissing noise I’d heard earlier seemed to come from snake bitch while she was casting some sort of spell. Similar to a cockatrice, her eyes glowed ruby red and I felt my body stiffen, weaken, and become less responsive to my commands. It became much harder to move but I could still manage it if I concentrated hard enough. With as much strength as I could muster, I kicked her right in the fanged snoot. She snarled in rage and I took the opportunity, while she was distracted, to escape her clutches and hide. I needed to formulate a plan.

A monstrous shriek echoed throughout the chamber. It was like hearing a banshee. “I don’t know how you resisted my gaze but you won’t be so lucky a second time. You cannot hide forever!”

I took a few moments to catch my breath and take stock of the situation while I hid behind a fallen pillar. A quick once over revealed no obvious external injuries. The stiffness that I’d felt before seemed to have faded away and I regained fine motor control of my body once again. Although, I’m not entirely sure how I’d managed to resist her petrification spell. It might’ve had to do with the fact that I wasn’t one hundred percent human. Or native to this world like my unfortunate companions who’d become garden decorations. Perhaps, even to a certain extent, my siren magic might have protected me against her stare too. Who knows? Pondering could wait.

Much to my chagrin, I had to admit that the situation looked grim for me. I was at a clear disadvantage in terms of terrain and armor. This Medusa, as she called herself, didn’t seem to wear much in the way of clothing either (that I could tell under the dim lighting), but she certainly wasn’t human. Judging by how muscular she was and the girth of her tail, I’d imagine she could break my bones with very little effort. She was probably venomous too. I didn’t want to take any chances getting bitten by those fangs. Tartarus… could she spit venom too? Ok, so I was pretty much stuck up shit creek without a boat or a paddle. Yay! It’s great being me.

Medusa laughed melodiously. “I can smell your fear, whore. Thick and cloying like a perfume made of ambergris. Yessss~ The flavor is quite pungent. You can try to resist all you want, but consider all of those around you who have fallen by my hand. It is folly, I’m afraid.”

“You have no idea who I am, snake bitch. If you’re so powerful, come and—”

I didn’t get the chance to finish my sentence before she swung her tail at me. It snapped the pillar in half and sent me skidding across the floor, along with chunks of marble. With a meaty thud, my back hit the wall and I cried out in pain. Fuck did it hurt! I cracked a few ribs for sure because it was incredibly difficult and painful when I tried to breathe. After letting out a wet cough, I tried to stand up and found that my vision was a bit swirly. A wave of nausea hit me like a hammer to the stomach. I promptly vomited all over myself and the floor.

Medusa slithered over to me and wrinkled her nose in disgust. “You’re tough; I’ll give you that. But oh, how pathetic you look right now~ Dirty, grimy, and covered in your own vomit. What a sight to be behold for an otherwise, attractive human. It almost makes me sad that I’ll have to kill you. But I am hungry and the pickings have been slim as of late…”

My anger gave me strength, making me feel slightly less like chopped liver. Still not strong enough to take snake bitch head on though. I waited until she let her guard down. It wasn’t much, but I sensed an opening. If getting smacked into marble hurt me, chances are that it would hurt her too. I took a chance. With a chunk of marble gripped tightly in my palm, I threw it as hard as I could at her head. It made a sickening crunch noise and I ran down one of the corridors.

Medusa was surprisingly fast for a creature with no legs. Of course, I was already exhausted and injured so… maybe that factored into her catching up with me so quickly. Regardless, she was pissed and looked like she was ready to tear me apart. An act I’m quite certain that she was capable of. I took in a deep breath, focused my hatred, and let it flow through my body. Adrenaline coursed through my veins, giving me the much-needed focus, I sought.

I charged at her full tilt, using my shoulder as a battering ram. The only thing I’d managed to do is knock her slightly off balance. She was big, heavy, and covered in tough scales. I’m not sure what I expected but… it served to piss her off even more. Hah! As if that was even possible. She took a swipe at me and raked her claws against my breast. I gasped in pain, clutching at my bleeding wound. That scaly bitch nearly tore my nipple clean off! Through magically augmented muscle, I punched her in the stomach as hard as I could. She didn’t exactly go flying across the room but it was enough to make her lose her breath and start coughing.

“I have to hand it to you, whore. You’re the first mortal who’s given me a challenge in centuries. But these games have come to an end! Tonight, I shall feast like a queen!”

My magic finally wore out, making me feel weak and tired again. I collapsed onto the floor in a boneless heap, still bleeding from my chest. “You truly are a monster, Medusa. The three of us were never a threat to you in the first place. We just… needed shelter from the storm.”

She chuckled mirthlessly. “True. But the strong take from the weak. It is the way of things.”

I held up my hand. “Wait… I… know what it’s like being in your… skin.”

“I VERY much doubt that, you little whore. You’re surprisingly tough for such a pampered beauty but we are nothing alike!” Medusa screeched.

“I didn’t always look like this. My—it’s a long story but… suffice to say, I was sent to this world against my will. Transformed into a human female by a spell cast by a powerful sorcerer.”

The gorgon narrowed her eyes. “Really? Well, isn’t that interesting? I must admit, your unusual resilience piqued my curiosity. Most mortals die rather quickly from my attacks. Go on.”

I coughed hard and spat out a wad of clotted blood. “Yes, it’s all true. I was once a beautiful, majestic siren. A predator of the sea, unparalleled in my dominance of creatures beneath my station. My sisters and I, we—made the mistake of hubris. We underestimated the sorcerer’s craftiness. Now, I’m stuck here in this strange world full of humans and annoying deities who won’t leave me the fuck alone! Can I just live my life in peace? I guess that’s too much to ask.”

Medusa grabbed my chin and looked directly into my eyes. She wasn’t using magic but it still creeped me the fuck out. I was backed into a literal corner with no escape. Did my little story make her reconsider eating me alive? I hope so. Otherwise, I was irrevocably screwed. It was taking all of my strength just to heal all the damage she’d done. I was in no shape to fight my way out of the temple. Let alone try to figure out how to reverse the petrification spell. Fun times.

“I sense no deceit in your heart, Adagio Dazzle. What you said was… true. All of it. If your hatred of the Olympians is as strong as my own, then we might be kindred spirits. Hmm. Very well, then. I shall not slay you and sup on your carcass. Instead, allow me to offer a tale.”

I collapsed onto the floor and let out a shuddering sigh of relief. “Thank the Mother Siren! I was totally fucked for a second there. At your mercy, Medusa. What changed your mind?”

Medusa grinned, showing off her sharp, pearly-white fangs. “Back when I was the head priestess of this temple, I was taught a few sacred magic techniques. One of them being a way to detect lies. Called ‘Athena’s Judgment’. I am inclined to give you the benefit of the doubt at this point. After all, as you said, you and your companions did not enter my lair with malign intent.”

“Yeah. Sorry for not asking permission. We didn’t realize anyone was living here.”

The gorgon flicked her tongue with amusement. “My reputation as a goddess-cursed monster has spread throughout the land. Many would-be heroes have sought to slay me, and present my head as a trophy. But look and see, Adagio. Where has that gotten them?”

I shuffled my feet nervously. “Are the legends true? Did—ah—Poseidon rape you?”

“Aye. That he did. And I was cursed by the very Goddess I served because I failed to defend my honor in her house. HA! As if I had any chance of fending off a lustful God. The Olympians are rotten and corrupt. They’ve had it too good for too long and act like mortals exist only as their playthings. Athena’s curse turned me into a monster, but it also made me strong and ageless. I consider it somewhat of a blessing now. An everlasting symbol of my defiance against them.”

“Iliana seems to revere Ares, but I still think they’re a bunch of shit heels.” I spat.

Medusa coiled her tail. “The Spartan? Ah, yes. Faithful warriors to the end.”

I played with a strand of my hair. Yep. Still damp and gross. “Now that we’re on speaking terms, might I ask if you’re willing to free my companions? I don’t think they deserve to be statues for all eternity…”

With a simple nod towards Iliana and Flash, Medusa turned them back into flesh and blood humans. There weren’t any cracking noises or anything. Just poof! Back to normal. “It is done. However, in return, I ask that you provide sustenance for me. A fair trade, I think.”

My own stomach gurgled loudly in protest. I blushed. “Heh. We were about to find something for dinner anyway. Let me talk to them first. I don’t want them freaking out. No, offence.”

Medusa crossed her arms underneath her breasts and slithered towards a dark corner of the temple. “It is alright. I am used to mortals scorning and fearing me. Go to them, then.”

I shuffled over to the fire and sat across from Flash and Iliana. They didn’t seem any worse for wear other than mild memory loss and complaints of soreness. One I got a little bit more comfortable, they both looked at me with concern. I should mention that my body did heal at an accelerated rate, well beyond a normal human, but it wasn’t instantaneous. Not to mention, it took a great deal of energy on my part to provide the fuel for such an ability. That’s precisely why I still looked and felt like shit. The worst part was the cracked ribs. Made breathing a bitch.

Flash’s eyes widened in horror when he saw the huge gash across my chest. “Adagio, what happened? Are you ok? Hold on! I’m going to help you clean those wounds. Otherwise, they might fester and you’ll get sick. Hang tight until then, ok?”

I let out a raspy cough. “Long story. Let’s just say that the story you told me was true.”

Iliana’s face turned as pale as the snow. “Ares, help us! There’s an actual Gorgon lurking about? We can’t—none us are—the simple fact of the matter is that we are no match for a creature like that. Even if you and Flash are demi-humans. We must leave this place at once!”

I hissed in pain while Flash wiped a warm washcloth over my wound. “Stop being so dramatic, Iliana. I have the situation under control. We may have gotten off on the wrong foot initially, but Medusa isn’t all that bad. Just make sure that you show her the respect she’s due.”

Flash gently ran his fingers through the bedraggled rat’s nest that was my hair. It was a very intimate gesture and I found myself blushing despite all the pain. Ever since my fight with Nomiki, I’d come to see him in a different light. He seemed more manly, perhaps? I don’t know. It was difficult to put into words. He seemed to care for me even when I was at my worst. I cared for him too, in my own way but… was it enough? Me, being an idiot when it came to matters of the heart, did what I thought was appropriate. I placed my hand on his thigh and stroked it affectionately. Flash seemed to like that because he reached down and held my hand.

“I’m sorry that we don’t have any proper bandages or balms, Adagio.”

I grimaced. “Don’t worry about that. My body will heal on its own eventually.”

“How? Those claw marks look pretty deep…”

I closed my eyes and nuzzled his thigh. As it turns out, lap pillows were pretty nice. “I’m not a normal human, remember? However, just because I can heal even the most grievous of wounds doesn’t make the process instantaneous by any means. I require energy to do so. Like, a shit load of it. Law of equivalent exchange and all that.”

“What are you talking about?” Flash asked with a confused expression.

“Basically, it means that you can’t get something for nothing. Everything has a price.”

Flash looked embarrassed but nodded in understanding. “Right. So—um—how can we help you get back on your feet? Do you need food? Rest would probably be good for you too.”

“I imagine that filling my belly would help speed up the process. Although, I’m not sure where you’re going to get food. Our rations are nearly depleted and in case you’ve forgotten, there’s a storm raging out there. Would you be willing to brave the tempest just to get me some fish?”

“If it comes down to your survival, yes.” Flash affirmed without hesitation.

I felt my cheeks heat up again. There was that blasted fluttery feeling in my stomach again. Ok, to be fair, I barely noticed it between all the other painful sensations I was dealing with but still! Fine, Flash. Go be the gallant hero. I hated owing people favors, but I didn’t have much choice. It’s not like I was in any shape to go hunting myself. And Iliana was just a regular human. She might have been a strong swimmer but not in currents like that. I had no doubt that she would drown out there within minutes, possibly even seconds. With great reluctance, I nodded.

“Ok. If you must. Just be careful out there. I can’t save your ass if you start drowning.”

Flash smiled. “Don’t worry; I promise I’ll be careful. Besides, it looks like the storm is clearing up. That’s a good sign, right? Uh… even though it’s dark outside.”

While he was taking off his armor, I held up my hand. “Wait! I need to tell you something before you go. It’s about Medusa. I… didn’t exactly kill her. She’s still lurking around and I promised her that we’d share some of our food with her in exchange for staying in the temple.”

Before Flash could object, the gorgon herself came slithering out of the shadows. She approached Flash and coiled her tail around his legs, while using her upper half to embrace him from behind. It pissed me off a little when her forked tongue darted out of her mouth and licked his neck a few times. She showed off a fanged grin and rested her head upon his shoulder. Hackles raised, Iliana jumped to her feet and pointed her spear at Medusa, poised to attack.

“Stay your weapon, Spartan. I mean you no harm. Surely, your fetching companion has explained our agreement?”

“Iliana, it’s ok,” I informed her, “Medusa won’t harm us.”

Flash whimpered while Medusa ran her claws all over his abs, going lower and lower until she began playing with his pubic hair nonchalantly. “What an interesssssting man you’ve been traveling with, Adagio Dazzle. I can see why he’s captured your undivided attention. Hmm. Strong build, brave, and a caring heart. Having a sturdy cock doesn’t hurt either. Hahaha~”

“Adagio, I-I don’t like this! She’s n-not going to eat me, is she?” Flash stuttered.

Medusa kissed his cheek. “Of course, not. Not in the way you’re imagining, anyway.”

My face flushed crimson with anger. “He’s not your plaything, Medusa! Back the fuck off!”

Medusa let out an amused chuckle. “While I haven’t had the pleasure of a man’s company in my bed for quite some time, I’m afraid that he wouldn’t be able to satisfy me as I am now. What I said earlier was merely in jest, Adagio Dazzle. I’ll let him to his task, then.”

Flash scampered out of the temple towards the coast with an awkward gait. The light was still dim, but I swore that he was sporting a rather hefty erection. Seriously, Flash? How can you be scareroused at a time like this?! I huffed in frustration, but let the matter pass. He was a man, after all. Once I collected myself, I invited Medusa to join us by the fire. She obliged and coiled up like a—well, big ass snake. With a smug grin, she flicked her tongue at me.

“Color me surprised~ I was not aware that men still found me alluring.”

I narrowed my eyes at her. “You were all over him. And your top half is still human enough.”

Medusa made a show of spreading apart a scale-covered slit along her bottom half with her fingers. It was a dull eggshell color and resembled the inside of a pussy but I wasn’t an expert on humanoid reptile monsters. “Not down here. My cloaca is quite large and deep as you can see. Yet another aspect of my curse. Mortal men cannot satisfy me.”

Iliana blushed furiously. “Are you always this shameless around others? Teasing Flash in that matter was uncalled for and unnecessary. Would it kill you to be a bit more civilized?”

Medusa waved her hand. “What do I have to prove, Spartan? My shame and humanity died centuries ago when I was cursed by my once beloved Athena. I live only for my own sake now. Not the Olympians, and not yours. Your banal opinions don’t concern me in the slightest.”

“Are you looking for a fight because I can—”

The gorgon scoffed. “Hardly. You are no match for me, Spartan. That spear of yours wouldn’t even pierce my scales. The only reason I am not eating you right now is because of Adagio Dazzle. So, be grateful for my mercy. It is not a courtesy that I extend to many mortals. Especially ones who I have released from petrification.”

I shot Iliana an annoyed glance. “That’s enough. Don’t antagonize her.”

Thus mollified, Iliana grumbled and went back to tending the fire.

The three of us didn’t say much while we waited for Flash to get back with dinner. I mean, what were we supposed to talk about? The awkward tension hanging in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife and I didn’t have the energy or the will to clear it. Before long, Flash came back with a net full of assorted shellfish. Clams mostly, but I couldn’t complain. He tensed up as soon as he saw Medusa curled up by the fire, looking him over with a bemused expression. As much as I hated admitting it, I was jealous and protective. I wasn’t about to let snake bitch use Flash like a pet or some toy for her own amusement. Nope. Not a fucking chance.

Against my better judgment, I hobbled over to where Flash was standing and embraced him. He seemed confused for a moment but returned my hug willingly enough. I gave him a brief, but heartfelt kiss to the lips and invited him to lay down next to me. I couldn’t help but notice that he hadn’t bothered to put his armor back on. I’m not sure if it was a sign of bolstered confidence on his part or simply that we’d seen everything that he’d had to offer plenty of time before. No matter. I rather enjoyed cuddling him in the nude. Not that I’d bother doing it any other way.

“Adagio, you shouldn’t be moving around yet.” Flash admonished.

“I know but… I had to show my gratitude somehow.”

He caressed my stomach with his fingers. The warmth of his skin pressed against my own made me feel safe, somehow. I let out a contented sigh. “Ok, but take it easy from now on.”

Medusa chuckled. “Well, aren’t you two sweet together? It’s hard to find a good husband in this world, Adagio Dazzle. If I were you, I’d hold him tight and never let go.”

I bit my lip and blushed. “We’re not—I’m just…”

“Deny it all you want. I can practically taste the love blossoming between you. There is no shame in caring for someone. Don’t let your pride prevent you from experiencing what your heart yearns for. Hubris is a sin reserved for the Olympians. Don’t let it consume you as well.”

I didn’t feel like arguing with the gorgon, so I merely held Flash closer to me. “What about you, Medusa? What is it that your heart desires most?”

Medusa swished her tail back and forth along the floor. “I’m sure it comes as no surprise to any of you that it can get lonely, living in this temple without anyone to talk to. To be honest, I have grown weary of this place. I wish to experience the world again, like I did as a human. Alas, it cannot be. I am a monster. Mortals will never accept what I am without fear and consternation.”

“You could travel with us.” I offered.

Iliana sat up suddenly. “You can’t be serious, Adagio!”

I let out an irritated sigh. “Why not? I’m already posing as one of Aphrodite’s nude acolytes. Flash is the bastard son of Zeus, and you’re a Spartan Princess. Face it, Iliana. We’re already a merry band of misfits. What’s adding one more going to hurt?”

Medusa wore a strange expression. It was somewhere between wistful and uncertain. “Even after what I did to you, Adagio Dazzle? Think about what you are offering. Do not take it lightly.”

“I already have. You’re going to travel with us and that’s final.”

Iliana frowned. “I must protest. Inviting this… creature to come along with us is unwise. She will only attract the ire of villages and armies alike. Not to mention the Gods. Can you at least rest on the decision first? Given the extent of your injuries, you are not of sound mind and—”

“Shut up, Iliana,” I snapped, “I know it’s difficult for you to accept non-humans, but that’s part of the problem. People around here are too xenophobic and paranoid about beings they don’t understand. I’m not interested in saving face with villagers, or pandering to the Olympians. Medusa comes with us. If she wants to, that is. I’ve made my choice.”

Medusa flicked her tongue a few times and sighed. “We shall see. For now, let us eat and rest.”