Kassandra climbed the steep slope leading to the Archgesion of Delos. After what she saw by the Temple that morning and after what her brother had told her, she was in desperate need of space. She followed Alexios that morning, curious as to what he meant by she would "understand the true pain of betrayal." However, After seeing Cicero meet with Alexios only moments before he met with Poldarkes, she could only assume the worst, that somehow the three of them were working together. Which meant that Aleera was too.

She was furious with herself for allowing her relationship with Aleera to deteriorate to the point of deceit. Not to mention that her relations with Kyra had cost the rebellion its most powerful ally. Without Sparta, Kyra would easily be overthrown after she defeated Poldarkes and the islands would be at war yet again.

Kassandra shook her head, resisting the urge to shout. There was a pain in the abdomen that carried into her heart. She barely reached the top of the hill before she broke down. Falling to her knees, she pounded the dirt with a heavy fist. She thought back to when she had arrived at the islands and how it felt watching Kyra run off towards the shoreline. She wished she hadn't followed her, she wished she had turned the other way and completed her own mission, " I should have killed him when I had the chance," she sobbed.

She looked up at the sky, Ikaros circled above her, watching her with sadness in his eyes. He delicately landed next to her and did what he could to show his support. He felt her every pain, and her every sorrow, but while he couldn't express it, Kassandra knew he was trying to help. He pecked at her tunic, drawing her attention away from self-destruction.

"For once I should have followed my head instead of my heart." Kassandra gently soothed over Ikaros's soft feathers. But it wasn't long before the large eagle abruptly took flight, startled by the sound of incoming footsteps.

Kassandra jumped to her feet and quickly wiped away the tears from her sunburned face. She took a deep breath and surpassed all the emotions that she felt. She began to walk steadily towards the stone pillars of the Archgesion, listening carefully to identify whoever it was that was approaching. However, when the pace stopped she knew that whoever it was had spotted her and she fought every urge to turn around and look.

"Kassandra?"

The mercenary turned in response to her name. Her mouth dried within an instant, "Thaletas," she managed. Shock wasn't a strong enough word to express how she felt to see him "How… what are you.." she paused, collecting her words, "Kyra thought you had sailed back to Sparta."

Thaletas laughed a shallow, sarcastic laugh. He folded his hands behind his back and tread cautiously towards Kassandra, keeping his deep brown eyes focused on the afternoon horizon, " It's disheartening to hear that my presence here goes unnoticed, now that Kyra is preoccupied." He looked over his shoulder and caught Kassandra's stare. His nostril flared as he looked her over, trying to understand what Kyra saw in her.

Kassandra hung her head and sighed, the pile of guilt inside her just kept growing and there was nothing she could do to stop it, "I'm sorry Thaletas, for everything."

Thaletas grit his teeth. He didn't want to hear Kassandra's apologies even if they were sincere. She had wounded him so deeply, without even trying. He turned to face her, burning with discontent, "Save your pity for the weak," he snarled.

Frustrated and angry, Kassandra let her emotions get the best of her, "Do you think I meant for this to happen?" She yelled. She began walking uncontrollably towards Thaletas, her arms flying wildly in the air. "I came to these islands to help with a rebellion, not hinder it! You, Kyra, Cicero, Aleera, you have all played a part in this tragedy and yet I'm the one being blamed for it!"

There was no holding back the anger that Thaletas felt. He thought that his jealousy had subsided, sated by his lust for Cicero. But being there in front of Kassandra, it all came back to him and he couldn't hold it in any longer, "You took everything from me! I was supposed to win these islands for Sparta, for Kyra!"

"You still can, Thaletas!" Kassandra suggested, " This rebellion isn't over, You can still win Kyra's heart and fight for Sparta!" She lowered her guard, becoming almost sympathetic," I won't be on these islands forever, and when I'm gone…" Jealousy wouldn't allow her to finish her statement. Although she knew her departure was inevitable, the thought of Kyra holding someone else was too much to bear.

Thaletas stopped in his tracks. Kassandra was right, he could fight. But not for Kyra, not after what she had done to him, "No." He growled. He looked her dead in the eyes with a cold, dark stare, " When you're gone Kyra will wallow in her sorrow alone. I'm not hungry for your scraps Kassandra, nor will I ever be again." He tromped past her, holding her stare until it was no longer possible. He neared the edge of the cliff and looked out towards the Spartan campsite, "We WILL take these islands, but it won't be for Kyra." he lifted his hands onto his hips as his gaze shifted towards the Spyro, which drifted close by.

"We?" Kassandra whirled around and quickly started after Thaletas. However, when Aleera's ship came into view, she knew instantly who Thaletas was eluding to. But she wondered if Thaletas knew that Aleera was working with Poldarkes, in her mind there was only one way to find out, "Whatever Aleera promised you Thaletas, it's not worth it." Her voice pleaded, but the words were laced with hostility and spite. She didn't want to see another person be a victim of Aleera's lies.

"Hmph." Thaletas turned towards her, his brows furrowed and his glare heavy, "that's the difference between you and me, I don't need to be bribed in order to fight." He moved as if to walk away, but Kassandra caught him by his arm.

"She's not what she seems, Thaletas! She yelled. Her brown eyes softened, begging him to listen to her.

The blood in Thaletas's body burned. He pulled himself away from her, drawing his sword as a warning, "No one ever is, Misthios." He turned his back but Kassandra was persistent, following close at his heel.

"She's working with Poldarkes! How can you possibly defend her when she's plotting with your enemy? She blurted out.

Thaletas inhaled deeply, "I know." he snarled. He lifted his sword at Kassandra, challenging her to a fight, "I've grown tired of your words misthios!"

Kassandra's eyes widened, "be reasonable, Thaletas. I don't want to fight you, I just..."

" I tried being reasonable and giving you the benefit of the doubt." He cut her off, "But I'm not reasonable, I'm a Spartan."

…

The night came quickly, painting the once bright sky with vibrant with burning stars. Aleera paced the length of her ship, listening to the sound of the ocean waves as they crashed against the shore. She pulled her cloak around her bare shoulders, shielding them from the chilling breeze. She thought back to the morning and how it felt seeing Alexios again. No words were spoken between them but she could feel both their hearts beat faster once their eyes met.

She took a deep breath and inhaled the salted air, in an attempt to calm her racing heart. She was apprehensive, waiting for Alexios to arrive and inform her of Poldarkes's decision. Her visions hadn't steered her wrong thus far but there was a tightness of doubt in her chest and an ominous feeling of pressure that concerned her.

Aleera looked up towards the stars. She searched them for a few moments before closing her eyes and humming a charming melody. Songs helped to ease her crowded mind, and she often found herself rendering the same, simple tune. It came to her the night she healed Cicero after the battle of Epidaurus and again after Thaletas was wounded on the beach. It's lyrics spoke of destiny and earning the favor of the gods, allowing you to return home wherever that may be.

As pleasing as the song was, the thought of home always saddened her. It made her realize that she didn't have a home to return to. The ship was her home and the crew was her family. But where would they go once their journey was complete? That was the thought that terrified her most. Would the crew leave her? Would Cicero return to Sparta without her?

The sound of pounding horse hooves snapped her away from her insecure thoughts. Aleera opened her teary eyes slowly and forced herself to move, her fingers lazily trailing over wooden rails as she went to greet her guest.

Her heart beat faster and she could feel her body burn with anticipation, though she somehow kept her composure. "You're late." She said dryly. Looking down the ramp that led to the dock.

Alexios dismounted his horse with leisure, showing no sign of urgency as he moved to tie his reins to the post. He turned to face her, crossed one arm over his chest and bowed, "My apologies," he remarked, "I didn't know you were expecting me." He lifted his head and made his way up the boardwalk, carefully examining his surroundings for the likes of the crew. Once he was sure no one was around he gently grabbed Aleera's hand and pressed the back of her palm to his lips, "I promise it won't happen again." he said, locking eyes with her.

Aleera's heart skipped a beat. Alexios was not acting the way she suspected at all, and while she was grateful for his polished mannerisms, they were making it much harder for her to contain herself. Her mouth went dry, and her knees felt weak. She tore her eyes away and quickly turned from him, escaping to the bow of the ship, "I trust your meeting with Poldarkes went well?"

Alexios rolled his eyes, her resistance was disappointing but he wouldn't let it deter him. He followed her, taking in the sweet, lavender scent that lingered around her, "He wishes to speak with you, to discuss your terms in further detail." He stopped and followed Aleera's movements with his eyes, "Although, I'm not sure why you didn't meet with him yourself, seeing as you were there this morning." He crossed his arms, waiting for her to respond.

Aleera stopped, but she didn't turn around. Instead, she faced her body towards the open sea, "I assure you, my presence at the temple was for nothing more than to satisfy my curiosity." She answered truthfully.

"I see," he snorted, " I guess the trust you spoke of in your letter was merely a play on words to get me to do your bidding." he clenched his jaw, biting back the pain of deceit.

"No!" Aleera gasped, drawing Alexios's attention. Her blue eyes flashed towards him but quickly retreated. She lowered her voice and collected herself, " It wasn't your actions that warranted suspicion." She said looking down at her feet.

"Hmm," Vibrated a jealous hum, "you followed Cicero." Alexios shook his head and laughed, "and here I thought you had every faith in him." He relaxed his arms by his side and cautiously approached Aleera with a sauntering stride, "it makes me question your real intentions for summoning me?" He reached down for her hand, but she refused his advance instantly.

"Don't mistake my inquisitiveness for distrust, Alexios." Aleera hissed. She kept her gaze low, purposefully avoiding his hungry eyes, "You can tell Poldakes that I'll meet with him. Tomorrow." Her tone carried her words like order, triggering an aggressive response.

Alexios caught her arm as she tried to turn from him, " I am no one's messenger, Aleera." He growled, "Tell me the real reason I'm here." The jealousy in him wanted her to admit that she desired him. That the reason she called for him was more personal than to complete such pitiful tasks. From the moment he approached her, he could smell her excitement and based her hunger on the heat that emanated from her statuesque body. But she was defensive, unwilling to let her walls down.

Aleera's body tensed, she didn't like this side of Alexios and cursed herself for awakening it. She struggled against him, but his grip only grew tighter around her arm, "let me go." she said calmly, focusing on anything but him.

Alexios frowned, he craned his head slightly to put him at her level, "look at me," he said in a deep, raspy voice. He had noticed that she was purposely avoiding eye contact throughout their conversation, and it was obvious as to why. She was hiding something from him. He knew that if he could get her to look him in the eyes for more than a brief moment, he would be able to seduce it out of her.

There was a stillness that washed over them, silence so defining that you could no longer hear the sound of the waves. Aleera was hiding something, but it wasn't information. She was hiding her desires. Her needs, and her lustful thoughts. All she wanted was to melt into Alexios's touch, consume every inch of him until there was nothing left but the shreds of innocence that had yet to be taken away by the cult.

More than anything, Aleera wanted to complete him. She wanted to give him everything he was missing so he could escape from the cult and be free. Just like he had done for her. However, doing so would mean sacrificing the one thing that Aleera refused to live without. The person she loved with all of her being and the person whose loss would be too painful to bear.

Aleera's silence had surpassed Alexios's patients, he pulled her closer to him and caressed the side of her face, "look at me," he repeated, this time a little slower and a little more enticing.

Aleera shifted her gaze towards Alexios's armored chest, her reflection shining in its golden polish, "I can't." She whispered.

Alexios took a deep breath and exhaled with a sigh, "Oh, Aleera." He cooed lifting her chin to look at him. He lowered his lips to hers, but before he could make his mark, there was a disturbance that alerted him.

"Am I interrupting something?" Cicero asked with a spiteful twang. His eyes narrowed on Alexios and then slid towards Aleera. His nostrils flared, he didn't have to ask her to know she was distressed. He approached them quickly, his hand on the hilt of his sword as though preparing to attack.

"Not at all," Alexios replied in a dark voice. He released Aleera from his grasp then turned his attention towards the seam crossing his arms in annoyance.

Cicero reached out his hand, offering his safety. Aleera graciously accepted it, thankful that he arrived when he did. He pulled her close to him, thoroughly examining her for any sign of injury.

" Are you alright?" he whispered, brushing her light brown hair behind her ear. He had no reason to believe that Alexios would physically harm her, and knowing their history the sexual tension was expected. But what concerned Cicero was that Alexios had the strength to overpower Aleera, and if prompted would assert that dominance.

Aleera covered cicero's hand, " Yes." She answered confidently. She searched him and found a troubled look in his eyes, "I didn't expect you back until the morning." She combed her fingers through his dark hair, "what's troubling you?"

Cicero inhaled his anger towards Alexios and let it fade with a large sigh. It wasn't just seeing Alexios and Aleera together that made him uneasy and to be fair,if something were to transpire between them he would be in no position to interject given his own extracurricular relations. But what brought him back to Aleera was a different matter entirely.

He stepped back, putting some space between him and Aleera. He folded his hands behind his back and gave his report as a Second in Command and not as a lover, "It's Thaletas, he said passively, "he has yet to return to the camp." He kept his face as emotionless as possible, not wanting Alexios to pass judgment on him.

But without missing a beat, Alexios interjected " Lost your Spartan lover already?" he laughed, sneaking a glare over his shoulder, "Perhaps he's run back to his rebel, Kyra."

Aleera could see the distress hidden behind Cicero's blank expression. She took his hand and led him away, "I'm sure he's alright, Cicero. He's a strong man and can handle himself." She caressed his stubbled cheek and offered him a smile but it did nothing to comfort him.

"I wouldn't have come back if I thought that were true" He looked over his shoulder at Alexios who returned his spiteful glare, "especially not tonight," he muttered.

Aleera frowned, " I do not question the severity of your affairs, Cicero. So please, don't question mine." She pulled him close to her, wrapping her arms around his tense body, "You have my heart Cicero, there is no room for anyone else there." she stroked his hair gently until she felt him relax, but all the while she felt her own heartbreak.

Alexios watched them in disgust. His jaw was so tight that it cramped his muscles until he was forced to relax them. He looked out towards the sea, needing to focus on something other than his raging emotions. He heard the faint sound of an eagle in the distance, making him look towards the Delos islands, that was when he remembered something he heard while traveling towards Mykonos.

"I overheard some soldiers say they heard fighting by the Delos cliffs, it might be worth looking into." He kept his focus on the distant landscape but heard Cicero approach him.

Cicero quickly broke from Aleera, "How long ago was this?" he asked in a heavy voice.

Alexios turned to face him, shrugging his weighted shoulders, " four, maybe five hours ago? I can't be bothered to remember."

"And it didn't concern you to mention this?" Cicero barred his teeth as he spoke, annoyed that Alexios didn't mention that information sooner.

"It didn't concern me." He responded, with a smile. His gaze lingered towards Aleera who had her back turned, facing the sea with her hands on the rail. He looked her up and down slowly, making sure that Cicero saw him do it.

"And now it does." Cicero stated sarcastically, following Alexios's line of sight. The fire of jealousy raged within him but he couldn't let it escape. He sidestepped, blocking Alexios's view. He challenged him with his presence, inching closer until they were nearly noes to noes. "You listen to me." His voice was deep and menacing. He lifted his chin slightly in order to look deeply into Alexios's eyes, "I know what you want with her, and I know how much lust after you . But no matter how hard you try, no matter how powerful your advances are, she will NEVER belong to you. That I can promise." Cicero flared his nostrils, he wasn't done with his threats. A small blade slid out from underneath his gauntlet and he held it to Alexios's neck, " If you harm her in any way, I will kill you myself."

It was hard for Alexios to contain the urge to laugh. Cicero knew he couldn't beat him and yet he made the threat anyway. If Aleera wasn't present, Alexios would have gladly accepted the challenge, but for her sake and to save Cicero his embarrassment, he backed off, and instead answered with a smile that burned Cicero with confusion and hate.

"We all have our time, in this life, and the next."

Alexios stepped back, allowing Cicero to take his leave in silence, grateful he didn't speak to Aleera again. He waited until he hear the sound of horses hove galloping before he made his move, sliding down the length of the ship and joining Aleera at its bow. He stood behind her, pinning her against the side of the ship.

She welcomed his presence with uneasiness. She didn't enjoy how he and Cicero interacted and the ominous threats weighed heavily on her. But they confirmed her fears and helped to seal her coming actions.

"I know why you despise him." she blurted, catching Alexios off guard. She closed her eyes and calmed her racing heart.

A pleasurable sigh breached from Alexios's mouth as he acknowledged her words. he moved his arms around her, his excitement growing the closer his body was to hers. He shed a deep breath as he gently pressed against her. His lips brushed against her ear, teasing her senses with his breath.

The cold shiver that wracked her body was the same one to awaken it. Aleera turned and faced Alexios. She leaned against the wooden rail and lifted her chin to meet him. Her hand lifted, falling on his golden armor just above his heart, "I can't give you what you want, Alexios." she brushed a strand of his brown hair away from his eyes so she could look at them, then her fingers came to rest on his lightly stumbled face.

Alexios melted under her, her cold touch warmed the blood that flowed through him and fueled his lustful thoughts. Cicero's words washed away from his mind, his threats carrying no real significance. He told him that Aleera would never be his, that she would never "belong" to him, but he was wrong.

Alexios quickly covered Aleera's hand with his own, simultaneously coiling his other arm around her in a tight, snake-like embrace. He pushed her against the side of the ship, using it's wooden structure to minimize the space between them. He could see the slight twinge of fear in her expression as he lowered his lifes towards hers, and in a voice that was both frightening and desirable said to her, "Yes, Aleera. You can."

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