Perseus's Agendas. Soft Morning

Perseus leaned forward, eyes sharp as his plans for Parker walked off. He could already tell Chione wasn't fully convinced. The way her fingers curled slightly, the way her gaze lingered on the blood-streaked ground—it was subtle, but it was there.

Finally, she spoke, voice like ice cracking. "He protected her, sure. But he took a life for it."

Perseus nodded, standing up. "I'm not against a man protecting his woman. But outright killing? That's a step too far."

Cassandra let out a dry laugh, shaking her head. "Since when does a single mortal's life mean that much to you? Aren't you overplaying the hero role a bit?"

Perseus met her gaze, unflinching. "Every mortal life started mattering the moment we were summoned back as champions and guardians."

Chione's chin lifted. "Exactly." Chione's voice was cold, cutting through the tension like a blade. "Yeah, he protected her. But he killed a man—just because he touched his woman."