Medusa's Desire (The Fate of Eros #1) (The Fate of Eros Series) Read Online Free PDF

have touched her in such a way: Phorcys must have hit her.
    "Mom, let me in." Medy's throat felt sore from screaming and crying.
    Her mother's mouth drooped as she looked down and shook her head. Medy saw the fear in her eyes. Phorcys must have threatened to kill her and her sisters if they let Medy into the house. A knot welled up in her stomach. Phorcys commanded them to behave respectably even though he was the idiot of the town. He probably thought it was her ruining his reputation. Medy was tired of being blamed.
    "Please." She fell to her knees. "You can't do this to me. I'm your daughter. I'll protect you from Dad if he tries to hit you again. Just let me in!"
    Ceto's face hardened and she shut the curtain, turning her back on her daughter.
    "I'll provide for you better than Dad can. Don't abandon me! I did this for you!"
    Medy's screams became unintelligible as she clawed at the door. Her chest was tight and she couldn't breathe. Her family didn't care about her anymore and no matter how much she begged, it wasn't going to change.
    Her tears blinded her as she packed a few of her possessions. Most of these things she wouldn't need while living on the streets. Besides, she couldn't carry them all and she didn't want to return later.
    She felt the neighbors' eyes on her and even caught one of the slaves staring as she tended the garden outside the house she lived in. The shame of being a whore burned through her body and settled in her cheeks. She had lost everything because of it and wished never to sell herself again, but if she wanted to live, she didn't have a choice.
    She took longer to pack than she thought she would. The sun was starting to set once she finished. She heard stories about girls getting stuck on the streets after dark. Some of them got stabbed and others were raped. She wrapped a cloak around her body protectively and then swung her pack over her shoulder.
    She could have waited around the yard for her parents to open the door. They'd have to leave eventually to go gambling or fetch some water, but she didn't want to be stuck on the streets until the next morning. She needed somewhere to sleep and the only place she had to go to was the brothel.
    As Medy walked, she thanked the gods for Cithara. She was the only true family she had left. The girl would never judge her, regardless of what choices she made in life.
    She stuck to the shadows, trying to sneak past the dirty men with swords hanging from their belts as she neared the agora. They chuckled when they spotted her, some even making faces at her. She picked up her pace when a large group of drunk men spotted her. They yelled,"Run faster!" She fled.
    The walk to the brothel felt like it took an eternity, but that was partly because the depression was weighing her down. She was exhausted by the time she arrived.
    Cithara was standing out front with a few other girls. She took one look at Medy and charged towards her with her arms open. They embraced each other.
    "What's the matter?" Cithara asked.
    Sobs convulsed Medy's vocal cords. She was barely able to choke the words out. "My parents kicked me out of the house."
    Medy could have said more about what had happened, but even though she hadn't spoken the words, Cithara understood the whole thing.
    "I'm so sorry." She stroked Medy's hair. Her voice was just a whisper. "This was all my idea. It's my fault this happened to you."
    "Don't say that. I didn't have to agree to it. Besides, this whole thing has taught me who will really be there for me when I need them."
    Cithara smiled. "You're the closest thing to a sister I have, which is why I refuse to let you stay in the brothel your first night on the streets. It's uncomfortable and you're scared. It will be easier to adjust to the changes slowly." She pulled away and grabbed Medy's hand. "I know a place you can go for the night."
    Medy's eyes widened, her heart lightening a little. "Really?"
    "Yes," Cithara said. "It has a nice straw bed for you to