"I'm pretty sure this is where psychopaths take their victims to murder them." I was far from impressed. "Another trip to Rumpels is sounding like a much better idea."

The jungle smelt mouldy and tracking through mud, well at least I hoped it was just mud, was not the adventure I had in mind. I thought it would be going the other way from the way he had made it sound, even more luxurious and dazzling. Like a trip to Tiffany's or even Cartier, not where dreams go to die.

"Almost there." Cain assured me.

"What kind of girl do you think I am, exactly?" My foot slips, and he catches me just in time before I faceplant into the goop. "I don't think I've ever done anything to give off the impression that a creepy, stinky, jungle is my idea of a good time. Ever. And I think we are being followed."

I was positive I wasn't the only thing around here making noise, and the torch he carried was lighting up more than the dark. Yellow eyes beamed down from above, something scratchy echoed behind us and more than once I was positive I heard something like a rattlesnake tail beside my feet. For all I've been through, I was not brave enough to look down.

"Probably, but the things to worry about will be sleeping off the full moon so don't worry." He stopped a few minutes later, sitting the light on a rock and stepped back. "The portal is around here somewhere. Well, it should be."

"And if it isn't?" Something flies past my face, and as I go to swat it away, Cain grabs my hand and shakes his head.

"Don't, it was a pixie. And not like any you've seen before." He whispers.

It circles us again, and sure enough, the human-like figure becomes more visible. It's rather plump and disfigured compared to the pixies I've come across. A few more appeared then, all grunting and groaning as they staggered around. Cain keeps me close, signaling to be quiet as we follow them - until they disappear.

"Ah, there it is!" Cain smiles, and moves forward more confidently.

We step through the portal with a whoosh, and he quickly slaps a hand over my mouth as something slimy and wet slaps into us on the other side. With his free hand he brushes them away and we fight through the vines to enter, heaven?

The floor is void of mud, the rose gold floor extends up and around us before a smooth, grey marble takes over. The roof is either clear or non-existent as clouds lazily drift past with a beautiful blue sky beyond them. Looking behind us, I jump away and again, Cain covers my mouth as I move to scream. Dead snakes, not vines, are hung in the archway. Blood and who knows what else that is currently oozing from them, and catching sight of his arm and hands, I realise we must be covered in that mess too.

"Quiet. No sudden moves or noises." He whispers in my ear, before letting me go.

"What the hell?" I whisper shout back at him. Holding my breath as the smell hits me, sure enough I'm just as covered in who knows what as he is.

Talk about making an entrance.

"That should be the worst of it," Cain shrugs, his clothes changing to an all black ensemble that was similar to what he had worn when I'd seen him on the throne. "Like what you see?"

I did, very much, yet rolled my eyes at the look he gave me. I clean myself up too, only opting for new jeans and a silky black singlet. "Can we get on with it?"

"Ah, no. Not like that." He looks thoughtful for a second and my look changes to something similar to the God Killer costume I had adopted only it's softer, the fabric more delicate and bejewelled. Less rebel and more queen.

My stomach sunk.

"No. I'm not about to prance around in this and-"

"You did before."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means, I need to present you looking as fierce, and delicious as this version of yourself." He steps into my personal space, and I know I am not about to like what he says, not missing the golden wreath like crown that now appears on his head as I feel something now sitting on mine. "We need to appear to be the image of power and-"

"I get it." The Dark King and Queen. "Why?"

"That will be who he is expecting."

"But we aren't." I protest. "Pretending to be what-"

"Who says we are pretending?" Again I open my mouth to argue but he shakes his head. "Formalities won't matter here, they are beyond all of that. The only thing that does, is who you are. I didn't go into it before we came because to be honest, the less you know the better and I wasn't sure you'd agree to how they are expecting us to appear."

"That does nothing to make me feel better about any of this. Will your ego survive if I say just take me to Rumpels and just forget all of this?"

"Possibly, but just trust me. Please?" He held out his hand, and I felt myself hesitate. After what felt like an eternity, I put my hand in his. "Thank you."

"He's going to be mighty disappointed when he finds out the truth." I mumble, as we continue our walk down the impressive corridor.

Considering Kara was only, who knows how many miles away, as Queen of the kingdom I knew we were still very much in, it wouldn't be hard to work out we were no rulers of any kind if news hadn't already made it here.

"I told you, it won't matter. Whoever actually sits on the throne means little here. The last time I saw him was at the arena, and it was also the first time he saw you. That is who we enter as."

I tried to work out what he meant and realised when that would have been. "You were still banished then and I'm not the God Killer, or your Queen.."

"No, but you are mine." He raised my hand, kissing it. "As I am yours. That is all that needs to be known."

I let it go, realising nothing I said was going to impact his decision so I decided to do as he asked and trust him.  "So, who are we seeing exactly?"

"Depends on who you ask. He's a collector of sorts, a hoarder. Though all that comes into his possession is apparently for a reason. He was one of the few I was able to maintain contact with during my banishment."

"So he's your friend?" It still wasn't making sense to me. "If he could also go to the Arena, why couldn't he just help you get home?"

"Not a friend. He doesn't have those and he is cursed with his own banishment. He is limited in where he can go within this realm. I heard rumours the arena is connected to this place, which is how he could access it too. Guess Zeus forgot to keep him out or just didn't know any of them existed." He motions around us. "This will take us to the Gorgos Caves, which is where he prefers to live. That back there is to keep out the pixies and whatever else might come through not deemed suitable for entry."

I stop, seeing deep scratches in the floor, and slowly start to notice more within the metal and marble as we keep moving.

"I have no idea what any of this means, and I don't think I want to know." I stop, reaching out to place my fingers at the start of the marks.

Why would someone have scratched these walls like this and a horrible image of being dragged to wherever we were going to hit me. I stepped back, closer to Cain and I couldn't stop the shiver that suddenly ran up my spine or a sense of dread for what we were approaching.

"Who is he exactly?" As if I'd know anyway.

"His name is Chrysaor. His creations make Rumpel seem like an amateur and all that he keeps in his possession would have many starting wars to have for themselves. Many seek him for all his talents, and treasures, yet I know of none who have ever succeeded or at least lived to tell the tale. Myself excluded." He boasted. "Some just presume he is a myth. Who better for you to visit? You were never going to find something to replace the God Killer at Rumpels."

"You really just want to do this for bragging rights with Apollo, don't you?"

Cain shrugged. "I'm not going to deny I won't enjoy seeing his face when you tell him about it. He spent nearly a century trying to find this place before giving up. Well, he said he had given up. I wonder how long he will spend now?"

We stop at a set of gates, a cool breeze coming from behind them. The open sky ended here. Everything seemed to end here and Cain knocked three times before standing back. A million questions run through my mind, and I don't even know where to start or what to make of it.

"You have no idea of his name do you? Who might his family be?" Cain hesitated.

"None. Should I? Who are they? I feel like the caves are something I should know"

"It's probably better this way. Don't mention it, or even think about asking. We're here only for your weapon." He warned.

"But-" I froze as the gates parted. Darkness greeted us and from somewhere in there, wherever there actually was, a deep, male voice echoed out.

"Enter."

Cain bowed, and I copied the gesture, before following him inside. The gates shut behind us creaking and groaning as if it was just too hard to manage. We stood in the dark, and just when I was about to ask him what was going on, someone turned on the lights.

Jewels as big as elephants decorated the room, shelves of trinkets and piles of gold coins filled the space. Necklaces and crowns, swords and shields, the variety of items was overwhelming and I didn't know where to look as something new was constantly catching my eye.

"Better than Rumpels?" Cain mused, taking my hand as he guided me through a maze of treasure.

I forgot everything I had been worried about before coming in, overwhelmed by everything that greeted us. This was nothing like Rumpels.

"Am I in the Cave of Wonders? Are we meeting the real Aladdin?"

"You really do watch too much TV." Cain teased, and slowly the space seemed to shrink, before we stopped at a balcony and looked out into a cave; so I'm not sure why my guess seemed unbelievable.

Giant diamond icicles lined the ceiling, the roof more dazzling than all the stars in the sky. Below us, stairs curled down as far as I could see, with the torches catching every smoothed facet of the rocks. Rainbows danced through the shadows, and never had I seen anything so unbelievable.

We left the balcony, Cain taking us down into the depth of this cave of mazes and down a rather bland corridor compared to the rest of the space. The presence waiting for us was unmissable. Shadows moved all around us, and I knew already never to trust what may be lingering in the dark, yet Cain seemed unbothered, casually carrying on as if he either didn't notice or care about them. I figured the best approach would be to copy him, so I did and kept my eyes ahead with my head held high.

As we approached a large fire pit, the flames created no smoke yet plenty of heat as the temperature dropped the further down we seemed to go. Once my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I looked around hoping to finally see this Chrysaor person, yet while I knew he was here, he wasn't visible to us which was clearly intentional. My eyes kept drifting around the dark places where the fire didn't seem to reach, I didn't doubt he wasn't here watching us. Cain released my hand from his, inching closer to the flames as he called out something in a language I didn't know or could even try to understand.

"Let me introduce her, see for yourself" Cain finished, earning a grunt in response that echoed around us. He mumbled something else quickly, before motioning me to step closer beside him. "Yiteftra, Elise of the Bunting Clan."

From the shadows on the other side of the pit, a figure began to appear. Cain grew tense, yet his face gave nothing away. His arm went around my back, his hand pressing into my hip as he kept me close and finally I saw him. 

Chrysoar was tall, taller than Cain, yet he was rather lanky like he hadn't finished growing just yet. Thanks to his lack of clothing, little was left to the imagination; he wasn't well built with his bones easily seen all over and the leather pants he had on looked as old as the anger in his eyes. Scars left their silver marks all over his torso, a few redder ones on his arms made me wonder how they happened if he was so alone and remote.

He moved gracefully though, his movements like liquid as he stopped opposite us. The smell that came with him was similar to the stench of the dead snakes at the portal entrance, which made my stomach churn. His hair was a mass of dark dreadlocks, yet as I stared, I was positive something moved within them. His skin glistened as Alfie's did, making me wonder if it was more reptilian than human. His muscles twitched with each movement as if the skin was too tight or perhaps constricting as if he slithered towards us, not walked.

"That is a mere babe, not at all who I expected at your side." He snorted, glaring at me. "Your visit was not well timed. My Aunties have been restless, their mood foul for days. I knew you were coming, Fallen One, I hadn't expected you to bring a sacrifice with you. Leave if that is not your intention for this child. They will destroy her with a single bite."

"I would not waste your time, and she is exactly who I told you she is," Cain answered, shifting slightly to keep me behind him as Chrysoar circled closer to us. His tone was cold, and I felt the tension in the room growing. "Your aunties have never paid any attention to any my visits, do not underestimate her either. Surely they sleep after the full moon?"

"I do not believe this, enchantress, is who you claim. I see the attraction, of course" His tongue snaked out, only adding to my growing belief he had more in common with Alfie than your standard Power. "I am still a man. You are a fool if you think-"

Again the tongue thing happened and he froze. His head snaked side to side, as he leaned towards us, again testing the air.

"No!" He hissed.

He moved fast, faster than I expected as Cain was tossed aside. I glanced back for the briefest second as he was lost to the darkness of the corridor behind us, but that was the least of my worries. In that same instant, the snake man had me down on the dirt. His knees dug into my chest as my arm was outstretched up to his face as he inspected the three moon symbols on my wrist. I couldn't breath, or even more as I felt for my powers only they were slow to respond; like something was holding them back. It only got worse as one of those limp clumps of hair did begin to move, growing longer as a face appeared to hiss down at me. Then another, and another.

His hair was made up of snakes.

What the actual fuck?

"The third. A third. Once was is not to be." His thumb nail scratched over it painfully, before it was yanked up to his mouth. I was finally able to force some movement in my body as he licked it and as he did it again, he must have been distracted as his hold on me vanished.

"Get. Off. Me!" I snapped, finally able to use my powers to throw him back.

Gasping for breath, I was quick to get up and in the same instance, so did he; mimicking my actions from where he had landed against the side of the fire pit. We stared at each other for what felt like an eternity, squared off one another as we waited for the other to make the first move.

Too bad neither of us were the ones to make it as the snake hair guy was now hovering above the flames. His eyes widened in surprise, the rage all over his face tainting the air yet as I met his gaze, there was fear. Maybe it was because of his current position, but I knew he hadn't meant anything by that greeting. He hadn't wanted to hurt us and with Cain back behind me, I turned to stop him.

"Put him down." I ordered, turning to see him with his hand up as his grip on Chrysaor tightened with the other man now gasping and gurgling for air. "Cain!"

"You dare disrespect me, disrespect us, this way?" He roared, ignoring me completely.

"Cain, stop." I moved to stand in front of him, demanding his attention. "Release him." Cain's eyes narrowed on Chrysaor and I realised his intent. "And not into the fire."

"It wouldn't kill him." He growled, yet the other man was dropped in front of us, not in the pit.

Chrysaor coughed and rubbed his throat, glaring at Cain as he got back to his feet.

"She is the goddess you say she is, yet this is not what I saw. Fool me once, Cain" Chrysaor hissed, revealing fangs that hadn't been there before. It was nearly as intimidating as the few stray clumps of hair that moved to join him, as the snakes there became clearers for all attention was turned my way. "Forgive me. Please, forgive me. I sensed the mark, I had to. I wanted. Taste it."

He closed his eyes, moaning before his tongue rolled across his lips that made me want to burn my arm off so he wouldn't be able to do any of that again.

"We came for-" Cain started, his tone flat and clearly he was not over whatever that just was, but clearly wanting to move on.

"A weapon. Something, for her. Again." Chrysaor stepped towards me, and in the same movement fell onto his knees as he bowed to me. His hands reached out like boney claws, his fingers tapping the ground as if he was fighting to keep them where they were before looking up to me. "What happened to the last sword I gave you, Elise the Huntress?"

"The last sword?" I glance at Cain, who is too busy glaring at Chrysaor to notice. "Are you talking about Sobek-Ra's sword?"

"The God Killer." He purred, idly running a hand over his hair as he smiled, and rocked back onto his heels. "Such a beautiful weapon. It was never intended for that creature. How Atum allowed it to ever grace the hands of such a false-god."

He began to mumble, again in words I'd never heard as he stood up to pace by the fire. I glanced at Cain who shrugged, looking a little calmer now like this was more the level of crazy that he had been expecting.

"He must have had you in mind when he pulled it from the sun." Chrysaor mused, stopping in front of us. "I never knew Atum to be one with foresight, but it makes sense to me now."

I had no idea what he was talking about.

"So where is your sword?" He asked, titling his head to the side as this all seemed to confuse him.

"I am not the God Killer. Only she holds the sword." I told him.

He looked at Cain now, and apparently forgetting everything that just happened - put his arm over his shoulders, turning to lead him back down the corridor. I quickly followed as apparently this is what we were doing now, not that I was included in their little chat as we walked.

The three of us went up a level, lights glowing in the walls as we went by and after a few turns, then down again ended up on the other side. I paused, looking across the dark pit that the caves circled to where we had just been and slowly the lights over there faded to nothing. Looking up, the place we had come in was still glistening and bright, offering the only source of light now. Chrysaor laughed, and it sounded further away than I'd like, yet before I ran after them, someone or something flitted by the balcony we'd stood on when we had arrived. The feeling of being watched only grew again, and this time I did run after the men.

I walked into a library, the walls lined with thousands of books. It was colder here, and seeing them by a small table the pair were still talking and laughing like old friends, not like one of them was about to set fire to the other five minutes ago. I hesitated, unsure if I would be interrupting their moment, and chose to idly look at the blank spines of ancient looking books. As they laughed again, I froze, the roar-like sound echoing down the hall into the room. Looking back at the other two, they seemed oblivious and Cain beckoned me over.

"Did you hear that?" I ask, looking towards the only way in and out that I could see.

"I told you, my Aunties have been in foul moods for days. They feasted well on the full moon, hopefully their full bellies will have them sleeping for as long as we need. They will not disturb us, knowing who is here. What a pair you make." Chrysaor waved his hand, dismissing my worry. "Now, little girl, when he asked me for the sword, I was reluctant to give it up."

"Elise is fine." Only Zane could call me kid, and the way he said little girl made me nauseous.

"I did enjoy watching you earn it though. How you did not end his pathetic life then and there is beyond me. I don't doubt you would have had plentiful opportunity. Your heart makes you weak." He snorted, clearly amused. "You are most definitely the God Killer. That sword imprinted on you the second you touched it years before." He shook his head, opening up an old leather journal full of sketchings. "This is you, yes."

There I was, my snakes behind me, Cain in the tower above us, and the sword in my hands. My hands tingled slightly, the feeling ache to reunite with the blade still haunting me. Maybe I had been wrong to give it up...

I leaned in closer, forgetting his hair issue and as one of the black tendrils poised to strike, I put my hand out towards it. Instead of biting, it coiled itself around my fingers and went around my wrist. As it moved down my arm, it came free, the matted hair forming into the tail end of the snake.

"Hi there," I ran a finger along its back, allowing it to move from hand to hand as it looked around from this new position. "Yes, that's me."

"Traitor." Chrysoar muttered, glaring at the snake. "If this is you, and he came to get this sword for you, after I was given message after message from that damned piece of metal, why do you not have it?"

"Well, I was the God Killer. That isn't me anymore." I told him.

"You don't get to just choose!" He snapped, throwing the sketch book across the room. "Why did you let this happen?"

Cain shrugged. "Try telling her what to do and see how that works out for you."

"She still exists. It's just, not me." I sigh, moving to stand in front of him.

I motion for him to come closer, as I gather his escapee snake into one hand. Chrysoar leans in closer, the anger gone as I see him suck in a breath and I pray this snake thing isn't some weird form of foreplay for him as he closes his eyes and licks his lips as he did earlier. We're close, probably too close for my liking and as he opens his eyes they seem to look over every inch of my face with fascination. I put my hand closer to his head and the snake slides back into place. Chrysoar looks almost peaceful as it finds its place, the suspicion in his eyes disappearing with the worry lines across his forehead.

I can't stop the squeak that leaves me as he's back on his knees again, only this time he isn't bowing as he wraps his arms around my thighs with surprising strength and his head is pressed into my stomach. his arms around my thighs as his head pressed into my stomach. More snakes reach up towards me, taking the first ones lead and I'm terrified they're about to swarm me. To try and keep them back, I gently ran my hand over them as he had done earlier. The mass trembled with excitement at being touched and glancing towards Cain for some clue about what the hell is happening, he looks as if he's about to throw him into the fire again.

"I like you." Chrysoar says a moment later. "You are not what I expected you to be. Now I have you so close. So soft, small and female."

Well this is crossing boundaries, and as I move to free myself, he lets go easily and stands.

"No more touching." I warn, to which he simply smirks and moves to stand behind me. "What are you doing?"

"He's hiding behind you," Cain growls.

"I hear you control him, show me. Keep me safe, God-Killer who isn't." Chrysaor taunts, yet the fear is back in his eyes despite the way he and Cain glare at each other.

"Give me the strength to get through this." I mumble, unsure if the ground just trembled or if I imagined it. "Can you two stop with this macho bullshit for like, five seconds. We came for a reason, can you help or should we go elsewhere?"

"There is no where else. That is why he brought you to me." He grins, revealing pointy teeth and something red now appears to be dripping from his fangs, which I realise was blood as the cut on his lip from them increases. "You exceeded so many expectations."

Rumpels was looking fucking fantastic right about now, and before I can give Cain a hint of the trouble he was going to be in once we got out of this place, he steps away with a frown. Did he feel that tremor too?

"Just a babe. A wee little one, with a cursed existence that should never have been." Somehow he says it like it should be a compliment.

"I bet you have a lot of friends. You have such a way with words!" I wonder if he knows what sarcasm is.

"No, there is none I would call a friend. I am too old and know better." His eyes glaze over briefly before he shakes the thought away. "Perhaps if you do not keep throwing away your gifts, there may be a time we could call ourselves acquaintances."

There was an undeniable roar that echoed up from down below. It made goosebumps break out over my skin and Cain was in front of me instantly.

"Is it them?" He demanded. "Your Aunties?"

A steady thud of footsteps or something like it seemed to vibrate through the room. The tremors increased so dirt fell from the ceiling in weaker parts and both men moved closer together to stand in the doorway defensively. What exactly were his aunties?

"Oh no. No. No. No. I told you. I told you they would destroy her. They come closer. Leave, I will hold them back. Leave. Don't look back!" He ordered, his words disappearing behind another roar which sounded more like a scream - this one even closer.

I was beside Cain as we ran. Leaving the room the maze of corridors were still lit, yet Cain hesitated as we hit a fork. Both ways were dark, and behind us the lights were cutting out quicker than I knew they should be. He grabbed my hand, yet nothing happened and instead I tried to get us out and away from here. Nothing again, our powers weren't working. I couldn't even summon a torch, and for a second I wished Deimos was here to prove my point that you can't always rely on having our magic available - then again maybe I was the only one who would find herself in these kinds of positions. 

"Fuck," Cain growled. "Any preference?"

"What are they?" I demanded.

"The Gorgon sisters." With a tug we went right, no lights aiding as we walked, very fast, down the passage. It curled around and we found ourselves at a stairwell. I didn't want to tell him I didn't remember this option earlier. "We go up."

"Agreed."

Up was the way out, and from what I could understand of this place, it made the most sense. All around us screams rang out, chilling me to my core as the whole structure seemed to shake with each thud and roar. Just as we saw a light up ahead, something blocked it and we skidded to a stop as the human figure extended into a snake like body. The hall suddenly flooded with light, blinding us for a second and looking now, my jaw dropped.

Of course.

Snake hair could only mean one thing from all the myths and legends I'd heard about and I vowed to sign up for that Greek Mythology class at the local museum.

"Is that Med-" Cain's hand slapped over my mouth.

"Don't say it. Try not to even think about it."

"It's a bit fucking late for that! What the hell were you thinking?"

"I've never actually seen one before. They go hunting on full moons and need to sleep it off for like a week or so. I wouldn't have brought you here if I thought-"

"Run!" I screamed, turning around as the creature launched itself towards us.

Chrysaor jumped out in front of us out of nowhere and we scrambled to slow and spin around to go after him. Furious screams followed us and so did she and I tried to remember what Medusa's deal was. She was a snake, had snake hair, something; what was her story?

Turns out there were two of them, and they clawed and fought their way after us. Chrysaor stopped, and suddenly shoved us into another room. He cursed at them, running off to join their battles and I saw the new cuts on his arm and back. The screeching that came from all three of them had us covering our ears as we tried to break down the only door in here we could see. The next noise warned us one was definitely coming this way, so we ran to hide in the opposite dark corner, with Cain shielding me with his body.

"Rumpels is looking a hell of a lot better right now!" I snapped, hoping he heard.

He rolled his eyes, so I'm guessing he had some idea. "I swear it's never been like this before. If he set us up-"

Cain shifts his position slightly, looking around and I can see he's still trying to use his powers. I look for something that could be a weapon, or better a way out, and have as much luck as he does. There isn't even a table in here, so we stick to the dark, being as quiet as possible as one of the Aunties enters.

There was still fighting outside, so I got the impression this family was even more disfunctional than mine. We watched as she creeped along the far wall, constantly stopping to test the air before she found the door. She growls, leaning back as if to strike and she does - smashing the door we hadn't been able to open. She pauses, retreating slightly and goes still. I realise she expected us to scurry by her for a chance at freedom and when nothing happens she slides in instead.

"Lets go." I motioned to the way we'd come in and he nodded.

"I don't know how our powers are blocked."

"Let's worry about that later."

He moves slowly against the wall, and I follow, forever looking back in case she reappears. Outside the fighting is quieter and we can't see anyone, so we keep with our plan for going up, moving as fast as we can when she's suddenly clambering up behind us. I make the mistake of looking back, and trip, yet Cain pulls my arm, sliding down to get me back up, only he's suddenly gone, the other one leaping up from below, over the railing and snatching him away with her tail.

If Alfie was here, I'm sure this would be going very differently.

He manages to grab the balcony and making a grab for his hand, I nearly fall after them as she shakes him free and vanishes into the dark.

"No!" I scream, about to throw myself after them, only this one holds me back. 

Her jaws snap shut barely an inch behind me as I drop onto her tail, and I start fighting. I punch, poke and take a hit in return. I just miss each time as she moves quicker than anything I've seen. She brings me closer to her, and through my clothing, I can feel her skin scaly and each oozing lump that covers it. Her hair moved as one deadly mass of red, black and white snakes. She is hideous, and meeting her gaze, I suddenly remembered what Medusa's thing was.

If you looked at her, you turned to stone.

Well, fuck.

I quickly looked at my hand, stuck in her hold, and after a breath, I was positive that wasn't going to happen. She laughed as if she knew what I was thinking, before leaning in closer as her hair stretched towards me and I dared to look at her again.

"Stop," I demanded.

She hesitated.

I felt my powers reignite, but they weren't back, not yet. Did Cain feel it too, would he get his powers back before I did? Was he even okay - the yelling had eased completely. Her hair hissed and snapped at me, but didn't bite. I was in reach and they didn't do it.

"Stop, now." Her grip weakened. I was put down, released. "What is your name?"

"S-S-Stheno" She huffed.

I stood firm, unable to look away despite how horrible she actually was. This was part of a curse, or something and I hated that I couldn't remember more. I pitied her as I did Chrysaor for being stuck here like this and as Stheno looked up to the ceiling, her eyes turned white as her hair flopped forward to cover her face.

"They respond to you." She hissed from her slithering viel.

"I have this thing with snakes. So, Stheno how about-"

"Your power. Calls-s-s to us. Delicious, tiny, treat," she lunges forward, knocking me down which may not have been so bad if I didn't land on the stairs. It hurt, my back protesting instantly. "So young. Barely hatched little babe."

Her body covers mine, her face oozing as a black tongue flicks over me, and touches my forehead. I try not to gag at the smell, or cringe at the feel of her hair swarming over me. They look, but don't bite. Not yet and I don't doubt they aren't waiting for the order to do so. They hiss at each other as they move and I can see the venom on their fangs. She too licks my moon marking, fascinated with it as she mumbles on about the third. My heart is beating so fast I know she can hear it. Feel it.

"I bet you tas-s-ste delicious-s-s, with power, s-s-so much power in this tiny vessel," She hisses, her eyes blinking into a black void as her teeth become elongated and sharp like fangs.

I stare at the green venom dripping down from them and try not to panic or show the pain it's causing me as my skin burns where it hits. It feels like hundreds of these tiny snakes are covering me now, and if my skin isn't burning, its crawling with the sensation of them all over me.

"Stop or you will feel my power," I command, thankful I don't sound as scared as I feel.

It seemed to kind of work last time and I am desperate. If I fight back, like this, I don't stand a chance. One bite, that's all it's going to take. Stheno throws her bald head back and laughs, her companions thankfully leaving me to slide over her body now and back into place as her hair. She may not plan on listening to me, but free of her companions, I've brought myself precious time and then some as a welcome sensation hits me.

"No." She lunges and as I put my arms up, my powers are back.

I don't even hesitate, taking control of her and making her squirm now as I stand up. I make a show of dusting myself off, roll my neck and this time when I look at her, she screams at me. Her arms fight my powers, I can see them twitching like her hair as she pushes to free herself. I sense her confusion, and taking my chances I make eye contact. It's hard to do, I've never felt a single thing fight back like this. Despite her appearances and situation, their power is strong.

"I feel we got off on the wrong foot, I'll release you on two conditions. One, I'm not dessert, and two you will let us leave without harm. Understand?"

All I get is more shouting in my face as she growls and roars her frustrations. The second I ease control of her, she's back to her attack only before she can grab me, I throw her over the railing and down into the dark pit that she came from. Her screams echo back to me, until they fade to silence, and with that done, I think of Cain. 

My powers have definitely come back, and from how cold it is, I know we are further down than we had gone the first time. He and Chrysaor have found sticks or poles to use against the remaining Aunt yet before I can do anything, I only watch as her tail whips out and Cain is slammed into the wall. He doesn't move, slumping down awkwardly as his eyes roll into the back of his head.

The other creature snatches the stick from Chrysaor and snapping it, she drops it in front of her as he falls to his knees and beings to beg. She ignores him, pouncing towards Cain with a victory screech. It snaps me into action, and reaching out, I grab hold of her easily. My anger only increases my power as I approach and I can feel her fighting me, fighting to look and see what could possibly be happening right now. 

"Stheno!" She grunts, using all her might to turn and I enjoy the surprise on her face as she spots me.

"I go by, Elise."

Her eyes narrow, her tongue snaking out which seems to fuel her excitement. Her yellow grey skin seems to glow with anticipation despite the fact I still have a lot of control over her. The yellow curls of her hair are frozen as they were poised to strike, and I can feel their anger poisoning the air. I squeeze, and she gasps in response as I no longer hold back as I can feel the hatred in her gaze. Somehow she manages to bare her fangs, her will not quite as strong as mine as she fights to break free.

"I'll poison you firs-s-s-t. You'll watch me cons-s-sume your mate, piecc-es-s by pieces-s-s. Then I will eat you." She promises, daring to look towards Cain where Chrysaor is trying to wake him up.

He still doesn't move.

I want to destroy her.

I will rip each snake from her head, her arms from her body and as I open my mouth to tell her exactly what hell I have planned for her instead, I hear Cain groan. Looking now, he slowly pushes Chrysaor away and touches his head as he manages to sit up.

Today is her lucky day.

"I've heard better offers," Like her sister, she is thrown back into the darkness; their screams echoing up to us as Chrysaor runs after her.

He can do what he wants, I'm done here.

"Are you alright? Are you hurt?" I ask Cain, ignoring the snake man as he returns, laying down beside us. 

His mouth opens and closes, only no words come out.

"Yeah." Cain holds out his hand, his powers clearly not back and turning to Chrysaor, pissed off doesn't even begin to describe his mood right now. Or mine. "Explain."

"She is unexpected, truly." He gushes, staring at his feet despite the way he is constantly glancing up to look at me before focusing on Cain as he quickly offloads in their secret language.

"In english," I demand.

"Heroes have come since the beginning to slay the sisters. They nearly succeeded once." He drifted off for a moment. "Men seek to claim their deaths for their own victory, how do you think I gather so many of my treasures. Some time ago, I found a sorcerer who made it so any gifts, or blessings bestowed upon those who come will disappear down here. Powers such as yours included. It keeps us safe. Keeps them safe. How did you get your powers back, girl?"

I wish I knew.

Cain stood, his anger radiating off him and I didn't actually know how to answer. "You set me up? Set us up?"

"You never stayed for this long, we never take our business further than our initial illusion." It was a weak response, yet I couldn't stop pitying him and this life he had.

"And today?" He growled.

"It was an opportunity I could not reject. If I gave them someone like her-"

Cain's control snapped and as he lunged for Chrysaor and I quickly jumped in his path, stopping him. I put one hand on his chest, the other on his cheek to force him to look at me.

"It's okay. We're okay. We'll go." I moved to kiss him, but he was unmovable. "Cain?"

"Move."

"No." Cain closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose as he muttered something under his breath I couldn't quite hear. "It's not his fault. Let's just go, now."

"Do you think it's mine?"

"I never said that." I didn't budge as he tried to move after Chrysaor again. "Whatever you do will not change anything. Do not hurt yourself, by thinking you have to hurt him. This isn't a burden you need to bare."

Chrysaor gave a little cough. "They will not attack either of you again, the girl has proved her dominance here. They will be unharmed, the pit is full of wards to protect and save them."

"I'm sorry they have to live this way, in constant fear of their lives." I told him, and I meant it as the whole reality of the situation became even clearer. "It must be hard at times, for all of you."

I looked at his already healing wounds and now knew how he'd got those scars.

"It's been getting easier as time passes, and we are forgotten. Fact turns to legend." He admits. "You, well, you're so young. Easy prey. They would have feasted on your flesh and they will be restored to who they once were, instead of what they are. Just for a moment."

Chrysaor  motioned towards my wrist. "Your mark. They've had one like you before."

"A third?" I frown.

"Before Inana, I've heard the rumours." Cain answered, his mood still dark. "The third has always been cursed."

"It lasted days. They even dared to leave this place, our jungle. Until it wore away as it always does. I barely got them home before-" He sighed, not paying any attention to us. "We are safe here. It's been so long, and it should have been so easy."

Cain really did look like he was about to kill him now.

"We're done here." I looked at Cain, who barely nodded yet Chrysaor boldly jumped between us.

"No, no, there is still so much to know and a weapon that you seek. I'm sure-" His hands grabbed onto my shoulders, shoving me around. "We can find something."

"You've done enough." Cain growled, and I stepped around Chrysaor, instantly threading my fingers through Cain's and squeezed. "This was a mistake."

We start up the stairs, only we don't get very far as a cloaked figure now blocks our way. There's power here, more than I've felt from anyone and we both freeze.

"Please, stay, I don't want us to part on- oh!" Chrysaor stops just as suddenly, bumping into Cain.

A woman's leg appears as she walks down the stairs towards us, her hood parting with each step down as a bejeweled hand clutches at the tie by her neck. I'd almost think she was as human as us, if not for the white snake heads that peek out from the edge of the hood. She keeps her face tucked away, her chin in against her chest and as I brace myself to grab Cain and go, she stops.

"I've heard many things about you, Elise of the Bunting Clan." Her voice is soft, delicate and warm.

She's paler than Portia if that is even possible. Her skin is as white as the albino mass that sits quietly around her face. The red of her eyes are startling, but there is no denying that she's beautiful. Perfect even. Her cloak is abandoned as she finishes her walk down to us, her outfit is similar to my own, but only adding to her ghostly image as it's also white. The red of her eyes matches her teeth, so bright in contrast to her complexion as she smiles.

"Greetings to you too, Fallen One. Welcome."

I look at Cain and he seems completely at a loss for words while Chrysaor is back on the floor, mumbling as he rocks on his knees, yet Cain squeezes my hand as we both can't miss the word Mother he repeats continuously.

"You're his mum?"

"Indeed. I am sure, even considering your youth, you would have heard of me. I am Medusa." The myth herself, curtsies ever so slightly in our direction before turning and starting back up the stairs. "Follow me."

And so we do, though I didn't think we had any other choice.