•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

The goddess of hearth couldn’t tie herself to any man,

Whether by marriage or physical intimacy.

Hestia rejected all marriage proposals.

Those from gods such as Poseidon, Apollo, and Ares.

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

Our footsteps trudged against the pavement as we left the club. The night was chilly and I tugged Pedro's jacket over my shoulders. My hand clung to his bicep.

A perfect position. Any random stranger would think we were a couple but in retrospect, it showed our carefree attitude. Probably giving our crocotta -- in case he's watching -- the belief that we weren't expecting an attack.

At least it will sell better than walking on the streets like a runway model about to kill some demons.

After Eros' appearance, we all gathered at the bar to skim over the plan. And currently, we were initiating the first step.

Luring the bait.

I couldn't go with Liam or Zion because they had to hide in the shadows and carry out the surprise attack.

Besides, it'll make sense if I took a fun walk with my best friend. Ocypete had left a few minutes ago to get her crocotta pal.

All afternoon Eros had taught me a few basic combat moves just in case the crocotta decides to fight without warning. Even though Ocypete promised that won't happen, we can't be too sure.

The training left me with a few broken bones but thankfully, Liam was there to start a healing session. A painful one at that.

"So you and Liam?"

I stumbled but gained my footing. Pedro's words caught me off guard. I gazed at him with wide eyes. "Huh?"

He let out a good laugh which seemed to travel far under the night sky.

I looked away, focusing on my red flat shoes. "Is it that obvious?"

Pedro scoffed under his breath. "Obvious? More like prominent; sticking out like a sore thumb. I'm surprised Zion is still pretty clueless."

I tensed a bit. My cheeks warmed up for a second and I sighed. "Will Zion hurt Liam if he finds out?"

Pedro shook his head. "I don't think so, Chips. Sure he'll say how much he doesn't trust him but apart from that, it all depends on you."

I nodded but remained quiet.

After a moment of silence, Pedro continued. "But you do need to be careful. True, Liam has risked a lot to help us, which is good, but...don't forget Gwen's prophecy. The curse applies to him too and I wouldn't want to see you die, especially by his hand."

Gwen's words blurred into memory.

For he will murder his beloved,
Never to be saved.

Even if the prophecy was for Liam, he already has a beloved. So it wouldn't be me he'll kill, right?

I felt a bit uneasy when my thoughts shifted to his anonymous mate. Some part of me wishes she never shows up.

"I know Liam tried to kiss you in the car when we drove to the beach."

"Pedro!" I slapped his arm as he laughed under his breath. My face grew hot by the minute.

Liam did try to kiss me but he was using his abilities to do that. Luckily, I noticed and stopped him. He never tried it again.

A group of pedestrians paused at my outburst, probably wondering what's going on.

I glared and they continued on their way, longtails swished busily behind them. I wasn't surprised; Star-crossed inc. is a mythological place.

I grab hold of Pedro's arm. "If you wanna play this game, fine. How about you and Gwen? You've grown close these past few days."

He shrugged. "She's cool."

That's the same answer he gave last time!

I lightly shoved him. "You're hiding something. Come on, Pedro. We're best friends so spit it out."

He made a nervous smile -- which was new. "I kinda like her personality. And every blush is quite adorable. So yeah, she's great."

So he notices every blush? Somehow that made me smile.

He continued nonetheless. "I know Zion still doesn't trust her. He keeps giving these suspicious eyes every time they talk. It's pretty understandable. My last girlfriend was a gold digger who only loved me for money.

"Since then, Zion gets a bit protective when it comes to other girls. Hunter complains about it but I don't mind."

I rose an eyebrow. "Don't mind?"

Pedro grinned. "Okay, maybe I tolerate--"

"Tolerate!?"

"Fine! I complain all the time but admit it, I have a bit of tolerance compared to Hunter."

I smiled. "That is quite true. So have you and Gwen kissed or something?"

I glanced up at a roof and noticed a slight movement. Like a shadow dashing behind one building to the next.

Liam?

Pedro pursed his lips. "Nah. She's too innocent."

I turned to him and scoffed. "Yeah, and fish can fly."

It was his turn to lose his footing. "What are you trying to say?"

I laughed and nudged him. "I'm Just kidding. Gwen is awesome and all but who knows, it could all be a lie?"

It was meant to be a joke but now that I think about it...

I remembered when Liam and Henry had first arrived in class. Gwen seemed so confident and strong-willed. A complete contrast to her shy attitude. It made me wonder...

But why will Gwen be the spy? Why will she want to hurt Pedro? Why will she go against the people trying to save her dad? What if her dad wasn't kidnapped in the first place? What if she's Henry's mistress? What if it's all a setup?

So far Henry hasn't made a move and it had me worried. What if he's already one step ahead?

So many questions; it made me want to tear my hair out.

I halted, stopping Pedro. "Maybe we shouldn't do this."

Pedro looked down at me. "Why?"

"What if Gwen is the spy?" I told him about Wyatt and how he knew our location at the cemetery.

Pedro's eyes widened for a second before instantly burying it. "It's not, Chips."

"But--"

"Hey..." He cupped my cheeks, brown eyes centered on mine and his skin felt so warm. "...remember, Gwen was attacked by the carcinus crab in her own home. So it can't be her. I know you're scared but everything will be fine. Whatever happens tonight, Zion, Liam, and I will make sure you're safe.

I made a sharp nod, hoping I could convince my sudden panic state.

"So relax, Pickles. Besides, if Henry shows up, I'll make a pool of water, Liam will use his telekineses and dump him in it, then Zion will electrocute him. See. Easy." He wiggled his eyebrows and I managed a smile.

Maybe I was overthinking.

We tensed when a flapping noise reached our auditory. A bird-like silhouette perched on the roof to our side.

Ocypete.

She made no other move but I could feel her gaze on me.

"He's here," Pedro said after taking a long look at the harpy. He looked down at me and made an encouraging smile. "This is where I take my leave. Remember to stay calm. He shouldn't know you were expecting him. Do you understand?"

"Yes," I spoke under my breath. I can do this. I'm a great actor.

Or maybe not.

"Don't fight unless you have no choice. Wait for Zion, Liam, and I to initiate the surprise attack, then you get away from him as far as possible."

I nodded, my heartbeat increased by the second. I tried to remain calm but I can't help it.

Pedro smiled and ruffled my hair. "I'll be in the store just in case."

With one last wink, Pedro stepped away, heading towards a stationary building on the other side of the road. I watched until he disappeared behind the revolving glass door, leaving me in the nearly empty street.

I licked my dry lips and tugged his coat closer to my body. I glanced at the Harpy on the roof but she was gone.

Perfect.

I peeped around and found a park bench by a streetlight. After a moment of hesitation, I sat on the cold wood. The bright yellow light somehow created a sense of security.

I sat there for a while; about thirty minutes but nothing happened. Maybe the crocotta didn't take the bait.

Then I heard footsteps, slow and casual. The bench creaked when a bulky man sat at the far end of the seat.

His hat pulled over his face and his trenchcoat made him impossibly larger. I couldn't help but stare at his profile from the far side of my vision.

My pulse raced uncontrollably when I noticed his fierce features. Even though he stared straight ahead, his eyes fixed away from me, I couldn't help but tense at the familiarity.

I recognized him.

Who might the crocotta be?

What's gonna happen next? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Please don't forget to vote, comment, and share.💜💜

Until next time.💜