The safer approach was to stay low, to maintain their cover, and act as though they were simply protecting Leo because he was Hera's lover. They could tell others that Cindy and her people were just doing Hera a favor, offering whatever fabricated explanation would serve to deflect suspicion.
But if Hera and her people were misunderstood or wrongly accused, it could trigger an all-out war—one that would inevitably drag countless innocent people into the crossfire. If that happened, Hera's identity would likely be exposed to the world.
Worse, her public image could be destroyed. She might be branded as someone who endangers lives, or worse, the very cause of the conflict.
To be seen as the catalyst for such a disaster—placed on a pillar of shame—was a burden Hera knew she couldn't bear. That's why, for now, their best course of action was to remain still, observe, and respond only when the time was right.
And just as she was deep in thought…
Click…
