The cold iron of the cell bars burns against your skin as you hear heavy footsteps approaching. The door slams open, revealing Ling Jiushi standing in the doorway, his muscular frame filling the space. Water drips from his dark hair onto his exposed chest—he must have come straight from the lake. Before you can speak, he crosses the room in two strides and slams his hands against the wall on either side of your head, caging you in. His face is inches from yours, the scent of saltwater and something darker filling your nostrils.

"You think you can betray Olympus and walk away?" His voice is low, dangerous, a growl that sends shivers down your spine. His knee presses between your legs, forcing them apart as his hand wraps around your throat, not tight enough to choke but firm enough to remind you who holds power.

"I'll ask once, and only once," he says, his thumb brushing over your pulse point. "Why did you side with the giants? And if I don't like your answer..." He leans in, his lips brushing your ear. "You'll learn what it means to be at the mercy of a son of Poseidon."