by Marie Medina
“Have you kissed?” Daphne asked.
He knew this would shatter everything. “Yes.”
“When?”
“The night you came here, after the spell had been broken.”
“Before or after?”
“Before.”
Daphne laughed. “You have not changed.”
“Wait, please!” Harmonia said. “I kissed him. I came on to him. It’s not his fault.”
“I can’t believe he didn’t fuck you.”
“We’ve done almost nothing but talk about you.”
“Between kisses and glasses of wine?”
Apollo held up his hands to silence both women. “Daphne, do you love Hypnos?”
“Of course I do.”
“Then go to him and tell him. This is pointless. I still want you, but I can’t honestly say I love you. The one thing I know is I don’t want to hurt you anymore. I’m sorry for how many times and ways I’ve fucked up your life. The best thing is for you to go.”
For the first time, Daphne truly looked angry. She turned back to Harmonia. “He kissed me too that night. Begged me to kiss him just once. It left quite an impression on him. Maybe you should play a little harder to get. He only wants what he can’t have.” She pushed past him and slammed the door behind her.
Apollo looked down at the floor. He didn’t feel sad. He felt as if he’d been shot with the same arrow that had made Daphne despise him. Maybe he had inadvertently ruined her life, but hadn’t she done the same to him? Hadn’t she refused to have the spell lifted even after Zeus himself had explained to her the hate she felt wasn’t real? Hadn’t she in essence cursed him to love her and only her all those centuries? No wonder every woman in his life had been nothing but a warm, beautiful body.
His vision clouded as he began punching the door in fury, over and over again. He only stopped when Harmonia used a spell to push him to the floor. Then the pain hit. He’d punched through the glass window. His hand and arm were bleeding.
As she pulled the glass out and dabbed at the wounds with a napkin, he noticed she was crying. How could she feel sorry for him after that display? Was she afraid? Had seeing him upset hurt her so much?
“There’s a towel over there,” he said quietly, trying to push all his rage down.
She grabbed the dishtowel off the counter and pressed it to the wound. “I’m sorry. What do you need?”
“In the living room there are colored bottles on one side of the wall behind the bar. Grab the red one on the bottom shelf.”
She did so quickly. As she came back he saw his blood had dripped onto her dress. He took the bottle and drank a little bit. After a moment, he looked at his wounds. The bleeding had almost stopped. “Sorry about your dress.”
“It’s just a dress. It doesn’t matter. I’m sorry I was here. If I’d had my guard up, I would have felt Daphne approaching. I let myself relax too much.” She wiped away the tears that had run down her face.
“That’s not your fault. I’m sorry I lost my temper. Her answer would have been the same no matter what. Your presence did nothing but make her answer come out cruelly.” He looked up into her eyes. “It dawned on me that she was as much to blame as I was. She refused to have the spell lifted. Zeus and Aphrodite made so many pleas, but she said no. Being stuck with that spell ruined my life too, but I had no choice. I had no chance to drink from the Lethe, or fall in love with someone else.”
“That doesn’t change how you felt about her. It doesn’t change the pain her words caused. She shouldn’t have been cruel because her ego was wounded.”
“I know, but I meant what I said about you. You know I can’t lie, but I have to say this so you understand. I think you’re amazing.” He stroked her cheek.
“Don’t do this.” She pulled away a little bit.
“What?”
“I don’t want your pity. I also don’t want to be your rebound girl.”
Apollo stared at her, confused. “Then maybe you should go too. Why come into my life at a time like this? Why come on to me the way you did, tease me?”
“I’ve apologized for that.”
“Yeah, you have.” He didn’t know what else to say. “You felt how attracted I was to you the other night.”
She moved away and stood up. “I’ll go.”
He stood up and stopped her. He held her face in his uninjured hand and kissed her lightly on the lips. “No woman has ever cried for my pain before.”
She looked so vulnerable. Her lips trembled as he moved in to kiss her again.
She pushed him away. “I think it’s your turn to make some decisions. I’ll come see you in three days. I’d like to talk then.”
He thought about what Daphne had said to her. “I don’t suddenly want you because I can’t have you. You know that I was intrigued by you. I don’t want you to run away too.”
She smiled enigmatically. “It will be better if you think before we talk about this anymore. I’d love to stay and keep kissing you, see what happens, but I care about you too much.” She held his gaze. “I don’t run from anything.”
“Not even a man who curses everything he touches?”
“All the curses and spells are broken. You’re getting a second chance.”
Before he could respond, she faded into a sparkling mist. He stared at the broken window and the dents in his door. He snapped the fingers of his good hand and fixed it. He was glad she’d left the wine. Maybe if he got drunk enough she’d come back and rescue him again.
* * * *
Daphne stopped in the middle of the field. She saw a man walking toward her. She’d never seen him before, but she knew him. His skin was tanned and literally glowing. His eyes were golden and blazed like fire. His blond hair looked like the purest gold cascading down his back. He wore white robes and as he drew closer she saw that he seemed to float above the grass rather than walk on it.
When he reached her, he tilted her chin up and smiled at her. “Do you know who I am?”
“Helios.”
He nodded. “You remember me?”
“I remember your voice. I remember sensing you. You and Gaia.”
“We’re still watching over you.”
She tried to hold back the tears. “It’s all such a mess.”
“Your behavior isn’t helping.”
She was taken aback. “Why do you say that?”
“You should not have been cruel to Apollo. He experienced more pain than you can know while you were away.”
“I hear he turned into a jerk and a womanizer. He fucked every woman who would let him.”
“Perhaps. He found no solace in any of the pleasures he indulged in. He hurt the only woman who was kind to him.”
“Who?”
“It doesn’t matter. They had an affair, and it ended badly. You shouldn’t drive him to hurt the one who cares for him now.”
“Why are you here? How is this a comfort?”
“That was not my purpose. I see your world from a distance, but it gives me more perspective. Think carefully before you do anything else. More pain will do no good.”
Daphne could not believe how condescending Helios was being, but what else could she expect from a primal deity? They thought they were better than the Olympians. Maybe she wasn’t a goddess, only a nymph, but she wasn’t going to let him tell her what to do.
“Leave me alone. Our world is better without you in it.”
He looked hurt, but she ignored it. She walked away from him. After a few moments, she looked back. He was gone.
She walked faster, wanting to cry as she remembered how the warmth of his love had once been a comfort in the days when her mind was still so confused by her transformation. But he’d proven his loyalties. Apollo was the god of light, of the sun. Obviously Helios favored him. That thought infuriated her. Perhaps Helios had only cared for her to “prepare” her to be Apollo’s submissive little bride. She shook away the thought. Maybe it was silly, maybe not, but the idea sent a stin
g to her heart.
She hated them all.
Chapter Six
Apollo stared up at the clouds. He was sitting on his back porch, thinking of Harmonia. He was very hung over. He’d finished the bottle of wine she’d brought over, and then moved on to his own supply. He’d drunk enough to make even Dionysus proud. Coffee was helping, but he wished he knew the spell Harmonia had used on him that first night. He never tried magic like that unless he knew what he was doing. He didn’t want the top of his head to blow off, so he didn’t risk it.
A cold breeze blew over his face. Then a shadow fell across him. When he looked up, he saw Hypnos, who glared down at him.
Apollo had the good sense to feel apprehensive. “Hypnos.”
“I knew you wouldn’t change.” He picked Apollo up out of the chair by his collar and punched him square in the jaw.
Apollo reeled and hit the back door. He felt blood trickle down the side of his mouth. “What have I done now?”
“You’ve broken her heart.” He pulled Apollo away from the wall and punched him in the stomach.
Apollo pushed him off. “I knew you were still a complete psychopath. She loves you. How could I break her heart?”
“By showing so little consideration for her. Wenching already before she’s even given you her answer.”
“Wenching? You’re serious? I was having dinner with someone who happens to be female. Daphne told me she loved you. There was little hope for me. Despite that, it was just dinner.”
“I find that hard to believe. Harmonia is Aphrodite’s daughter. Probably exactly like her mother.”
Though he had no love for Aphrodite, the words angered Apollo. He was not going to let even the god of death insult Harmonia. He leapt forward and punched him in the face.
Hypnos flinched and then grabbed Apollo by the neck. “It would be so easy.”
Apollo felt his heart thud. Would he really do it? Would Hypnos really kill him over this? The pressure on his neck was cutting off the blood to his brain. He saw white spots in front of his eyes. Then the pressure stopped and he slumped to the ground.
Ares held Hypnos back by a chain pulled around his neck. Apollo watched Ares lock the chain in place behind his back with a giant black lock.
“Zeus has had me following you. We thought something like this might happen,” Ares said. “You can’t use any of your powers now, and you’ll never break that chain. Hephaestus made it for me.”
Hypnos looked furious, but he said nothing.
“Thanks,” Apollo said. He felt a little embarrassed Ares had been the one to come to his aid.
“Don’t mention it,” Ares said as he looked back at Hypnos. A clap of thunder sounded, despite the sunny skies. Hypnos disappeared. “He won’t bother you again.”
“Where is he?”
“In Zeus’ palace, heavily guarded.”
“What is Zeus going to do?”
“I don’t know, but something must be done. He could have killed you.”
“He was angry because I upset Daphne.”
Ares raised his eyebrows. “What happened?”
“I was having dinner with Harmonia. Nothing special, just us eating in my kitchen. Daphne was coming to tell me nothing would ever happen between us anyway, but when she saw Harmonia she jumped to conclusions and got angry. She must have still been upset when she told Hypnos.”
“Then he definitely overreacted. His temper is like nothing I’ve ever seen. He has me and my father beat.”
“I punched him back when he insulted Harmonia. And I don’t even love her. I only met her a couple of weeks ago.”
“You like her though.”
Apollo nodded. “Glutton for punishment.”
“Perhaps not. You’re free to like anyone now.”
Apollo couldn’t hide the look of surprise on his face.
“What?” Ares asked.
“Nothing. I didn’t expect words of encouragement from you.”
Ares crossed his arms, and then looked around as if he wanted to make sure they were alone. “Look, Alala cares for you. I can’t hate you. Much as I’d like to for nearly stealing my girl.”
“She was yours even when she was with me.”
Ares frowned, and Apollo figured part of Ares’ resentment of him was still due to his own sense of guilt at not seeing how much Alala had always loved him.
“It all worked out,” Apollo added quickly. “That’s what matters.”
Ares extended his hand. “We’re brothers. We should be friends.”
“Half brothers.” Apollo took his hand and was glad to see him smile.
“But friends from now on. Alala wants this, and she’s right to.”
“Forgiveness is a virtue we all seem to be learning. Will Zeus listen if I have something to say about Hypnos?”
“I’m sure he’ll listen at least. You can try.”
Apollo nodded. “I hope so. Loving Daphne made me do some regrettable things too.” He wiped at the blood on his chin.
“Perhaps it’s time you loved someone else.”
Apollo didn’t really want to confide in Ares, but he could bounce the idea off him. “What do you think of Harmonia?”
“She’s a little silly at times, but she’s very sweet. Very nice. But strong-willed. No one should ever cross her. So she’s had her eye on you?”
“She says she has. It’s flattering. She’s amazing.”
Ares laughed. “Sounds like you don’t need me to tell you anything about her.”
He didn’t want to bring it up, considering how Ares could get about his sister, but he took the chance. “She resents my former crush on Eris.”
“My sister’s perfect. Most men have had a crush on her.”
“I’m serious. Between Eris and Daphne, I’m not sure how things might really go. Harmonia flirted very openly the first night, but last night she was subdued. She’s a bit of a mystery.”
“Those kinds of women are the best kind.”
Apollo didn’t try to hide his annoyance.
“Okay, sorry. Look, don’t overthink it. Show her your interest is serious. She knows you can’t lie. See what happens.”
“I’m not good at this.” I don’t feel like being hurt again. I don’t think I could take it.
“You already have her attention.”
“I know. I hope I can keep it once she actually gets to know me.”
“Just try. Come over and talk to Alala about it.”
Apollo knew he was serious, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to accept. “You wouldn’t mind?”
“No. She’s a good listener, and she knows something about being in a relationship with you. I’ll tell her, and you can come over any time.”
“Thanks.”
“No problem. I have to get back to Zeus. We’ll keep you informed.”
Apollo nodded, and with another clap of thunder Ares vanished. He shook his head. Ares grew to be more like their father every day.
It wasn’t even noon, and already major parts of his life had changed. He and his brother had made a tentative peace, and the god of death had nearly killed him for not trying to steal the woman he loved. He shook his head, which ached even more now. He wasn’t sure he wanted to see what the afternoon would bring.
* * * *
Zeus followed Ares into the throne room. Daphne stood next to Hera. She looked angry, and Hera looked annoyed. Zeus had suspected Hypnos had attacked Apollo because of something Daphne had said, though Hypnos denied Daphne had urged him in anyway. He imagined simply being upset in the first place would have been enough to spur Hypnos to one action or another.
He opened his mind to Hera. You look vexed, darling.
She took a breath and answered. Our once meek and helpless little kitten here seems to have very sturdy claws. Be prepared.
He wondered what Daphne could have said. It took more than an angry outburst to annoy Hera.
“Before you say anything, Daphne, let me say we haven’t done anything to Hypnos.
You can’t blame Ares for protecting his brother.”
“I can blame you for having him followed. Why did you feel the need to spy on us?”
Zeus gestured to his left, where a couch appeared. He invited Daphne to sit by him. Ares went to his mother, and they both moved to the window at the far right of the room.
Daphne sat down. “I think I deserve an answer.”
“You never knew Hypnos before. You don’t know why we are all so cautious of him. He tried to kill Hades and Ares. He tried to overthrow me. He also tried to kill his own sister. Has he told you that?”
She shifted and folded her hands in her lap. “He told me about trying to take over. He said no one was killed.”
“That is correct, but we were lucky. He was also interfering in the mortal world, giving men with money and power ideas best left alone. Seducing women as well.”
“In dreams. I know. Perhaps he didn’t want a woman he couldn’t kiss.”
Zeus started to say something, and then stopped. He had wondered about that since it had been obvious she and Hypnos had had sex that first day she returned. “That’s a good point. I guess you learned about that the hard way.”
She smiled and shook her head. “He kissed me. Nothing happened. He’s avoiding the subject, assuming I’ll forget, but how could I? When I kissed him he jerked away as if I’d burned him. He said it would put me to sleep, even kill me if the kiss were too deep. But he can kiss me with no ill effects.”
Zeus looked up at Ares and Hera, who were now paying very close attention.
Daphne continued, “We’re meant for each other. The Fates did this.”
Zeus saw Hera take a deep breath and link arms with Ares before she crossed the room.
