Cain didn't hide his surprise at what I told him, but rather than be amazed at my sleuthing skills and ability to put all the pieces together, he simply took another sip of his drink and rested his head back on the edge of the bath.

"No, she's not."

"She practically told me!" I groaned. "I was like, Hecate, its' you. You're the fourth and then she did that little, smirky know it all smiley thing, which if you had met her, you would know what I'm talking about, and she was like, no Elise, there is no fourth."

"So she told you she isn't, and you got a yes from that?"

"Smirky, know it all, smiley thing." My attempt at doing it had him lazily raising an eyebrow while trying not to laugh. "Not helping. Besides, of course, she would say there is no fourth. Portia's freaky vision said she was set free. Who is freer than the wild woman herself?"

"Who spent the last however long stuck in the Underworld?" I hated how he kept throwing logic into the mix. "Definitely sounds free to me."

"Oh please, as if she was actually stuck in a place she chose to be. Why else would The Fates have such a thing with her if it wasn't because at any time she could step back in and kick their butts? She's all-knowing with her cryptic messages and tea leaves and-"

"Merely the abilities of a Seer and little more than an illusion. Elle, it's the oldest trick in the book. She clearly has the sight which she disguises behind trinkets, animal sacrifices and tea leaves. It makes her appear much more powerful and interesting, but all for show."

What is magic, if not an illusion?

"I can't believe you're just dismissing how powerful she really is like she's just some kind of entertainer? Should I expect a balloon animal from her next show?"

"I am not doing that." He defended.

"Really? Kind of sounds like you are."

"Her domain is the crossroads, there is no denying the power that resides there or what she is capable of. What I am saying is look beyond the tricks. I've not heard Hecate ever being declared a seer, a million other things, yes but if her main gift is her sight-"

"Because she's the fourth fate." I pointed out.

"It's something she's clearly kept secret for a reason." He finished.

"Because she's the fourth fate."

Cain closed his eyes, disappearing under the water for a few seconds too long only to finally reappear with a gasp.

"I think she knows, guaranteed she does. I don't think it's her. I can see why you'd think this, but I just don't think you're right this time." Cain sighed.

"You know, remember that time I was right about the little disc thingy being part of the wheel and you were all, no and I was like, yes and then I was actually right and I didn't rub it, I just let it go like the sensible, mature, person I am?"

"That was literally an hour ago. I remember." He answered dryly.

"When I'm right about this. I will be throwing the biggest, fucking, I told you so party. There will be balloon animals and everything," I decided, getting out of the tub.

"Elise-" He reached for my arm as I wrapped myself up in a towel, sliding to the edge to look up at me. "Elle."

"Yes?"

"Keep this theory between us for now, okay? Please. And the disc." I didn't miss the practically begging tone of his words.

"Knowledge is power." I understood and leaned over to kiss his forehead before walking out.

It didn't take long for him to follow, and with my pyjamas on, I headed into the living room to curl up on the sofa. As soon as he joined me, I replaced my pillow with his arm and slipped my legs over his lap as I snuggled in.

"Tomorrow we will tell them all," I whispered, feeling him tense as the TV turned on. "How bad do you think it's going to be?"

"Nothing we can't handle." Looking up at him, he smiled. "It's going to be fine."

"Should we take Alfie over there with us? I should probably give Kara a heads up too."

"She will try to talk you out of doing it and I don't think Alfie will help. Having him there could be seen to be a power move. A reminder that you were the God Killer." Cain yawned, crossing his feet as he rested them on the coffee table. "Hecate really gave you nothing helpful, or useful as far as Blueberry is concerned, or the Furies?"

"Just that she could still see me being happy, and that I would find my freedom. Peace. Oh, now I've said that out loud, sounds a bit death-like doesn't it? I mean, rest in peace, freedom." I shiver. "But she didn't think Matt's vision mattered too much. I did get the impression she saw it all working out, and Nieve wouldn't get the outcome she desired."

"That's promising." He said slowly, letting out a deep breath.

Looking up at him now, his eyes had closed so I let him rest, focusing on the TV now instead. I couldn't stop my smile as Audrey Hepburn stood in front of the window at Tiffany's. The soft snore that left Cain perfectly timed as I enjoyed the normality of this situation while I had it, which lasted until we returned to the other realm and stood by an extremely pissed off Kara.

Then again, that was also becoming more and more normal.

Just as Cain predicted, she didn't want us telling anyone, but with the Fates or at least Portia knowing, she finally agreed our options were becoming more limited.

"I will do this." She decided. "Sit, stay quiet, and do not do a single thing to encourage Ares."

"Encourage him?" I frown.

"That asshole has been talking to some of the guards around here trying to find out who has remained loyal to Cain." Kara rolled her eyes as she looked at him, and he only shrugged.

"I haven't seen or spoken to him since that Thor fiasco." Cain shrugged, the way he still felt about that obvious.

Kara was much the same as she instantly looked away only she only showed guilt.

"He's a thorn in my side. If I could guarantee Athena to stand with me, and the majority of the damn army, I might consider removing him from this court." She growled.

"Now that is something you do not want anyone else to hear." Cain snapped back in a harsh whisper. "Watch your tongue Kara."

He motioned to the wall, and right on queue, the doorway to the servant's passage opened and three men entered holding large trays of fruits and meats. They came by us silently, setting out the food as if we weren't there and gone as quickly as they had come. None of us moved or said anything for a minute.

"No wonder you went crazy and she didn't want the job," Kara mumbled.

"Kara-"

"It was a joke, Elise." She sighed, sitting down on one of the chairs and picking at some grapes. "But really, I thought leading the Valkyrie was tough. They could be brutal, and bitchy at the best of the times, but here. It's a completely different game."

"Then play it better than them," Cain flicked a grape at her which managed to hit her on the chin. She instantly looked completely offended, before smiling.

"I do have an advantage."

"What's that?" I asked.

"I have you two on my team." Now I felt guilty as I let Cain tug me down to sit beside him. "Where is everyone?"

"It's barely one, this is probably too early for them." Cain shrugged, his fingers lacing with mine as Deimos came in.

"Sorry, I'm late. I was in the library." He greeted, handing over a scroll to Kara. "I found this."

"What is it?" She asked as she opened it, rolling it flat onto the table. "A map?"

Deimos pointed to something I couldn't see. "This was where The Furies were last defeated."

"Really?"

"I found a small segment in some old documents that actually spoke of the battle. Their powers are very similar to my own, as I had considered earlier. It's not a lot, some had been destroyed by mould and water, not reversible, unfortunately. They had to be kept engaged, distracted, and separated. When joined as three, they become a greater force."

"Power of Three. Charmed had it right this whole time." I muse, earning a few odd looks my way. "What? They did."

"Three is the magic number." Kara looked back to the map. "Google it, Elise."

"Why, you're all older than Google. Isn't three unlucky though, or is that thirteen?"

"Thirteen generally has more superstitions placed upon it," Cain answered.

"I wonder why they chose this spot. It's rather close to these villages. I don't even know what remains in these parts." Kara frowned. "Cain? Maybe one of the others can help."

Cain got up to see, looking over the map curiously. "I'm sorry. I rarely ventured past this area as a boy. We never went that far south. Apollo perhaps, I remember him speaking of this mountain from one of his many quests to find Medusa's lair."

Deimos laughed. "Fool."

"Agreed," Cain smirked, looking at me before winking.

"Did I hear my name?" Apollo walked in then, patting me on the head as he passed before standing near Cain. "What's this?"

"Do you remember much about these lands?" Cain asked him, the pair super casual and at ease with each other; their arms even touched as Apollo leaned closer, and gave a nod.

"A lot of old Yeti live in the snow caps. This part here. Probably dead by now, they were frail and ancient back then, so, I doubt you'd need to watch out for them. Why, are we planning a snow trip?"

"We're not. It's here we're interested in." Kara tapped her finger on a spot.

"Not much out there. The Others have a few small villages set up, criminals mostly or the banished from bigger cities. Their port deals mostly with the Lower Worlds." Apollo shrugs. "They also managed to have control of a gold mine Zeus lost claim to after losing a bet with some demonic creature that bested him."

"I remember that." Artemis mused, sitting in the chair beside Deimos. "Hera was furious for months. I heard a rumour that Rumpels gets the best of his gold from there."

"He wishes." Apollo snorted. "Though I do believe this room is full of it, hence Hera's tantrum."

"Understandable, she had such good taste." I muse sarcastically, looking around and remembering how amazed I had been seeing it all for the first time.

"Speaking of good taste, how is my nephew today?" Artemis asked, the odd look on her face instantly making me cautious.

"Fine."

She smiled, or maybe it was more of a smirk as she turned her attention back to the others. "Why are we suddenly interested in a long-forgotten mine and a bunch of outcasts?"

"This was where the battle last occurred with the Furies," Deimos explained, looking behind me as I sensed Hades arrival. "You were there, do you remember anything about the Furies?"

"No. It's not like they made it into a holiday day trip for us with a fancy brochure." Hades nodded at Cain before sitting beside me. "What have I walked into?"

"Deimos found where the last fight with the Furies went down." I filled him in.

"So?" I shrugged, clearly feeling the same as he did. Did this hold some kind of significance? "I always presumed it was the usual battlefield."

"Apparently not."

"I'll send out a scouting team to check it out. Maybe this is where they've been hiding? It's remote enough, and to be honest I don't think we've looked this far out before. Artemis?" Kara looked at her expectantly.

"I'll get my best girls onto it now." She vanished and the tension in the room instantly appeared.

"Why are we here? I had to cancel an appointment with Nyx. I will be dealing with troubled water for weeks now. Charon will be worse to fucking deal with."

"Maybe build a bridge?" He looked at me blankly. "You know, a bridge over troubled water?"

More blank staring.

"Tough crowd." I sighed.

"Portia knows now about Elise's. Condition." Kara slowly thought over her words, making me roll my eyes. "Which means the Fates are bound to all know soon enough and to try and control the domino effect from this-"

"You're telling the others." Hades frowned as Artemis reappeared.

"Yes." Kara confirmed, clasping her hands together in front of her. The beading on her sleeves jingled slightly, and it was then I noticed she was even wearing her crown. "If they don't already work it out."

"They'd never know if she didn't insist on wearing her world's clothing." Artemis sighed, eyeing me up slightly before my jeans and tshirt vanished and the loose flowing gown toga style gown appeared. "See, much better."

Frowning I looked down, the slight bulge my tshirt had shown if I moved the wrong way could easily be too many burgers related and as if they'd notice anyway. Especially if I stayed sitting. It could be like I was in a movie and never let them see from the waist down, only then I feel something on my head. Touching my now braided hair, I carefully picked the small golden leafy headband off my head.

"Seriously?" I groan.

"It suits you. This is our realm, so follow our traditions." Artemis answered, the venom clear in her tone. "Aphrodite will agree when she gets here. Kara don't you agree?"

There was something in Artemis's little show that sent a cold, sinking feeling through my body and the look she served Kara with did nothing to stop it.

"I agree, it suits you." Kara sighed, more focused on the map before looking at me. "But I don't think it helps."

"Why wouldn't it? She's one of us is she not?"

"Not entirely?" Apollo answered, and as I looked at him the frown set on his face wasn't one I had managed to put on there.. "Perhaps her world would be more appropriate."

"Why?" Artemis glared at him.

"Because you know as well as I do how Ares will react." He argued.

"That is also my concern," Cain added, the pair looking at each other with understanding. "We don't want to encourage his fantasy to see me, or even us, on the throne."

"I'm sorry Kara, but he isn't plotting against you directly, more setting up a contingency plan in case things don't work out. He's always been fond of Elise since her first time here. I once heard him tell Hermes that if he had a child of his own, he imagined her to be in Elise's image." Apollo quickly explained and I wanted to hide under the table as Kara processed what he was saying.

"And I only fueled his thirst for war. I fed him well and now, that time has ended." Cain continued. "I think we need to make it as clear as possible that she, we, are living in a separate world, and if not for the threat of the Furies, perhaps we would not even be here."

"Change her back, Artemis," Apollo ordered. "Cain's right."

"That's new," Hades whispered to me.

Cain agreed with Apollo.

Apollo is being genuinely nice to Cain.

Perhaps this is what they need.

What the hell happened with them in Crossroads?

"If we are that worried about Ares, why even do this?" Artemis frowned, as my previous clothes changed. "Keep it as our secret."

"It's time for everyone to know." Hades got involved now. "Imagine you did not know and found out third hand."

"I'm family, it's different!" She protested.

"I am not, and if I were to be told by someone such as one or all of the Fates, I would be hurt by those I considered friends and allies not sharing their good news with me. Who knows what else they may say to turn my mind against them?" Deimos added. "Ares and Cain are friends. Even Hermes was hurt when he found out."

Artemis pouted, folding her arms over her chest as she glared at Apollo. Thankfully, or not, it was then Hermes appeared, Aphrodite and Athena right behind him before Ares came in too. Cain came to sit beside me, a look shared with Hades who simply smirked back at him before sitting back in the chair as if he hadn't been pissed off a second ago about being here.

"Thank you all for coming at such short notice." Kara greeted, watching as everyone found a seat.

Each one paused before sitting, the slightest nod of their heads and a hint of a bow served her way. Athena leaned close to Artemis and whispered something that seemed to ease some of her now foul mood. Apollo gave a little cough as if to clear his throat, which had the pair of them stopping instantly. It was hard not to notice Hermes and Ares in a similar situation and again I wondered if I could disappear under the table.

"Why are we here, is it the Furies?" Ares asked, sounding genuinely curious.

"No, though we are currently investigating a possible lead so that's something." Kara sighed, nervously looking my way. "This, well, it's something of a more personal nature. Good news, if you will."

Kara hesitated and I felt the curiosity around me, and the anxiety as Cain's hand found mine. Even Hades sat a little straighter, angling himself more in my direction as he did so and I was positive I saw Deimos hands turn black as if he simply had on gloves.

Deimos never wore gloves.

"I guess, the best way to do this is like taking off a bandaid, quickly and to the point, and, I, um," That was the exact opposite of what Kara was doing until she did it. "It's not like that at all. Its good news, amazing news actually. I would like to announce on behalf of my dear friend, Elise, that she is, expecting."

I could practically hear everyone blinking, while Cain's hand now threatened to crush mine.

"Expecting what?" Aphrodite frowned, looking at me like I had a clue painted on my forehead.

Hermes groaned.

"A baby." Kara clarified.

"Now?" Athena whispered, her face paling as I looked at her. "You're, with, child?"

I managed to nod.

"But who is the sire?" Aphrodite blurted and I instantly felt way too hot. She looked between the three men on either side of me, her eyes bright with mischief. "Surely not Hades, but we know how soft you are on the girl. I can't even remember the last time I was able to visit the Underworld and even when I did he made sure I paid a price."

The bitterness in her tone almost distracted me from the current situation. There was a story there, I was sure of it. Hermes and Deimos managed to pull off being completely surprised and blindsided by the news. A string of congratulations and excitement followed, hiding the shock and surprise I knew they were feeling. Artemis made it clear to those new to the gossip, she was already well aware and had been told weeks ago as everyone forgot Aphrodites question.

Almost everyone.

"So much more makes sense now," Ares mumbled, and one by one we all went quiet. "I think deep down I knew, I just chose to let it be. No matter his fate, how could the God Killer truly kill the Dark King? What desperate fools we must have been to believe it."

"Ares." Kara started, but he held up his hand to stop her.

"Do not worry about me, your highness. I am not the one with any right to reclaim my crown." Ares smirked. "Why tell us all now? You could have kept the infant safe, banished to the, I mean, hidden, in the Earth realm. Away from those who seek more power than they have earned or could simply wish to harm the child to harm its creators."

Now I was the one crushing Cain's hand. "What are you implying Ares?"

"Only everything I am sure he has thought about already," He answered confidently, looking at Cain. "If you sit in Power, there would be fewer threats than if you didn't."

"Forget it all, Ares. We stand with Kara. There is no game at play here." Cain warned.

"Heirs are not just simply created out of love and desire," Aphrodite added seriously. "What is the purpose of this babe, if not to make a claim on the crown? The Others will adore a little prince or princess, less they forget the Dark King who sired it and merely worship the God Killer who birthed it."

"With your reputation, surely you know exactly what love and desire can create." Hades challenged.

"Yes. Pain. Jealously. Betrayal. War. Shall I continue?" Aphrodite huffed. "Years of planning, with the knowledge of who will benefit the most out of the pairing, following various instructions from the moon phase to the second of the very conception, and numerous other headaches are considered before entering into such an arrangement. It is not done on a whim, nor even then is it something that simply happens easily because it is so desired. It can take just as many years to even conceive and-"

"She was mortal once, things could be different for her," Hermes answered thoughtfully. "Perhaps he merely sought to make a claim."

He glanced at Apollo and Aphrodite smirked.

"You know we're both sitting right here and can you hear you assholes?" I interrupted.

"Give me strength." Kara groaned while Artemis, Aphrodite, Athena and Hermes all broke out into a discussion on the many reasons why we could possibly want to have a baby.

Hades sat with his eyes covered with one hand as he leaned into the chair, a glass of bourbon in the other as he mumbled about the headache he had waiting for him since he came up for this. Cain and Ares were locked in some weird, silent glare down, Deimos focused on his map and Kara just sat back looking completely defeated.

Just as I was about to try putting a stop to, everything, Apollo stood up and clapped his hands, earning the attention of all of us. Aphrodite leaned on her elbows against the table, ready to eat up whatever was about to happen which only made me want to punch her in her stupid gossipy face.

"Cain and Elise are having a baby. It isn't a play for the crown. They aren't banished to the earth realm, it's where they want to live. Together. Peacefully, and before you even open your mouth, Aphrodite, I am happy for them. I support them. I will do what I can to make sure my nephew is safe from any threat. That also involves sorting out the Furies. And the Fates. This is Kara's court, you are here out of respect of the old world and yes, Elise gave her the crown but she has earned her place here. Remember, she could remove all of us, replace us with her own advisors and help. I hope she does if even one of you suggest, these two are supposed to be on that throne, one more time and Artemis, whatever you are about to say, don't." Apollo warned, and not just her but all of them.

Artemis shut her mouth with a tiny pop sound, pouting once more.

"Kara?" Apollo looked at her briefly, before sitting back down.

No one moved.

I kind of wanted to cry, feeling suddenly overwhelmed with love and pride for Apollo who simply sat there, took a sip of wine before picking at some of the fruit on the table as if nothing had just happened.

"What the fuck happened in the Crossroads?" Hades whispered beside me. "Since when is Apollo the one to step up like that?"

"Nothing. It's just who he is now." I smiled at him. "People change."

Well, some people change and as Kara started on about the next steps in the search for the Furies, the look on Ares face told me Apollo's little speech hadn't done a thing to change him at all.

"Okay, you're all dismissed." Kara waved us away and as everyone vanished, Cain stood before kissing me on the cheek.

"I'm going after Ares. You good here?"

"Yeah. Be careful." I frowned. "Should you take Hades?"

Cain laughed. "It's Ares."

"My thoughts exactly. Cain speaks his level of stupid, don't worry." Hades murmured as Cain vanished. "Try not to have any emergencies, realm hopping disasters, or additional meetings anytime soon. I do have other things going on in my own life I have to focus on. Remember, King of the Underworld. I have my own Kingdom. It may not interest you two, but it does me."

"Run along, your highness." I mocked, catching the eyeroll as he left.

"Well, that went better than expected." Kara gulped her wine, then stared up at the ceiling. "Apollo's speech was nice."

"Now we're alone," I hesitated. "Wanna talk about it?"

"The speech?"

"No, Hecate." I reached out and held her hand, while she just stared up at nothingness.

"I can't believe Hera even got gold on the ceiling."

"I can. The first time I met her she was covered in it."

"I wish I'd been able to see them. Coming in here, everything so ridiculous and pretentious. It must have blown your mind."

"Yup, and then they all got into a fight. The sea guy, King Triton, or whatever-"

Kara snorted. "Poseidon"

"Yeah, that one. Well, I remember seeing him the most out of all of it. Oh pushing Aphrodite into the fountain full of little mermaid creatures was good too." I found some apples, and we sat in silence for a while as I ate it. "Don't want to talk about it then?"

"Not yet." She sighed. "It's weird, but it feels so distant, like a dream I can't quite remember."

"Cain said that too."

"Why do you remember it so well then?"

"I wish I could tell you, but I don't know." And that was the truth.

"I have to go get ready for some, Other event. Want to come with me and cut a ribbon to open, something public. I think it's a library." Kara yawned. "I'm already bored."

"Go do your thing, I'm just going to wait here until Cain gets back if that's okay?"

"Sure. Are you going home or staying tonight?" She got up and stretched, as one of the Other assistants came in.

"Home. I miss my bed and I think I could sleep for a year after this week."

"Okay. Stay safe, we'll talk soon," Kara smiled at the woman. "I didn't forget Penelope. Let's do this."

I helped myself to more of the food, pausing at the blueberries. Sure he was bigger than them now, but it felt weird so I avoided them and went for the mangoes instead. It then occurred to me, I had no idea how long Cain would even be, so once I was done, I decided to go to his old living space. Grabbing another chunk of mango, I noticed the crackers with dried fruits in on the other tray and took some of them with me only as I turned to leave the table, the body that appeared acted like a brick wall and walking right into it, I stumbled backwards; dropping my crackers in the process.

The man was tall and big, the bandana he'd wrapped around his face giving me a flashback to my encounter with Eris and her ninja costume as this was nearly identical. The main difference was the fluff of a blondish white beard coming out from a small gap in the neck.

"Who the fu-" I started, my powers instantly sparking to life only the pain that exploded at the side of my head shut me up and stopped it all. 

Yet before I hit the floor, I was well aware the hands that stopped me weren't gentle as a new pain burned on my arms from his grip.

Then, nothing.