Erinyes Game

You hope not, but… “I suppose I am,” you whisper, standing up and tiptoeing after the Fury. They still haven’t noticed you, agitated as they are. Slowly unsheathing the machete, you raise it over your head.

You can hear Hades’s quiet chuckle. “Allow me. Three…two…one.”

With a shriek, you launch yourself at the Fury’s back, bringing down the machete. It slices right into their shoulder, making them scream and drop their own knife. You wrestle them down to the ground, sitting on their back and keeping their arms secure with your free hand.

“Stop struggling or I’ll cut your head right off,” you snarl, hoping you sound threatening enough. The Fury does stop moving, thankfully.

Getting up slightly, you turn them over and straddle their body, rendering them immobile. They glare at you through the mask.

“Where is Aphrodite?” You ask, keeping your voice level. They say nothing. “If you won’t answer that, then tell me, who are you?” No response again. You sigh before resting your machete over their chest. “Move and I’ll just stab you.”

With your free hand, you reach for the Fury’s mask. Realizing what you’re trying to do, they flinch and squirm, so you simply press down on the machete, drawing blood. That makes them freeze, and you quickly rip the mask off.

Aphrodite stares up at you, breathing hard.

You drop the mask.

“…why?”

Aphrodite tries to smile like she always does, but ends up grimacing in pain.

“I’m sorry, Hestia. I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t have to.”

“And so, Hephaestus…?”

“He was Charon, yes. Sweet guy, I still feel bad about that one.” Her casual tone isn’t fitting, considering the blood pouring from her shoulder and chest. “And before you ask, no, I didn’t enjoy killing Hermes. I did make his death quick, if that makes you feel any better.”

“Somehow I feel like I always knew,” you sigh. “But I wanted to believe in you.”

“I know, Hestia.”

Hades’s voice crackles in your ear. “You know what you must do, Hestia. Go on,” he says, urging you on.