Erebus descended from the imperial villa into the heart of Olympus. The city once horded by the refugees and displaced, had begun to breathe again. Streets once stained with blood, ash and iron now pulsed with vibrant life.
The scent of fresh flatbreads wafted from bakeries, blending with sharp herbal notes carried by the breeze. Victory had brought with it a fragile joy.
His soldiers, strangers in this land, were welcomed as companions. Laughter and celebration filled the air.
Erebus passed them with a quiet indifference. Outside the battlefield, his men were permitted freedoms—so long as those freedoms did not sully the army's name. The cost of misbehavior was high, and every soldier understood that the weight of judgment fell swiftly.
He made his way toward the temple district, where the city's hospices housed his wounded and resting warriors.
Near the training grounds, he spotted Alessio—shirt damp with sweat, muscles taut, practicing swings with unyielding focus.
"General!" Alessio called out, raising a hand in greeting.
Erebus approached with a nod.
"Training alone?" he asked.
"Well, even peace can't soften the edge," Alessio chuckled, taking a deep swig from a wooden pitcher before offering it to Erebus.
Erebus accepted the drink and took a brief sip. "And the others?"
"All off celebrating. Though," Alessio leaned in with a grin, "they've been squeezing in training—mostly out of fear."
"Fear?" Erebus narrowed his gaze.
"Of you, General," Alessio laughed. "Lu Yin's been reminding everyone daily of what happens when your temper flares. They've taken the hint."
Erebus gave a slow, approving nod. "Good. They'll need the discipline. Another mission begins soon."
Alessio choked on his drink, eyes wide. "Another one? That's... news to me."
Erebus's eyes drifted toward the horizon, in the direction opposite the temple, as if already seeing beyond the present.
"Divide the forces into three," he ordered. "Gather all capable fighters—but prioritize the demonic. Start with them. Zeraf will accompany me. The rest will return to the human realm and Wahrheit. I want to assess the state of both territories."
Alessio straightened, the gravity of the command settling over him. "Understood. I'll see it done. Lu Yin will relay further instructions?"
Erebus gave a short nod. "Report to me when you're ready."
Alessio saluted firmly, then strode off with renewed purpose.
---
The Imperial Villa
Dacey and Fabio had taken their leave, still glowing from the joy of spending the day with the children they now proudly claimed as grandchildren. But for Luciana, the day had been heavy—etched with sorrow and the sting of old truths resurfaced.
Only her children brought her solace now.
"Mama, you look sad," came Nemesis' small voice.
She was seated beside him, cradling Hades in her arms. Nemesis's wide eyes searched her face.
"Oh…" She blinked, realizing the emotion she had failed to conceal. "No, my sweet love. Mama's just tired." She brushed a hand through his hair, gentle and tender.
Nemesis's voice remained soft. "Mama?"
"Yes?"
"Will we go back home with Dade?"
The question struck like lightning. She paused, words momentarily lost.
"I… don't know yet," she finally whispered. "Your father still has work to do. We might need to stay here a little longer."
"But I miss Leo… and Mina… and Uncle Jafar… and Butler Blake… and Zehel's cook—"
She pressed a finger to his lips, smiling faintly. "Shhh… You'll wake Hades. Let's talk about it later. You need sleep to grow into a strong knight."
She kissed his forehead and quietly placed Hades into his crib.
Yet sleep eluded her. The weariness of the day clung to her, but her heart remained burdened. After a final glance at her resting children, she wrapped a shawl over her shoulders and stepped into the quiet of the night.
The villa was hushed. A soft breeze moved through its corridors, carrying the distant hum of the city below—its lights flickering like scattered fireflies in the twilight. Luciana walked slowly, her hair swaying with the wind, eyes distant.
"Sister?"
The voice halted her. She turned to see Melody approaching, leaning slightly on a cane.
"Mel?" she said, moving to her side. "Where's your attendant?"
"I wanted a walk," Melody replied with a gentle smile.
Even in her nightgown, the scars from her burns were visible—faint reminders of the pain she had endured.
"Restless again?" Melody asked knowingly. She had always recognized the quiet unease that drove Luciana to night walks.
"Perhaps," Luciana admitted. "Everything feels… uncertain. And I don't know how to fix any of it."
Melody reached for her hand, grasping it warmly.
"What is it?" Luciana asked, letting her sister hold her hand.
"Remember what Mother used to tell me? When I worried too much?"
Luciana's lips curved faintly. "She used to say it a lot."
"She said, When something troubles you, make it the least significant thing… until you can solve it." Melody's gaze was clear. "She said the same to you, Luciana. Often."
Luciana chuckled softly. "I suppose she did."
"She knew we both worry too much—about those we love, about everything. But now, sister... let go of what you can't control. Focus on what brings you joy."
Luciana looked down, thoughtful. "Joy… or need?" she murmured. Then, catching Melody's concerned gaze, she smiled gently. "Come. You should be in bed."
Together they walked back to Melody's quarters.
"Speaking of happiness. Ari's wedding will be held soon. There will be more celebrations to see and enjoy." Melody beamed. A rare emotion Luciana could see in her quiet sister.
"Yes...the citizens located in the western part of Amanécer will be joining us soon." Luciana agreed.
Cornelius and the Alchemist tower had worked on reactivation of the portals so the displaced families could be together once again. The supplies from Blue Van were distributes along with other services like transportation. While Rudolph was nowhere to be found. Lucerne was given charge of the army
But the official announcement was yet to be made. Octavius was nowhere to be found. Most yet being stripped off his official title and duties he was under house arrest.
They talked about other things. Good things to refresh themselves of the sorrow they bore for too long. Once her sister was settled, Luciana turned to leave—but hesitated.
A whispering sound reached her ears. Voices.
She stepped lightly to the balcony, peering down into the shadows.
"Guards?" she wondered aloud.
But one voice made her freeze.
That voice—deep, familiar, unforgettable.
Her eyes narrowed. Two men in black stood below.
"Erebus?" she whispered. "And… who is the other one?"