I'd been standing outside the door long enough to give my anxiety full control now. I should have told Cain I needed him to come with me; no, I just shouldn't have come at all. I needed to leave and the nurse that was hovering down the hall would most likely be coming down to tell me to do that soon or be raising some kind of silent alarm that would make this whole situation a million times worse.

I should just go.

"Elle?" It was barely a word as he sighed, instantly pulling me against his chest. "This can wait. She isn't going anywhere."

The decision was made for me, for us, as the door opened. Raya faced us in her floral robe and fluffy slippers, suspicion turning to relief as she threw herself our way.

"I thought I sensed you guys nearby." she grinned, releasing the group hug before reattaching herself to me. "I was worried you wouldn't come."

Not the reaction I was expecting at all.

"I didn't know if you'd want me to," I admitted.

"What? Why?" Stepping back, she glanced between us before nodding. "Let me guess. Penny?"

"She made good points."

"No, she didn't," Cain mumbled.

"What he said, and I don't even know what she said but I can imagine. Oh, I'm so happy to see you, both of you and oh wow, look at how he's grown!" She looks at my stomach, before hugging us both again. "I'm sorry for Penny scaring you away. I'm sure she had good intentions, and I didn't know if you were here or in the other world or what's going on, but you're here. You're all okay."

For now.

Crying interrupts our moment from inside her room and her grin only widens. "Come in, come in!"

Raya disappears and I don't move until Cain gently nudges my back, leaning down to kiss my cheek and take my hand in his. "Go, it's okay."

"Just like Liv, you know when your Aunty Lise is around don't you?" Raya coos to the bundle of blankets she now holds in her arms. "Say hello, baby Brianna."

Raya wasn't glowing, she was radiating and from the covering of pink and white a tiny little round face can be seen; a thick covering of dark hair already there.

"She's so different to Olivia, mostly because she already sleeps more than she ever did!" Her hold is adjusted as the cries ease and suddenly I'm fumbling with the cocooned baby as I work out to actually hold the tiny thing.

Brianna is different to Olivia.

It took me three weeks and half the anxiety to go and meet baby Olivia. I'd never forget the way she looked at me, held my finger, or the way she angled her chin to look so damn stubborn - something she still does today. There were similarities, of course, Keiran's nose still dominated the gene pool, but while there was that determination in all that her sister did from the second she was born, Brianna looked calmer, softer. Her blinks were slow, and her yawn delicate. She gave a little wiggle, deep blue almost black eyes peeking out once, twice and then she was asleep again.

A familiar feeling of complete and utter love seemed to grow, I didn't even realise I was crying until Raya wiped my tears away with a tissue and as she sat on the bed, I moved to sit with her.

"I know we did ask Penny and Colton to be godparents, but you're already Olivias. Will you be Brianna's too?" Raya asked softly. "Liv would be lost without you, this one will be as well. I know it and I already made it clear to Penny too."

"Of course." I sniffed, and a flicker of a smile appeared then vanished on Baby Bri's face. "But, Raya. What happened, and with everything-"

"Don't Elise. Do not say you are sorry or that you can't do this. You can. You fought for my baby, you kept her safe. Life happens, our life happens, and we know that when we bring them into the world. It's what we do while they're here that matters and that's all we can do. Powers or not, you do not control the universe. Anything that goes wrong, is not your burden to carry."

"You should listen to your friend," Cain adds, which only makes Raya smile again.

"I'm glad you're here and I am sorry Penny got in your head and made you think I didn't want you to be. No matter what happens, don't ever stay away." She looks up at Cain, smirking now. "Want a hold?"

"Me? No." He instantly shakes his head.

I'm already handing her Brianna and getting up, Raya doesn't leave much room for him to refuse. Cain of course froze, and I remember my first time holding Olivia. Just like then, Raya moves his arm and guides him into position - the awkwardness nearly as adorable as the baby he now holds. I stood up beside him, resting my head on his arm as we stared down at her.

"She's so tiny." He whispers.

Raya sucks in a deep breath and looking at her now her shoulders tremble as she tries to stop herself from sobbing. "Sorry, hormones."

The door suddenly bursts open and before I can even spin around, Olivia is attached to my leg.

"Aunty Lise!" Instantly Brianna jolts awake, her just as instant crying has Cain looking like he walked in on his own surprise party and Raya is there, taking the baby from him as I get down to give Olivia a hug. "Aunty Lise. My baby sister. Bri Bri!"

I hold Olivia as she squeezes those little arms around my neck and watch as Keiran kisses Raya and then Brianna as he puts down a small suitcase on the bed.

"Told you she'd be here." He smiles over at me. "Not long until you guys will be doing this!"

Cain pales, barely recovering as Olivia throws herself back towards him and lets me go. "Do I get a present? Please?"

"Olivia!" Raya gasps, but Cain doesn't notice as he holds out his hand to her. She looks under it, flipping it over confused before something pink and fluffy appears that makes her squeal in pure delight. "Cain!"

Way to buy her love. I'm completely ignored until we leave and even then I'm clearly no longer the favourite. Cain and Keiran talk by the door and Olivia watches Brianna in the little plastic box by Rayas bed as I hug her goodbye.

"Don't make this feel like a real goodbye," Raya warns as she lets me go. "See you soon, okay?"

I nod, place a kiss on Olivia and Brianna's foreheads and join Cain. We go by Doctor Katie's office for another quick checkup and I warn her to be prepared for sudden, unexpected visitors in the next few weeks. Cain says nothing the entire time, and that hardly changes as we have dinner with my parents, Jordan and Zane.

"Everything okay, love?" Mum asks as I help her with the dishes. "Cain seems quieter than usual."

"We had a big afternoon, that's all." I can tell she wants to say or ask more, but instead, she just smiles and gives my arm a little squeeze as she passes and goes back to the living room.

I stay, drying off the last few things and putting them away when Jordan comes in.

"Hey sis, we're heading to the Drop. Wanna come?"

"No, I'm just going to stay with Alfie and Anni for a bit." I hand him the saucepan to put away.

"CJ will be there," He says quickly as Annipe joins us.

"Really?"

"That girl he's been dating broke up with him, so he's come back. Wants to have a chat and I guess make up for being a dickhead about it all." Jordan shrugs. "Or whatever."

"Jord, be nice. Do you blame him for running off with her? He went through some stuff too, and being around this family, around me, can be bad for your health."

"We're family and he left us."

"I ran away too."

"That was different."

"Not really." I shrug, relaxing against Cain as he came up behind me. "Are you going with them?"

"For a bit. Is that okay?" Jordan makes a gagging sound as we kiss.

"No mead. No fights." Pointing at Zane as he comes in, he stops instantly. "That goes for you too."

"Who made you the boss?" Jordan pouts, giving Annipe a scratch. "Snake's coming too. I think Alfie is staying."

"Traitor." I poke my tongue out at her and if snakes could roll their eyes, she'd be doing it as she turns and heads out after Jordan. Zane follows and turning around I hold onto Cain for a second longer. "You okay?"

"I want what they have."

"Jordan and Anni? Alfie likes you and he can,"

"Keiran and Raya. Never in my life have I even thought about it, I guess I just blocked it out. It was never a dream or a plan, something I thought to pursue at any point in my life. Now it's happening, I have you, and I want it, Elle. I thought I understood what it was exactly, but after today, I really do now. I want it all."

It wasn't said as a passing comment, or even as a promise. He was demanding it; Cain knew what he wanted, and in the time I had known him, he always got it one way or another. An air of authority surrounded him, that unwavering confidence that annoyed more than impressed me but right now, I was all in. His mouth slammed into mine, dominating, rough and demanding which was everything I was here for. My lips already felt bruised, and digging my fingers into his back I pulled myself closer, wanting him to feel it as I did. I felt the vibration in his chest as Cain moaned while his hands slid around my ass in the same instance I found the wall at my back.

Take it all.

"We're leaving," Dad calls, causing us to snap apart as reality kicks in. "Now."

I felt my cheeks instantly burn, yet the giggles were instant as Cain looked equally horrified and like he may just kill my dad for interrupting, that.

The front door slammed shut and Cain shook his head. "Not funny."

"It's a little funny." I took his face in my hands, running a finger over his forehead as those serious lines appeared. "Later. Go."

I stayed there, not moving until I heard the door shut again and even then it was to only touch my lips, the feeling of his not yet gone. Rolling my eyes, I put the final pot away just as Mum comes in with a knowing smile on her face.

"Let me guess, you had nothing to do with Dad's timing."

"It's a kitchen, Elise."

"And? We were just saying bye."

"No wonder you're pregnant." She mumbled, turning on the kettle. "Cup of tea love?"

"I'm good. Thanks." I answer dryly. "I'm going to go and see Alfie."

"He's gone with them, he was following your Dad out. You'd have noticed if you weren't-"

"I get it. So, Alfie keeps close to you guys then and Anni?" I ignored the sting of rejection; I'd spent most of the last few months asking him to do just that and for good reason.

"They do, makes me feel better knowing your brother has Annipe with him most of the time though he doesn't really do much these days. Ailin gives him things around the Council to do, which we do as well here. I think CJ coming back will be good for him. Get him back out there, on missions and things and with Anni with him, I'm not worried he won't come home."

"He didn't seem to feel the same. Bros before hoes, right? CJ broke the bro code"

She smirks. "Really Elise, don't need to put it so bluntly. I met her, she was lovely. I was hoping it would be another Penny and Colton situation."

"If you start on about weddings, I'm out."

"No, but it's nice knowing you're all out there, living your lives." I look at her wondering if she has dementia. Did she just forget everything we told them over dinner? "Well, you know what I mean. I want my children to be happy, with their person, and grandkids are an extra treat. Once you two sort all this Fury thing out, and everything settles down, that's what I want for all of you. Happiness."

I hesitated. "Mum, if that doesn't happen. I've made plans."

"Don't give up." She comes closer, taking my hands in hers. "I believe in you. In all of you to get through this."

"I know, and I'm like ninety-nine per cent on board, but it's not just me or us at risk now. If it doesn't work out, Hermes will bring me back here. My ob knows the rules, and Hermes will come and get you too so he isn't-" I stop, taking a deep breath. "So he won't be alone. You guys will be there to help him. I've got a note for Raya as well. Ailin too."

"When you become a mother, it's never just about you anymore." She sobs, hugging me tightly. "I understand and I promise my darling. I find it hard to accept it's this bad, that you'd even think of this. You've overcome so much already."

Eventually, we let go and after wiping our eyes, Mum makes me a cup of tea anyway. I stand beside her, leaning against the bench as the weight of the situation bears down on us.

"If Cain survives, then he will need everyone even more. Promise me you'll be patient with him. He needs to know you believe in him, he won't' trust it, not straight away but don't give up."

"Your boys will be taken care of, Elise. I promise." She said fiercely.

"Thank you."

We move into the living room, curling up on the sofa with our tea. Mum falls asleep first, and I send her to bed, put away the cups and stare out the kitchen window into the darkness. It felt so easy being here, simple. Our problems were literally worlds away, but hiding never worked out well.

"Hunter?" Ailin appeared in the doorway, and as soon as I looked at her my stomach sunk.

"What's happened?"

She looked around curiously despite the fact I knew it wasn't the first time she'd been in here until I realised she was waiting to see who else was around. "No one is hiding in the shadows, Mum is in bed. Everyone else is out."

"After how you left things, I wasn't sure if I should say anything."

"Penny? Mum spoke with her and I just, I don't have the energy right now. I wrote her a letter in case I die before clearing the air between us." I shrug. "It'll have to do."

"Not Penny," Ailin hesitated. " The Artist, he keeps asking for you."

"Matt? Why?"

"I do not know. He seems very insistent but refuses to talk to anyone."

"Okay. I'll go see him."

"I'll arrange a time tomorrow and-" I shake my head. "Now?"

I want to say something to make sense of why at sometime after ten o'clock at night I've decided to step into a whole new level of possible insanity but the words don't come and instead all I do is stop the shaking to nodding. "Now."

"Should we get," Ailin starts but walking to her I drop a piece of paper on the table as I go by.

"No. I'm sure it won't take long."

I let her take me with her, the holding cells at the Council oddly familiar which makes me feel a little calmer about whatever I'm about to walk into. We go past the way in, moving further down to the infirmary and after a few door checks, end up in a small activity room. A cleaner is currently mopping the floor, another wiping down the tables and neither looks at us as we go towards A Block. The lights are dim, and I catch snoring coming from more than one of the rooms we pass.

Ailin stops at a single door around yet another corner which took two different taps of her security card to get into. A guard nods at us from his sitting chair as we go in and I instantly recognise Matt's work on the easels around the small art room. His is the only other door in the area, and I'm not sure how I feel about him being singled out on his own like this. I stopped by one of the scribbly messes that were so angry and different to the delicate portraits and intricate details of his visions. Some looked like once finished he just spray painted or attempted to paint over them completely.

"He gets anxious around other people, scared he'll say or do something they won't like or they'll see his paintings and use them in some way against him. He gets upset if we touch, move or even offer to destroy them. One of our best therapists is working on his case, and it was him who suggested we actually get you here."

"I really fucked his whole world up didn't I?" He had a life, a career, a fiance, all of it and now all he had was this.

"We have reason to believe he may have always had the Seer abilities, they were just never switched on until he was touched with magic. He has a very interesting lineage from what the fae have been able to dig up." She patted my arm. "It would have happened to him at some point. It's not on you."

"You're only saying that to make me feel better."

"A little, but it's still true." Ailin smiled, before going over to Matt's door.

I hung back, not quite sure what to expect and before she even finished opening the door he appeared. Instantly he looked at me, his hand slapping over his mouth as I heard him cry out before Ailin was pushed aside and he ran over. There was no hesitation as he moved to hug me, and I let him.

"You're alive." He sobbed.

"I am." Pushing him back, Matt took a big step away with hands on his hips as he loudly breathed in and out. "How are you?"

"Better. A lot better now." He nodded enthusiastically. "I mean, it's been a few weeks since I last saw you and so much, so much has happened."

"Is that why you wanted to see me? You thought I was dead?" I wasn't sure I wanted him to answer that.

"There was another fight, the scary one, the main sister. You got her, you won, but then the others came and there was water, a lot of water. Did they tie you up? You were trapped, and I felt you drowning."

"I knew I'd got Tisiphone again." Didn't remember the rest of it quite like that though.

Matt's words and movements were jittery while he constantly looked all around the room. His anxiety and paranoia were hard to ignore and not be affected by but the reason why I was here still wasn't completely clear.

"But it wasn't the main battle. That time has passed, it's still the same, only different." Matt says, turning completely serious.

"Passed?" There is no stopping the shiver that races up my spine as I think about that picture. "So, we changed it?"

"Yes, for the fight I first saw didn't occur, not in that way and here you are. Alive. It's only changed things a little."

"How?" Would this be the final piece of the puzzle we'd been missing? "Matt, what changed? Do we win?"

Something passed over his face before he hugged me again. The room felt colder now, the darkness less inviting as I picked up on more than one shadow moving around in the corners. Ailin must have felt it too, coming closer towards us. As our eyes met I felt her question, but Matt wasn't a threat or a danger and I patted his back as a sign to let me go.

"Goodbye, Elise." He turned to go back to his room, and I instantly grabbed his arm to stop him.

"Show me," I beg.

I look over at the paintings as he does, following his gaze to one particular set in the corner.

"I think it's better if you don't." The warning in his voice makes me drop his arm, and then I'm over there.

I don't stop as he starts to yell at me or at Ailin or whoever it is that has turned the lights on. Most here are like the others I saw when we first came in, finished paintings that have been painted over; some cut and torn. I vaguely remember Ailin saying he doesn't like anyone to touch or move them, but I don't care. Just like his basement workshop, the piles and chaos within them only draw me further into the stories he's tried to tell or forget. I wish it would be that easy to forget.

And then I found it.

The painting really is just like before, only different.

"Let me go!" Matt screamed, again and again, which made me turn around.

They've restrained him, a nurse has a needle ready and the guards pin him against the wall by the door to his room.

I'm so sorry Matt.

The nurses vanish, the restraints and guards too, so only Ailin remains. Even the shadows that danced along the walls seem to vanish but I know that's never really the case with them. I can still feel their eyes on me.

"Elise?" Ailin snaps, looking more shocked than annoyed and I shake my head at her.

"They're in the other room, leave him alone. He isn't doing anything wrong." Matt makes a face at her before slowly coming over to stand beside me. "You can go too, Ailin."

She hesitates, and maybe at any other time we'd argue more about it or she'd refuse. She might even pull rank and attempt to order me out or to rethink whatever was currently going on. I know she can see the painting, what it is and what this means and as she dips her head and disappears, I know it should be the other way around. I should be telling her to stay, bringing her into this more than she already was. But what was there to say?

Good news, the last painting of an unwinnable battle against Fate and the Furies that showed me dead has since passed and I'm still standing. Bad news, that battle has a postponed sticker stamped across the middle of it and this is the replacement. Should we play spot the differences, the winner might get to live?

An eternity of silence stretches between Matt and me as we just stand there looking at his painting.

"I still die," I finally said.

"You have to if they are going to be beaten."

"How can you be so sure?" Looking at him, he clearly wishes I hadn't asked that. "It's changed already. It can change again. Why did you want to see me?"

"To make sure the first one hadn't happened, but then I feel by now the implications of that would be felt across all the world. I'd like a chance to say goodbye. I don't blame you for any of this, I'm thankful for this. The people here can help me control this, curse. Gift. Eventually. I can't ignore it or turn it off as I thought. I've seen glimpses of my own future, it's nice. I want it. I owe that future to you."

What about the future I want?

I look back at the painting, rubbing my stomach where Blueberry was positioned. Would this really be as close to holding my son as I'd get? My life hadn't been a long one but it had been hard. Surely I earned some kind of free pass happy ending like the one Hecate had told me about.

"I'm sorry, but the sisters will be beaten. I saw them fall. I saw snow covering their corpses as it did before only this time they won't ever be coming back." Matt promises. "I only assume it was Cain."

That part hadn't changed, he still stood just to one side looking like he was ready to burn the whole world down. Only he wasn't alone this time, Hades looked ready for vengeance as much as he did. Cautiously I reach out and touch Zane, crouched by my body looking up at the flock of Valkyrie that flew overhead. Hermes was reaching for my arm as he leaned over the lion that I now leant against. I didn't see Kara, she wasn't where she had been before but I did see Apollo.

Same, but different.

"He lives?"

"Yes," Matt confirms. Relief has the tears starting all over again before the heartache kicks in when I realise I will be leaving him behind. "So does your son."

Their lives will go on; without me. It is equal parts painful and amazing. I nearly collapse, stumbling back into another easel as I attempt to put some kind of distance between us and what he is saying.

"I saw them together." He gives me the space I crave as I can't process what this actually means until he walks over to some papers on the floor and comes back over with one.

It was messy, a sketch was done in charcoal that was smudged in parts from where his arm or hand had leant against the page. Despite this, its' clear. It's beautiful and nothing has ever hurt more as I glimpse their future together - that I'm not in. Inside my chest, I feel my heart pushing against my ribs as my lungs burn with the need for air.

I can't breathe.

It's the stars on the roof that I smear with my tears as I count each one, the panda on the changing table that I run my thumb over. I can feel how at peace they both are, it's all over Cain's face, the lack of worry lines or stress; the tiny sleeping head that's resting on his shoulder.

Somehow I manage to suck in some of the air I needed so badly, my head spinning as I sit on the squeaky plastic chair and Matt dares to come closer.

"I'm sorry."

I need another minute before I can answer him. "I guess I knew what I would find if I came here tonight. It's not your fault."

But Hecate's voice was loud in my mind now, and I felt guilty and selfish for how much I wanted to believe her. After all, this was the best outcome I could get; one I had even planned for and clearly, that would all pay off. They survive.

We already changed what he saw once, twice at least. How many of Portia's visions didn't go to plan or even occur? Look at how much of enemy Fate had worked out to be for the very same reason.

I looked at the drawing again, determined that he would do this again with me standing right there with them. A tingle on my shoulder had me looking over it, half expecting to see Hecate or even Portia standing there with a nod of approval.

"Prove me wrong, Empress." Matt had me looking back at him and from out of nowhere, he threw a match onto the canvases. The fire should never burn as fast, or as hot as it did and grabbing him, we fled the room as the fire alarms sounded and water began to pour from the ceiling.

"Gods, Elise!" Ailin looked like she was about to faint as we appeared, the rush of guards to the door not stopping at our sudden arrival. "What happened?"

"I don't know, but I have my suspicions." Matt looked completely confused as a nurse guided him to a chair, asking him a hundred and one question in a second. "He did, and he has done, nothing wrong. It was a reminder that I shouldn't let what I see control me."

"I'm not sure what to say."

"Then say nothing. Look after him, thank you for everything so far." Matt looks over at us as clarity seems to return to his gaze. A small smile appears before he waves, letting the nurse lead him away. "I'm going home."

"And the fire?"

The alarms shut off, and the door opened. We slowly followed the guards in and found everything as it had been when we first arrived, minus the piles of paintings and easels full of Matt's work.

"What fire?" I shrug at Ailin.

I'm gone before she can say anything, and entering the Last Drop it's a fairly quiet night. The crowd is mostly Hunters, vampires and a few shifters, with a booth in the far corner making most of the noise as the guys laugh. The jukebox is silent, thanks to the two demon snakes arguing over it, making the vampires near the bar head for the exit.

Paul waves at me from behind the bar as I look his way and forcing a smile, I wave back before going to everyone else. The reunion with CJ seemed to be going well and I was surprised to find Colton's friend with them too before I realised Hades was beside Cain. Before I even make it halfway, they disappear as Cain holds me close and I'm already leaving snot bubbles on his shirt. He doesn't say anything, and I can't talk anyway. We leave the bar and I'm home - our home, and that doesn't help as curl up against him as best I can on the sofa. At some point I stop crying, the hiccupy breaths worse than the uncontrollable sobbing yet his hand doesn't leave mine except to hand me a tissue, while the other gently rubs my back.

"I saw Matt," I confess.

His body instantly tightened, the hand on my back stopping as it felt as hard as concrete there now, rather than a soothing gentle touch. I dare to look up at him as I wipe my eyes for the millionth time, and find his closed.

"Has it changed?" There was no emotion in his tone, just a flat, simple question that told none of the story going on inside.

"It's complicated."

"No its' not." It was barely a whisper and I'd never heard him sound so fragile. "Do you live or do you still die?"

Somehow I find the strength I don't have and answer him. "He said I had to, but you, you do it. Hades is with you now, it's all changed. They lose."

I can feel his pain as if it was my own, maybe it is, but just when I think he's going to say something he doesn't. He can't as he forcibly swallows, nods and then just holds me that much tighter in his arms.

"Portia saw my death since the day the Treaty was signed, possibly before that. It was always the same. Visions are not always what they seem, and they can change. Nothing is set." Cain finally says, minutes, hours - days later.

I'm exhausted, my head feels heavy so that even nodding takes more energy than usual. "I know."

"It will not be, and I will do more than destroy the Furies to ensure it is not so." He stops, a new sense of defeat slipping around us like a sea breeze. "And, Blueberry?"

"You both survive." I reach into my back pocket, pulling out the tiny square of paper; a piece of all of this that didn't get destroyed. On purpose or by accident I wasn't sure. "I want this."

"Not without you, right there with us Elle." That was a promise, one I knew he shouldn't make. "It's the only outcome I accept. I told you earlier, I want it all and I'm not willing to negotiate."

If it was as easy as a big old Cain said so, then what did I have to worry about? I wanted to believe him, and jump on that bandwagon of manifestation bullshit but to do that I needed to see we had an actual way out of it. It took more than wishing on a star for dreams to come true and so far if my past had taught me anything it was that there was always a price to pay.

What it could be this time, oh right - my life.

Again.

"I know it's hard, and there is more at risk than ever before, but I promise you, I will not stop until it is so. If you believe in nothing else," He leaned closer, forcing my chin up to face him yet stopped just as I thought he was going to kiss me. "Believe that, Elle."

There wasn't fake enthusiasm or an uplifting daydream made up to make me feel better. There wasn't anything light or easy about what was being said. I felt the intensity, and coldness of each word, the venom in his tone. There was darkness in his eyes and rage but it wasn't for me. I only got to witness the beauty of it, and I felt pity for whoever found themselves left to its mercy. The tenderness of his kiss doesn't match the deadliness of the man which only makes me love him more.

"I believe you."

Holding him close, I feel his smile against my lips before he kisses me again; needier this time, as if everything depends on right here, right now until an awkward cough interrupts us for the second time tonight. Thankfully it isn't my Dad and how Hades remains standing in one piece as Cain glares at him now is something I don't understand.

"What is it?" I look back at Cain, clearly not hiding my thoughts. "He'd only be here if it was important."

"I found them." Hades helps himself to a drink, pouring two glasses - one of which he hands over to Cain. "They're in the Crossroads."

"I knew it." Cain stops me as I go to stand, keeping me in place on his lap as Hades leans against the wall opposite us. "Hecate or Themis?"

"I can't tell. The hellhounds lost them near an off-flow of Styx, but I felt the energy residue that remains before and it was much too similar to the gateway you all passed through on the new moon for it to be anything else."

"The sword?"

"May have been infected with something. It is something special, but no more than any other blessed weapon."

"So, Portia and Adala are alive in the Crossroads?" I speak slowly, trying to keep up with another turn of events.

"They're dead." Hades sips his drink. "Ish."

"Deadish? Now that's a technical term I'm sure you worked hard at."

"I try." He shrugs.

"Can you hand me over the Idiots guide to the Underworld while you're at it? I don't understand this." I sigh, rubbing my face which still feels puffy and damp from all the mental breakdown crying.

My eyes hurt.

I'm tired.

Actually, all of me hurts.

"Zane well, his sword more specifically, should have killed the Fates. Their spirits left their body, yet should still be anchored which is why I do my thing, get ready them for the trip to the Underworld. Only when I did, they weren't there to be released and prepared. You'd be familiar with this process. How many times have you left your body and been classified as dead only to still be here now, very much alive." The dry sarcasm in his tone grates on the few nerves I have remaining.

"But Apollo and Cain couldn't bring them back?"

"They healed their bodies, only because their spirit was already too far away it wasn't quite as simple as to wake them back up. They're in a very grey area, and dangerous for if any other spirit manages to get hold of their body, they might never get to come back."

"Like when Ivy sacrificed me?"

"Yes. Anyone with the knowledge and an ability to slip by me could have returned in your vessel." Goosebumps broke out at the term, but I think I was starting to catch on.

"Why didn't you know before?" It sounds like more of an accusation than I intended.

"Because I saw what happened and had two very soulless bodies locked away. I didn't give them enough attention." He snapped.

"Oh like when you took away fake Cain and then found me all dark and moody and-"

"You get the point, girl."

"Well, what now then? They're dead enough for Nieve to claim their power. We have yet to work out a way to the Crossroads and what would even happen if we do make them come back?" I wonder.

"If they come back and they don't choose to spend their afterlife running in the nothingness between the worlds as their following of wild women seem to do, all will be restored as it was." Hades finished his drink, instantly pouring another. "Something else I am sure you are well aware of."

I look at Cain, who had been oddly quiet. "Is he getting funnier or am I just that tired?"

Just as he opens his mouth to speak we all freeze, our heads snapping to the closed door that would be Blueberry's room as the twinkling lullaby tune from the mobile that had been placed over the cot begins to play. I nearly fall off the sofa as Cain disappears, he and Hades lurking outside the door quicker than I can blink. They share a look before Cain opens the door and I'm instantly scrambling up to follow as Hades slips in after him.

Entering the room stops me for different reasons. Matt's drawing comes to life as I look over towards the changing table. Cain's face is patterned with the stars that slowly rotate around the room as the music box plays. He rocks back and forth, softly making a shush sound that hides the faintest whimper from the baby in his arms which has me instantly reaching out to touch them.

I will hold onto them with all I had.

"Elle, Elise?" I blink, looking up into Cain's worried face before I bury my face into his shoulder, positive I could smell the lingering scent of the baby there. "You're okay, Elle. It was just a dream."

I sat up, Hades is lingering by the nursery door as Cain shifts backwards slightly so we don't bang heads in my less than graceful attempt to stand in a hurry.

"I was asleep? Did you hear the music?"

"Oh, you heard that too? You fell asleep about twenty minutes ago." Cain frowns as he glances at Hades. "It just started playing. We can't sense anyone nearby, the wards are still in place. Nothing is in there. Might have just been the batteries or something being weird."

I was still asleep; there was no way he was stupid enough to think it was faulty batteries.

I get up, pushing past Hades and go in. A sense of deja vu hits, but it doesn't last and no visions greet me this time. It had been a dream, and he was right again. There was nothing in here except plans for a future I may never get to see.

And also a weird maze thing sitting on the change mat. "What's this?"

I pick it up, the metal cold in my hand yet the smell of smoke and burning paint canvases instantly hits my nose. The disc has a maze engraved all around it, three separate entry points with a Y in the centre. Flipping it over, the triple moon symbol on the back makes my tattoo itchy and I don't stop Hades from taking it as he and Cain look it over.

"Hecate." He growls.

"More puzzles?" I sigh. "Give it to Jordan, he used to be great at the mazes in kids' books."

Cain inspects it closer. "I know what this is. I've seen it before. Hades, stay here. Keep her safe. Elle, go to bed. I'll be back soon."

He's gone before either of us can protest.

"Guess you got babysitting duty. Lucky you." I pat his arm as I pass and head into the kitchen. I don't plan on cooking anything, but do get some yoghurt and granola cups out from the fridge. "Hungry?"

"No." Hades helps himself to another drink. "You're not about to follow him are you?"

"No. I'm actually too tired right now to do anything. Also hungry, so here we are."

We sit on separate ends of the sofa, him drinking while I eat with some late-night movie from the eighties on the TV to kill the silence.

"Will you ever forgive me for what I did?" Hades asks softly.

"What did you do? With Zane, interrupting us just before or am I missing something?"

Hades looks torn between keeping this an apology and walking out on me as apparently I'm supposed to know exactly what he's talking about without a damn clue.

"With you."

"Me?" My stomach sinks as I brace myself for some kind of surprise attack that doesn't instantly happen and then I realise what he meant.

"I have, Hades."

"I let you have your moment, back at the prison."

"Let me. Right." I roll my eyes.

"Because I felt it. How angry you were, betrayed. You even asked me if it was the same thing. If I'd been testing him how I tested you."

Despite eating yoghurt, I felt the lump get stuck in my throat that I had to force down. He made a point, and while I thought I had processed and moved on, maybe I wasn't quite over it. Thinking about it now, the anger wasn't there and what was, didn't belong to a grudge I had against Hades.

"You were an easy target. I was angry, I mean, I still am about everything with Zane. It's so hard because a part of me is terrified of what this means for him, and another is thrilled because I won't be alone. It's all in tiny well-organised boxes in my brain, I'm learning to accept my family will die and with this, powerful god-like life, I won't be aging with them. I get to keep one of my best friends, but it's not that simple."

Then again, if Matt's vision was anything to go by, I wouldn't be losing him at all.

"I'm sorry for what I said, and how I said it. I think I knew it would hurt you in a way that I was close to how I am hurting and that's why I did it. Hades, I forgive you." I meant it.

"Thank you." It's barely a whisper and looking up at him, he smiles before hiding it with her glass. "Aren't you under orders to go to bed? I take no responsibility for when your parents get home."

"Are you trying to prove to me how good you'd be at this gig when Blueberry is around?"

"He isn't actually going to give you any powers over naming that infant is he?" Hades pouted.

"Funny, you're on fire tonight Hades." I cringe at my own bad joke. "Forget it. I am tired, and I am going to bed, but not because either one of you has told me to do it."

"Sleep well." He mutters as I head to the bedroom, only as I flick on the light I can't stop the squeal of surprise as the black dog sits up from where it was laying in the middle of the bed. Hades is at my side instantly as we stare at the dog who looks equally startled at seeing us. "Not yours?"

"No. You have hell hounds and Cerby, what is this?" I demand.

"Not mine." He takes a step closer and it begins to growl in warning.

Before either of us can make another move, the creature vanishes and in its place is a small potted tree with small buds all over it.

"What is that?" Looking at Hades, he makes the first move again and plucks one of the balls off it.

"Pomegranate."

"I always thought they grew from the ground." I shrug, taking the pot off him. "This is going to be like Mum's fern all over again or do you think it's immortal and I won't be able to kill it."

I go and place it in the middle of the dining table, where all plants go to die.

"Why aren't you a little more concerned about a random dog-turned-plant gift?"

"I think it's Hecate's way of showing that she cares. I get no bad vibes from this thing. I mean if she sent some Ivy or something then we'd need to have a chat."

"Because you think she's capable of a good intention, that's that then?"

"Have we just met?" I smile, enjoying the frustration flowing from him as he watches me fuss with the positioning so it's sitting just right. "I'm going to bed, again. Don't wake me up unless the world is ending."

"I'll try not to."

I leave Hades and get into bed, the oddly warm area where the dog had been drawing me in closer as there is too much space around me without Cain here. Despite how tired I am, my mind is racing and the urge to find Cain makes it impossible to get comfortable and not for the first time tonight, the shadows on the wall seemed to move as if they had their own agenda. 

Maybe they did.

Getting up, Hades is sitting in the solo armchair, reading a book that looks way too big to be enjoyable.

"Can you please do something for me?" I ask, wishing he hadn't stayed and I could go find Zane or Eric. Someone else. Someone who was used to me, in ways Hades wasn't.

He nods for me to continue. "Can you just, be in there too? I um, I find it hard to sleep alone and I'm trying not to worry about Cain and Kara is in the other world, and I don't know what Zane is doing and-"

"You want me in there with you?" I'm not sure if it's pity or understanding I see but he gets up and motions back towards the bedroom. Once I'm settled, he sits beside me, leaning back against the headboard with a drink in one hand and his book in the other.

"I knew someone like you once. She was so brave until it got dark." The lamp stays on and he opens his book, glancing down at me over the edge of his page. "If you keep staring at me, it's going to be weird."

He tossed a pillow at my head and I quickly claimed it, finally starting to get comfortable as he reopened the book.

"No one is to ever know about this. I will deny it and they will never believe you." Hades warns as my eyes finally close.

"Thank you," I whisper, not sure if he heard until sometime later when he does answer me.

"You're welcome, Elise."

_______________________________

So, something happened over the weekend. I've been trying and trying to get this book finished and it just hasn't gone to plan. As you can tell from the lack of updates, not much has been happening at all and there is so much that is still needed... mostly Circe vs Artemis and you know, all the other things.

The second I realise Elise wasn't done, and this isn't going to be the final book it was supposed to be, my inspo is back and I am writing like crazy. I really hope I'm not going to regret this and that it isn't dragging things out even more, but I feel happy with this decision and clearly, Elise is too.

I'm in the process of renaming and altering the covers (so don't be surprised to see that shortly)

As always, thanks for sticking with me and I appreciate all your support/comments/etc so much. 

What do you think about this announcement? Is there anything I've left out that you'd love to see? 

ER xx