"Well, if this isn't the place to come to hide your dead bodies, I don't know what is." I look around the dark, creepy forest and expect to see Snow White running from the Huntsman at any second.

The trees are mostly bare, looking more like twisted dead sticks coming out of the earth. The ground is dark, crunching under our feet as we walk away from the portal and safety. We should just go back, nothing about this place is giving me good vibes. What trees do remain are tall and dark, standing still like giants waiting for the right moment to step on us.

Damn my overactive imagination.

Nope, that one did move or at least something moved on it. The sky is red and black, the promise of morning lighting somewhere on the horizon and offering the worst amount of light to see by now. Again something moves, only this time it's a flock of birds and we all stop to watch them fly over us. They're silent, not a squawk or a whistle made and the flapping of their wings as steady as a heartbeat which only adds to the creepy feeling of where we are.

"Fire has gone through here recently." Deimos closes his eyes. "I don't think it was a normal blaze."

He's right. Magic is in the air, something major has blasted through here.

"This is the best place you thought to bring us?" Apollo glares at Aion who simply shrugs. Nothing seems to phase him much and as he passes by me, the spider on his shoulder raises its front legs in warning. "Looks like we just missed a fight."

I light my hands up, bending closer to the ground to see the burnt remains of grass and shrubs. Most had been incinerated to the point of nothing and just as I'm about to stand, I see something that makes me stop.

"There's a head there."

"What?" Kara comes closer, and we all gather around the white rock. "Oh, she's right. That's a skull."

Deimos puts his hands out, a rush of darkness leaving him as he closes his eyes.

"I can't see who they were fighting, but someone with fire powers did this. I can sense the surprise, the fear, betrayal. They were killed by one of their own." He tells us.

"Hopefully it's one of the Furies army and not someone we could have used as an ally," Kara huffs. "Where do we go now? This place gives me the creeps."

"The portal is not far from here, that way." Aion points behind us.

"This offers us no cover." Apollo looks around. "We'll go that way and work our way around. The trees are less damaged over there. Stay alert."

"Obviously." I sigh, seeing more bits of recognisable human bones and remains. I'm not sad to be leaving that area behind. "Why do we seem to be doing so much walking lately?"

"It's good to be out in nature." Kara says, not hiding her amusement as I glare at her.

"I hate nature. The closest to nature I get is sitting by the river with Alfie and Anni. This. This is bullshit." I groan, not impressed as we seem to find a more distinct trail. "I'm not a hiker. I don't do nature walks for fun."

"This isn't for fun."

"Even more of a reason not to do it." Kara just slows down to walk with me as Deimos and Aion lead and Apollo lingers  just in front of us. "Are we there yet?"

"Please don't start that." He stops, and looks me over. "I could carry you?"

"I'd rather just keep walking and complain the whole way, but thanks."

"Of course you would." Apollo sighs.

We keep going but something changes and stopping, I look around for a clue or a sign to tell me I'm not actually imagining things. Cain's presence is here; not in the way that makes me think he's hiding behind a tree, but strong enough that makes me think he's been here recently. That thought makes my stomach drop, and grabbing Kara's arm, I stop her.

"Can you sense Cain around here?"

"No?" She frowns, yet I see her eyes scan the area around us. "You do?"

Apollo must try too. "Maybe, but I'm not sure. It could be what's back there, or what's up ahead. You're probably thinking of him or something."

"I wasn't and are you sure? He's always had an impact on the space around him, I used to think it was an old vampire thing but now I know its a whole lot more than that."

"You've always sensed when he was around?" Apollo frowns.

"Pretty much. Like I do now with other powers. Don't you?"

"Not really. If I'm really concentrating or looking for someone, I can get a bit of a feel for them, but not pinpoint it down to another person. Nothing really came through when I was Logan." He looks at Kara. "You?"

"I used to, but not so much these days, unless like you, I really focus on it. Elise is the exception. I can find her pretty quick, generally by the pain in my ass." She laughs.

"Haha. You're so funny Queenie." I roll my eyes as Deimos and Aion come back towards us.

"The portal is just up ahead, and Elise, I think Cain and Hades have been here." Deimos looks worried as he says that, and both Apollo and Kara look at me. "I can sense them, or something like them but it's not strong enough to pull anything from."

"Hades was in another realm looking for leads on the Furies whereabouts, Hermes came and got him as there was something Hades wanted Cain to see," I think out loud. "Do you think back there could be it or did they do that?"

"Hermes hasn't been here, so I don't think this is where he did take him. His portals look like solar flares when I slip into the voids. This is the one we saw the other side of though." The spider walks along Aion's arm, distracting me completely.

"Why did you bring the spider?"

"I like him." Aion shrugs, patting the ridiculously large abdomen, which makes me want to gag.

"Is there no sign of Hermes here, at all?" If there wasn't, how did Cain and Hades come through here? Did they use that portal and had already returned to our world?

"Yes,  but it wasn't here. He's been buzzing back and forth all over these lands."

"Well, that's good to know. Maybe start with that rather than no Hermes." Kara puts her arm over my shoulder. "I'm sure Cain is fine. Hades too."

"Where was he last? Can you find him?" I ask.

"Of course." Aion nods, tapping the ground he points his staff to the space beside us and a small oval portal opens. Apollo takes the lead again, only Aion stops him, widening it with the stick before putting his arm through. "Now you may."

Apollo hesitates before going through, and I quickly follow him. It's lighter here, and the sounds of the ocean are nearby but none of that really matters as I look up at the castle before us. It's very similar to the one from the other realm, just smaller. Maybe this was the Lego-inspired version built life-size, as each column and smooth marble stone surface was very familiar.

"At least you won't get homesick." I try to keep a straight face as Kara takes it all in. "Do we know who lives here?"

"I feel like I should know." Apollo looks confused. "Can you sense anyone inside?"

"There are many," Deimos answered before I even get a chance to try. "Most are dead."

"But not all?" Kara holds her sword ready in an instant.

"Do your thing Deimos, before they know we're here. Then we can go in." Apollo decides.

"What if they're not the bad guy? That's a bit dramatic don't you think?" From the look they all give me, no one thinks that's the case.

"Do you really want to take that chance?" His eyes drop to my bump, and I get his point. Apollo nods at Deimos and after what feels like an eternity, Deimos starts to go towards the doors. "Let's go."

I know Cain and Hades have been here. It's more than a feeling or being able to sense that Cain's been around. I just know it, as if Deimos had already shared the information with the group. Ironically he does that a minute later as we go inside and it's only the looks on the outside that are similar to the place back in the other realm.

It's rather plainly decorated, lacking the gold everything and glamour which isn't a bad thing. Stopping before another set of doors, everyone prepares themselves and when I hear what sounds like a lion, I'm not sure we are prepared for what we might find at all.

An odd feeling of deja-vu hits, as if I've already stood here before and watching as Deimos reaches for the door, I'm about to stop him when instead Aion is there.

"You didn't take everyone into account. I expected more from you, God of Terror." He scolds, muttering something angrily under his breath in French.

"What?" Deimos looks like he might just murder him on the spot, and I quickly move between them.

"You did something?" I ask him.

"I don't like doing it, and that was the only time. You open that door, you're going to be mauled by a lion, her sword is going to fly back into you, then Glow Boy is going meltdown." He quickly explains, dragging me to the other side of the doorway with Deimos, then getting Kara to lower her raised arm. "This might do. Now focus on all the creatures in there, and don't miss any. A couple of those lions used to be captains of the armies of old. Plus they're lions. They've learnt to hunt together as the lionesses do."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Kara looks confused as Apollo steps back and towards my side, his eyes on her swords as his intentions are obvious.

Who said chivalry is dead.

"He reversed time," I answered

"You can do that?" She asked, looking horrified by that thought.

"I prefer to move through time, not alter or play with it." Aion stood near Kara, looking at Deimos. "Done?"

He nods. "I wasn't paying attention, and missed the animals."

"Animals?" The doors opened and we all peered cautiously in. Deimos wasn't wrong. "Did we just walk into the Lion King casting room?"

"Really?" Kara groaned, clearly not finding me amusing at all today.

Six lions had gathered by the door, and further back, nearly as many women were spread out across the stairs where another had collapsed at the base of a throne. Cain had been here, Hades too and we moved in silence past the dead littered around the room. Why would they have left these ones alive?

"Water nymphs," Apollo whispered, nearing the women in the most beautiful blue gowns.

Diamonds and jewels glistened around their necks and arms, and it would be easy to think they were just sleeping if not for the way their bodies twitched and the look of pure terror on their faces. Kara went closer to the one at the top who must be their leader and rolled her onto her back with her shoe.

"I've heard about her if she is who I think. Her name is Circe. She's part nymph from her mother's side and is known for her potions. The lions she keeps are her past lovers and she uses them as her guardians."

"I bet that makes for good conversation on the first date." I smile, earning a small giggle from Kara as I stand beside her "So, did they make this mess or Cain and Hades?"

"Hades." Deimos confirms. "Cain and Hermes were here too."

"Isn't this Hermes?" Aion calls out casually and turning around, he's standing by a very familiar mass of hair.

"Shit. Hermes!" I move quicker than Apollo and manage to get down beside him.

Checking him over, he's breathing, but definitely unconscious. There's a large purple bruise and a lot of swelling over his right eye, so much so he could have it open and you wouldn't be able to tell. He seems otherwise okay, and looking at Deimos he shakes his head.

"This world must be interfering with my powers in some way. I didn't even notice he was here." That really seems to worry him, and I see him look at the other bodies, probably checking they weren't the same as Hades. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay," Kara assures him gently.

"Let me heal him." Apollo offers, and I stand as he kneels by Hermes.

"Release them," I ordered Deimos.

Cain and Hades were missing.

Hermes was obviously attacked.

Whoever this Circe person was didn't matter. She and I needed to have a chat, and moving to the center of the room, Aion moved further against the wall as Kara started toward me. I wasn't letting Apollo lead on this one anymore, and I didn't want to hear what she had to say either.

"Now, Deimos."

"Elise, stop. Deimos, don't you dare do it!" Apollo snapped.

I felt Deimos pull back his power. The nymphs woke first, their gasp of release followed with sobs and crying. Someone screamed. The lions yawned, and I felt them rise up, a leash on each one. I didn't care if they were animals or people or whatever. If they came for me, they'd regret it. The dead stayed dead, and the last to be free of Deimos's terrors was Circe. She leant up on all fours, looking around in a mixture of fear and confusion before her eyes were burning into mine full of anger.

"Circe?" I asked, letting my hand rest on the top of the lion's head as he came to sit at my side.

Another followed before they took place around me. They sensed a new alpha in the room, and whatever loyalty they once held to her vanished. I released my hold on them, testing to see if it would last and all I got back was a purr in response

On shaking legs she stood up, raising her chin as if her tears weren't running down it as she assessed her pet's new position. Something about her felt familiar, almost like we'd met before though I was positive we hadn't. Risking a look at Aion, he was more focused on his spider than the room so I doubted it was something he had done, again.

"I feel I am at a disadvantage here." Her voice trembled, despite how she tried to hide it. "You know my name, but I am yet to know yours."

Hermes groaned, and her eyes snapped over to him. I wasn't sure if it was relief or hope that appeared as Apollo helped him up.

"Apollo? What are you all doing here?" Hermes mumbled and looking at him now, his face was cleared and he slowly stretched before taking in the situation. "Shit."

Then he laughed.

"Are you okay?" I ask him.

"I am fan-fucking-tastic." He laughed. "I am going to enjoy this."

"What is going on?" Kara demanded.

"Apparently Hermes got himself a few more powerful friends. How that's happened is beyond me, though if you are planning on killing me, please, let me punch him one more time." Her tone was dry, unamused or impressed and from the scowl she put onto Hermes' face, I was even more curious about her now.

I had a feeling she wasn't an enemy, but since Deimos was out of sorts, could I trust my own instincts on this?

"While I agree that should be everyone's dying wish, Kara's right. What is going on right now? Why did she punch you? Where are Cain and Hades and who are all these dead people?" I ask, looking between the pair.

"Kill her," Hermes ordered, pointing at Circe. "She sent Cain and Hades out to meet the Furies."

"What!" I demanded, looking over at her as I got a backup roar from the black-maned lion.

So much for thinking she wasn't an enemy, but what he said didn't feel right either.

"I did not!" Circe defended, a panicked look taking over as she pointed at Hermes. "I promise on my life, that is not what happened at all! The fallen around you were what remained of Hercules and Loki's followers. Hades killed them, and while they did go to the portal where the Furies and others were coming from, it was not by my command. I have my own ways and tricks to do things, but I wouldn't stand a chance against those two and you all know it."

"Hermes?" Apollo asked, his voice low and impatient.

Circe's story made sense. Kind of, but Cain and Hades wouldn't go and face off against the Furies without any backup - would they?

Of course they fucking would.

"Fuck." I groaned.

"Fine. It was worth a shot, but she still isn't to be trusted." Hermes pouted.

"I can't believe you still hold a grudge against me after all this time. You and your fragile ego make me sick." Circe spat at Hermes. "Maybe if your dick was bigger you wouldn't constantly be trying to belittle all of those around you. What a sad little man you are."

I wasn't sure what I just heard and looking at Kara she failed to hide her own amusement. Trying not to like Circe was getting harder to do.

"There is a lot here I want to unpack but if those assholes have gone after the Furies, it's going to have to wait." I rub my face, hoping when I open my eyes again this is all just a bad dream. "What do we do?"

Without thinking about it, I lean against one of the lions. He was solid, and didn't even flinch as I did it. I could feel how strong the animal was and meeting his gaze, the intelligence staring back at me was unsettling. Or maybe the fact his eyes were more human looking than animal. Was this some kind of Wonderland adventure we walked into?

Where is the white rabbit to follow to our doom?

"We heard an explosion not long ago. Hermes refused to go and check it out, and we argued. I don't take being told what to do well, unless it's in the bedroom and even then, not from the likes of him." Circe started, casually coming towards me, yet her eyes were set on Hermes.

The black-maned lion snarled at her in warning which only made her roll her eyes as she dismissed him with a flick of her hand.

"Calm down Jason. Traitors. All of you." She snapped back, taking her time to look at each one as if she was scolding a group of naughty children. "No one is getting their human form back for a long, long time. Even when you do, expect your punishment to be severe."

The smallest of the animals dropped his head down with a groan, yet I had a feeling she didn't mean that literally as her tone was too low and seductive.

"Yeah, you know what. Cain and Hades did it to themselves, I have to know what the hell we just walked into now." I decide.

"This is Circe," Hermes explains. "She's the daughter of an ocean nymph and is a complete and utter whore."

"You say that like it's a bad thing." She shrugs off what was meant to be an insult.

"I've heard stories, your magic and potions are powerful." Deimos ignored Hermes. "You keep your conquests as pets."

"It's not quite that simple, but also part of a very mutual agreement. They're not here as pets, and free to leave whenever they like though I am glad you've heard of me. Which one of the twins are you, my darling? That little nightmare back there hasn't completely cleared my mind, we could cuddle later until I feel better." She stopped in front of Deimos, looking up at him from under her lashes, a finger tracing down the centre of his shirt before she hooked it on his belt buckle. "I've just lost six of my greatest fucks, I think you'd be able to make me forget them all."

Kara laughed, earning Circe to instantly glare at her. "Oh, you're serious?"

"And who are fuck are you?" Circe demanded, clearly offended by this.

Kara switched from laughing to dead serious in the blink of an eye, maybe quicker while Deimos removed Circe's hand and stepped back.

"I am the God Killer Queen." Kara growled, sword raised, crown on.

The whole atmosphere changed then. The lions shifted anxiously from paw to paw, a series of sounds leaving them as Circe hesitated. Kara looked every part her namesake, the power radiating off her as she glared at the other woman. Hermes had the balls to laugh, which had Deimos looking like he might just be the one to punch him next. To give her credit, Circe quickly retreated, tucking her chin against her chest as she looked down at her feet.

"My apologies, I had no idea. I am honoured to meet you after your great success. Without you, I'd still be trapped here by Loki's command, my girls too." She slowly looked up, her eyes moving between Kara and Deimos. "Is he yours, My Queen?"

It was barely a whisper, but we all heard.

Kara hesitated.

"Wait, you turn your exes into lions?" I ask, cringing away from the one I had rested against in effort to draw the attention away from Kara.

"Like I said, it's a mutual agreement." An eyebrow raised, before she eyed my bump and slowly approached. "I'd be happy to share my secrets if you seek revenge on a lover? It would be my honour to help a friend of the Queens, however you may require. You should know my services are not limited to men. Women tempt me just as they do. My harem is one of my greatest pleasures and I can feel your power, that pure feminine energy. No wonder my lions can't resist being near you."

Circe winked, and the soft giggles behind me had us all looking at the now recovered nymphs that sat lazily on the stairs.

"Keep talking Circe, I'll enjoy sharing this development with her lover." Hermes taunted.

"If anyone wanted to hear what you had to say Hermes, they would, actually it doesn't matter. No one wants to hear anything you have to say." Circe snapped back.

"Well, this is not how I saw my day going." I mumbled, stuck between a group of lions and very sexual ocean nymph.

"We get it. Nymphs like to fuck. Can we focus?" Apollo sighed, shaking his head as Circe moved out of his way as he came over to me. "If they have gone after the Furies, you know you can't go."

"Because she is with child?" Circe seemed even more offended now. "Its not just her sexual energy I connect with, but that power. If she is the God Killer, then what are you? Who exactly are you, sweetness?"

"That's Cain's girlfriend." Hermes smugly answered before anyone else could.

"She has a name of her own, asshole. Her status is not decided upon by whom she chooses to fuck." Circe rolled her eyes, yet looked at Apollo. "I see history here though. Is he who you want to turn into a lion? I'd go back for seconds or thirds with this one."

"No one is being turned into a lion." I feel the tiniest bit lightheaded, but focus on Circe as the lion behind me seems to nudge me back into reality. "I am Elise and-"

And what?

"Elise. Just Elise?" She frowns. "Power like yours doesn't go without a calling card. I know Eris was trying to make the Dark Queen stick, but she was the only one who called herself that. His heart always belonged to his true Queen, but the God Killer doesn't control the Dark King nor does she have his heart, does she?"

"No, she doesn't." I agreed, as something changed in Circe.

She looked at me with wide eyes, and grabbing my hands, she forced back the lions who snarled and leapt into action as they rejected our contact. I felt her power like a gentle caress down my back and I had no doubt she wasn't actually looking at me now, but beyond. I'd really fallen down the rabbit hole today. This wasn't like the succubus hitting on me, or an attempt to mess with my head. It was something else entirely, yet the urge to fight it or get away wasn't there. My power was, the hum of it vibrating against my bones, and ready if I needed it.

"He didn't come here as the Dark King just as you are no Dark Queen. There's something about you though, something different yet so familiar. If I thought it was true, I would tell you we've met before." I tensed, having thought that as well. "I have seen a lot. Travelled across many realms. My knowledge is vast and my memory is as sure as my feet are on the ground. Your power is old, yet new. Your soul too. The great goddess, my teacher and mentor, told me that you would find me one day. It would be a time where men would bow to Queens, and change would find the world. I was rejected from my homelands before I got to see this happen, I never thought I would see the day, just the ramblings of an old, wise woman. And now? I think this is what she may be talking about. I know who you are, Empress."

Her words sunk in. "You know Hecate?"

"I was only a child when our paths crossed. Her wisdom became mine to do with as I wanted. She taught me magic. She showed me the herbs to use, the potions to brew. My powers were unexpected to my family, and the bitch I called mother abandoned me when I couldn't be controlled to avoid bringing shame to the rest of them. I was fated to be married off to some ancient male to be his slave and make amends for my fathers own lack of self-control." I felt her bitterness, her betrayal as if they were my own. "Maybe I am more like him than I will ever admit."

"I'm sorry for what happened to you," I said, yet Hecate had abandoned Kara, her own daughter. How could she be so kind to Circe? "But I don't think Hecate only ever has good intentions."

"A power who says they are sorry, and for something they didn't do. I hope Hermes learns from you, because that kind of empathy is something he truly needs." She mused, a look of mischief in her eyes.

I wait for the snappy response, only it doesn't come and looking around my friends are gone. The room we stand in is the same yet empty, and how I missed the change was beyond me. A cold fear breaks through the calm I'd been experiencing, and Circe quickly shakes her head in alarm.

"I need only a moment of your time, Empress. I mean you no harm." She assures me.

"How can I be sure? Where is everyone?"

"Where we left them, and you already know that we will be friends and allies." Circe smiles, and I knew she was right. "Hecate isn't controlling you, her game isn't like theirs. Her words are meant as encouragement. Her actions are to guide you. I know you are young. Angry. Confused. Scared. There is no need to be. Trust her and the process of it all."

"She told you that?" I can't stop the suspicion in my voice.

"Some, the rest I can work out for myself. Tell me, the one of Terrors. He is claimed by the Queen, isn't he?"

"It's not official, but you'd be smart to stay away." I warned her.

Circe smiled. "See, already we are looking out for each other."

"Have you seen Hecate here?"

"No. We parted ways a long, long time ago. Hades was keeping her captive in his Underworld the last I heard, though why she would stay there, wait. You've seen her?"

"It's a long story."

"One we don't have the time for." It's then I notice the sweat on her forehead, her cheeks flushing, and the energy seems to fade from her. "Our moment is over."

I step back and into another damn lion as Circe collapses in front of me. Everyone is in full rage mode and as she struggles to sit up, Hermes looks deadly as he approaches her. It's then I see the small, golden dagger in his hand and as Apollo pulls me aside to check me over, it takes me a second to actually focus on what is happening.

"Don't you dare, Hermes." I call out, forcing everyone back. They all fight, but my grip is tight as I help Circe to her feet. "You okay?"

"Twice in one day. I'm stronger than I thought." She laughed, but it was fake and the strong, lively woman I just met seemed to be fading in front of my eyes. "Your friends won't like this."

"They'll deal with it." The nymphs abandon their seats, rushing to help Circe sit down. Someone has water, another holds a plate of food and they all seem to pile up on one another to see who will be the one to feed her first. "Well, now I feel like I have seen everything."

I release the others, turning to meet a wall of anger.

"Can we skip to the part where we remember Cain and Hades are missing and what we're going to do about that?" I ask hopefully, stepping away from yet another lion who comes to bump his head against my leg. "Go back to her, please."

Unless I could disinfect each and everyone, and well, everything in this room, I wasn't going to be touching them again. A caw sound behind Deimos makes me look and seeing a crow pecking away at the corpse on the floor makes my stomach churn in a whole new way.

"Can someone fix all of this, please?" I cover my mouth with my hand, unable to stop the dry heaving of my stomach.

Apollo is the one to pat my back, pulling back my hair as an extremely unhappy Hermes now holds a bucket. Deimos waves his hand around the room and the dead disappear and once I'm done, Kara forces me to sit down.

"She isn't the only one who needs to eat and rest now," Kara scolds.

"Thanks Mum." I take the sandwich, suddenly starving.

"Hermes, Deimos and I will go see if we can find them. Aion will stay in case you need a fast way out. If we find anything, we'll be back." Apollo decides and as I open my mouth he shakes his head. "You better just be about to take a bite, and not argue with me."

"Fine, Dad." I roll my eyes, and take a big bite.

And then they're gone.

"You're lucky to have so many who care about you." Circe speaks up a little while later.

"You don't seem to be lacking in that department." Kara replied coldly.

She came over to us, taking a seat at the little table had brought in. "My girls are very special to me. They are more than my harem. We are bonded in ways no one would ever understand. We all have stories to tell, scars and bruises that will never heal, but we help each other forget. I came here to forge my own path and along the way we all found each other. The men make them nervous. They chose the lion form for them to live in, simply to remind them there are no kings in this jungle."

"And then Loki ruined it?" I ask.

"Hercules actually." Her jaw clenched at the thought. "He wasn't even a good fuck but he had other endearing qualities. The day he killed Theseus I planned to kill him, and he knew it. Stupid me walked right into that trap."

My stomach flipped, remembering Hercules and lion pelt he wore; the head that covered his helmet. I looked at the beasts that spread out with the nymphs and felt even more sick at the thought of how that had come to be.

"You were a prisoner here?" It didn't sound like Kara believed that.

"I'm sure you've heard of golden cuffs." Circe frowned, rubbing her wrists as if they were still there. "It used to be one of my favorite ways to play. Now I'll kill who ever attempts to restrain me like that."

We go quiet, the conversation ending and I can feel Kara's mistrust of the Circe. I needed to get them talking again, and while Deimos could be a good iceberg, I decided on an even more sensitive subject.

"Have you ever been to where the wild women run?" I ask Circe, earning a big what the hell look from Kara after she nearly spits out her drink.

"I have, but it wasn't for me." She shrugged.

"Circe was mentored by Hecate." I share with Kara, earning a cautious look from both women. "She already knew about the Empress and worked out who I am supposed to be."

"Fuck." Kara groaned, her water instantly turning darker until I could smell the bourbon there. "Is she ever not plotting?"

"She wasn't plotting. It was a story, like a folktale." Circe defended. "Now I know better."

"Someone's drunk the kool-aid." The glass was emptied in one go. "Hecate is always plotting. Her whole life has been one big, ah, plot thing."

"How do you know her?" The nymph asked.

"She's my mother." Kara told her dryly, staring at Circe as she waited for her reaction.

"Ah, the one she never planned or wanted, but knew when you arrived she couldn't live without."

"That's not how the story goes."

"Maybe you only know part of it?"

"Back at you." She sighed, looking my way. "How long are we giving them?"

"Nightfall." I decide.

"This time yesterday, I was being forced to serve a disgusting creature that how the power to move the air and enjoyed making us breathless anytime we rejected his advances, while witches drained my own power for a stupid protection shield. I wish Hades had made them suffer more." Circe spat, disappearing for a moment before coming back with a smile. "Now look at us."

"I wish we'd come sooner. I never even considered they'd be a place like this, with more of their followers just waiting for their time to strike. Why didn't they go to war? They could have stood a better chance." I frowned.

"They have the Berserkers to do their fighting." Circe shrugged.

"What?" Kara sat up straighter. "They're here?"

"Most, yes. Their numbers are less, and others have since moved on to different lands. The town not far from here is theirs. They don't get involved with Powers anymore than necessary."

"I wonder why," I mumble sarcastically. "Can we-"

"Elise, no." Kara stopped me instantly. "Don't even finish that sentence."

"Oh please do, Empress." Circe smiled.

"Another time." Aion appears, looking pale as he waves his staff around. "Something is trying to get through here, but the portal isn't working. I think its Hermes."

"Take me there." I demand.

"No!" Kara argues. "I'll go and-"

"Together Kara. Hecate keeps telling us we're all better as one. Trust me on this."

I can see her hesitation, the war in her mind as real as whatever we are about to go and face and finally she nods. Circe stands with us, her lions rising and running over with the nymphs behind them.

"I like how that sounds," She winks at Kara who groans before nodding.

Aion opens a portal, and Circe is quick to go through with her harem. Then Kara, and just before I do, Aion stops me.

"Be careful. I'll be waiting to take you home." He promises.

"Thank you."

Then it's my turn, and I feel like Alice all over again as I leave Wonderland behind to go who knows where.

____________________

Can we trust Circe?

Hermes is just being a total little jerk at the moment too, she really brings out the worst in him doesn't she...