The moment Kratos lunged forward, the silent dawn split with a deep, pulsing vibration. Marble columns trembled. Thin cracks raced up their carved lengths, scattering flecks of white dust across the polished floor.
Kratos's massive fist froze inches from Metis's chest. His iron-dark eyes flicked sideways in shock, feeling an unseen force gripping his wrist like a vice.
"Step back."
The voice was quiet, almost gentle, but it carried a weight that turned every shadow in the hall cold. Slowly, Kratos turned his head.
Rhea stood in the shattered doorway, her robe of pale moss-green drifting around her feet like river fog. Her hair, streaked with silver and dark gold, fell loose down her back, rippling faintly with an unseen breeze. Around her ankles, wildflowers bloomed from the cracks in the marble, their white petals trembling.
Bia stepped forward sharply, raising her hand in another killing gesture, but Rhea simply raised her eyes to her, calm and unblinking.
