Open Your Heart

by Aspen Winters

  "Yes." Hades glanced over at my mother who was still talking to the newly arrived group.

  I sighed, knowing whatever he wanted to say he wasn't going to say it when there could be others who could hear us.

  "It seems like you have been having fun while I was away."

  I could see the amusement in his eyes. He was enjoying me being miserable. "How about we trade?" I was serious. I loved my mother but she was a handful and I didn't know how people could handle her after a few hours. I couldn't. I had to hold my tongue more than once around her.

  "Not a chance. You can suffer alone." Hades laughed, catching the attention of my mother and the group.

  My mother's face lit up and I gave a snicker. Now he could deal with her for a few minutes. I saw my mother point to where the housing district was and the gods nodded, before walking off. Mother than made her way over to us.

  He should have left when he could, without drawing attention to himself. Hades followed my line of sight and annoyance flashed across his face before he settled for a cool mask.

  "Hello, Aphrodite. You are looking lovely today," Hades greeted my mother.

  She gave him a bland smile, flipping her long hair over one of her shoulders. "Hades. How have you been? I heard you and my son have the same bonded." Her voice was cheerful and I could tell she was happy that I found my Bonded and that Hades had too. She may love to play with people's love lives, but she wasn't as cruel as some stories made her out to be.

  "I have been well, and that is correct. We do have the same bonded," Hades assured my mother, a smile forming on his lips.

  He probably was thinking of Clara. Not that I blamed him.

  "I am going to have to steal your son though. We have something to discuss with Zeus."

  I could have smiled at this. I didn't have to spend any more time here. Thank Olympus!

  "Okay then. I am happy you and the others have found your Bonded. Some of the other gods and myself had been worried." She gave us a small smile, before she turned to me. "It was nice to spend some time with you." She leaned and gave me a kiss on the cheek. "Now you go. I hope to meet your Bonded soon."

  "Maybe. She is still getting used to the bond and I really don't want to have you overwhelm her."

  I knew her. She would want to talk romance and see about planning a wedding...or something along those lines. I had seen her do that to some of the other human Bonded Ones. I didn't want Clara to be put through that.

  "Have a good day, Mother."

  I turned and heard Hades chuckling. He knew I wanted to get away, and wasn't hiding his amusement because of it. We stayed silent until I knew we were out of earshot before I looked to Hades.

  "What is the situation that made you come back early?" I was curious and apprehensive. I knew it had to be serious to have him come back early. He had things he needed to do in the Underworld. Hades wasn't one to push off responsibilities.

  "There has been talk in the Underworld. Apparently some of the new souls were Bonded Ones. They were killed a day or two ago."

  I sucked in a breath at this. That wasn't good news. That meant Cronus was getting bolder, or some of the other Titans were.

  "Then they’ve started breaking bonds then," I stated. That meant war was probably going to start between the Titans and the gods. If things got bad, the normal humans who didn't know about gods might get dragged into it too. That could start something even worse. Gods decided to keep themselves hidden once the new religions started to form around the world.

  "That is what it seems. We are gonna have to convince Clara to stay here longer. There is no way she can go back to the human realm..."

  I agreed. I didn't want her going back. There was no way we could protect her twenty-four-seven when we had to be here in Olympus with the other gods, helping search for Fate and keeping people safe.

  "It looks like we are going to have to have another meeting. Let’s just hope Clara is in a good mood today," I replied.

  Hades gave a grunt in agreement.

  It was still early and things were already starting to go downhill.

  “We will just have to keep our tempers in check. I know Clara has been more accepting since she woke up, so let’s hope that stays true, even after this conversation,” I said.

  Hades nodded.

  Clara had been more open to them since she had been kidnapped. She was trying to accept everything, and I was happy about this. I wanted what other Bonded Ones had with their gods. A love that was hard to break and shined so brightly.

  I had to hope that we would get there.

  Someday.

  ~Clara~

  I had stayed in the garden with Ra longer than I’d thought, the sun was high in the sky with how much light shown down into the garden. I stroked my hand over Ace who sat beside me. Ra had become silent as I had been trying to figure out an answer to his latest question. Ra and I were doing what Poseidon and I had done, asking questions back and forth. That way we could get to know one another better.

  "I think because of everything, I am so strong-willed about doing things on my own because I am used to being alone. I know you have all talked about the meeting Zeus had with my mother..." I sighed, not really wanting to talk about it, but I knew I needed to open up a little bit.

  "My mother has never been the best role model. She is something else. When she got married again, she has become a lot better than she used to be." It was true. She was much better than what she used to be. She no longer did drugs and was more responsible.

  "Being strong-willed isn't bad. It can be a good trait...especially since you’ve got five stubborn gods as your Bonded." Ra laughed, eyes lighting up as he looked at me. He seemed to always be so happy and cheerful.

  I wished I had some of that energy.

  "Are you guys happy you found a Bonded..." I paused, not knowing if I wanted to ask the question that had been in my head for a while, "...do you regret me being your Bonded?" I held up a hand, seeing him about to protest. I knew they said they weren't mad at me for being so standoffish with them, but I wanted to know for sure. "I know I haven't been the best when dealing with the bonding. I know we haven't all gotten to really talk in depth about what is gonna happen now. I know I need to stay here till Fate is found..."

  I took a deep breath, my emotions going everywhere. "What happens if you don't find Fate anytime soon? Will I be stuck here? Will I be able to go home?" Question after question that had been sitting in my head flew from my lips.

  A finger went over my lips, silencing me from spewing more questions. My worries had broken through and I knew Ra could feel my emotions.

  "I never regretted meeting you. I may have to work harder to get your affections than I first hoped, but that is something worth fighting for," Ra said softly, letting his hand move away from my lips and gently caress my cheek. "You are special to me and I wouldn't have you any other way. Even if you like to fight about what is safe for you." A small smirk came to his face as he continued to caress my cheek.

  His had was warm and sent tingles down my body. It felt nice. I could get used to his touch.

  "I know the others feel the same way, so you need to get it into your head we are here to stay and you are our first priority." Ra dropped his hand from my cheek.

  I wanted him to touch me again, it felt nice to have someone touch me without wanting anything in return.

  "We all want you to let your guard down around us and not worry about us trying to hurt you."

  Ra was starting to know me well. I didn't trust someone enough with my heart. I was afraid if I did it would end up broken.

  "You needn't say anything. I know you are trying, and trust only happens with time." He was understanding about my feelings, which I was grateful.

  "I didn't mean for the questions to get this deep either. I just wanted to get to know you. I know you said you have a sister too? What is she like?"

  I was grateful he was changing the subject. I didn't think I was ready for a full hear
t to heart, but I knew it needed to happen soon so the air could fully be cleared. I just needed a bit more time.

  "I have a younger stepsister, Hope. She is a dancer and loves life to the fullest. She reminds me of a fox half the time. Beautiful, mischievous, and smart," I replied, a smile coming to my lips as I talked about Hope.

  "She is turning eighteen soon and planning to get out of the house." I took a deep breath as I played with the end of my hair. It was a habit I got when I was in thought or nervous.

  "My mother remarried eight years ago, and dated my stepfather for two years before that. He is good for her and she has changed to a better person since then. She is not the greatest right now, but she is better off because of him." I wasn't going to defend how awful of a person she really was.

  Ra gave a hum, not saying anything, but I had a feeling he knew I had a long and hurtful history with my mother.

  "Do you not like your stepfather?" he asked, curiosity seeping into his voice.

  I looked at him and sighed, I wanted to get onto a different subject than my family. "No we get on fine. He is very strict...and didn't like the profession I wanted to go into. He isn't mean to me though." I might not get along with him that much, but he wasn't a bad person. He just was set in his ways and wasn't going to let anyone change his mind. No matter what.

  "You are uncomfortable talking about your family," Ra stated after a few seconds, he could tell. He was frowning at me, gold eyes watching my face.

  "I don't like talking about my family..." I paused before I stood up, startling Ace who was sitting beside me.

  He gave a small bark when I put my arms over my head and stretched.

  "Can we talk about something besides my family? Anything," I pleaded, wanting to not talk about this anymore.

  Ra went silent, I couldn't see him, but I could tell he was looking at me. Probably trying to figure me out.

  "That is fine. What would you like to talk about? I can tell you stories of Egypt if you would like...or even sing you some sweet songs."

  I laughed at this. I couldn't picture Ra singing to me.

  "What? Don't you think I can sing?" The playfulness in his voice told me he was doing this to lighten the mood.

  I was thankful. "I don't know. I just can't picture your singing voice is all." I turned to face him, eyes shining with mirth.

  Ra stood with his arms crossed over his chest, amusement clearly on his face. "I can sing rather well actually, most gods can," Ra replied in a matter of fact tone, making me laugh harder. He sounded so offended.

  Well if he thinks he can sing, I wouldn't mind him singing for me then.

  "Then sing me something, mister ‘I can sing just fine’."

  He raised an eyebrow at me as he unfolded his arms and took a step closer to me. "Hmm if that is what my little Bonded wishes." Ra tapped his pointed finger on his chin in thought, before a grin stretched over his lips.

  Ra opened his mouth and a rich voice filled the courtyard, but he sang in a different language. I couldn't understand him, but his voice was soothing as he sung. I smiled as I listened to him. Ra gave me a wink as he continued to sing, his voice seemed to carry through the whole garden and probably could be heard by others.

  I stood there staring, in awe at him. He’d said he didn't have a bad voice. This was more than good. I guessed all gods had voices that seemed almost perfect. The song ended much too soon for me.

  Ra grinned at my expression. "I take it you liked it?" He was smug now, and made me shake my head and laugh.

  "Yes. It was very good. I didn't understand the song, but it was beautiful all the same." I was being honest. His voice was soothing and I wouldn't mind hearing it again.

  "I am..." He didn't finish his sentence as someone interrupted us.

  "I thought I heard your voice."

  A musical voice came through the clearing making me whip around to look at the new comer. He was male with long raven hair pulled back at the nape of his neck, he had bangs that were cut crooked and covered one of his eyes. His eyes though were what stood out about him. A mix of blues and green.

  "You don't sing very often anymore, Ra." His eyes turned to me, making me freeze. They were as cold as his smirk.

  Ra didn't seem bothered by him, he just gave the man a grin. "My little Bonded didn't believe I could sing, so I had to make sure I proved her wrong."

  The man gave an unimpressed look at me, before his attention went back to Ra. "That is one reason to sing." He really didn't seem like he agreed, but was only saying that to be nice to Ra.

  "When did you arrive?" Ra questioned the man, moving to stand beside me, his arm wrapping around my waist. He gave my hip a reassuring squeeze, but his eyes never left the new comer.

  "I arrived today, my Bonded and the others arrived before me. I had some business to take care of in Valhalla," the man replied, completely ignoring my existence.

  I had a feeling he didn't get along with others.

  "Oh? I haven't gotten to meet your Bonded yet, will I finally get the chance?" Ra grinned, eyes flashing with humor. "You always hide her away."

  So this god is here with a Bonded. With his attitude, I almost feel sorry for the person bonded to him.

  "My Bonded has to be careful when she disappears since she is still under her human parents’ custody. She won't be by the end of this year," the man said.

  I heard the undertone of relief when talking about his Bonded not being in her parents’ custody anymore. She must be seventeen then. Interesting.

  "That didn't answer my question about meeting her," Ra said, clearly amused.

  It seemed this man was good at avoiding questions.

  "I was supposed to meet Desra and Nasatya here in the garden with her. She wanted to see the tree." He motioned to the tree behind us.

  I guessed it was something most humans would want to see. The tree was talked about in many stories. I didn't blame the girl for wanting to see it.

  "I see. We can leave you then," Ra replied, his arm still around my waist. "I need to take Clara to see Zeus soon anyway."

  I have to go see Zeus? He was either lying to him, or didn't tell me something. I didn't call him out on this.

  The god didn't get to answer back, because someone called out to him, "Loki, there you are."

  I snapped my head to that voice. I recognize that voice. A girl’s voice. I looked to where it came from. She was being hidden behind two males as they came from the opposite entrance he had come through. They must not have seen me or Ra as the tree had blocked us from their view.

  The three figures paused once coming around the bend, and stopped in front of us. The girl stopped looking at me with wide eyes, as she took up her spot next to the male I now knew as Loki.

  I couldn't believe it.

  I looked at the person standing before me, eyes wide as the air left my lungs in shock. "You have to be fucking kidding me." The words left my mouth before I could stop them.

  The girl in front of me flinched at my tone, but I didn't care. She had some explaining to do. Standing there with wide green eyes was my sister.

  "Hope."

  I stood there not knowing what to say. I had never expected this. I had never seen any sign of these gods around Hope before, and from what Loki said, he had been around her for a while now. That meant Hope knew about gods and all this before I did.

  "Hello, Clara." Her green eyes looked at me sadly. She felt guilty, I could tell by the look in her eyes. She didn't seem all that surprised I was here.

  I didn't know what to feel. I just stared at Hope. How long had she been a Bonded? How long had she known about Titans? My tongue felt heavy in my mouth, I tried to talk, but nothing came out. I had no clue what to say. I was speechless and I felt hurt.

  "You didn't think you were that special did you?" Loki asked clear look of amusement of the situation clear in his voice.

  I clenched my teeth together. This guy was an asshole.

  "I know I should have talked to you whe
n I heard you were bonded..." Hope started, she bit her lip.

  I didn't want to hear it though. Nope. Not one bit.

  She tried to take a step forward, but Ace was in front of me teeth bared at her. His teeth were long and eyes were glowing red as he growled furiously. Hope shrank back, eyes wide as she looked at Ace. She probably hadn't seen a hellhound before.

  "Ace down," I ordered, voice soft.

  He still heard me backing up so he sat in front of me, his ears were flat against his head as his eyes were narrowed. He stopped growling and showing his teeth, but he was still standing stiffly in front of me. He looked ready to pounce at any given second.

  "Clara," Hope said, wearily. She glanced down at Ace, she didn't try to step closer to me again.

  I could see she didn't want to set Ace off again. I shook my head at her, not wanting to deal with her at the moment. Not until I got my head wrapped around the new situation. "Don't Clara me," I finally spoke to her, eyes narrowing.

  Hope winced, looking down at the ground.

  I could tell her gods weren't happy. Desra was the god I met briefly earlier. He was next to someone who looked exactly like him, but with different colored eyes and a different outfit. He stood next to Hope, protective and a frown on his face as our eyes connected.

  I tore my eyes away from him, not wanting to deal with any of these people in the garden with me. I wanted to go back to my room, and maybe cry.

  "How long have you known?" I asked, hurt laced my voice as I looked at my sister.

  She looked down with guilt. How long did she know about me being bonded?

  "I noticed something when we met up for breakfast," Hope confessed, her eyes still not meeting my own.

  I sucked in a deep breath at this information. "I can't do this right now." I winced when my voice shook. I was holding back tears as I looked at Hope again. My heart hurt from her keeping such a big secret. I wasn't expecting this at all. I had thought Hope was safe on Earth doing a project for school. Not here on Olympus bonded to gods and she had been for who knows how long.