Medea Charmspeak

	“Ridiculous,” Medea said, and Piper could hear the power charged in every syllable. “Leo, Jason—my price is so simple. Why don’t you two fight? If you get injured, or even killed, no problem. We’ll just throw you into the fountain and you’ll be better than ever. You do want to fight, don’t you? You resent each other!”
	“Guys, no!” Piper said. But they were already glaring at each other, as if it was just dawning on them how they really felt. Piper had never felt more helpless. Now she understood what real sorcery looked like. She’d always thought magic meant wands and fireballs, but this was worse. Medea didn’t just rely on poisons and potions. Her most potent weapon was her voice.
	Leo scowled. “Jason’s always the star. He always gets the attention and takes me for granted.”
	“You’re annoying, Leo,” Jason said. “You never take anything seriously. You can’t even fix a dragon.”
	“Stop!” Piper pleaded, but both drew weapons—Jason his gold sword, and Leo a hammer from his tool belt.
…
	Leo and Jason were still facing off, ready to fight, but they looked unsteady and confused—waiting for another order. Part of them had to be resisting, Piper hoped. This went completely against their nature.
…
	“Leo’s mother,” Piper said. “Leo, listen to this! She helped get your mother killed!”
	“Uh-huh,” Leo mumbled, in a daze. He frowned at his hammer. “So … I just attack Jason? That’s okay?”
	“Perfectly safe,” Medea promised. “And Jason, strike him hard. Show me you are worthy of your namesake.”