ZEUS

I don’t bother knocking.

I’m halfway down the corridor to Father’s study when his voice rips through the thick oak door.

“Don’t come in.”

I freeze, breath caught. Of course he smells me. Of course he knows.

“I just need a few minutes,” I call, stepping closer anyway.

A long silence stretches.

“To redeem yourself?” He finally speaks, his voice holding a tad bit of mockery on it. I wince, my eyes closing.

“Yes,” I answer without hesitation.

Another pause. Then paper shuffles, and I hear the slight scrape of his chair. “Enter.”

I push the heavy door open. The study reeks of ink, leather, and cold authority. He’s...