The Green Monster

The thought of my father wanting to kill Malreus had crossed my mind more than once before the sun had peaked its head over the hills of Mania.

It was what kept me awake at the break of dawn, as I lay beside the man I shared everything with- now including my body.

My father wasn't going to be the happiest of kings when he found out about this, but that's just because I was his 'little girl.' It had nothing to do with Malreus; he saw the young god as one of his own sons...

That might help when I have to tell him about us, but I've learned never to predict what my father was going to do or say. You were usually wrong when it came to envisaging Death's decision-making process.

But that was a problem for another day. We'd cross that bridge when we got to it. For now, I had to sneak out of here like a delinquent and hope that Simos wasn't awake yet.

Not that it was any of his business, but let's face it- it would make things extremely awkward. And I did not need any more awkwardness right now...

I carefully pulled the duvet from my body and stood up quickly. Malreus was still fast asleep; his head turned away from me and his naked chest on full display. My, my... what a sight.

Alright, Focus. Clothes first.

I scanned the room for my clothes; my eyes caught sight of my bra that was carelessly laying on a couch nearby. I slipped it on and checked around for my underwear. After I'd gotten most of the clothes on, I grabbed my boots and peered over Malreus' body to check if he was still passed out. I'd tried to be as discrete as possible. For one, I didn't want to wake him- he looked far too peaceful to be disturbed- and two; I didn't have the courage to face Malreus at that very moment. It was going to be unnerving and would most likely jerk us both out of our respective comfort zones. First, I had to process last night...

He was breathing lightly and his eyes weren't fluttering- he was still deeply nestled in the land of dreams. I felt a bit shameful as I opened his door and quickly snuck out, but it was best that I left before anymore of the compound's occupants woke up for the day.

The living quarters were empty and Simos' bedroom door was still closed. I opened my door and quickly slipped in, closing it behind me.

I leaned my back against the door and sighed- what a night...

Oh, my Gaia; Malreus was...

I couldn't even think of the word. I savoured the pain I felt between my thighs and wished that that same pleasure from last night was still present too. What had we done? Effectively ruined our friendship- definitely.

But I couldn't really bring myself to care...

"Morning." Simos smiled as I excited the room. I'd showered and left my hair down, to cover the passionate marks Malreus had left around my neck. "Coffee?" He held up his steaming blue mug and smirked.

My eyes dropped down to where Malreus was sitting at the table. He turned his head sideways and our eyes met with a shudder. Those blue eyes darkened and he casually said; "Simos actually makes a good cup of coffee."

"A compliment from Mal?" Simos gasped dramatically and clutched his heart. "Are you still suffering from that snakebite?"

Malreus' eyes travelled down my body in appreciation. He muttered a reply against his coffee cup; "A little bit..."

I felt the blush erupt across my cheeks with haste and quickly gulped and tried to change the topic. I walked up to Simos with an innocent smile; "Sure. With sugar, please."

"But you're sweet enough?" Simos flirted slyly and my eyes darted to Malreus.

The dark prince smirked at Simos like the knew something the young man didn't. Hmm... He knew how to make me- Okay, Theia. Breakfast first, then sexually deprived thoughts about your best friend.

"Ha-ha. Very funny." I shook my head at Simos, but kept my smile. I glanced at Malreus from under my lashes and caught him staring. He licked his lips and dropped his eyes down to the local paper in his one hand.

I felt a rush of desire and it was nearly painful keeping it to myself.

"Here." Simos handed me a fresh cup of coffee and smirked seductively. "So guess what?"

"What?" I took a sip of the coffee and leaned my hip against the counter, angling my body towards him.

"The Jairob team is out."

"They're dead?" Malreus asked with a wry tone and Simos nodded with excitement. "Oh, yes. We're the only team left."

"Don't sound so happy about that." I scolded him softly and he shrugged.

"What? They were criminals and rapists. Who cares that they're dead?"

I kept my mouth shut and nodded. I didn't want to start another debate and besides, it was far too early to reason with Simos. He had mounds of energy and I was fairly spent. The reason for my lack of energy stood up from the table and walked up to us.

I tensed up a bit as he passed me and placed his empty mug in the basin for the servants to clean. Simos quickly added; "For the third trial Mal and I will go in as a pair so you'll have some time to snoop around the city and look for the last poem fragments."

"Yeah, sounds like a plan..." I agreed and tried my hardest to avoid looking in Malreus' direction. "Narray found the third part at Keya's manor. She showed it to me last night."

Simos nodded with a smile; "Then I'm guessing the last two are somewhere with Manos and Waldonius. We already have Keya's, Helius' and Estra's. I can't remember if Manos had something similar to that when I was still living in the palace, but then again, the last time I stayed there was before-" He stopped talking and looked down at his dark coffee. "Anyway, Casseus and Claudeus should be able to find it."

I nodded, my eyes examining him. The topic of his estranged family brought him great pain and I'd hoped to have established some form of bond with him to be able to discuss all of that pain with him, but now it was even harder to act as friends with Malreus and I starting... something?

"I'm sure my brothers will." I smiled at him with reassurance. "They're good at getting information."

"Theia..." Malreus' soft voice was right by my ear and I felt a jolt of electricity when his hand lightly touched my upper arm. "Can I speak with you for a moment?"

Simos narrowed his eyes, but said nothing. Instead, he sipped at his coffee and ogled us over the rim of his mug.

I turned around slightly and tried my best to act like his mere touch hadn't affected me. "Um... Sure?"

"Don't take too long." Simos said snidely. "We have a meeting with Manos. The next test will start at dusk."

"We can leave in the next ten minutes." Malreus said cordially and walked to his bedroom. He opened the door, gesturing for me to step inside. "Theia and I just need to quickly discuss how the others are going to deal with the inner circle when all of this is done."

Simos nodded and casually added; "Whatever you think is best- I only care about Manos and his pet. The rest can be dealt with however you two see fit."

Malreus nodded at Simos' words as I stepped inside his room. They were being uncharacteristically amicable with one another- I suspect it had something to do with trying to please me. They knew I didn't like the constant bickering.

Malreus closed the door behind me and I turned to him with seriousness, trying my very best to not let the heat rush towards my cheeks. Suddenly, everything we did last night came rushing back and my self-consciousness was working itself into overdrive. Ooh, wasn't there one point last night where I was under the covers with my tongue on- yeah. Let's not think about that right now, Theia.

I softly cleared my throat and my dirty mind; "So what did you have in mind for-"

Malreus pulled me around and slammed my back against the wall. His lips assaulted mine and his hard body crushed me into the corner of his bedroom. I gasped for air; the sudden unexpected action had completely surprised me.

His hands held my face in place against his and Malreus' husky whisper was muffled against my swollen lips. "I can't stop thinking about last night."

Oh, good. I wasn't the only one...

I sighed against his mouth and wrapped my arms around his neck. "Me too."

"Why did you leave this morning?" His hands moved down to caress my body. I shuddered underneath his touch. This was so different to how he always held me. This shot a powerful thrill up my spine and left me numb with giddiness.

"I didn't want Simos to know."

"Let him."

"Mal," I pulled back a bit and gave him a pointed look; "Don't let him get to you. We don't need more drama right now."

Malreus sighed and moved back a bit. His beautiful blue eyes looked down and back up to meet mine; "I don't understand why you're so concerned about him? He got himself into this mess."

"He's hurt and he needs a friend." I countered.

Malreus' eyes narrowed with annoyance. "And why does that friend have to be you?"

"It doesn't, but right now, I'm the best he has."

"Theia," Malreus leaned in and passionately kissed my lips. Delicately he whispered; "Simos doesn't want you as a friend. Trust me."

"Well, it's all he's going to get." I whispered back and closed my eyes. My forehead leaned against Mal's. "Stop worrying."

"I'm not worried." Malreus countered and his hands reached up and curled around my upper arms. He pressed my body into his. "I'm protective."

"More like jealous..." I chuckled and smirked at him.

Malreus caught my lips and devoured them. "Why would I be jealous? He'll never have you."

The strange kiss Simos and I had shared quickly swept past my mind- the memory was clear and bright in my head, but I wanted it gone. I pushed my lips harder against Malreus' and I knew that the feeling I got from him was far better. It was explosive and it made my heart swell. But there was still a lingering of guilt deep down in the pit of my stomach. That kiss with Simos hadn't meant a thing, but Malreus didn't know about it.

I didn't want to tell him, but I knew I probably should. It was only right and I honestly tried to do what was right in life.

My courage left me when Malreus muttered; "You would never hurt me..."

Ooh, nice, Theia.

I squeezed my eyes shut and pressed myself harder against him to stifle the sudden sensation of guilt. Malreus moaned in approval and moved his hands down to my hips. He moved himself against me, hardening with desire. "Oh, all the things I can do to you in five minutes..."

I nearly gave in to his throaty plea, but there was still a sensible part left in my brain. I pulled back a bit and tried to unhook his claws from around my hips. My body didn't want to part from his, but I knew that Simos was waiting for us to finish up and leave for the last challenge. This wasn't the right time. We'd have our moments soon.

"Maybe we should pick this up later?"

Malreus nodded; he was responsible and rational, but his lips weren't being obedient at all. He continued to kiss me; "You're absolutely right, but..." The prince of the Underworld nipped at my bottom lip. "I'm a little stuck."

I cupped his cheek and attempted to push him back to talk some sense into him, but a knock sounded on the door. Simos' voice floated in; "You two done? Made a decision yet?"

He sounded impatient and nervous. It sounded like Simos didn't like this whole 'closed-door' business. Malreus snarled under his breath and glared at the door. "Just a moment."

"We're done!" I shouted back and gave Malreus a pointed look. If I didn't get us out of this empty room, Malreus would seduce me back into his bed. And without a great deal of effort too...

I moved to open the door, but Malreus' hand quickly wrapped around mine as I attempted to push down the handle. He pressed his body against mine and I shivered with desire. Seductively, he whispered; "I'm not done with you."

I swallowed hard and quickly pulled open the door to let in some fresh air before my body collapsed back into his waiting arms. I stepped outside and speedily walked past Simos. He stared after me in confusion and turned his eyes to Malreus.

Mal leaned against the archway with casually confidence and smiled at Simos. "Ready when you are."

Asclepius' POV

There were many things that annoyed me.

Some included people who ate with their mouths open at the dinner table, people who couldn't stop talking about irrelevant topics, people who thought the word 'sublime' was actually appropriate for normal, day-to-day conversations, people who couldn't pronounce my name properly, but the one thing that annoyed me more than any of the others was people who ordered me around.

Me!

The future fucking emperor of Olympus and all the kingdoms of the Greek gods!

Apollo's son! The first born heir of the Olympian Emperor. I was not in the habit of receiving orders. Something Waldonius hadn't yet learned.

"Pass the wine."

I bit my tongue when the fat wizard held up his hand and waited for his chalice to magically appear. My eyes wanted to roll back, but I did as he ordered without making a scene.

Waldonius was surrounded by six of his best mages from the academy. When he'd mentioned that I was to assist him down in the catacombs with his next cult meeting, I was excited to finally get to see the dark and sinister happenings of Mania's most vile mages, but seven, somewhat overweight elderly men drinking wine and singing in old Greek was not what I had expected at all.

This was utterly boring.

Waldonius took the glass from my hand and gargled some red wine in his throat. I cringed at the noise and looked around the room as the rest of the men followed in Waldonius' footsteps. They all stood in a large circle, their one hand lifted to the cave's ceiling and the other hand holding a glass of wine.

I slanted my eyes and sighed when the weird chanting started up again. This was utterly and completely mind-numbing.

Earlier, when we'd entered this dark and dingy catacomb, we'd passed by a large altar, adorned with fresh flowers, lit candles and piles of polished quanti. Waldonius and the rest of the men had bowed at the base and then quickly rose to continue on into the heart of the tomb, where their meeting was to take place.

I'd lingered at the altar, my smile wide. There it was- the Archmage's poem fragment.

It was stitched onto the silk cloth that lay perfectly positioned on the stone block. The silk was a dark red and the words were beautifully stitched with a bright yellow. I quickly jotted the words down onto the back of the scroll Waldonius had handed to me before we'd descended down into the dubious cavern.

'The dark
The dark
May we embark
To lands up high and those below
We travel blind
He knows the way.'

As I stood beside the light-haired rebel mage, I thought back to those gloomy words. This wolf... Was he seen as some sort of guide? Some sort of hero to these people? That would explain the altars and temples dedicated to him. Even the statues made in his likeness would allow for such a theory.

"And now, brothers," Waldonius said with a ceremonious tone that echoed through the catacombs. He sounded even more pretentious than he looked. His bright red robe fell around his feet and his hands were adorned with gaudy rings. "We bow our head to the great one."

"Oh, spare me..." I muttered softly under my breath as the seven men got down on their knees and spilled their red wine onto the ground. The only amusing thing I could imagine that would come of all of this was that the old men wouldn't be able to make it back up onto their feet without some effort.

Though, from the looks upon their faces, they didn't care one bit. The wine dripped into individually carved channels in the stone floor and flowed all the way up to the centre of the room. The ground was leveled inwards- creating a small incline at the centre and allowing the wine to gather in a small circle.

I tried my best to not look utterly bored.

"Psst!" A small noise caught my attention and I saw Waldonius glaring at me from underneath his armpit. He was gesturing for me to bow down too.

I contemplated setting them all alight right then and there, but then thought of all the shit Theia would give me. Luckily, she was my favourite cousin. I bowed down carefully and scrapped some dirt from the floor. It was disgusting. I pulled a face and checked to see if the fat man was happy now.

He rolled his eyes at me and continued with his speech. "Oh, great one, let your power reside over us. Let your wisdom guide this fallen land and rid us of the pestilence that is death."

Well, this is fun.

I looked around the room at each and every one of the men. They had their eyes closed and their hands up in the air. They were muttering along with what Waldonius was saying.

"Let us be blessed by your greatness and let this island remain your treasure!"

Waldonius sat up straight, but still on his knees. I kept my body down, but my head was up, watching the room.

"Oh, great one; let our sacrifices be enough. Let the blood we spill bring you strength."

The room's temperature suddenly dropped.

I was staring blankly at Waldonius' back, glowing at it with boredom and annoyance, but movement caught my eye. Just above his shoulder, a shadow moved.

I felt my body freeze and my eyes widened with surprise.

Waldonius and the rest of the mages could sense the sudden arrival of something too. Waldonius quickly shut his mouth and stared with big eyes as a figure moved out from the shadows and into the dim light of the single torch hanging above the centre of the chamber.

We were far below the surface- deep within a tomb.

My shoulders tensed and I gulped softly. I watched as the figure's features grew visible.

It was an enormously large wolf.

Thick, black fur and deep black eyes. It's teeth were harp, white and longer than my finger. It stood on its hindlegs and nearly touched the ceiling with it's pointed ears. My heart flew up into my throat.

I'd only ever heard stories of werewolves from the old days- they were extinct now, but this creature.... This monster in front of me was definitely very much alive.

It was monstrous in appearance and I could taste the fear rising up from the men around the circle. This clearly didn't happen often. They were all shocked- even Waldonius.

Then, I heard a sound I never wanted to hear again. The werewolf spoke in our tongue and the sound sent shivers across my body. It was unlike anything I'd heard before.

"Your... sacrifices are lacking."

Waldonius swallowed so loudly that I could hear it over the thumping of the blood in my head. He looked down to the ground and shakily replied; "My-my great one, w-we experienced some trouble with t-the contestants this month."

"You speak..." The werewolf walked around the circle with slow, predatory grace; "As if it was my concern."

"Of course not!" Waldonius jumped up quickly and the werewolf snarled at him. Waldonius literally fell back down to his knees and dropped his head down to the ground in desperation. "I- I only meant that um... W-we had insufficient sacrifices this time around. T-There was a break in security."

"Waldonius." The werewolf said softly.

The wizard looked up hesitantly and with fear. "Yes, great one?"

"I want what is due to me." The large monster grabbed Waldonius by his hair and lifted the fat man off the ground and into the air. The men all snuck in their breaths and crawled back on their knees, away from the wolf.

I just stared in wonder at the thing in front of me. It was huge and otherworldly.

"T-Take him!" Waldonius pointed to me and my eyes widened.

What?

Slowly the great beast's dark eyes shifted to meet mine.

Did he just trade me in like an old horse? What in the fuck?

I sat up straight on my knees, my eyes wide and my heart bouncing around like a dancer. I know I'd complained that the meeting was a bit boring, but this wasn't really what I had in mind to spice things up...

The werewolf stood across from me, it's hindlegs apart and those deep, blackhole-like eyes staring through me. I swallowed a bit and then narrowed my gaze at him; I was unsure of what to say.

Waldonius looked between the two of us with fear and dread- his face was flushed red with panic and he was sweating like a pig. The werewolf was casually holding him up in the air, as if he weighted nothing, which I knew was a fat lie.

The other men looked between the two of us as I just stared at the creature. Eventually, after a few hollow seconds of silent dread, the creature blinked and turned its head back to Waldonius.

It scoffed.

Waldonius dropped to the floor like a sack of potatoes and the werewolf turned around to the other six mages. He grabbed the nearest man's head and lifted him up to his big mouth.

The man screamed loudly and the others crawled back, pressing their backs against the wall. We watched in horror as the monster wrapped a hand around the mage's throat and squeezed. His windpipe was crushed under the brute force and the man's eyes rolled back.

I just sat- staring in wonder at the monster. It brought the man's face closer to his and then...

A small, flickering light appeared from deep within the man's throat. It was a light blue.

A soul?

But... how?

We watched in wonder and horror. These men had seen this creature do this very thing before, but I only knew of one man- or god- who had the ability to suck out a soul from a corpse.

Thanatos.

I stood up from the ground; my fear dropping down to the soles of my feet and my anger rising.

Waldonius and the others looked at me like I'd grown a new head. I opened my mouth and called to it; "Uncle?"

The werewolf paused.

The soul was already inside of him and the man's lame head rolled around in its grip. The monster turned its head at the sound of my voice and I thought I saw it smirk. If a werewolf could even smirk.

Its unnerving and unearthly voice replied; "Try again."

I stared at it.

It stared back with amusement.

"Thanatos?" I asked, just to be sure.

It cocked its head to the side and the man's crippled corpse dropped to the floor and landed with a thud.

"Try again."

I shook my head.

It wasn't my uncle. That thing wasn't Thanatos. But it could do something only Thanatos could do- should be able to do.

I felt genuine fear.

The werewolf stepped back and pointed at Waldonius; "Make them forget you ever said that name."

I wasn't in the habit in taking orders from mortals. I was, however, in the new habit of taking orders from creepy, powerful and demonic werewolves.

I nodded with angry eyes and watched in silent helplessness as the creature stepped back into the shadows and disappeared.

We waited a few minutes for the wolf to really be gone. The cave was deadly silent and the men didn't even dare breath- most of them still plastered against the opposite wall. Waldonius watched me with wide eyes and then, after a few more seconds of waiting for the coast to be clear, he hissed at me.

"What was that?"

I lifted my hand without looking in his direction and erased his memory of the past five minutes. He'd know the werewolf appeared and he'd know that it had threatened him- that was it. I did the same with the other six and dropped my hand.

It was done. I had done as the monster had asked. Until I knew what- or who it was, I wasn't going to anger it. I was a god; there was technically nothing that could wipe me from this plane of existence other than Cronus' sickle, Erebus' dagger or the Aegis- that had the power to turn me to stone- but that Wolf's eyes sent a genuine shiver down my spine. I didn't know what it could do; and frankly, I wasn't about to find out on my own.

Waldonius rubbed his hand and looked around bewildered. The werewolf was gone and they had no idea when or how and why.

I stared at the black void where the creature had vanished.

Theia wasn't going to like this, but Thanatos had to be informed- immediately.

Miss me? Of course you did...

Xx