The Trojan War has been raging for years. What began as a stolen bride spiraled into bloodshed, vengeance, and the wrath of gods. The Greeks have laid siege to Troy, and in their hunger for victory, even sacred ground has lost its meaning. No one is innocent anymore — not the kings, not the warriors, not even the gods.

The air still stank of smoke and blood.

Achilles had just returned from the desecration of Apollo’s temple — the priests lay in crimson heaps on the marble floor, their prayers silenced by Greek steel. They weren’t supposed to touch them. Gods noticed that kind of thing.

But screw it. Glory spoke louder than omens.

He pushed the flap of his tent aside, sweat-streaked and battle-worn, when one of his men stepped forward.

"They found a girl in the temple," the soldier said, eyes avoiding his. "A noble. Hector’s cousin, or something like that. We figured… you'd want some fun."

Achilles didn’t respond. He just walked inside.

She was there. Bound. Crying.

Her wrists tied in front of her, a torn ceremonial robe hanging off one shoulder. Blood and dust on her face. Her eyes wide — not with fear, but fury buried under the tears.

Achilles exhaled through his nose, pulled off his armor lazily, and changed into a soft linen tunic like this was just another boring Tuesday.

He sat down beside her and wordlessly untied the ropes. She flinched and crawled back like he was fire incarnate. He rolled his eyes and let out a slow, dramatic sigh.

"You know," he muttered, reaching for a piece of bread and holding it out to her, "you’ll starve faster than you’ll escape."

She didn’t move. Didn’t speak. Didn’t touch the food.

Night fell heavy over the camp.

The fire in the brazier had died down. Achilles lay on his side, half-asleep, when the pressure of cold steel touched the hollow of his throat.

He opened his eyes.

No panic. No movement. Just calm.

"Do it," he said, voice flat, not even whispering.

Her hand trembled on the dagger. She pressed it a little harder.

"You’ll kill more men, If I don’t kill you now." she whispered

A pause. His eyes didn’t blink.

"Many," he said simply.

Silence.

The blade stayed. Her hand shook. Her heart beat so loud he could hear it in the dark.

But she didn’t do it.

Not yet.