The missing Atlantean god-child Archon had foolishly fathered with his queen, Apollymi-the great destroyer of all worlds.
Bethany had to give Apollymi credit. The fact that the god-queen could hide her child and keep him safe from all of their combined powers was extremely impressive. No one else could have gotten away with it.
"I was looking for him, Archon. In Greece, as you suggested."
"And?"
"And what? Apollymi is still imprisoned and I'm here alone. Obviously, Lord High King God, I don't have your son nor did I kill him while I was out."
Archon's eyes flared with fury. "You're the one who needs to watch her tone."
Bethany scoffed at his rage. "Don't threaten me. Need I remind you what happened the last time you crossed a goddess of this pantheon? It didn't work out so well for you, did it? The last thing you want now is for me to join ranks with your wife against you."
A tic worked fiercely in his jaw. "We barely have five years before she releases his powers and the two of them attack us. Something that won't go well for you either ... I can feel him out there. I know he's alive and well."
"Then you," she pressed her fingertip against his massive chest, "find him. As his father, it should be easy for you."
He growled at her before he stormed off.
Rolling her eyes, she pulled the small bit of Hector's chiton from her pocket and smiled at the softness of the cloth. She lifted it to her nose so that his scent could warm her again.
How foolish of her to be so smitten over a mere boy, especially since she'd always mocked the gods who took human lovers. She'd never understood the appeal of them. They were frail and pathetic, whiny creatures.
But not Hector. Even while he'd bled all over her, he'd been funny and sweet. Kind. Considerate.
Precious.
"Bet'anya? Are you all right?"
She met Chara's gaze as the Atlantean goddess of joy joined her in the foyer of their main hall in Katateros-the Atlantean paradise realm where the gods made their homes. With flame-red hair and skin the color of alabaster, she was absolutely stunning. Tall and voluptuous, Chara was forever smiling and laughing.
Bethany returned the cloth to her pocket before the other goddess saw it. "I'm fine. Why do you ask?"
"You're smiling. It scares me."
Bethany laughed at that, which then caused Chara to take a step back from her.
"Now I am terrified. When the goddess of wrath and misery is happy ... it cannot bode well for others."
True, but then Bethany couldn't help it. She was born of Darkness, Chaos, Death, and Tears. It was hard to be lighthearted with that kind of conception and upbringing.
But just the thought of Hector made her heart light.
How ridiculous am I?
"Have you ever..." Bethany hesitated, unsure if she wanted to let anyone else know what was on her mind.
"Have I ever what?"
Bethany glanced around the huge, white marble room to make sure no one else could hear them. "Been with a human?" she whispered.
Chara flashed a bright grin. "Many, many times. They can be very entertaining."
"So it seems."
That made one of her red brows shoot straight up her forehead. "I take it you found one in particular who pleases you?"
Bethany shrugged with a nonchalance she definitely didn't feel. "It's stupid, isn't it? He'll be old and dead in no time...."