There will never be peace between us. Ever. You shattered any hope of it when you watched your brother kill me and refused to speak up on my behalf. {Acheron}I was afraid. {Artemis}And I was butchered and gutted on the floor like an animal sacrifice. Excuse me if I don't feel your pain. I'm too busy with my own. {Acheron}
The excerpt highlights the intense emotional conflict between Acheron and Artemis. Acheron expresses his deep hurt and betrayal, emphasizing that their relationship can never heal due to Artemis's inaction during a critical moment—watching her brother kill him without intervening. His words reflect a profound sense of loss and a stark refusal to acknowledge any shared pain or hope for reconciliation.
Artemis responds with her own fear, indicating her vulnerability, yet Acheron remains unmoved, bitterly recounting his own brutal experience. His graphic recollection of being slaughtered like an animal signifies the depth of his trauma, leaving little room for empathy towards Artemis. This interaction encapsulates the destructive nature of their relationship, underscoring the irrevocable damage done.
