Jesua let out a short laugh, cutting him off. "Trusted me? Spare me the righteous act, Sylus. You didn't trust me; you tolerated me because you had no other choice. And guess what? You still don't have a choice. Athena's life—and her soul—are hanging by a thread, and you need me if you want any hope of getting her back."
Cyrus's energy faltered, the tension in his body waning as her words began to sink in. He hated to admit it, but she was right. Their anger wouldn't change anything.
Sylus exhaled sharply, his shoulders relaxing just a fraction. "Fine," he said, his voice tight with reluctant acceptance. "But if you're playing us, Jesua, I swear—"
Jesua cut him off again with a raised hand. "Save the threats, Sylus. I've heard better from toddlers. Now, if we're done pointing fingers, let's focus on the real problem. Athena is in their hands, and every second we waste here is a second closer to losing her for good."
