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She's the goddess of the harvest

She presides over earth's fertility.

Referred to as the goddess of the harvest,

And was the mother to Persephone.

she's Demeter.

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

I shut my eyes, waiting for the impact.

There was none.

Zeus' sword fell close to my feet. It clambered against the tiles like a freaking bell before turning silent. I blinked and looked up.

The god had doubled over like he had been punched in the gut. His hands grasped his head in a vice grip. He grunted and stumbled back with eyes shifting beneath his tightly shut eyelids. It almost seemed like he was trying to wake up from a bad dream. The god fell on one knee and let out an agonizing scream. After a brief moment, his eyes rolled back before crumpling to the ground.

I was breathing fast.

What just happened?

I rushed to Liam and knelt by him. "Are you okay?" I touched his face.

It took a minute for his exhausted eyes to find mine before glancing at his torso. "I will be."

I followed his gaze and gasped. The burnt wounds on his chest were slowly healing and seeing it this close was a first. A groan interrupted the moment. We turned to find Zeus pulling to his feet.

Oh no.

I looked around, needing a weapon. My broken umbrella lay on the floor.

So not an option.

I kept looking around and spotted Liam's bow. Why didn't I see it before? I moved fast, grabbing it, and aimed the sharp tip for protection. Liam was chuckling beside me. I slapped him and he blinked a few times.

"What the heck is so funny?" I gritted, despite my aching jaw.

He kept on laughing, probably not in his right mind. I bet if we put his brain in a bird, it would fly backward. He smiled and looked ahead. Zeus stood before us a few feet away, but his eyes weren't glowing.

"Zion?" I whispered.

He looked puzzled as he watched me, then Liam, before turning on the same spot to look around.

I must admit the place was in a mess. The railings were hanging off the edge of the roof and a shattered vase, umbrella, and so many destroyed objects littered the ground. Even the walls had a few cracks.

"What happened?" His voice was barely a whisper as he turned back to me. He took a glance at my jaw, concern washed over him. "Are you alright?"

He took steps towards us and I panicked.

"Stop!" It was a shriek I couldn't control.

After encountering Zeus for the second time, it was clear he wanted to kill me. Zion always triggered the thought of Zeus appearing any moment. My brain never missed the fact that I could've died. And seeing Zion sent it into a hyperdrive mode. I didn't want to meet Zeus anymore, even if he had all the answers I want about Liam.

"Please," I added when he took another step.

"Did I hurt you?" He was wounded by my rejection -- that was clear but I didn't want to be near him at the moment. Not until I'm sure Zeus is gone for good. Zion pieced up the situation pretty quickly. He ran a hand through his hair and cursed.

I managed a smile but it faltered. "It wasn't you. Just give us a minute."

He bit his lip and observed Liam, but it wasn't filled with disdain or anger. For the first time ever, Zion was concerned for the guy. Liam tried sitting up but fell miserably against the wall.

"I'm fine man." He grunted back, a slight tint colored his cheeks.

Zion hesitated before nodding. He walked back into the house, slamming his fist against the wall. He was angry at himself. But it wasn't his fault. I'll have to suck it up and talk with him later.

"Don't ever do that again." Liam snapped.

My eyes widened as I watched him. "Do what?"

"Feel sorry for me. I don't need it." He still had the red tint on his cheeks.

I folded my arms and raised an eyebrow. "I think I know what's going on here."

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? And what's that?"

I grinned but it was terribly painful. "You're embarrassed because Zeus kicked your ass."

Liam pursed his lips and looked away. "I wasn't expecting him, that's all. Besides, the sooner I teach you how to fight, the better."

"Nah. I think I'll learn from Zeus." I tried to sound calm but his name was already freaking the hell out of me.

Liam rolled his eyes and slammed his palm to his forehead. "Stop goading me."

He managed to sit up, knowing his strength was returning. I stared at his bow in my hands. Its carved work was beautiful and languid; it was mesmerizing. The wood was smooth and polished with what looked to be the finest timber. I turned it to the side and noticed words carved into the wood.

It was in greek; Méchri na tin écho.

Until I have her.

Who's her?

A finger met my chin, tipping my face towards green glowing eyes.

Liam was close.

So close that I could feel his breath warm my skin. His eyes were catlike -- observing me. A thumb grazed the dry blood at the corner of my lips and I winced from the pain.

His eyes were fixed on the wound. "If not for Zeus and Zion being one person, I would've killed him already."

"Don't hurt Zion."

He shifted up a bit to feel comfortable. "I won't. But I can't say the thought won't cross my mind."

His eyes shifted downward, towards my lips. That's when my mark chose this moment to burn up like an annoying signal. I pulled away.

Liam smiled like he knew a secret. "How do you expect me to heal you now?"

I frowned. "Is it going to hurt?"

"A little." He pulled a knee to his chest and placed his elbow on it.

With one hand, he grabbed his bow and shrunk it to a little piece of wood. Liam tossed it upwards and it disappeared with a puff of smoke. The markings on his fingerless gloves glowed before dimming down. My mind was ticking with curiosity.

Where did he get the bow?

Liam gestured with his head. "Come closer."

I hesitated, giving him a pointed look before pressing my knee against the side of his thigh. His smirk was taunting me and I rolled my eyes.

I grew frustrated. "Just heal me alre--"

I shrieked at his speed. In one blink I was straddling him, his arms wrapped around me. Our chests were flushed and I had my hands against the wall, on either side of his head.

He pulled me closer and touched my cheeks with his. It now felt like a hug. "Have I ever told you your gowns are exotic?"

My eyes shot down at the thin material I wore.

"But I prefer the shorter one." He whispered.

I felt my cheeks involuntarily warm up. I was aware of the kind of nightgown I wore. It was dawn and the cold breeze licked over parts of my exposed thighs.

Yup! Totally aware of the black dress I wore...and my position.

His nose skimmed over mine and I tensed.

"I'm not going to kiss you." He promised.

My mark was burning so fast I could feel my body heating up with it.

"Liam." I breathed. "You're hungry."

Maybe I should make Phyllis available after every fight. I cringed at the thought.

Why was I thinking that? It's despicable.

His nose tickled my ear. "Not yet."

I felt my jaw shift and I bit my lip before feeling my shoulder move into place. He had begun his healing. It wasn't so painful but the movement was jerky. The pain subsided and my strength was returning.

Suddenly, Liam paused like he had frozen in time. His eyes locked on my neck with anger.

I furrowed my eyebrows, wondering what was going on. "Liam?"

I tried shifting away but stopped when I heard him growl. "What happened to your neck?"

"What?" I whispered.

Liam pulled away to face me. "There's a hickey on your neck." His voice was filled with controlled rage.

I touch the side of my neck. My eyes widened when I felt the small bump. It stung a bit. I paled, remembering my dream. The hickey was formed from a nip.

A bite made by Henry.

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