Artemis broke into a sprint, his wolf body traveling far faster than his human form could. He knew exactly where Grim was.

When they were children, he and Grim would often sneak away to a secluded balcony that overlooked the Underworld. It become their secret hiding place, especially when one of them was upset. He would bet anything that was where Grim had ran off to.

Sure enough, Grim leaned on the black stone balcony, staring out at the hills and barren landscape. He flinched when Artemis approached him, wiping his face.

“I wasn't crying,” Grim murmured, sniffling.

Artemis decided to let his lie slip past him. He stood beside him, following his line of sight. “So, what do we do?” He needed direction.

“We run away.”

Artemis squinted. Not that kind of direction.

“I don't think that's a good idea, Grim,” he said softly, touching his arm. Artemis met his gaze. Grim’s eyes were wide and lacked their usual humor. He looked like a scared child.

Grim broke from his contact, panic flashing on his face as he glanced behind them.

“Hey, you two!” a voice barked, “Lord Hades is demanding you report back to his throne room!”

Grim’s knuckles turned white against the side of the balcony. Three massive hellhounds had them cornered, their steely eyes boring through his body. Curved claws protruded from giant paws, and thick neck muscle flexed with every pant.

Instinctively, Artemis growled, taking a step in front of Grim.

Grim threw his arms around Artemis’s waist, and he let out out puppy-like squeak. He squirmed in his sudden embrace, frustrated that Grim didn't understand that the situation didn't call for brotherly affection.

Grim leaned back, far more flexible than any human, and fell over the edge of the balcony, dragging Artemis down with him.