Blood of Hercules (Villains of Lore, #1)

by Jasmine Mas

Sometimes becoming a hero hurts...a lot. Beware.

This book is dedicated to all the girls who like morally gray fictional men and who screamed out loud the first time they read “Who did this to you?” This one’s for you.

throat burning from the force of my outburst.

The Olympians called me many names. Insomniac. Sociopath. Hunter. Killer. All of them were true.

Tapping my foot faster, I debated capsizing just to give myself something to do.

She’d been so helpless, at my complete (nonexistent) mercy, and yet even half-asleep, she’d fought like a wildcat. I smiled at the memory.

What are your secrets—carissima? Are you more than you seem?

Twisted interest burned inside my sternum as a new obsession kindled to life.

I call dibs.

😂😂😂

His eyes were full of disgust. He’s trying to shame me in front of everyone. Blankly I stared back. I had no honor.

I closed my eyes and immediately fell into a peaceful, trancelike state. Just kidding—I fell asleep sitting up.

😂😂😂

Did I? I don’t remember anyone giving me an option. Also, since when does the toilet constitute special treatment?

“Alexis Hert.” Nyx became visible, purple eyes glowing against gleaming black scales. “You are the strongest person I’ve ever met—and I’ve met all manner of Spartan heroes.”

Love me a supportive, protective snake monster bestie friend 🫶🏻🥹🤭

“You saved Big Bertha, the humpback whale.” He dropped me. I let out the cry (aquatic moan) of my people.

Apparently, I now found murder funny. This was rock-bottom.

Someone cried out. This time, it was definitely me.

Sign me up. I’ve always wanted to meet the sirens. They sound like good, hardworking, big-breasted people.

Maximum crawled past me on his hands and knees. Crap, I should have done that.

Jessica would have told him that she didn’t listen to men who smelled like sewer rats. I missed my high school bully. Things were truly tragic.

There was something attractive about a man who spoke his truth with such charisma. Fox had my vote.

“I’m so proud right now...this is the best day of my life. I knew you had it in you, bestie. Pussy power, crush the patriarchy! Don’t stop now—murder them all. KILL EVERYONE IN THIS ROOM!”

FUCKING LOVE NYX 😂😂

“Why—the fuck—are you putting yourself in danger?” he asked slowly, his voice vibrating with vehemence. Quietly, in a deathly whisper, he said, “Chthonics are extremely rare and important. Act like it.”

Oh, it’s because my mentors are Chthonic, and he’s worried about them becoming generals.

Nope its because you are and they know it, but you just don't know that yet

Nyx hissed, “First, I do—rude. Second, please, I’m a woman, and it’s obvious that man wants to do depraved things to you. Thank Kronos, finally a worthy suitor. I was getting worried you were going to die a virgin. It would have been so embarrassing for our family’s honor.”

Sometimes violence was the answer.

Delusion was one hell of a drug. Spoiler, it would not all just “work out.”

“Kharon?” I muttered. “Did you just say Karen again?” “What? No...” I squinted. “Wait, can you pronounce it again?”

😂😂😂

We both recoiled as a Spartan in a laurel-wreath crown walked butt naked by our table, family jewels swinging. We need to bring back people having shame.

😂😂😂

“That I’m—gracious, and beautiful?” “Hmm,” Nyx said skeptically. “Are you sure you can understand her?”

Oh yeah, starvation, abusive parents, and homelessness. So wild.

Even feeling as good as I was, I was still aware that I wasn’t emotionally ready to dabble in hard drug use. It wasn’t my time—yet.

“She’s our big prude,” Lena said proudly as she slung her arm around my shoulder.

He hates you so much that he wants to fight—in the bedroom.” I choked. A manic bubble of laughter burst out my throat, and tears of despair streamed out of my eyes. “Carl Gauss would never treat me like this,” I whispered miserably.

“Well—you need to get dicked down.”

Classic Nyx 😂😂😂

You finally discovered your Spartan ability. You’re not powerless. You can talk to sentient creatures.

It was time to get to work. I had prey to ensnare.

There were cries for help. Then there were cries for help. This was the latter.

You're not crazy girl 😂😂

“Freak, fluck, biatch, crud, darn, flippin’, shrit,” I wailed despondently, but my eyes were bone-dry because emo girls didn’t cry (I’d cried yesterday).

Love us a delusional girlie 🤪😅

She inspired me to want to kill myself less. Maybe.

😂😂😂

Apparently, everyone

is struggling with their mental health these days. Who am I to judge?

Fluffy Jr. to his own morbid devices.

“We’re together,” Patro blurted. “But since we’re bisexual—no one seems to fucking respect that we’re a couple. So, thanks again.” He nodded down at me, then looked away, like he was embarrassed.

The only thing I’d done “this season” was freeze to death, starve, receive gifts of body parts, run the circuit, and study until I wanted to die.

The free the nips (and lips) campaign was a mindset, not necessarily a reality.

“I don’t care about your stupid House honor—I grew up homeless, you prick.”

“Are you okay?” His voice was a throaty rasp. No. I’m cheating on Carl Gauss. I’m an unloyal whore.

“She’ll be ours?”

Achilles’s eyes blazed with fire as his fingers moved quickly. “She already is. She just doesn’t know it yet.”

Alexis Hert didn’t know it yet, but she’d enthralled a monster. Things were about to get very messy.