'It's hard not to be drawn to him like a moth to a flame...'

Beached Pearl

The large palace was dark and ominous as we entered.

I dragged the cold, black shadows along with me as I stormed towards the big throne at the end of the room. My cloak vibrated from all the tension in my shoulders. I was stiff from all the fury. Hades was discussing something with Persephone and Poseidon, his back turned to the entrance. 

Poseidon was the first one to spot us. "Good, you're here- we were just about to send for you two..."

"What happened last night at the conclave?" I was livid for not being informed, my anger so great and my fear for the unknown so overwhelming that I couldn't care less about being courteous in Hades' presence.

Right now I was still the king of the Underworld, and he was on my throne. I shot them a glare; "Why is Apollo king?"

Hades and Poseidon shared an uneasy look; I gritted my teeth. Hypnos stood beside me, examining their faces. Unfortunately, we couldn't for the sake of the case let any of them know that Aries is the killer- or at least one of the killers. Just in case Poseidon, Hades or Persephone were also involved somehow.

I prayed they weren't. These were people I trusted. Still trust.

"There was a vote." Hades spoke, his booming voice loud and clear. Persephone latched her arm onto his; "There was nothing we could do to stop it."

"Apollo had gone around to every god and demi-god and buttered them up." Poseidon scoffed; "He knows he's the most viable candidate- no one saw any reason not to elect him as our new king."

"I can think of a few..." Hypnos muttered as he crossed his arms and sighed.

Persephone nodded; "None of us particularly like the man, but unfortunately we need to face the facts; between Aries and Apollo, Apollo is the lesser of two evils."

For now that was true- until we knew who the other traitor was.

"And besides," Hades sighed; "All the other gods look to him for guidance and strength. He is capable of wearing the crown, but I have a bad feeling about this."

"Me too." Poseidon nodded his head; "Look, Zeus wasn't a saint either, and if anything, Apollo is turning out to be quite a lot like his father. Hopefully he inherited some skill as a king too."

"Persephone' right..." I ran a hand through my hair, leaving it unruly and frustrated, just as I felt; "If Aries was elected, we'd all be dousing fires by now."

Everyone nodded their heads in agreement. My tone changed from calm to irritated; "But as for the fact that we weren't informed... Now that's just plain rude. Hades," I shifted my sharp eyes to my superior, but for the first time I didn't feel like obeying. "This needs to stop. As the primary investigator to these murders, I need to know what's happening at all times."

The look that flew between Hades and I was pleasantly different- for once it didn't feel like he was going to scold me like the older brother I never had or tell me to do something, like his favourite right-hand man. No, instead the look we shared held mutual respect and admiration.

Hades nodded; "Of course, I apologise. I've been holding back. It was wrong of me."

I nodded my head slowly and had my eyes cast down in contemplation. A great feeling of warmth waved over me; it was comforting and strange. I never really knew what it felt like to be praised by your parents. Nyx was hellish when angry and annoyingly dotting the rest of the time, but she'd never told us she was proud. Erebus could hardly be bothered to remember our names.

So when Hades walked down the steps to stand before me and his hand clasped my shoulder in an affectionate manner, I felt something I couldn't really describe.

It was warm and left me content, but most of all, I felt surrounded by... family.

Another silent prayer left my thoughts- if one of these three people had any part in these murders, it would be a bitter truth to swallow.

"Conrad," I lifted my hand higher and felt the static grow under my palm; "I think I almost have it..."

The old wizard smiled with a twinkle in his eyes; "Excellent, child! You're doing great! I see Thanatos is an admirable teacher..."

I smiled, but my eyes were glued to the small electric currents forming in the air, right in front of my face. They were still small, but the mere sight of them sent a shudder down my spine. I was bending energy! The most difficult element to master!

It took long, arduous weeks of training, but I was finally able to bend it- even if just a little bit still...

I was nowhere near as good as Thanatos, but I couldn't wait to show him. He'd be so proud and excited! I loved making him happy, seeing that familiar loving look he only reserved for me. It was addictive. He was mine.

I felt Conrad's observant eyes on my face, watching me. I suddenly felt a small blush creep up to my face as I tried to push the thought of Thanatos away, but it was hard. He was always on my mind. Especially when he out on his mission and tasks. I always feared for his safety, even when I know he's more than capable of taking care of things himself.

Conrad's voice was soft and hid a hint of discomfort; "Aurora, dear... I don't mean to pry or be- oh, you know- forward, but um..."

I shifted my eyes from the small electric currents, running from my one hand to the other, to the old man's wise grey eyes. He seemed embarrassed as he spoke. "And I know this is no business of mine, at all, but..." He stopped. 

The old man looked down at the table as he fiddled with his reading glasses. I smiled softly- he really did remind me of my grandfather. What would I do without wise old and disorganised Conrad by my side?

"We're in love." I answered his question to spare him the awkwardness of asking.

Conrad was surprised by my sudden answer. He stammered; "Oh, I- My, my... I never really thought Thanatos would... Well, I suppose even a wolf like he would fall for a beautiful young girl such as yourself." He laughed; half-shocked at actually confirming his suspicions and half not surprised by my confession at all.

I chuckled and looked down as Conrad's pleasant surprise over the whole situation lifted the room's atmosphere higher. He seemed genuinely happy.

"He's not as bad as you think."

The wrinkles next to Conrad's eyes scrunched up as he smiled broadly out the window, at the large gardens of Donata Academy. His voice was thoughtful and soft; "Oh, I know."

I watched as he thought for a moment and then when he spoke again, he fixed me with his knowing eyes filled with experience; "I've known him for quite some time and, if I'm honest, I- I can't imagine my life without that arrogant jackass. He's haughty, disrespectful and reckless-" Conrad smiled and nodded his head; "But he's Thanatos. And it's hard not to be drawn to him like a moth to a flame."

I nodded my head; "Truer words have never been spoken." I laughed and pushed back a stray lock of hair. I looked up at the old wizard with curious eyes; "Conrad, if you don't mind me asking, do you have any children?"

Conrad's eyes widened slightly, but quickly enough he grinned and chuckled as he removed his glasses from the bridge of his nose; "I don't. I've always wanted to have, but I just never really had the time. My craft has always been everything to me."

"That explains it."

"Explains what, dear?" Conrad furrowed his brows in confusion.

I smiled knowingly; "You treat Thanatos so harshly because you see him as the son you never had. I noticed it immediately the first time we met. You're very overprotective of him, even when he's made a mistake. It's amusing to watch the two of you argue- there's always an underlining layer of respect."

"Aurora..." Conrad inhaled softly in surprise. I suppose he'd never really given it much thought, but I could see now that I mentioned it and it was out in the open, Conrad was finally noticing what I'd meant. He nodded his head, his eyes narrowed to the table, but a small smile played on his lips- like he wanted to laugh at himself.

"You're definitely more observant than most of us here. I suppose you're right, huh..." Conrad laughed and shook his head; "Yes, the old god of death and his tricks and teasing. Like I said, it's hard not to like him."

"That it is." I grinned.

"Are you two happy?"

I blushed; "Yes, very. He's so kind to me and loving. He's so different when he opens up and let's himself go. His walls were high, but so were mine. I suppose it was a team effort on breaking them down." I chuckled as Conrad hummed knowingly; "I don't even think we noticed we'd fallen in love before it was too late to deny it."

"I'm happy for you both. You seem truly content, dear. And Thanatos too. I've never seen him smile so much, it's a bit strange."

"Thank you, Conrad. For everything. I know I've said it before, but I really do appreciate everything you've done for me."

"Hush, child." Conrad smiled and patted my hand; "You're a treat to work with. I couldn't have asked for a better student."

I looked down, a sudden gulf of bashfulness creeping up on me. I smiled and tapped my fingers together, an array of currents shot between them, pulsating a new feeling of power through my hands.

"Now, is Thanatos as good as a teacher as he was back in the day?"

"Back in the day?" A crease formed across my forehead.

Conrad poured himself a fresh cup of tea, the porcelain pitcher steaming hot. "Oh, didn't he mention he used to teach witchcraft to Apollo and some demi-gods?"

"Apollo? He taught Apollo?"

Of course! I remember clearly how Thanatos had told me here- in this exact study a few days before the banquet which was held in my honour by Zeus- how he'd taught Apollo everything he knew. How did I forget? Was that why they were so at odds? Did something happen?

"Oh, yes, indeed... The young prince was instructed to have lessons from Thanatos to better himself for the throne. Of course, Hecate was meant to tutor him, but well... You know how she was exiled. So, that left Thanatos as the second best mage."

I nodded my head; this all made a little more sense now- their feud must have started somewhere; "So do you know what happen between them?"

Conrad sighed; "Well, it's a typical case of where the student thought they knew better than their master. Apollo's always been arrogant- they both are. Fire and fire doesn't bode well together."

"I see..."

Conrad took a sip from his cup and signalled to me for a refill; "Another?"

"No, thank you. I should probably continue- I still have quite a lot to do before my ascension."

"We all have faith in you, dear!" Conrad smiled and tapped the table as he stood, his cup of tea nearly spilling on the floor as he swiftly moved over to his desk to get back to his tasks. I wanted to laugh; he certainly was scatter-brained at best.

Conrad picked up his class papers and assignments. His one hand was stacked with documents as he tried to balance his cup of tea with the other. I felt like Samaria had more trouble keeping the floor mopped and the dome clean than actually doing proper research for the academy.

Just as the old wizard turned to head out, a bright silver gust of dust and flames sprung up from the entrance of the study. I knew the sound well- Thanatos was back.

I felt absolutely thrilled as the portal opened up and shot out silver flames round it's edges, bringing in an entirely different light into the room than the sun's. It was magical. The black abyss opened up and the silver stars flecked the night sky.

Then he appeared; his hood over his head and Morte, his long scythe in his hand. He looked to die for. A rush of lust sprung up from inside me, doubled up with a gush of infatuation.

From the corner of my eyes I saw Conrad smile softly, but then quickly he hid it with an annoyed glower and a mocking tone; "Ah, just when I thought my day was going reasonably well..."

Thanatos waved his portal closed; a smirk on his beautiful, plump lips. "And then I arrive and make everything better. I know, I know; it's hard living one day to the next, not knowing when you'll see me again, Conrad, but it's alright. I'm here now. Rest easy."

I chuckled and rolled my eyes; typical Thanatos. Gods, I hope he never changes...

Conrad scoffed; "I'm surprised the rest of your body still manages to get oxygen after your big head consumes it all."

I lifted my hand in the air and drew an invisible two and a one; "Two for Conrad, one for Thanatos..."

Thanatos smirked at me from the opposite side of the room and Conrad shook his head, a small smile on his lips. "Well, I'm off to give class." Conrad walked towards the doors, but quickly gave Thanatos a death glare; "Now don't distract her, she needs to study."

"Relax, old chap- she's my student now, not yours. She's far ahead of schedule; study breaks are essential."

Conrad huffed, but didn't say a word as he raced out to give his class he was most probably already late for in any case.

I cupped my chin in my hand and stared dreamily at the darkly dressed god of death. He closed the doors to the dome with his magic and quickly stormed over to the windows. Thanatos ripped the blinds closed, the searing sun probably sending a massive migraine straight to his head. He grunted; "Damn sun..."

"Come here." I purred.

Thanatos was quick to respond. He grinned and hurriedly raced over towards me, his arms opening to engulf me in his strong embrace. I giggled as he lifted me from my chair and swung me around onto the desk. I hummed in satisfaction as I buried my nose in the crook of his neck, his familiar comforting minty smell filling my senses.

Thanatos kissed my hair, leaving a trail of love from my crown all the way down to the back of my neck. I shivered as his mouth moved around to the front of my throat and his hot lips lingered on the base.

His deep, sensual voice sent small vibrations through my throat as he spoke; "Do you love me?"

I bit my lip and smiled up at the ceiling; "More than you'll ever know..."

"I doubt that." Thanatos chuckled and lifted his lips to mine. We kissed hungrily for a few minutes, taking our time to slowly explore each other. My hands travelled over his hard torso and under his cloak to the back of his hips. I clenched his bum in my hands and pulled him closer.

Thanatos' one hand was massaged my hip and the other sensually kneaded my head, leaving my hair a wild mess. His breathing became hard and I felt his hip press into between my hips, nudging himself closer to my core. I happily pulled myself higher so he could position himself better. The feeling of him so close and our bodies rubbing together sent my heart jumping.

"I love you, Aurora..."

I smiled as his passionate kisses nipped at my lips; his hands moving to my flush cheeks, cupping them and keeping my face close to his.

I moved my hand up to remove the black cowl that covered his eyes.

Suddenly, all I could see was red- he was so handsome. Black hair fell down slightly from his crown, contrasting beautifully against his tanned skin and vibrant eyes. His hair was getting longer, falling over the one side of his head, but still thick and full of volume. It was the blackest of black- darker than midnight.

"Thanatos..." I closed my eyes and pulled him closer with my hands on either side of his hard jaw line. It was like marble under my palms, but smoother and even more beautiful.

Thanatos closed his eyes and moved his parted mouth over mine, our breath mixing together and our lips touching; leaving a path of fire along each other's skin.

"Angel..." He hummed and quickly, like a starved man, caught my lips with his- filling my mouth with his hunger.

We kissed with so much passion, I felt faint. Luckily, I was still seated on the table, because I think after about only a few seconds of his kissing I couldn't feel my feet anymore. Not that I minded...

"Even just kissing you drives me mad. Thálassa kaì pŷr kaì gynḗ, kakà tría." Thanatos muttered against my mouth. I moaned at his words, but with no idea what he'd said; "Was that Greek?"

He nodded and his mouth moved into a smile around my lips. His husky voice whispered; "Sea and fire and woman, three evils."

I laughed, unhooking my lips from their trap. My surprised eyes lifted to meet his. Thanatos was staring down at me with slanted eyes, his smirk wide and his low chuckle vibrating through to my chest. "Oh, poor you!"

Thanatos chuckled and tried to intertwine his fingers with mine, but I kept teasing him by pulling back. So instead he leaned in and reattached his lips to mine, moving them with a slow and sultry seduction. He took my breath away.

"I hate it when you leave like that- it's not safe..."

"I'm fine, my darling..." Thanatos' hands ran down my back and quickly dipped under my dress. He began to massage my back, his hands skillful and tender. I groaned as his stronger fingers pressed down a knot.

"There's a murderer on the loose with a sickle that can kill you, Thanatos."

"Speaking of which..." Thanatos kept his gloved hands on my back, nestling in the warmth of my skin. He leaned back a bit, his eyes sombre; "We ran into Aries and Apollo in Tartarus."

"What?" I gripped his biceps; "What were they doing there?"

"Apparently questioning Cronus into the murder of Zeus. It seems Apollo is conducting his own little investigation. I don't know if I believe him though..."

"You think Apollo is the missing link?"

Thanatos nodded, his eyes absent-mindedly resting on my collar bone, boring a hole through the skin. "But something doesn't make sense..." His eyes snapped up to mine; "Why would Aries let Apollo take the throne so easily without a fight? If they are in cahoots, I'm sure there must've been a hell of a lot of arguments between them."

"Wait- what did you just say?" I titled my head, my eyes growing wide. Thanatos furrowed his brows, but then suddenly he realised that I clearly wasn't as informed on the godly world as he currently was; "Oh, right... I have some bad news."

"Don't even say it..." I sighed and rolled my eyes at the whole situation of it all.

Thanatos hummed in agreement; "Apollo is king, by popular demand."

"Wow," I pursed my lips; "Guess you were right- he is a snake."

"Don't even get me started."

I eyed Thanatos as he absent-mindedly continued to massage my shoulders, his eyes trained on the wall behind me. He was deep in thought; probably planning our next move.

"You never told me you taught Apollo..."

Thanatos' eyes dropped to mine. He gave me a confused look; "I did; the same day I gave you this..." Thanatos pinched the pendant that hung from my neck- his pendant. The small aquamarine crystal was my favourite piece of jewellery and I didn't take it off for anything.

Thanatos had given it to me on the same day that we had the quick crash course on the gods before I was to meet them at the banquet.

"I know, but I thought you'd meant like as a warrior or something. I didn't know you taught him magic?"

Thanatos smiled down at me with a look I knew he reserved solely for me; "You're always so curious..."

I rolled my eyes, but a smile stayed on my lips; "Conrad said you two had a fall out way back. Were you two friends long ago?"

Thanatos rubbed the back of his head, the warmth of his hand missing from my neck. He shrugged; "I suppose, yes. Aries and I were never friends; that's for certain. We've always despised each other, since we were young, but..." Thanatos sighed, "Apollo and I were actually quite close at a stage."

"That's hard to believe." I furrowed my brows; "You two can't stand to be in the same room as the other."

"Well, our friendship turned sour, as some do."

I rubbed my hand down his chest, my voice soft; "Can I ask why?"

Thanatos' hand pushed back a stray tendril from the side of my face, his gloved fingers oddly electrifying against my skin; like leather on sweat.

"I was instructed to teach him magic. He was talented of course, very quick to learn, just like you, but he's always been overconfident and thinks he knows best." Thanatos gave me a look. "I know what you're thinking..." 

A crease formed between my eyes; "What?"

"You're thinking- 'but aren't you just as overconfident and arrogant?'"

I laughed; "The thought may have crossed my mind..."

Thanatos chuckled; "Another reason why our childhood friendship would never have lasted- we're too alike in the worst ways. We fought so much when we were growing up, it was insane. Apollo always used the 'I'm the prince of the realm' excuse for everything."

I raised a brow, my smirk growing; "And you? What excuse did you use to get your way?"

Thanatos leaned in, his smirk wide and his smouldering eyes setting me alight. His hands on either side of my hips trapped me in a boiling hot cage; "Well, I'm the first born grandson of the old-family; I'm a pretty big deal..."

I snickered as Thanatos wiggled his eyebrows and leaned in to catch my lips. I dodged him and smirked; "That may work in your world, but you're going to have to do a bit better if you want me."

Thanatos chuckled evilly; "Oh, angel... I don't think you're in any position to refuse me anything." Thanatos locked his hands over mine, bolting me to the desk. 

I tried to push back my grin and fix him with a stern look. "Aren't teachers supposed to motivate their students to study and not distract them?"

Thanatos scoffed and raised a sexy eyebrow; "You're definitely not my student anymore, angel. If anything, you're my equal."

My heart jumped.

Okay, it's official- I can love him more than I already do.

I quickly pressed my lips against his, silencing the words on the tip of his tongue. Thanatos was still leaning over me, holding down my hands with his. He moaned into my mouth, parting his lips to allow my tongue entry. I bit his bottom lip in hunger.

Thanatos smiled into my mouth and chuckled softly, the vibration sending a shiver down my spine. I grinned, a clever plan forming in my head.

"But you are wrong, of course..." I lowered my voice to a whisper against his lips.

Thanatos smiled; "Oh, really? What do you mean by that?"

"I'm absolutely your student..." I ran my lips over his cheek and up to his ear, whispering in an innocent voice; "There's still so much I don't know, master."

I wanted to giggle as Thanatos groaned in pleasure; "Like what?" He was playing along easily, savouring the feeling of being in control and licking up the innocent act I was portraying.

"Like how to please a man..."

Thanatos shuddered. I felt his leather gloves smack onto the table and then suddenly his boiling hot hands were covering my shoulders, leading me off the table towards the couch.

His sensual and seductive voice whispered in my ear from behind, his body hard and pressed up against mine; "Lesson number one- just be Aurora Venerelli..."

"If anything, you're my equal." Yes, Thany boy! Love writing his development from a man who held no regard for mortals and never wanted to get close to women due to his mother's dysfunctionality, to who he is now. 

And of course, my baby Rora- her pic above*