Melpomene reached out and lay a hand against Ares' arm, following his gaze over to the young dog. She didn't know if the dog himself would make her feel better, but the knowledge of Ares' protection did, at least a little.
Nikkos was on the floor, just feet from the spot where Tragos had died. Melpomene pulled her eyes away as the memory threatened to swallow her whole. I hope he haunts you.
"Thank you," she said, her voice rough. She wished she could sound braver, harder. She'd faced down Aphrodite, she'd even fearlessly faced down Ares himself before - and now she couldn't handle the thought of being alone in her apartment? Melpomene set her jaw against the shame of it. This was not her. She was better than this. She lifted her eyes to Ares again trying to find someplace hard and reliable and uncracked inside her. Something as hard as Ares' arm under her hand. Strong, unflinching, unstoppable. She needed that strength; she wasn't going to make it without that strength. "I meant what I said last night. I am in your debt."