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 behind his desk, flipping through a stack of maps and reports, eyes never rising to meet mine.
I take a step inside. “Father, I am…I didn’t mean to-”
“I don’t care
