Thetis, meanwhile, had been swept upstairs by Lachesis, who beckoned Achilles to follow as well. Thetis squeezed her son's hand as they ascended the steps, sipping her drink now instead, as Atropos had instructed.
"Achilles, can we offer you some tea instead?" Lachesis asked, as Thetis tucked herself into an armchair.
Clotho took the closest seat to her on the couch. "Atropos said she could practically feel your comments rearing back like snakes," she said. "She was impressed. And a little scared."
Thetis smiled very faintly into her tumbler. "I hate that man," she muttered. "I hate everything about him. I think the only good thing he ever did for me was get me with child."