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"Please talk to us," I said, relieved when my voice stayed steady "Whatever happened with Cronus, it’s over now, and Walter and Phillip and Henry--they’re not going to hurt you"

I could feel Henry tense behind me If he had his way, she’d be a pile of ashes by now

A slow slinted with malice "You think this is over? Henry opened seven of the bars It was only a matter of time before Cronus broke out completely anyway, but noill be out by the winter solstice When he’s free, he will co hi The three brothers all watched us, and not one of them bothered to tell her that the council would contain Cronus

It was because they couldn’t Cronus would escape anyway, and there was nothing they could do to stop it Because of me, Cronus would do exactly what he wanted, and without Calliope, the council was powerless to stop him

As brave as I wanted to appear, all of the blood drained froether in my lap

Henry rubbed the back of my neck, but I felt no relief fro

"Calliope," said Walter gently "You knoill happen not only to us, but to the entire world Cronus will reclaim it as his, and there will be no one left to protect hu

"Please," said Walter "Join us, and together ill defeat him once more You knoe cannot do it without your abilities, and if you do this for us, ill forgive your transgressions Everything you have done will be forgotten, and your punishment will be lifted You will be welcomed back as our queen, and ill put this incident behind us and move on with our lives"

"And what?" said Calliope, all signs of her sone "Kate will live happily ever after with Henry, and I’ll have to watch you break your vows to irl? No, Walter, I am quite happy where I am Cronus rewards loyalty All I have received for my loyalty to you is a broken heart and bastard stepchildren"

"And what do you think your loyalty to Cronus will get you?" he said "The ashes of those who love youbut loneliness for the rest of eternity if he does not tire of you sooner That is what awaits you if you continue down this path"

"At least then I will have the satisfaction of knowing you are dead That will do ht than you ever have"