Ares drew a slow, controlled breath. His voice dropped into something quiet and dangerous. "Do you think challenging me makes you strong."
"No," Rhea replied. "Surviving everything you allowed the Krolls to put these body through makes me strong."
The words hit him like a blow. His posture stiffened. A flicker of shame passed through his eyes, followed by anger and guilt. He swallowed hard, as if he had to force the truth she spoke down his throat.
Rhea stepped back just enough to steady herself. Her expression hardened, her voice sharpened even more. "I am not the enemy here, Ares. I was never the enemy."
Ellie turned fully this time. His eyes widened, surprise and a quiet, thoughtful respect settling in his expression. It was the first time someone said aloud what he had spent years trying to make Ares understand.
