Apollo was ready to be done with his dad. No longer having to constantly worry about him.

Turning slowly in my direction, I watch the dejected looking god. Grimly Apollo smiles at me, strained from the effects of whatever happened.

Slumped onto the floor, I looked up. Rolling over, I let out a sigh of relief.

Everything felt odd. Tired.

My body is filled with sand.

Apollo slides down next to me. “You did good. I knew you could do it.”

Smiling weakly, I reply, “And I’m not mud.”

“That too.” Apollo grins, “Though forgive me if I was focusing on the curse that’s been wreaking havoc through my kingdom.”

Bobbing my head softly, I feel guilty instantly for being selfish.

“Ignore him,” Artemis snaps. “The lack of ability to express gratitude is a byproduct of being an Olympian raised as dad’s favorite… We’re both happy you aren’t mud, first and foremost.”

Staring between the two, I watch them both in confusion. They were so entirely different from one another. Though they’re twins, sometimes they feel no more related than normal siblings.

Leaning down on top of me, I welcome the warmth the God of the Sun brings me. Wrapping his arms around me like a blanket, I close my eyes. Remember the sensation of him around me. “Pandy,” he says, tracing the curve of my jaw. Caressing my cheek with his tanned knuckle, “How will I ever repay you?”

Smiling softly, I crack my eyes open. Two sun-like orbs focused on me. “You don’t need to. What I did, I did for those I loved and the kingdom.”

Guilt stings my heart. Seeing Apollo hunched over onto the ground. Ichor covering the area. A whole gaping in his chest. All caused by me. If I would have listened to him, I would never have needed to sit on the throne.

Apollo would never have been hurt.

Artemis and Chiron could’ve died too. Instead, they hang around me, babysitting both Apollo and I because I couldn’t listen to me.

Tears spill down my cheeks as my body shakes. Arista, where are you? I call deep into my mind.

Her cheerful voice is gone. Only the void remains.

Kissing my teary cheeks, Apollo whispers against my skin, “Don’t fret my love. You did what you thought was best.”

“I’m sorry,” I stammer out. Fully given away to tears.

“For what?” Slowly running his fingers through my hair. “I owe you my gratitude. My love has returned home, Lady Persephone.”

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