The gods fulfilled many roles that guided the laws of the world and some had become the very personifications of such concepts. The great Olympians were complex, special and mighty, but they were not alone in this world. As so many deities were discarded or pushed aside, they did not fade completely. The Gorgon’s birth giver was yet somewhere in the endless oceans that divided the worlds. Even a few impartial Titans had retained their freedom and kept fulfilling their duties in this world ruled by Zeus.

One of the most renowned and worshipped among these outsiders was the great and shining Helios, god of the sun. He was a dashing young man, clad in the garb of dawn that his sister Eos had bestowed upon him. Every day - as he himself created it - he rode his giant golden chariot across the sky’s ceiling and did his rounds along the entire world. On the back of his chariot was the light of the sun that gave life to all below and at the front it was drawn by the four great steeds: Pyrois, Aeos, Aethon, and Phlegon.

Humans gave thanks to the circling fire that allowed them to thrive, yet Helios was most revered only in certain parts of the world, like Rhodes. Many had taken his blessings for granted.

What could give life could also destroy it however.

“It’s so hot today.” Eugenia said covered in sweat as she leaned against a wall in the shade.

“’Tis a blazing day.” Medusa agreed mostly undaunted by the immense heat. Her skin was starting to feel the intense rays that were similar to fiery arrows.

“This is weird…” The former priestess wiped her face and shoulders with already soaked rags and drank her water so hastily that she nearly choked and snorted some out of her nose.

“This isle has no seasons, it is always in perpetual summer; you should have taken note by now.” Medusa replied while crossing her arms below her bosom.

“But… it has been midday for almost an entire day now.”

“You must be imagining it.”

“Isn’t it odd… that it has only gotten hotter all day? Will the island not catch fire soon?” Eugenia muttered with a delirious expression.

“You are imagining it.” Medusa replied stoically.

Medusa’s eyes could focus even on the blinding sunlight if she put enough focus into them. Just another aspect of the Gorgon’s monstrous body allowed her to look at something that would burn a human’s eyes to ash. The increasing heat around her had little effect after her torture at the border of the world. To be burned and frozen alive continuously made all other inconveniences appear like child’s play.

But the shining disk had gotten bigger no doubt…

“What is the meaning of this?” She whispered under her breath as the sun seemed to come closer.

“Euuugh.”

Medusa looked down and saw Eugenia sink unto her back and spread out like a wet rag.

A single drop of sweat ran down the Gorgon’s throat onto her chest, where it got absorbed by the chiton.

It was getting really hot.

The sun was soon going to pass the barrier of storms. That was impossible. Nay, just unlikely. The island was not part of Helios' route, yet there was no doubt that the burning light was riding across the storm clouds and illuminating them like a candle in the night.

“I… I can hear v-voices…” Eugenia stammered while letting her tongue hang out.

Medusa sharpened her ears, even if they could never compare to the girl’s. They were faint, but she could indeed hear the distant words coming closer.

“My, is that the isle? Such a small and idyllic retreat! A place out of all the world’s sight. Is it not romantic?”

“Ngh.”

“You have not spoken a single word in all our journey. I like a stoic man. I know how it is, you would much prefer to let your body speak for you.” The alluring and sweet voice of a woman seemed to flap across the air with butterfly like wings.

“Rrgh.” The much deeper male voice simply grunted in frustration.

“Oh my! You swerve so determinedly, let me hold on to your ironclad muscles~”

Medusa’s face was covered in shadows now, despite the blazing sunlight that threatened to set her clothes alight. Her body twitched in stressful realization.

“Eugenia we need to hide. Pretend we are not home.” Her neck creaked as she looked down and saw Eugenia lying down flat on her face inside the sand, twitching in a puddle of her own sweat. She was a lost cause.

Up in the sky the all illuminating heat seemed to swallow the very blue of the sky and turned it red and white.

“After my business is made complete, shall we find ourselves a comfortable spot in the snake’s keep and enjoy pleasures so sweet and pristine that they will put the gold of your chariot to shame?”

“…”

The chariot increased its speed.

“You do not have to say a word, I can tell by the way your jaw shakes that you desire it as well. I will take wonderful care of you soon, my boy. I will teach you what those childish nymphs could not~” She chuckled. “Alas, first I will have to go down on my own. Will you carry me there, my dearest?”

Medusa’s mouth began to shake and her eyes turned slit like. Every possible sign of alarm was shaking her body and made her stoic face rattle.

“Why? That woman - why is she coming here!?” The Gorgon, never shaken or afraid, was suddenly close to panic. She could not stay. She had to flee as quickly as possible.

She turned around and passed the collapsed human girl quickly. Internally she gave her apologies for leaving her behind.

“Good luck.” She said quietly as if she was giving her farewells to a lost soul.

“You are not slowing down? Have I excited you so terribly that you cannot control your virile energies? Haha, youth! I can also hardly anticipate this much longer, so let me embrace you once before my business.”

“Enough! You are insufferable.” The rough voice suddenly retorted. “I regret agreeing to deliver you. Leave my chariot you virulent man-eater!”

“Ohhh, what a manly voice you have! Such passion only gets me more excited-“

“Delivery completed.” Helios growled and threw the woman off his chariot. “You owe me a favor Hermes.” He slammed the reigns and the four magnificent steeds galloped off at blinding speed.

“He can be so rough. I await your return with bated breath!” She called after him as she rapidly descended through the air. Otherwise referred to as falling.

As the sun retreated and Medusa rushed off to hide, the intruder landed unceremoniously with a loud noise. She had finally arrived.

“Athena’s little abode has seen better days.” She sat up and took a good look at her surroundings. “It is good that I had a soft landing in midst of this rubble.”

“Guh…” Eugenia’s white eyes seemed to turn even whiter as they rolled back into her head. The woman had landed flat on her back.

“Heavens, how unfortunate.” The woman covered her mouth in mild surprise. “Then you must be the little priestess I heard so much about. Where has your big snake gone off to?” She elegantly got up from the girl’s back and dusted off her floaty wide chiton that shone in a variety of colors.

She put a hand on her womanly waist and smirked. With a high pitched tone she whistled twice. In a matter of seconds there was wild heated hissing echoing through the ruins.

“You infernal traitors. Cease this at once… how dare you!” The numbed complaints came from a crevice in the ground.

“Come out, come out, wherever you are~” The woman called out energetically into the echoing ruins. “You have a beautiful guest waiting at your doorstep!”

“Grrraah! Stop trying to copulate, you have no lower bodies… Stop biting me or I shall tear you off!” The annoyed cursing became louder and eventually a frustrated and very angered Gorgon pierced the ground and came out of her hidey hole. The snake hair was driven mad by the goddess’ spell and kept writhing all over the Gorgon’s face. “Will you lift your enchantment already?” She grumbled.

“With pleasure.” Her smirk was as wide as ever as she flicked her fingers and the snakes immediately dropped down, exhausted.

The immensely frustrated Gorgon swiped the snakes aside like they were long strands of her bangs and glared at her ‘guest’. The woman before her was nearly beyond fantastical.

A beauty so deep and unfathomable that it penetrated a dimension of its own and reached for emotions that stirred even the coldest of beings. Her sparkling eyes had an allure that unsettled even the Gorgon’s heart of stone. The luscious flowing hair that did never seem to obey the direction of the wind or the force that kept things tied to the ground was of a wonderful chestnut color. It was said that it would change color and tone according to the viewer’s preference.

Every motion of her body was another pose that would be depicted in sculptures across the world, for any sculptor would cry at its beauty. Her attire was holding on to her curves and skin in impossible positions and angles, always nearly exposing her, yet steadily attached all the same.

“Have you lost your way? This island is no place for the gods.” Medusa’s voice was as toxic as it could be.

“Nay, I was purposely delivered to this little island retreat of yours, dear snake.” Her eyes that had such a strong allure also hid a certain wit and hunger that could unsettle the soul deeply.

“Hmph. Your whims are a thorn in the fingers of all that touch you. I am not some mortal man that you can toy with.” Their eyes were on the same level. Although one pair was cursed, somehow the glow of the divine pair seemed more sinister.

“Making you my plaything is the least of my desires, wily snake. I have come on behest of my ever busy Hermes.” She stretched her arms aside serenely and gave her a smug smile.

“The messenger boy?” Medusa raised a brow and was about to inquire further, but then they were both becoming aware of the moans behind the woman.

“Nnnh… my head…” Eugenia squatted next to the intruder and rubbed her head. Then she twisted her face in pain and held her stinging back. “Ow… ouch, what happened to me? It feels like a cart was dragged over my back.”

“Well.” The beauty beside her showed a hint of irritation at such comparisons, but immediately returned to her naturally cheerful smile. “I am deeply sorry for the way I have appeared before you. Helios is such a dishonest man, truly, he never admits to his infatuations and prefers roughhousing like a young boy. I confess that his act appeals to me still.” Her soft expression was completely honest.

“M-Medusa? I am still hallucinating, right?” The human girl was lost.

“Not so.” The Gorgon grunted. “We have an intruder.”

“Guest.” The woman corrected her.

“Seriously? Did you come by boat-? N-no I mean, who are you?” She pulled herself up by a fallen pillar and unsteadily stood before them. She was still covered in sweat from head to toe and looked pretty rough.

“Dear child, you stand before none other than your goddess.” The woman said boisterously.

“God-dess?” Eugenia repeated dryly. She helplessly turned her head towards Medusa, who avoided her disgruntledly.

“Oho, indeed, I nearly forgot about your pitiful ailment. Blindness is the greatest blight upon humankind, as you shall never perceive my beauty.” The woman softly put her hand to Eugenia’s sand-covered cheek and rubbed it with sympathy. “I am Aphrodite.”

“…” Eugenia’s expression flipped between so many states in quick succession that it ultimately got stuck in a weird grimace. She shakingly pointed at Aphrodite and turned to Medusa again.

“She speaks the truth.” Why did she always have to turn to her for help? Medusa was just as unsettled.

“My lady!” Eugenia fell to her knees and lowered her head to the ground. She may have lost her priestesshood, but there were just some things that she could never abandon. Things ingrained into her very being. To be in front of yet another deity turned her legs weak and made her lose all composure.

“Hahaha, you are fairly entertaining.” She seemed to enjoy the reverence and panicked reactions quite a bit.

“P-please take a seat- er- M-Medusa where did you put the sheep’s wool? We made a bench before, but it isn’t very stable, b-but I hope you will sit on it anyway.” Once set off the girl was completely out of control and became a whirlwind. She rushed off to the tent in the temple’s center and came back dragging a badly constructed bench and some animal pelts.

“Why thank you.” Aphrodite did not hesitate to sit down as the seat was presented to her and crossed her legs in a womanly manner.

“It is an honor to receive you as our guest! W-we don’t have much to offer, but I have kept some wine in reserve. W-would you like some?”

“That would be very sweet of you.”

“Wait. What do you mean you kept some wine? Did you hide it from me?” Medusa pulled up her tail to stop Eugenia from rushing off.

“You would have just drank it all right away if I had given it to you.” Eugenia whispered loudly.

“You were holding out on me, you selfish girl.” Medusa complained.

“I was just keeping it safe for a big occasion!”

“What manner of festivities did you expect to hold on my island?”

“Y-you never know! But now that we have a guest I am proven correct.” Eugenia pursed her lips and pushed aside the long tail.

“You have guts to hide things from me.”

“Really?” Eugenia frowned and turned back to push her finger into Medusa’s chest. “I know that you ate my last reserve of honey without asking.”

“It was made to be eaten.” The Gorgon replied stoically.

“That was all I had left. Honey doesn’t spoil, so I could have kept it for special times.” She retorted. “I would have shared it with you if you just asked.” She added quieter.

“I did not know you would care so much. You never declared that I could not eat it.” Medusa huffed and crossed her arms.

“You are acting like a spoiled brat.”

“Care to repeat that, human?”

“I will! You are spoiled! There are things you should just not do, out of basic consideration for another person. We live together, so there should be certain rules-”

“Rules? Do not think yourself capable of ruling me. You cannot even control your long-eared pests. They keep digging holes near the lair and irritate my sleep.”

“How is that my fault?!”

“It was for your inefficient human intestines’ sake that these dirty pests were thrown unto my island.”

“They were a gift.”

“One that I would like to return to sender.”

They were nearly head to head already as they argued. The heat of their words obfuscated their perception of their surroundings and they had already forgotten about Aphrodite. The goddess of love and fertility was watching them in a relaxed sideways pose and listened intently. An amused smile spread on her lips.

The duo parted in frustration and turned their backs on each other. Medusa noticed the annoying grin on the goddess’ face and clicked her tongue. She smacked Eugenia’s butt with her tail to push her away.

“Hey!”

“Take a closer look at the bottom of the chest. I remember an unopened jar. There should be a smidgen of honey left.”

“You better be right.” The girl said suspiciously and left their sight.

“Enjoying yourself?” Medusa turned towards the goddess and barely hid her distaste.

“Quite.” She nodded happily.

“Did that meddling messenger truly send you?”

“My, you would doubt your goddess?” She seemed surprised.

“You are not my goddess. This is no place for the likes of you. Do not avoid the question.” She was more composed already. Her anger was a good way to channel her mind.

“I must confess, I deeply prefer the hospitality of that sweet human girl.” Aphrodite leaned her face on one hand as she looked up to the standing Gorgon. She sighed femininely and surrendered to the angry glare. “My dear Hermes told me all about the passionate tale that unfolded on this remote island. His tale was so fascinating that it moved my tender heart. When he spoke of the trials that you two endured I knew that he wished to make certain it would all work out.”

“That blabbering oaf.” Medusa grinded her teeth and quietly cursed the silver-tongued god of trade.

“Hermes and I have spent many enjoyable times in and out of each other’s arms. He has his own mind on many a thing, but we have similar interests in certain areas.” She chuckled in delight.

Medusa wished to empty the contents of her stomach, but she had not eaten in days so she just silently retched.

“He rarely takes such deep interest in other people’s love affairs, so I simply had to take a look for myself.” She betrayed her true reasons far too easily.

“Love? Both of you have gone mad.” She shook her head. “So you came in the name of your own interest, not his.”

“Oh, he did not say anything, but he did not need to anyway. I can tell what any man desires. His worry for your little tale is all too apparent, so I did him this gracious favor of looking after things while he is busy.”

Medusa wondered if she had done Hermes wrong. After all this mad woman used other people as scapegoats for her own clearly visible desires. Maybe the messenger of the gods had not intended for this unfortunate delivery.

“You may despise little Athena and I can understand your simple-minded hatred, snake. Just know that I have no interest in such unseemly conflict. What I strive for is the universal truth upon which all life acts.”

“Don’t say it…”

“Love!” She extended her hands into the air and posed magnificently. Somehow the slowly retreating sun was shining on her specifically.

“As you can see there is none of that to be found here, so leave.” Medusa sighed.

“I wonder.” She chuckled deviously. “Should I ask the little priestess what she thinks of this matter?”

“Leave Eugenia out of your games.” She glared back.

“Eugenia, is it? I do strain to remember human names, as there are far too many of them. Albeit I have less trouble with women’s names.” She held her cheek thoughtfully. “She must mean a lot to you. It is not in your nature to address people by their names, no?”

“You do not know me. I have no such rule.” Medusa looked slightly uneasy. Aphrodite was far from the aloof woman she made herself out to be. If she was not careful that vixen would dig up all the truths from the burrows around her.

“Certainly, I lack the familiarity needed to make true judgments… yet.” That smile. That unwavering smile. It was showing who the true predator here was. A snake could not compare to a mongoose. Her venom was utterly useless.

“I will answer your questions if you promise to leave afterwards.” She decided that the only way to assure peace for her weary mind was a compromise.

“You changed.” The goddess noted. “I never paid any attention to you before, but the stories spoke for themselves. A monstrous snake, so vile it would not even devour men and instead entrap them with a single gaze. Your barbarism would satisfy even my dear simpleminded Ares. Yet what I see before me is a cautious beast with a modicum of manners.”

“Will you test how thin my patience can run?” It was infuriating to be studied like some animal, so she was close to losing her self-control. Her fingers turned into claws to show she was serious.

“How ugly. How crude.” Aphrodite raised her nose and seemed appalled.

“If you understand, you can leave.”

“Haha, but your vileness only makes this all the sweeter to me.”

“Excuse me?”

“What manner of leash can hold a beast such as you? What force could tame you? The answer is clear as day, dear snake. Love.”

“You are repeating yourself.” Medusa exhaled and sat down on her curled tail. She expected a headache incoming.

Aphrodite made herself more comfortable on the creaking bench and looked the Gorgon in the cursed eyes. In the background she could see Eugenia move about, rummaging through her belongings. She was searching for offerings no doubt.

“You deny any infatuation with the girl?”

“Absolutely.” Medusa replied instantly.

“Yet you tolerate her in your lair?”

“What?” Medusa forced herself to keep a straight face. How would Aphrodite have heard of that? It was inexplicable how she knew so much. Had that messenger told her? But he should not have been aware of what transpired here either.

“A miss?” Suddenly Aphrodite raised her hands disappointedly and smirked.

That woman was merely guessing! Medusa scolded herself for being so caught in her pace.

“Is it not strange that a priestess convenes with a monster and even shares her precious honey? This familiarity is something I do not even share with my lovers, so how could you be nothing to each other?”

“Your lovers are just toys anyway.”

“Your tongue is sharp.” She was unperturbed. “But it becomes soft when met with your little human.”

“You must be hard of hearing.”

“For a beast so rough and destructive you surely touch her with tenderness.”

“And here I believed that Eugenia was the blind one.”

“Why did you let her stay?”

“…” Medusa looked down at the ground. She could not come up with a quick-witted response.

“I was told your story, as I mentioned before. You protected the priestess for the sake of avoiding little Athena’s ire. Hermes was quite insistent that this is not the whole truth however. Now that she has returned to your side she endangered your little sliver of peace by bringing Athena’s gaze back on you.”

“So what?”

“Your hatred for Athena is legendary. I had immediately thought that you were merely protecting yourself as the frightened snake that you are. If you would welcome back a priestess of your sworn enemy after all of that trouble…”

“She is not-!” Medusa snapped her jaw open and then forcefully stopped herself.

Aphrodite observed and gently spun a pearl in her hands that she had summoned from thin air. It was a symbol of the goddess that was born from the seafoam itself inside a large clam. The slick pearl kept rolling between her delicate fingers and disappeared occasionally. The pattern was nearly hypnotic.

“Ah, did I hit a nerve?” She smirked. That reaction was exactly what she had hoped for.

“You already know that she is not that woman’s slave anymore.” She hissed.

“Truly? I can never be sure about what little Athena has planned with her playthings. She tends to overcomplicate matters excessively. What else would you expect of a woman born from a migraine?” She chuckled ladylike. “I will take your brazen word for it then. The human is free as a bird. Which only strengthens my belief that you share a bond.”

It was impossible to contradict the bewitching woman’s words. Not even the Gorgon could force a lie so obvious. No matter what she thought of, the reality of their current relationship was too blatant. She had let Eugenia inside and was now facing the consequences.

“The question I should ask is far simpler. Do you even know why you let her return?” The pearl stopped moving and was balanced on the goddess’ index finger.

Medusa took a deep breath and thought about it. She had been pleasantly numb for a while now, so she was able to avoid deep contemplation. The events of the last few weeks had kept her heart at constant tumult. Sharing her past with Eugenia, rejecting her affections, finding herself on the defensive at every turn… it had made her forget why she had even come to this point.

She remembered, slowly.

“We made a promise.”

“Yes?”

“Until I learn more about myself she may stay.”

Aphrodite’s eyes turned sharper for moment, but then she relaxed. It seemed that those words were satisfactory to her. That or she was becoming quiet because of Eugenia’s return.

“I- I am so sorry, we have not much to offer you. Sarpedon is a poor island with little produce… s-so I can only give you my last reserves.” She knelt down and held up a small chest. Inside it were an amphora of wine, a jar with a bit of honey and some freshly picked fruit from the trees and the garden.

“You will give all of it to me?” Aphrodite asked gracefully.

“It is yours.” She lowered her head and kept holding it up.

“Is this truly everything?” The beautiful goddess asked suspiciously.

Eugenia’s arms cramped up and she swallowed. Medusa tilted her head to the side questioningly.

“No.” She admitted. To lie in front of a goddess was a crime that she could not commit. Her upbringing had been far too strict.

“Did you keep some for yourself?”

“Ye-- no.” She really couldn’t lie.

“Hmhm, so you are telling me that the offering you have collected for me was not as important as keeping some treats for that snake?” She looked Medusa into the eye during every word she spoke.

“I am sorry. We may not receive any more wine in the near future, so I thought it would be too sad if…” She swallowed again and lowered the offerings. “The oath of hospitality compels me, but I am Medusa’s ally.” She affirmed her feelings with a steady voice.

“As expected of a human under the thrall of a monster, your manners are lacking.” She extended her divine hand. Eugenia stiffened up, awaiting her punishment. Yet when the hand arrived it simply rubbed across her head. “You certainly are adorable, little girl.” Aphrodite was entirely friendly.

“If your belongings are not enough to satisfy her, hunt some of those pests for her.” Medusa suggested with an urging tone.

“My, I do not partake in animal meat, snake. There is only one use for meat in my palette.” She said with an enthralling expression.

“Bah.” She had to groan.

“Your timing is quite impeccable child. Come sit with us, we were getting to an interesting topic.” Aphrodite invited Eugenia, knowing full well what Medusa was thinking.

“Then I will sit here.” Eugenia nodded and sat down on the ground between them.

“There is a fine line between reverence and insulting distance.” The goddess playfully pulled the girl up and then put her on her lap.

“!” Eugenia was clearly quite surprised and uneasy.

“Children belong unto a motherly lap, do you not agree?” She asked sweetly as she wrapped her arms around Eugenia’s waist.

“I-I’m of age…!” The girl stuttered.

“To me all humans are like children.”

Medusa’s eyes dulled at the familiar scene. Had she not made a similar argument in the past? Now it came back in such an irritating fashion. She tapped her arm impatiently.

“Is this not nice?” Aphrodite pressed her chest against Eugenia’s back to embrace her more tightly.

“I cannot say.” The former priestess was not used to physical contact, so she put on a stone like mask and kept still.

“What were we talking about again, do you remember little snake?” She looked at Medusa with an unreadable smirk.

“Do not ask me.” She responded weakly. The last thing she wanted was to restart the topic while Eugenia was here. That meant the intruding goddess would most definitely bring it up again. That self-serving woman was toying with her.

“Oh, I remember now. We were discussing the Gorgon’s true feelings.” She began unavoidably. Medusa could only glare her down.

“Huh?” Eugenia was left out of the loop naturally.

“Yes, her hatred for my siblings and humanity.” She explained. Medusa was surprised by her sudden change of topic.

“I see.” Eugenia looked a bit down after hearing that.

“You called yourself an ally of hers and that look on your face told me that you are apprehensive about me. Could it be that you think of me as an enemy?” Aphrodite whispered into Eugenia’s ear.

“Of course not.” The girl replied shocked.

“My, then what is it I felt back there?” She would not let it go.

“I would never think of the gods as my enemies. I just want everyone to get along.” Eugenia said meekly. “But after what Medusa told me about her past…” She noticed the Gorgon’s penetrating gaze on her and lowered her head. “I thought that maybe you hated her and came to hurt her.”

“I have taken you too lightly my dear. You are far more cautious than a helpless plaything could ever be.” Aphrodite put her hand on Eugenia’s head and kept stroking it like she would a cat. “Tell me why I should have a grudge against this little snake.”

“Because she was so beloved for her beauty.” She replied shyly.

“Ahaha, I understand now. It is true that in the past I have been a bit unforgiving of those who tried to claim they were more beautiful than I. Your snake is a different matter, I can assure you. Some stray men have made bold declarations that she was the most beautiful thing in the world, but alas, all of them were rejected and shunned. Men are simple beasts, with little loyalty. When they get pricked by a rose’s thorns once, they look for a kinder flower. All of them soon returned to me to mend their broken hearts.”

Medusa did not much care. She had never paid attention to the humans that tried to pray to her in the past. Before she had become this monster. The suitors had always been weak of mind and will. It was no wonder they would crawl back to their loving mistress.

“Revenge is a futile thing at that. Your snake has already been punished in a way too cruel to imagine. The only punishment that is worse than death, my dear. Not a living thing may ever look at her again and for those who overcome the curse, we can only find ugliness.” She kept smiling as she insulted Medusa to her face.

“Medusa isn’t…” Eugenia wanted to protest, but knew better than to speak up against a goddess.

“I said your blindness was the worst ailment, for you will never gaze upon my perfection. Yet I will relief your heart, there is also a boon to it. You need never look at this snake’s deformity.”

She grabbed Eugenia’s hands and put some shiny lilac pearls into them. They were so slick and pure, no clam in the whole world could produce such perfect specimens.

“Why should I despise what is so punished and pitiful? No hair, only writhing snakes. Eyes so revolting they petrify mortals at a glance. Monstrous claws and fangs that grow from hatred. Skin covered in scales from head to toe. Wings like a vulture and womb that derides life itself.”

The pearls inside Eugenia’s hand turned rough and black. They were no better than scorched sticky sand.

“What are you saying? Medusa is not so hideous. I have felt her soft skin against my hands. Her lips were softer than cotton.” Eugenia turned quieter with each word and touched her lips with one finger.

“The outer appearance belies what is inside. Beneath the surface that fools the world into believing in the snake’s humanity, lies the true self. For us divine, the true Gorgon’s face is all too visible. It is a wretched thing.” Aphrodite spoke so quietly only Eugenia’s special hearing could perceive it.

“How could that be?” Eugenia muttered in shock.

“Do you feel appalled by the truth?”

“…no.” Eugenia clasped the pearls and then put them to her lips. They returned to their perfect lilac shine as the coarse outer shell fell off. “I think Medusa is beautiful.”

“Do you hear her, little snake?” Aphrodite loudly called out to Medusa who was watching their interaction suspiciously. “This child is a good match for you indeed. Without sight she still sees something in you that I could never perceive. Hideous as you may be, I feel intrigued by your lot.”

“You sicken me.” Medusa replied with a bad taste in her mouth. Had this woman really come to Sarpedon just to insult her and play with them? To trust in the words of an Olympian was a lost cause, so she was on guard at all times. The goddess had another motive which she would have to uncover.

“She is so inhospitable.” Aphrodite acted disappointed.

“Please forgive her.” Eugenia sighed.

“Why are you taking her side?!” She snapped for a moment. “You got your answers, so leave my island already.”

“The most monstrous thing about you may well be your temper. I will have to impose on you for a while longer. I hope that causes you no trouble.”

“You attempt to trick me?” Medusa once again let her claws out.

“Not at all. You see, my ride is currently unavailable.” She pointed up at the darkening sky.

“Ah.” Medusa’s eye glazed over.

“My dear Helios only passes this part of the world once a day, so I will have to wait for his gallant return~” She clasped her hands together and sighed like a maiden in love. “I yearn for his fiery embrace already.”

“This is a nightmare.” Medusa covered her face with both hands.

“Lady Aphrodite, will you stay the night with us?” Eugenia finally snapped out of her contemplations.

“I thought you would never ask.” She hugged the girl tightly.

“She was not offering.” Medusa hissed alongside her snake hair.

“Be good Medusa.” Eugenia scolded her. “I will prepare my tent for her, so you don’t have to share your lair.” Ever the mediator, the girl had already thought of a solution.

“That… You cannot do that.” Medusa objected.

“Why not?” Eugenia tried to pry herself out of Aphrodite’s arms and tilted her head to the side questioningly.

“Because I said so.” The Gorgon replied harshly. Aphrodite’s mocking smile only incited her anger even more.

“You really are a spoiled brat.” Eugenia was not having any of it. “You can be selfish all on your own then!” She decided to give their guest a place to rest and she would not listen to a word her life partner said anymore. It was a familiar pattern. They were both far too stubborn.

The human girl made Aphrodite a promise and then walked to the camp to prepare everything for the impending night. Thus the two polar opposite women were left to each other once more.

“I can see why you never had any luck with men.” The goddess chuckled.

There may have been one permanently deserted seat at Olympus by tomorrow.

The goddess of fertility had stepped upon a barren land. The Gorgon and the blind woman were faced with one day of divine interference. A seed planted long ago would be nurtured by a blessing and a curse.