Chapter Four
Gorgon kicked the wall in annoyance. He hated being stuck in his room, but they had been told to stay put until the palace was definitely clear of telepathic spies.
"Oops," He muttered half-heartedly- he'd left a massive hole in the wall. Shrugging, he went and sat on his bed. I wonder what Medusa meant when she said the spy came for her? I hope she's alright, speaking with Agon alone... He knew how intimidating his uncle was- he'd gotten in trouble enough times!
There was a knocking on the pipes in the wall near Gorgon's bed; he pressed his ear to the wall. It was coming from Triton's room, from the sounds of it.
"Meet. Urgent," Gorgon muttered. "Now?"
He thought for a minute, before moving to his bedroom door, opening it and peering out. No-one was in sight... Quickly, he darted down the corridor to Triton's room, closing the door behind him immediately. Karnak was already there. The brothers looked grim. Gorgon sat down in his usual spot and raised a brow. "What's this about?"
The brothers exchanged looks, but neither seemed willing to speak.
Gorgon stared at them. "Well? I risked getting into trouble to come in here. I hope it's good!"
"Karnak hacked the vids system."
"What?" Gorgon paled. "Are you insane?"
"You'll want to see what we found."
Gorgon folded his arms, scowling. "This is treason, but I'm curious... show me."
Karnak pressed a few buttons on Triton's vids machine, and an image flickered onto the screen. All three boys watched intently.
"Wait - that's Medusa's room! They have her under surveillance?" Gorgon gasped.
Triton nodded.
"And am I the only one who thinks we shouldn't be spying on our only female cousin? It's slightly twisted!"
"We're not spying on her. Agon and Rynda are. Shh," Karnak said.
"What are we watching?" Gorgon's brow furrowed.
"Ssh!" The other two hissed in unison. Gorgon turned his focus back to the screen...
Rynda dragged Medusa into the room and shoved her roughly to sit on the bed, and then glared down at her.
"Let me make one thing straight to you, little girl. What you did was treason. Understand? Treason. Your head could be in display right now."
"I didn't know that he-" Medusa's voice was small.
"Your ignorance is the reason you still live. Stupid, naive little girl that you are, you are still useful. You have already borne a child."
Gorgon gasped sharply, focusing more intently on the screen.
"That is the reason that this betrothal still stands and you have not been publically shamed," Rynda continued "Agon is most intrigued by the fact that you have passed through the mists and remained fertile still. More than that, you've given birth to a healthy child in the image of what we should look like."
"So I am here only to bear children to your son."
"Yes."
"I see." Medusa bowed her head, but Rynda made her look up.
"No, you don't. Sweet Medusalith, you may be my brother's wife's niece, but should you betray the honour that has been bestowed on you once more, then I will have you executed."
Karnak paused the video. "That's from when Medusa first came here."
Gorgon was too stunned to speak at first. "That's... I had no idea Agon and Rynda were that harsh... but... treason? What's that about?"
"I have no idea." Karnak frowned. "Rynda's right about one thing, though- it is almost unheard of for one of our people to have a child in our image without scientific intervention..."
"This is nothing to do with us!" Triton snapped. "I think the best thing we could do is forget we ever saw this."
Gorgon scratched his head. "Don't you want to know what all this is about?"
"No."
Gorgon frowned. "I do. I want to hear Medusa's side of the story."
Triton looked desperate. "It's nothing to do with us! And I don't think the king and queen would be pleased if we started discussing all this. If rumours spread..."
"Then we don't discuss it," Gorgon said firmly. "We never talk of it again. But I'm going to learn from Medusa what really happened. Unless she doesn't want to tell me."
Karnak and Triton exchanged meaningful looks.
"What?" Gorgon scowled. "I know you're both thinking something..."
Karnak looked at him intensely. "We just don't want you to forget that she's betrothed to Black Bolt. You're thinking things you shouldn't. Don't forget, we've known you all your life, cousin."
Gorgon's face turned a vivid shade of red. "What- it's nothing like-"
"Isn't it?"
"No! It's not! Besides, I'm practically her cousin as well!"
"But you're not," Triton pointed out. "You're the king's nephew, she's the niece of the queen's brother. But you can't act on anything, Gorgon, however you think you feel. She's been Black Bolt's intended since infancy."
Gorgon scrubbed his hands over his face in frustration. "I know that! I just..."
"So you should just leave it alone."
Gorgon's shoulders slumped. "Does Black Bolt know, you think? About what we just saw?"
Karnak shrugged. "Who knows? It's not as if he's easy to understand. I don't think half of his thoughts ever get revealed to us. He's... repressed, almost."
"That's to be expected though, isn't it, after he's grown up isolated?" Triton mused.
"Well, if he finds out he'd better not treat her the way his parents do!" Gorgon said fiercely.
"Remember our talk about you keeping your feelings to yourself? How Black Bolt and Medusa interact is their business, not yours." Karnak's voice was full of warning.
"It should be everybody's buisness if somebody goes around threatening to kill their family members!" Gorgon argued. "And Agon and Rynda have hit her. You know they have. That's just wrong!"
"We can't question our rulers!"
"Gorgon, please, don't do anything stupid!"
"I'm not going to do anything stupid. But I am going to talk to Medusa about this!"
Triton looked at Karnak helplessly. "Can't you talk him out of this?"
"No, he can't," Gorgon interupted.
"But..."
A knock on the door ended the conversation abruptly.
Triton went to answer it. He opened the door and tensed involuntarily, though he tried to hide it. Black Bolt and Medusa were outside, hands intertwined. Triton felt sad. This isn't going to help Cousin Gorgon...
"Can we talk to you three?" Medusa asked nervously.
Triton glanced backwards- everyone semed calmer now. "Alright. What about?" He stepped back, letting them come in.
Medusa really didn't want to tell them, but Black Bolt squeezed her hand. She took a deep breath, and explained what Banth had wanted, and the plan that had been thought up to foil him. There were shouts of outrage when she was done. She shrank back.
"You can't do that!" Gorgon exclaimed. "He could kill you!" He turned to Black Bolt, eyes narrowed. "Tell me you're not going to let her do that!"
Medusa folded her arms. "You say that as though Black Bolt has the final say on my actions. I'm not his pet!"
"I didn't mean that! I meant - it's too dangerous!"
"I can take care of myself! Besides, if Banth isn't dealt with-" she cut herself off before she accidentally gave anything away about Crystal.
Gorgon frowned. "Medusa, can I speak with you privately?"
Medusa was about to agree until she saw the wary look on Black Bolt's face. She hesitated.
Black Bolt's thoughts were churning with worry. He could read signs of anger fairly well, and he wasn't sure he wanted Medusa to be alone with Gorgon.
"Please," Gorgon said.
His cousins glanced at each other. "Gorgon," Karnak started, but a glare cut him off.
Medusa steeled herself, releasing Black Bolt's hand. "Is there somewhere private we can talk?"
"My room-" Gorgon began.
"No!" Medusa quickly interjected. The last thing I need to do is be caught in one of my cousin's bedrooms.
Black Bolt moved to stand between Medusa and Gorgon, handing his cousin a hastily written note. You can talk in here. Karnak, Triton and I will be waiting outside. If you upset her... The note ended there, but the look in Black Bolt's eyes spoke volumes to Gorgon.
The other three boys trickled out, Karnak and Triton looking very uncomfortable.
"Well?" Medusa asked brazenly.
"Medusa, I know about Crystal."
Medusa went pale, though she tried to play ignorant. "Know what about her?"
"Whose child she really is."
Medusa's heart began to pound. "How?! Who else knows?" If Agon and Rynda found out that the story had spread... she didn't even want to think about it. They might even decide she wasn't good enough for their son after all, which she knew was true, but the thought of never seeing Black Bolt again scared her more than she thought it would. She didn't even realise she was breathing too fast until she felt Gorgon's hand on her shoulder, making her jump.
"Hey, don't panic! It's not public knowledge or anything... Are you alright?"
"How did you find out?"
"Maximus," Gorgon decided on the lie on the spot; no use in getting Karnak and Triton into trouble! "I just want to know if Black Bolt knows."
"Why? Are you going to tell him if he doesn't?"
"No. I just-"
"Well he already knows. He knows the full story!" Medusa's eyes burned. "He knows a lot more than you, or Maximus, so whatever you think of me now, I don't care!"
Gorgon held his hands up in surrender. "I just wanted to make sure that... that he wouldn't treat you like his parents do."
"You show very little faith in him."
"I don't know him! He hardly ever spends time with us."
"You don't have to worry about me, Gorgon. Black Bolt is... He understands."
Gorgon looked away, nodding. "Of course. I was merely concerned. And I won't speak of this again." He went and opened the door, letting the others back in. Black Bolt went straight to Medusa's side, meeting and holding her eyes. She smiled. Gorgon looked away, ignoring the sinking feeling in his heart. I knew I had no chance...
"I have had a thought," Karnak said, speaking with his 'let's talk about something before Gorgon overreacts to something else' voice, "why are you telling us the plan to capture Banth? Isn't it a secret?"
"It is supposed to be a secret, but Black Bolt had another idea. He plans to be hidden nearby while this plays out." Medusa's voice soured a bit. "As much as I don't like it... but Agon and Rynda will wonder where he is. We need at least one of you to agree to cover up for him on the night of the festival in two weeks."
"What sort of plan do you have?" Gorgon demanded, not liking this at all. Were they all going to put themselves in danger?
Medusa, seeing the look on Gorgon's face, decided to let Black Bolt deal with that one. He was already writing rapidly.
When Black Bolt was done, he handed the paper over. Gorgon's face went red.
"This is insane!"
"What is it?" Karnak asked, and Gorgon handed over the paper.
Karnak's brow furrowed. Triton moved to read over his shoulder. His eyes widened.
I will conceal myself in the shadows. I can move fast and quietly enough that no-one will notice me. I will protect any innocents who get caught up in this, and may be able to capture some of these rebels.
Karnak shook his head. "And if you get hurt? What then? Who is going to protect you?"
"That's what I said." Medusa muttered.
What is our alternative?
"I don't know."
Triton prodded Karnak. "You're smart. Come up with something."
He spread his hands helplessly. "As much as I hate to admit it... this does seem to be the best option." He grimaced, looking at Black Bolt. "You're the most powerful of our people. Do you really think you can do this?"
Black Bolt nodded decisively. Karnak sighed.
"Then... I'll make your excuses to your parents if they get suspicious."
"I will help you," Triton agreed warily. "But we'd best get our story straight."
Medusa and Black Bolt looked at Gorgon.
He gritted his teeth. "Fine. I'll go along with this, but I want it noted that I don't like it. I suppose we can just say that you're remaining in the Education Centre, that's safe enough. Assuming your parents don't go and check..."
"I could fake illness," Triton said with a grin, "and ensure they don't..."
Karnak groaned. "Just keep the seafood off them!"
Black Bolt had no idea what that was about, but handed them another note anyway. Thank you all. You do realise that when this is over, we may all be in trouble? He knew there was no 'may' about it, Agon would be furious, but he didn't want to dissuade his cousins. This wouldn't work without them.
Gorgon shrugged. "Hmph. I'm usually in trouble for something or other."
Karnak and Triton exchanged looks. "We agreed to help. We won't go back on our word."
"Then it's settled." Medusa exhaled softly. "I don't think I have to say that we won't talk about this again until after the night of the feast?"
All the boys nodded. Black Bolt took Medusa's hand again, reading the worry in her eyes. Everything's going to be alright. I promise.
They filed out of Triton's room in small groups, hoping not to attract suspicion about why they'd all been in there together.
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The feast was drawing to a close, and Medusa was beginning to feel nerves fluttering in her stomach. So many things could go wrong... but it was too late to change anything now. She felt Agon's eyes on her as the royal family retired, and nodded, very subtly.
After a long and rather exhausting discussion with Black Bolt and her cousins, all Medusa wanted was to forget the plan and have a good night's sleep, however impossible that was. I can go and rest for a while, at least, she thought resolutely. Unfortunately, as she returned to her room she found Maximus waiting outside of it. She stifled a groan.
"What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to talk to you." Maximus' expression was a bit strange, but Medusa was so tense about what she had to do in less than an hour that she barely noticed.
"What about? And where have you been lately anyway? None of us have really seen you for the last fortnight!"
Maximus waved his hand dismissively. "My parents made a fuss about nothing, made me take some pyschiatric tests, and kept me in my room for a while. I had to talk to you now, though."
"About what?" Medusa snapped.
"It's a delicate matter..." he shifted from side to side.
"Just spit it out."
Maximus locked eyes with her. "Seen Crystal lately?"
Medusa tensed. "No, I haven't seen my sister."
"My parents must have messed with your mind. She's not your sister. She's your daughter."
Medusa paled. "I can't- Why are we talking about this?!"
"So you remember that much, at least. What do you know about her father?"
"What in blazes has that got to do with you?!"
"Everything."
"What?!"
Maximus reached for her hand. She pulled it away.
"I can help you remember!"
"I don't know what you're talking about!" Medusa stepped away from him- there was such a strange look in his eyes...
"What's going on?" Rynda approached, making Medusa jump. She held her hands up apologetically, an automatic gesture whenever she saw the queen now, but Rynda's focus seemed to be solely on her youngest son.
"Maximus, what are you doing here? You're supposed to be staying in your room, you know that." Her voice was uncharacteristically gentle. Medusa blinked in surprise. But Maximus' expression was even worse. He was staring at his mother with fear and revulsion on his face, as if he didn't know her at all.
"What are you?" He asked in a low voice, his eyes locked on Rynda, fists clenching.
"What?"
"Answer my question, wench!" Maximus bellowed. "What are you?"
Rynda held Maximus' gaze, speaking clearly. "I'm your mother, Maximus, you know that."
He shook his head. eyes narrowing. "Liar! You have her voice, but she doesn't look like.. you."
Medusa looked from one to the other in confusion- what game was Maximus playing?
Rynda swallowed. "Tell me what I look like then."
"I don't know why you want me to describe your appearance, but alright." Maximus' voice was full of hate. "Red skinned, purple haired, clawed, fanged-"
Medusa shook her head. "Maximus, what are you blathering about?"
Rynda was white as a sheet, tears in her eyes.
"That's a demon right there, can't you see it!?"
"No!"
She stepped away from Maximus, now truly unnerved. What's the matter with him? Unfortunately, her stepping nearer to Rynda seemed to snap something in Maximus. He shoved Medusa out of the way, making her collide painfully with the wall, and lunged at Rynda, fury and determination on his face.
"Maximus!" Rynda cried, but the boy was hitting and kicking her with all his strength. Medusa's eyes widened and she reacted instantly, sending tendrils of her hair to wrap around his arms and legs.
She dragged Maximus away from Rynda, keeping him restrained. He was raving incoherently. Keeping her hair extended several feet away, she cautiously approached Rynda. The older woman's hair was dishevelled, torn out in some places, and there were stratches and bruises on her arms and face.
Rynda got up shakily, with Medusa's help, trembling. What's happened to my son? He was struggling to get out of Medusalith's hair's grip, and there was no recognition in his eyes. She didn't dare to go near him, and she could feel Medusalith's eyes on her. She braced herself for the inevitable questions.
"Are you alright, my lady?" The girl's voice was quiet, not at all what Rynda had expected from her after having witnessed that.
"I'm fine," she snapped, not allowing any weakness to be shown. "That is a useful talent you have. Come. Maximus must be taken to the psychiatric treatment rooms."
She began walking, but caught sight of her injuries in a reflection on a window. Shock hit her all at once, and she started shaking again.
"My lady?" Medusa cautiously put a hand on Rynda's arm.
Tears began to run down Rynda's face, and she covered her mouth, standing still but for her trembling, struggling to make herself stop.
"Kill it while it's weak!" Maximus shrieked, and Medusa wrapped her hair around his mouth to shut him up. She kneeled beside Rynda.
"My queen? Rynda?"
The woman didn't respond, her eyes blank, and full of sadness. Medusa stood back up, unsure what to do. I should go and get someone... but who can be trusted to see her like this? And I can't leave Maximus alone with her in this state... but I can't drag him around with me, what would people think? Footsteps approaching made her tense. How was she going to explain all this? She held her breath in anticipation as Rynda's brother Mander, Medusa's uncle-by-marriage came into view. Mander's eyes widened at the scene; Rynda in tears, Maximus restrained, Azur's niece somehow caught up in it...
"What's going on?"
"I - I don't know. Maximus just attacked Rynda, shouting that she was a demon."
Mander eyed his still-ranting nephew for a minute, before turning back to Medusa. "Let him go. I'll keep hold of him."
"But-"
"Go. Find Agon. He needs to know about this."
Medusa looked dubious, but slowly released Maximus. He tried to run, wild-eyed, but Mander had a firm grip on him in seconds. Medusa glanced back once, and went to find Agon. She didn't have to go far- she turned a corner, and he was already heading in her direction.
"Medusalith! What's going on? The servants said something about a fight..."
"I.. I don't know how to explain, my lord." Medusa kept her eyes on the ground. "Maximus is acting... very oddly."
Agon tensed. "Has he hurt you?"
"No, but... the queen is distressed. Maximus claimed he didn't recognise her, said she was.. something else, and tried to attack her. My uncle is there now, he told me to fetch you."
Agon strode off quickly, glancing back at her. "Go join the other children in the lounge until it's time to start the plan. Everything will be under control by then. And not a word of this to anyone, understood?"
His tone made Medusa nod automatically, and she darted off. Agon braced himself as he made his way to the corridor where the disturbance had been reported, dreading what he would see...
Mander had Maximus pinned to the floor. The boy was writhing and spitting like an angry asp. Rynda was standing some distance away, her face tear-stained, using the wall for support. The despair Agon saw in her eyes made his heart ache. Taking a deep breath, he approached Mander and Maximus. There was no lucidity in his younger son's eyes now.
"Maximus?" he said, drawing nearer.
"Stay away, demon!" the boy cried. "This is all a plot, isn't it, to keep me away from my child! My little girl."
"He's raving," Mander sighed. "He's been going on about how Medusa's little sister is his daughter for five minutes now."
Agon closed his eyes for a second, before moving to take hold of Maximus. "Mander, go to my study, there's a prepared dose of sedative on my desk. Bring it here."
Mander left quickly, storing his host of questions for later. Agon made sure Maximus couldn't move, before loking at Rynda.
"Are you alright?"
She nodded. "Just shaken. A few scratches, but nothing else."
Agon shook his head. "You realise we have no choice now? I was willing to see if he could be kept under control here, but after this, he'll have to be isolated."
Rynda felt tears pricking her eyes again, but nodded. "What are we going to tell the rest of the family? Mander and Medusalith both saw..."
"I'll worry about that later. Let's just get him removed, then sort out this mess with Banth, then we'll worry about everything else."
Maximus chose that moment to redouble his struggles, and Agon had to strain to hold him. Thankfully, Mander reappeared shortly afterwards.
"I won't!" Maximus shouted as Mander drew closer with the sedative. "Sam! Sam! Help me!"
Mander hesitated. Agon nodded to him to just inject him. Maximus went limp in seconds. Agon waited a minute, to make sure Maximus wasn't faking, before letting go of him and stepping back.
"So are either of you going to explain what that was all about now?" Mander asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No," Agon replied sharply. "For now I would appreciate silence on your part. We will explain later."
Mander looked as if he wanted to argue, but he remained silent. "I will take my leave then." He went to join the rest of the family in the smaller private feasting hall as had been agreed earlier. Though I don't understand why we're not just going back to the living quarters... something else to ask later.
Agon and Rynda were left alone with an unconscious Maximus.
Rynda took a deep breath. "Are we taking him to isolation immediately?"
"It is for the best. He'll be safe there and we can ensure that he won't harm anybody." Agon bent down and picked up his youngest son. "Oh, Maximus! I had hoped..."
He didn't finish the sentence, arranging his face into his usual stoic look. Shifting Maximus' limp form, he stood, and began walking, hoping he wouldn't encounter anyone else on the way to the isolation rooms. He could hear Rynda following him, and glanced back once, meeting her eyes. She looked miserable, but resigned. They would have time to discuss this properly later...
Reaching the sparsely decorated isolation area, Agon, ignoring the startled looks from the Pacifiers, the medics who ran this place, he took his younger son into the room and placed him gently on the bed. He left Rynda with him for a few seconds while he went to explain the situation to the Pacifiers. He made a deliberate point of emphasising secrecy, and the fact that, except for meals, no-one was to see Maximus unless he specifically authorised it. When that was settled, he went to retrieve his wife. She was caressing Maximus' hair gently, tears fallling again. He moved to stand beside her, his hand on her shoulder.
"This is for the best."
A nod. He put his arm around her, leading her away. "Come." She followed passively. Agon looked back at Maximus once, sad, before steeling himself and pulling the door closed behind him. It locked automatically. Sighing at being forced into this situation, he accompanied his wife to the hall where the rest of the family was gathered. Or most of them, he amended, thinking of Medusalith.
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Midnight. Medusa had been sitting in her room, fidgeting, for the past hour. Nerves churned inside her as she got up. What will Banth do when he realises he's been tricked? Checking that the concealed energy weapon was in easy reach, she made her way downstairs. The guards should already be asleep, I gave them the drugged wine two hours ago... I just hope Black Bolt doesn't give himself away trying to keep them alive. Assuming he's even here...
I am.
She jumped, quickly looking around. She couldn't see him, but supposed that was a good thing- if she couldn't, no-one else could... right? Swallowing hard, she made her way to the door Banth had instructed her to use. Her hands were shaking and her heart pounded as she typed in the code. The door slid open to reveal Banth standing there, with that grin she had once found so charming on his face
"Well done, pretty one," he said, brushing past her. "I knew you were a good choice."
She closed her eyes, shuddering as he made contact with her. "I thought there would be others with you?"
"Maybe I don't want to share you with anyone else."
Medusa backed away in horror. "No!"
Banth chuckled. "You just let me in, that's treason, little one. You're going to do everything I tell you."
He stepped closer. Medusa felt panic fluttering in her stomach. She wouldn't do what he said, ever again, but how far was he willing to go to force her?
If he touches you, I'll kill him. Black Bolt's unspoken words were firm, but for some reason that didn't reassure her, not with Banth so close.
Banth chose that moment to move back, however, smirking. "We have a job to do first, though... plenty of time for fun later." He caught Medusa's upper arm, pulling her with him as he began walking. "You and I are going on a tour of the royal family's living quarters."
Medusa tried to pull away, hoping some resistance would encourage Banth that his plan was suceeding. Though he'll soon know that he's doing exactly what we want him to...
Banth moved fast. They were there within minutes. Medusa checked that her concealed weapon was still there as Banth dragged her towards the king and queen's room. Any minute now, he'll know... She hoped Black Bolt was still nearby...
"So, little sweet, how have you been finding your home? Your betrothed? Has he taken you to bed yet?"
Medusa flushed, angry.
Banth smirked. "Aren't you going to answer me? Not very polite..."
"I don't see much of him," Medusa lied in a mutter. "And Rynda doesn't let me near the boys by myself for very long."
He reached out and stroked her hair. "Sounds like you could use some company..."
"Get away from me!"
Banth chuckled. "Maybe later, then." He opened the door to the king and queen's chambers, and froze, rage on his face. He whirled on Medusa. "What's going on? There's no-one here!"
Medusa tried to look surprised. "What?"
"It's late at night, where would they be?" Banth seethed, grabbing her throat.
"How should I know?" Medusa managed to gasp out. "They wouldn't tell me anything!"
Banth's gaze darkened. "I think you're lying to me, little girl..."
"I'm not! Please-" Medusa couldn't say anything else.
Banth's grip tightened. "I'm going to let you go in a minute. And you are going to tell me exactly what you've done to mess this up, or I am going to drag you to your parents' home and make you watch as I kill your precious Crystal." He let go. "Start talking!"
"I didn't do anything!" Medusa started sobbing, though she wasn't certain if that was going to hurt or help her. "Please! Please don't..."
Banth shrugged. "Well, you did keep your word and let me in here... I might forgive you, if you let me take something for wasting my time like this..." He moved closer to her again, his eyes roaming down her body.
Medusa backed away from him. "No! No, please don't. They'll kill me!"
"And I'm supposed to care?" He made to press her back, against the wall. Only to find some sort of energy field stopping him. "What the..." The force expanded, and seemed to explode, blasting Banth back several feet. He landed in a heap, but stood up quickly, his skin having taken on its rock-like density. He glared at Medusa. "What sort of game are you playing, tramp?!"
Medusa didn't answer. She had a feeling she knew who had caused that, but didn't want to give his presence away too soon. Banth marched back towards her, fists raised.
"Answer me!"
He raised his fist. Medusa flinched back.
He made to strike, but the blow never made contact. There was a dark blur, and suddenly Black Bolt was standing between them, Banth's hand gripped tightly in his fist, his expression furious.
"What is this?" Banth snarled.
Medusa looked at him defiantly, head held high. "Did you really think I'd get myself into this situation if I was alone?"