Forsaken Deity

Chapter 24

 “She’s not even helping in this battle — why does she have to make an appearance?” Hermes grumbled.

Thea smiled and squeezed his hand. “It’s only a quick visit, Apollo said. We’ll just suck it up and get it over with fast.”

Any chance of Hermes missing Aphrodite’s visit went out the window. Apparently, she had decided to delay her arrival until the following day because she was treating herself to a spa day. When Hermes heard she was popping in for a visit, he was beyond pissed. He spent three hours trying to convince Thea not to see her but she felt it would be for the best. She wanted to clarify to Aphrodite that she wasn’t the same girl and there would be no friendship between them.

Thea was running on a high after her morning session with Apollo. Her mental wall was working well; even Apollo’s sleazy advances had no effect on her. She still wanted to hurt him but thankfully Artemis was there to do that for her. Her control of fire was getting stronger now she’d discovered the trick to it. She could now shape and bend it to her will, the ability to control it coming back to her. She was still worried she was going to fail, but slowly those worries were fading and her confidence was making a comeback.

The two of them were waiting for Aphrodite in one of the small sitting rooms near the front of the house.  Hermes had been pacing nonstop and Thea had to grab his arm to make him stop. Voices sounded in the hall and Hermes tensed, recognising them.

“It’s all right,” she murmured. “Nice and quick, remember?”

He nodded, squeezing the blood from her hand.

The door opened and Thea recognised the blonde beauty walking toward them. With large doe eyes, she smiled as her eyes fell upon Thea. Wearing a light blue dress which accentuated her eyes, it hugged her curves, falling just above her knees. Her blonde hair was left out, falling around her face in soft curls and for a brief moment, Thea felt a spark of jealousy before squashing it down. Moving past Hermes, she reached for Thea.

“Hello, dear. Aren’t you as lovely as your predecessor?” Aphrodite leaned over and kissed both her cheeks before throwing her into a bone crushing hug. Stepping back, her upper lip curled at Hermes scowl. “Hello, Hermes. Long time, no see.”

“Aphrodite,” he said shortly. “What do you want?”

“I want to speak with Thea, of course. Alone, preferably.”

“Not a chance –“

“Hermes, it’s all right,” Thea interrupted.  

His head whipped in her direction. “What?”

She leaned closer to him, whispering, “If it means getting her out of here quicker, then let me talk to her alone. I’ll be fine, trust me.”

His lips thinned. She knew he didn’t want her left alone with Aphrodite but she was afraid he would try to start a fight if he stayed any longer. “Fine. Enjoy your talk.”

Stalking out, he slammed the door shut. Thea winced, wanting to run after him, but she had to deal with this first. Turning back, she faced the Goddess.

“So, Thea,” she said sweetly, “how are you coping with everything?”

“I’m managing all right. Hermes has helped me a lot.”

“I’m sure he has –“

“Look, Aphrodite.” Thea took a step forward, deciding to get it out of the way. “Let’s skip the small talk. I want to say something before you get into why you’re here. I know you were friends with Lissandre but I’ve seen her memories of you and what you did to Hermes. I just want to let you know that I’m not that type of person. I don’t enjoy ruining other people’s lives so I’m sorry, but if you’re looking to be friends then I suggest you leave now.”