|c.5|

Penelope paced the expanse of Thanion’s chambers, her bare feet soundless against the cool marble floors. The room was grand yet understated, its every corner steeped in dark elegance. Deep shades of black and midnight blue dominated the decor, with accents of polished silver glinting in the flickering candlelight. The furniture was crafted with an almost ancient artistry—each chair and table adorned with intricate carvings that told stories Penelope couldn’t yet comprehend.

But despite the room’s beauty, Penelope couldn’t find comfort. Her nerves felt like live wires sparking under her skin. She ran trembling hands over the fine velvet of an armchair, then traced the grooves of a carved obsidian vase. Nothing settled her.

Her thoughts raced relentlessly, each one bringing fresh waves of anxiety. What have I gotten myself into? What has Demeter dragged me into? She pressed her palms against her temples, as if she could physically contain the chaos in her mind. The sheer absurdity of her situation threatened to overwhelm her. Gods and goddesses were real. That singular realization was enough to shatter everything she thought she knew about the world. If they existed, what else might be lurking in the shadows, just waiting to upend her fragile sense of reality?

The gnawing thoughts clawed at her chest until she couldn’t take it anymore. Her breath quickened, her vision blurred at the edges. She had to do something—anything—to calm herself. Her gaze landed on a polished black door near the far end of the room. She stepped toward it with shaky resolve, relieved to find it led to a luxurious bathroom.

The space was a haven of marble and crystal, lit by soft, ethereal light that seemed to emanate from the very walls. A massive shower sat at its center, enclosed by seamless glass and equipped with silver fixtures that gleamed like starlight. Penelope undressed quickly, her movements frantic as she sought refuge in the promise of hot water.

When she stepped into the shower, the first jet of heat struck her like a balm, melting the tension from her muscles. She closed her eyes and let the water cascade over her, its steady rhythm drowning out the noise in her head. The steam filled the air, carrying with it the scent of luxury—notes of lavender, sandalwood, and something faintly floral she couldn’t place. For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt herself begin to relax.

Breathe, she told herself, inhaling deeply as the water soothed her frayed nerves. Just breathe.

By the time she stepped out, her panic had receded to a manageable hum. But as she reached for a towel, her stomach sank. She hadn’t thought to grab one—or a change of clothes.

Her dismay was short-lived. Sitting neatly on the edge of the counter was a fluffy black towel and a folded set of nightclothes. She hadn’t noticed them before, though she supposed she’d been too preoccupied to look around properly. Tentatively, she reached for the towel.

The moment the fabric touched her skin, she sighed in disbelief. It was impossibly soft, softer than anything she’d ever felt. It was like being wrapped in a cloud spun from silk and warmth. The pajamas, too, were a revelation. The black fabric was smooth and cool against her skin, hugging her frame without clinging. She couldn’t help but marvel at the craftsmanship, wondering if all things in this world were made with such care.

When she finally climbed into Thanion’s bed, she nearly wept from the sheer comfort of it. The mattress was the perfect balance of plush and firm, and the sheets were softer than the nightclothes she wore. She sank into the embrace of the bed, her body melting into its depths. Within moments, she was asleep, her exhaustion pulling her into a dreamless void.

Meanwhile, Thanion stood in the center of his sitting room, his jaw clenched as he waited for his summons to be answered. He was still seething, though his expression betrayed nothing but cold command. When the poofs of smoke appeared one after another, heralding the arrival of his butler, the housemaids, and Roz, he didn’t so much as flinch.

The butler was the first to step forward, his face pale with apprehension. He was an older man, with a neatly trimmed beard and a posture that spoke of centuries spent in service. His name was Chryson, a title as old as the Underworld itself. Despite his dignified air, he looked uncharacteristically nervous, his hands wringing together as he awaited Thanion’s words.

The housemaids, three in number, stood silently to the side. They were spectral in appearance, their translucent forms shimmering faintly in the low light. Though their features were beautiful, there was an eerie quality to them, their movements unnaturally smooth and precise.

Roz arrived last, her entrance marked by a faint crackle of energy. She had opted for clothes this time—a sleek, form-fitting dress that clung to her curves like a second skin. Her silver hair spilled down her back in waves, and her violet eyes sparkled with defiance as she met Thanion’s gaze.

Thanion’s voice was low, each word laced with quiet fury. “Chryson, explain to me how Roz was able to gain access to Persephone’s chambers.”

The butler stammered, his composure slipping. “M-my lord, I—I assure you, I had no idea she would—”

“You had no idea?” Thanion interrupted, his tone icy. “I gave explicit orders to ensure her quarters were secure. I warned you of this exact situation.”

Chryson swallowed hard, bowing his head in shame. “I… I failed you, my lord. I will investigate immediately and report back with my findings.”

“See that you do,” Thanion said sharply. “And whoever is responsible for this oversight will answer to me directly.”

Chryson bowed deeply before retreating, his steps hurried as he disappeared back into the shadows.

Thanion turned his attention to the housemaids, his expression softening just slightly. “Burn the mattress and the sheets,” he instructed, his tone firm but devoid of the anger he’d directed at Chryson. “Replace everything. I want that room to feel as though it has never been touched.”

The maids curtsied in unison, their spectral forms flickering. “As you wish, my lord,” one of them said, her voice soft and melodic. They disappeared without another word, their task already underway.

That left Roz...

Thanion’s stormy gaze fixed on her, and the room seemed to grow colder. “And you,” he said, his voice a quiet thunder. “How dare you embarrass me like that?”

Roz shrugged, her expression unrepentant. “I was marking my territory,” she said, her voice dripping with nonchalance.

Thanion scoffed, the sound sharp and derisive. “I am no one’s territory, least of all yours.”

Roz’s eyes narrowed, her defiance wavering as she stepped closer to him. “You didn’t seem to mind when I was warming your bed,” she said, her voice laced with a dangerous edge.

“That was nothing more than sex,” Thanion said coldly. “Do not confuse fleeting pleasure for something greater.”

Roz flinched, though she quickly masked it with a smirk. “You mean nothing to me,” she lied, her voice wavering slightly.

“Good,” Thanion said, his tone final. “Then you’ll have no trouble keeping your distance. And hear me well, Roz—if you ever disrespect another god or goddess again, there will be no leniency. Do not meddle in matters that do not concern you.”

Roz’s defiance faltered completely, her shoulders slumping as she turned away. For a moment, Thanion thought she might say something else, but she vanished without another word, her pride and pain trailing after her like a ghostly shadow.

Thanion exhaled slowly, his anger ebbing away as exhaustion took its place. He sank into the armchair in the sitting room, his head resting against the back as he closed his eyes.

He was tired—bone-deep, soul-weary tired. He had nowhere to sleep, not unless he wanted to risk startling the mortal sleeping in his bed. The thought amused him more than it should have, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He could almost imagine her reaction—wide-eyed and indignant, her cheeks flushed as she tried to find words for her outrage.

The thought carried him into an uneasy sleep, his body slouched uncomfortably in the chair. And as he drifted into dreams, he saw flashes of radiant smiles and pure souls, their light a balm against the darkness that had long since claimed him.