"So, I'm just gonna follow your lead." I whisper to Kara as we go to where Brynhild was waiting. "It worked out well last time, I mean we didn't get eaten, attacked, tricked, unless you talk about that fucking climb up the side of a mountain."

"What climb? I only remember Cain carrying you like a damsel in distress, Empress."

"We're not all freakily Valkyrie fit mountain goats and I hate myself for even saying this. I'm pregnant. My doctor would have a fit if she knew what you made me do, Queenie."

"As if you ever do anything you're told." She teased, yet all I could do in response was shrug more conflicted about whether or not I should wear shoes right now. They just weren't comfortable. "Why are you being weird, and oddly quiet."

"I'm not."

"Yeah, you are."

"Am not."

"Are to. Did something happen with Circe?"

"No."

"Liar." Apparently her crown was a little too tight today as she swiftly bopped me on the nose. "Was she right then? Are you distracted? Need a minute with your lover?"

All I wanted from my lover right now was some pain relief. I was sore in new places, and tired. I wouldn't argue with anyone at the moment if a nap was suggested, and I was already cutting into what time I had free this afternoon doing whatever we were doing. A little time to stress about the mystery message would be a bonus too.

"Don't tease her. I might replace you with her, she's easier to tolerate." I huff, starting to feel a little breathless as we went up another set of stairs. How big was this damn place?

"Ouch. Nice try though, what's going on?" I handed her the paper. "Okay?"

"It was in a fortune cookie." I stop walking, leaning against the wall.

Kara looked thoughtful for a moment. "We have those here?"

"You do now. Gaia is watching over the realms, you've got the people here taken care of. Tonight we can have this and come tomorrow?" I look at her and suddenly I'm being pulled forward.

My arms tighten around her as she hugs me close. I can feel her body trembling against mine and the short, harsh breaths she makes into my hair and against my neck. I close my eyes, expecting tears that don't come, while forcing myself to breathe beyond the numbness that had been taking over since I left Circe.

Kara smelt like leather and Chanel number 5.

The hallway disappeared and I'm with her on Eric's bed; my head on her stomach as we watched movies, drank mead and argued over stupid things like whether or not Jack could fit on the floating door at the end of Titanic. I remember the fierce club Leader I first met, who then became my best friend. Starbucks frappes and brunch on Sundays. I could smell the fumes from the motorbikes. Midnight rides to nowhere as she kept my sanity in place while I struggled to navigate a new world with Powers alone.

No, not alone because she had been there.

She eased her hold on me and slowly we parted, forehead to forehead as I met her gaze. Her blue eyes were heavy with tears that she quickly wiped away. There had always been a coldness in her gaze that I discovered was thanks to the pain she carried, never one to complain or expect pity. She had scars, places so deep within her that had been broken they'd never truly heal and yet she still loved. Cared. Tried.

"It is an honour to fight at your side once again, Elise." She sniffed, her hands warm as she grabbed mine.

Hands that stopped me reaching for another glass to numb the pain I felt inside. They had rubbed my back, held my hair from my face and guided me onto a new path. I felt the roughness of her palms. They were hands could be kind or as destructive as my own. They knew what it felt like to take a life, to cramp with the battle of wielding a sword and to hold on when it felt impossible to keep going.

"I can't believe I am asking so much of you again." My voice broke, and she squeezed my hands. "Thank you."

"You're only asking for what I am ready to give. Now, we knew this was coming. We are not going to stand here sobbing in the halls as if all is already lost. Brynhild is waiting." Kara breathed in, her reddened cheeks softening as she stepped back and adjusted her crown. "Follow my lead?"

I smiled. "For now."

I decide to keep my shoes off as I follow her the rest of the way. Little effort has gone into trying to impress the Valkyrie leader. She knows who I am, and can see beyond the clothes and jewels I'd be decorated with tonight. I let Kara be the Queen now, these are her people and it is her moment. She'd already changed so much since our last encounter with them, and I was curious to see what they would think of her now.

Not surprising me, Brynhild greets Kara with open arms; they bump foreheads and whisper a private greeting to one another. The others in the room are silent, eyes to the ground as they stay as still as statues. They're all dressed in armour - chest plates like the one Kara had worn when we were up against the Berserkers and Hercules, shined from fresh polish.

They'd been waiting for this moment.

"I never tire of seeing you embracing your full potential, Kara. You are not the girl I first met, and it warms my heart to stand at your side now." Brynhild greeted.

"Thank you, dear Brynhild." Kara nods, the respect between the pair clear. "I'm sure you remember Elise Bunting."

Brynhild looks at me over with unhidden interest that I don't want as I attempt to stay invisible behind Kara. I'm not expecting them all to get down on one knee a second later; their wings tucked in close to their backs, the ends now pressing against the floor. The metal of their armour clinks together with the movement, and I don't feel worthy - standing there barefoot, in my most comfortable pair of leggings and Cain's t-shirt.

Maybe I should have dressed for the occasion after all, and I can practically hear Penny in my mind declaring it's always better to be overdressed than under.

Whatever.

"Thank you for coming." I don't know what else to say, as apparently they're all waiting for me to say something yet instead I'm distracted by movement in the corner of the room. "Is someone else with you?"

Brynhild looks up alarmed, all the Valkyrie shift with an uneasiness that has me looking at Kara before heading over there. I don't give her a chance to stop me as I'm instantly on the defensive, not willing to put this down as a possible trick or threat from the Valkyrie just yet.

"Empress, we-" Brynhild started, but raising my hand stopped her as I saw who had been hiding.

My powers eased as the broken woman emerged. "Gudrun?"

"She insisted on joining us." Brynhild's voice was tight, and filled with anxiety which only increased as the outcast Valkyrie stood taller rather than bow before me as the others had. "If you do not want her here, she can be removed."

I kept my attention on the exiled female. "You are here to fight for us?"

"I am mostly intrigued, and if Fate permits, I will fight again. You are not like the other Empress." Gudrun answered, not looking towards the rest as her eyes stayed on me.

That got my attention. "You knew her?"

"Elise," Kara's warning was clear.

"I saw her. Once. The title made her weak. She sought to hide behind it, behind them." Gudrun muttered. "You do not hide. Your hands are as stained as the rest of us. For all of Hecate's wisdom, with that one she made a mistake. The young can be forgiven for not knowing better and for those that do, well redemption is never easy."

"Can you tell me anything else?" I inched towards her, lowering my voice. "Please?"

"There is nothing more to tell. She was killed and forgotten. You. You are still very much alive." She tilted her face up slightly, looking me over curiously before leaning in closer and her voice was now a whisper. "Watch yourself, Elise. Your questions make you appear weak. Do not give away your power so easily and especially not to one such as I."

"Gudrun!" Brynhild warned, her hand now resting on her the hilt of her sword that hung on her waist. "Watch yourself."

The other woman hissed at her. Literally.

I laughed, unable to stop myself despite the death glare from Brynhild and Kara. I turned my back on Gudrun, and ignoring the look of disgust on Kara's face as she watched the older valkyrie with caution I just didn't feel the need for.

I felt tired all over again, and tried to stay focused on why I was even here. "You wanted to see me, Brynhild?"

"I needed to see you to be sure this is the right move for my people." She looked at Kara, almost apologetically. "I needed to see both of you. Together. Hecate told me I'd understand, and I do. Our offer of allegiance stands."

"You've seen her?" Kara asked eagerly, and subtly glancing behind me, the smug look on Gudruns face disappeared as she caught my eye.

I instantly understood what she had meant a second ago. Kara's desperation was clear, Hecate was her only weakness and now we all knew it - never mind the trip we took searching for her which led us to meeting them in the first place. From the looks being shared around, I also knew that Hecate had seen a valkyrie but it was not Brynhild.

"No. We had a message delivered from her, it was very vague but things are starting to make sense." Brynhild narrowed her eyes at Gudrun, her wings bristling slightly as she did so.

I managed to keep my mouth shut, despite knowing Gudrun had seen Hecate since our visit with them. Asking questions was pointless, so I wasn't going to bother.

"So cryptic. Very out of character for her." There was no hiding my sarcasm. "If there is nothing else, thank you all for coming. Tonight, we feast! Tomorrow, we prepare for war."

My declaration was met with a few cheers and an excited buzz that raced around the room. Brynhild nodded, clearly approving and I was quick to excuse myself leaving Kara to do whatever else may need to be done. It didn't feel like something that needed to be celebrated, my whole body feeling uncomfortable as I thought about tonight and beyond.

Instead of sneaking back to my room I went somewhere else I had never been before - reaching out for Hermes, I had a distinct feeling he was in his own quarters and met with none of the restrictions that I knew Cain and most of the others would often put around their personal space I went right on in. In the second it took me to knock and then enter, I realised Hermes had nothing to keep people away how the others did.

He also wasn't expecting me.

Thankfully he had a towel around his waist, yet the kissing faces he was making to his misted mirror in the bathroom was horrifying enough to witness for both of us. His scream made me jump and all that came my way as a form of defence was a damp washcloth I easily stepped back from.

"Of all that is! Damn Elise, you scared me. What are you doing here?" He yelled, his already flushed face darkening as subconsciously touched his towel.

"I'm asking myself the same thing right now." I glanced around curiously, noting everything was rather basic and bare but there were plenty of mirrors. "I ah, wanted to check in with you. Are you still clear on our plan?"

"What plan?" He frowned, crossing his arms as he shifted his weight to one foot.

"In case of death emergency." I point at my stomach.

"Oh fuck." Hermes looked like he might be sick. "Yes. Of course. I just hoped we were past that now."

"We are. I'm just giving myself peace of mind no matter what happens, there are. Options." I narrow my eyes on him. "Aion is prepared to assist?"

"I'll confirm with him today." He visibly swallowed. "Elise, you will survive this."

"I know." Find a truth to comfort yourself with, not a lie. "Ares was in a mood this afternoon. Are you alright?"

Hermes turned back to the mirror fussing with his hair. "Athena bruised his ego, and fetching the Valkyrie was a task that was beneath him. I'd hardly call that a mood, that was a good day considering everything."

"He referred to Cain as King."

I had thought this was done with, and slowly Hermes met my gaze in the mirror.

"Wishful thinking. He's always liked you, but his chauvinistic ways are not so easily swayed to be in favour of the new ruler. I don't doubt that if Kara seeks to remain as Queen, she will need a King for him to ever take her position of power seriously. Even then it won't be about Kara." Hermes sighed, producing something in a small brown bottle that he put all over his face and into his hair. "And so long as his favourite ex-King is wandering the halls, with you at his side, it won't matter what Kara does, what you threaten or Cain says. That dream of his won't die."

It might once I'm removed from the equation.

"Now I want to do more than just bruise his ego." I follow Hermes into his room, daring to sit on the edge of his bed as he boldly drops the towel to give me a clear view of his arse before he disappears into what I guessed was a wardrobe. "You should tan your butt, Hermes. I thought Penny had pale skin, that was a lot to deal with."

"I'm ignoring you." He called out, returning in the classic greek style tunic. "If that annoys you, he praised Cain for ensuring you are fulfilling your one true duty as a female."

I waited for the joke to follow but it never happened. "He didn't."

"I promise you, Cain made him hurt for that one." He hesitated, pausing from fussing with his sash. "Be uncharacteristically careful tonight."

"Aries should be careful. I saw what happened with Apollo too. He isn't what you are talking about though. You don't like the Valkyrie?" I ask.

"No. There are very few within this life that I would say I trust, and those creatures of war are far from it." He gave up on the sash, and without thinking I got up to adjust the ends for him. "You are too young and too trusting. No one ever does anything without them having something to gain from it."

I let it slide. "They're allies. They want to help us, and feel they owe Cain a debt for Odin."

"Yes and a dog has never bitten the hand that feeds it."

"I'll be careful, Hermes. You should be too. I might start to think you actually care or worse, like me. Are we becoming friends?"

Hermes laughed, stomping over to his mirror again to continue to fuss with his hair. "It'll be a cold day in hell when that happens. You can go now, not that you were invited in the first place and where are your shoes?"

"See you tonight." I left him alone and surprising myself, I ended up at the beach.

As soon as I felt my feet sinking into the sand, I knew this was the reason I stayed barefoot and sitting down I buried them completely. The ocean was calm, the tide a whisper as it rolled back and forth against the shore. Above me the sky was starting to fade; the bright blue of the day turning pastel as the sun began to head towards the horizon.

"One day, we'll come back here together. I'll show you how to make sand castles and your Daddy will teach you how to fish. We will take naps in the sun, and swim." I sighed, rubbing my side where Blueberry felt like he was hiccupping. "It'll be over soon."

The arrival of a perfectly white dove should have made me cautious, but instead I ignored it and as I stood back up my clothes were abandoned on the sand as a swimsuit replaced them and I stepped into the water. Everything that felt too heavy a second ago was washed away as I went under, the echo of the ocean and silence was welcomed until I had to return to the surface where the only reality I wanted was now waiting.

"What are you doing?" Cain called.

"Swimming. Join me?"

"Now?"

"Why not?" I disappeared back under the water, the splash of his movements disturbing the peace and as I resurfaced, he moved with me. "Hi."

"Hello."

I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and he pushed us closer to shore where standing was easier, but I didn't let go. His skin was hot despite the cool temperature of the water, our kiss was salty and memories of our break here seemed like a lifetime ago not a few months.

"You saw the bird?" He whispered, keeping his head close to mine as I nodded. "Why are you here? What's going on?"

"I don't know. It just happened. I had planned on getting in another nap, but this feels better."

"I agree." His hands are everywhere, easing the aches in my thighs, the tightness in my lower back, the tension in my shoulders. "If tonight is too much, you can always sit it out. Or make an appearance, then disappear."

"And miss out on drunk Deimos again? Unlikely."

Cain smiled and my heart melted. All of me felt as fluid as the water and apparently that meant time for tears to get some of it out. I had never cried so much in my whole damn life and before I could hide in the water or deny what was happening - again, Cain's thumbs delicately wiped under my eyes.

"I love you." I sniff.

"Love you too."

I kissed him again, wishing and hoping he knew how much and how deeply I meant it. We made out until the sky started to darken, the water became too cold and I was positive his lips were as bruised and swollen as mine. Desire had darkened his eyes and before I could say anything, we were back in our room; the hot water from the shower was almost uncomfortable after the cold freshness of the ocean. Not that it mattered as this time when his hands wandered, it was with a different intent.

"Elise! Kara said you agreed to me dressing you tonight! Elise?" Aphrodite's voice broke into the moment.

"She's busy!" Cain quickly answered.

"Oh." Came the reply, which sounded even closer than before before realisation kicked in. "Oh! Um, well. When should I return?"

Never.

"This is ridiculous!" Artemis joined the party. "What are you doing here? Where's Elise?"

"This is why I kept my own quarters." Cain groaned, resting his head on my shoulders. "And no one was allowed in."

"She's with Cain." Aphrodite answered, the hum of voices not loud enough to hear clearly but a sign that they hadn't left.

"Everyone is gathering already." Artemis forgot her inside voice.

"I'll skip drunk Deimos to finish this later." I promise, giving him one last kiss before stepping away - freshly clean and in a robe as I went out into the bedroom. "What do you want, Artemis?"

"That witch-"

"No." I stop her instantly. "Just. No."

"Artemis, she isn't here for Hermes. She is here because this is her home despite you all sending her into exile." Cain added coming in behind me. Aphrodite froze, her eyes glued to the man behind me. "Be nice. Ignore her if you have to. Your feud with her is one sided and needs to end."

"I wish I had sisters. Then you and your bone headed brother would understand." She snapped.

"I forgot you two are related." Aphrodite mumbled, blushing slightly. "Elise, may I?"

"Can I sit?" She nodded. "Go for it."

"Why not try and be more like the sister I was first reacquainted with in Elise's world. I thought you'd changed. Hermes not so much, but you were able to be almost tolerable then." Cain suggested, leading her out of the room.

"Strange how we all managed to get along while pretending we were someone else." She snapped, the door closing behind her.

Aphrodite watched them go, and catching me looking at her, her blush deepened. "Aphrodite?"

"I'm sorry. I never. He has always terrified me."

"Not now?" I frown, not sure where this was going.

"Oh definitely now, but I also have never seen him looking not terrifying and so, never mind. Circe and I were talking and he's just normal now. Almost. He seems happy." She mumbled.

Not exactly how I would describe Cain right now after that interruption.

"And practically naked?" I teased, making her look at her toes. I patted her shoulder as I passed by to sit on the lounge by the window. "You get along with Circe?"

"I really do. She's quite refreshing to have around after spending so many years feeling more like an outsider than anything else. Hera made my life difficult. Sometimes I wish I had been forced to leave. Have my own life and destiny away from all of this." She sighed, coming to sit beside me. "We've had our differences yet here we are. You seem very accepting of whatever is thrown your way. Even with the ones that are different and no one else seems to want."

"Are we still talking about Circe?" I ask cautiously.

"All of us. I've watched you since the first day you came here, and like Artemis I let my jealousy of the new girl corrupt my point of view. You came back to us when you were needed, and I feel you always will. This is as much your home now and the world you left behind." She took my hand in hers. "We are all broken. These powers of ours, the way we were raised, the competition between one another, none of it seems to matter as much as it did before. I think we're all changing in some way, evolving and you have given us the freedom to do so. Look at Apollo. Cain. Even me."

"Thank you, Aphrodite." I wasn't expecting her kindness, and there was only a genuine warmth coming from her now.

We had really come a long way from me wanting to drown her in a pond full of those little mermaid piranha creatures.

"Just don't let it change you." She warned, squeezing my hand. "Now, I best get you ready before Kara starts wondering where you are."

"Please nothing over the top, just simple and-" I look down and words leave me.

This isn't something simple.

"Stand up," She orders, taking both my hands to pull me onto my feet. "I like it."

"This. Wow." I'm scared to touch the golden beading.

The fabric hidden beneath the sequins and sparkles is nude and thin, leaving the outline of how little I had on underneath obvious. From the bejewelled shoulders an even more intricately designed cape fell down to the floor behind me. It was surprisingly light and much too delicate for me to be truly comfortable in. The tight bun she set my hair up in didn't let a single strand be out of place. Even the makeup left me feeling like I was glowing.

"I've had this idea in my head for a while now. I was planning on wearing something like it when we celebrate the defeat of the Furies. It felt right to give it to you." Aphrodite smiled.

"It's beautiful. Thank you. Are you sure this isn't going to be too much?"

"No, we are Powers after all, Elise. Gods. This is what we do and tonight is very important." The way she said that made me wonder what I had missed and as she left Cain came back in.

His face became unreadable in a way that made my stomach flip before something else passed over his features. I felt seen. The hint of wonder and complete adoration that followed made me giddy.

"What do you think?" I ask, twirling before heading over him.

He didn't answer right away. "I am going to enjoy taking that off you later."

"Why do I look like this and you get to wear that?" His black collared shirt and dark pants weren't much different to what he'd wear any other day and thinking of Hermes in his toga Cain shook his head as if he could read my thoughts.

"Because this is what they get. Aphrodite briefly had her fun when it was my ass on that chair, and I now refuse to follow the usual traditions of this world." He said firmly.

"Seems to be a trend with you. What if I did that too?"

"Aphrodite would have a fit, the rest are bound to talk but do what you will. No matter what you're in, I'm going to enjoy getting you out of it tonight." He winked, offering his hand. "Kara will be stressed if you're any later. If she isn't already."

He had a point.

A very valid point because she was stressed. Finding her in her room, Aphrodite had clearly been here first. Kara looked stunning in a mix of purple and gold, the Grecian style gown was cut low to her stomach and floated softly around her figure as she paced back and forth. Diamonds sparkled from around her neck, the end of the chains falling down the deep V cut of the back of the gown.

"Elise, you look. Beautiful." She gasped.

"Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself, Queenie."

"Have you told her anything about tonight?" Kara asked Cain, her face paling despite the perfect makeup she had on.

Aphrodite's comment about tonight came back to me. "What's going on?"

"No, we-"

"Cain. You left to brief her a couple of hours ago!" Kara scolded.

"Other topics were discussed." He shrugged. "You were supposed to do it first."

"She ran off and I got stuck with Brynhild!" Shaking her head, Kara looked at me. "Tonight is important."

"So I've heard, but what am I missing?"

"Everyone is going to be there, it's tradition. All our allies, and support will come for this feast to celebrate our union and future success." She quickly explained.

"Pretty sure that should have come up in conversation." I glared at Cain, who didn't seem bothered. "Plus you made it sound like it was a Valkyrie thing."

"I didn't want you to freak out, or rather, I didn't want to think about it because there weren't even that many here for my coronation and you know how most do not even think I'm a real Queen." I raised an eyebrow at that. "And also because everyone also wants to use this as a chance to see you."

I roll my eyes, looking back to Cain. "Really not leggings and sports bra kind of event is it?"

"You do you." He shrugged.

"Of course you would say that. No, Elise. It is not. We all have to look our best, and show them why this land has never been stronger."

"So I'm part of the entertainment then? Awesome. So beside the Valkyrie, who else is here?"

"Everyone." She repeats.

"I need, like a guest list. Everyone doesn't cut it."

"All the other leaders from the lands that may or may not be in our favour, Frigg is here with a few attendants. I want the rest of them to see us getting along with the North." Kara sighs. "This will help solidify my hold here, success will stop any one questioning us for some time. We can start the change we wanted in the first place."

"It will take more than one night, Kara." Cain said softly.

"I know. But what a start." She looked at Cain hopefully, begging him to understand. "Please, Elise. Cain. We need this. I need this. If we want an army of Powers to face the Furies and Uranus, we really need this to go well."

"So we've gathered everyone we need to help us into one location to throw a party, celebrating a win we haven't yet had against the biggest threat anyone here has ever known, hoping they actually do help us in this war and then also back the fuck off us in the future to avoid any other wars happening?" I ask, and Kara quickly nods along. "And Uranus won't choose this wonderful opportunity to take out the competition in one go like he did in that village?"

"Gaia protects us." Kara didn't sound convinced.

"I'm not aware of any event being used by the enemy before. They are probably doing the same thing." Cain adds.

"So why don't we go and crash their party then or maybe you've never heard of it because everyone got made dead before it could be reported!" I can feel a headache coming on. "Valkyrie is one thing. Whatever this actually is, I don't like it. What if the fortune cookie was more than an omen?"

The uncomfortable feeling I had early came back as Cain moved closer. "Fortune cookie?"

"Guess we both forgot to tell each other something this afternoon." I huff, hand him the paper.

"Um, I mean, it's a little offensive?"

"How is it offensive?" Kara snaps.

"All work and no play makes for a boring Empress?" He reads.

Kara and I both make a grab for it, and she gets it first. Sure enough as she holds it out for me to see the words have changed. I look at her and she practically throws it back at Cain, looking at him like it's all his fault.

"It said let the Reckoning begin."

By the window, a blur of movement catches my attention. A shadow of a bird flies across the rooftop, perching near light from another window. A black crow lets out a large caw sound before taking off into the night as a very familiar presence surrounds me before vanishing.

Hecate.

I spin around to see Cain's hand glowing over the paper, while Kara watches on.

"It's Hecate." We speak at the same time.

"What?" Kara frowns.

"This has her magic all over it." Cain explains, looking at me now and I just nod.

"Shall we get this over with this? I've never been called boring before and don't plan for it to catch on now." I decide.

Cain smirks. "You're never boring."

"I'm not even going to let this bother me." Kara decides, taking in a deep breath before slowly letting it out. "And he has a point, boring is not even in the top twenty words I'd use to describe you."

Cain holds his hand out, and I place mine within it. He brings my knuckles to his lips, which barely brush across my skin.

"This is a moment made for you two. Let them see exactly who they are dealing with."

And then he's gone.

"Ready, Queenie?" I ask Kara.

"Lead the way, Empress."