And so we rode into Lykosoura, which attracted the attention of everyone we passed. There were gasps, whispers, pointing. The Arkadians truly seemed to be surprised that Atalanta had returned. But Atalanta didn’t pay them any attention. She kept facing straight ahead, focused on returning to the castle. I wagered it was all she could to stop herself from turning tail and running. But she was still here and I loved her for it.

Erinys soared on ahead, going to find Argus. Atalanta had informed me that she told the bear to go on his own, but she doubted he actually listened.

“...Are you sure you don’t want me to do the talking?” I asked, glancing over at Atalanta as our horses walked alongside each other.

“Yes.” Her gaze flickered down. “I must… take responsibility for my actions.”

Well… to say that Atalanta had done a lot of growing these past twenty-four hours would be an understatement. So I smiled and nodded.

“Don’t forget I’m here with you.”

That earned me a small smile as she closed her eyes. “I won’t.”

The rest of the ride went quietly. Because as soon as we approached the gate, the guards went into a frenzy. They rushed forward to usher us off our horses and towards the palace. Atalanta’s posture quickly became rigid and tense. But she continued to look straight ahead, holding her head high.

I was proud of her.

“ATALANTA!”

We had just arrived at the steps leading up to the front doors of the palace, the pillars looming almost ominously. The sudden shout made me jump in surprise. But Atalanta simply scowled, crossing her arms over her chest—preparing for the inevitable onslaught of anger.

King Iasus came striding outside, making me realize just how much of a giant of a man he was. Guards hastily followed after him, yet gave him space. But Atalanta did not flinch. The scowl remained on her lips as her seething father reached us.

“Have you even considered the amount of TROUBLE your petty behavior has caused?!” No pleasant greetings. No, “I’m glad you’re safe.” Just… this. “Gods, girl, you’ll be the death of me!”

“Your death? YOUR death? That’s what you’re fucking concerned about?!” Atalanta snapped, her cool composure gone in an instant. “I’ve tried to kill myself twice now and all you care about is your fucking reputation!”

There were some gasps. The guards and anyone else who was nearby looked startled. Honestly, I couldn’t really blame them. I hadn’t expected a screaming match either.

“Do not start with me, girl,” Iasus retorted. “The future of Arkadia rests on your shoulders. And now your sanity is being questioned because you insisted on claiming you killed Meleager. The most preposterous thing I have ever heard!”

“Believe whatever the fuck you want, I don’t care,” Atalanta spat. “I’m playing your damned game, Father! Your stupid race! What more do you want?!”

“Enough!”

Once again, I was startled, but this time it was because none other than Klymene came rushing outside. She hurried past the guards and her husband, going right up to her daughter… who she immediately enveloped in a hug.

“Oh, my darling baby girl!” Despite the fact that Atalanta was very much taller than her, she squashed her daughter’s face to her chest. “You’re safe! I was so, so worried!”

“Mother-”

“And then I come outside to hear you and your father arguing again!” Klymene sighed, resting her cheek on her daughter’s head. “Whatever am I going to do with you two?” She pointedly shot Iasus a look.

Atalanta grimaced. “Mother…”

“Thank you so much for finding our daughter and bringing her home,” the queen said, now turning to me. “We owe you a debt of gratitude.”

My eyes widened. “Oh, it was nothing, Your Majesty. I am happy I could help.”

Klymene released Atalanta, who hastily took a step back. She turned to face her husband, putting her hands on her hips. “I, for one, will be celebrating our daughter’s safe return. Elysia knows we could use some good news, especially with Alkyone’s condition.”

That immediately caught my attention. “...Condition?”

“Ah, yes…” Klymene winced. “Ever since she lost her baby, she… her health has been deteriorating. Poor Meleager—bless his heart—has spent every free moment with her. Which isn’t much, unfortunately.”

Atalanta stiffened. “Speaking of Meleager, where is he?”

Iasus narrowed his eyes. “Tending to his duties, most likely. Unnecessary duties that your nonsense has created due to postponing the race even further.”

I glanced over at Atalanta, wondering just what she was planning.

“I see. I need to talk to him-”

“Not before cleaning up and resting you won’t!” Klymene immediately interrupted, giving her daughter a stern look. “You are still healing, young lady. Have you thought about what running off put yourself and Odessa through?”

Her eyes widened. “I-”

“Of course not,” Queen Klymene sighed. “Truly, what am I ever going to do with you? Thank the gods for sending Odessa to us. She knows how to look out for you.”

“I-” Atalanta’s cheeks darkened and she hastily looked away. “I guess she does.”

“Your mother is right, though,” I said with a sheepish smile. “We should rest up a bit before doing anything else.”

She sighed in exasperation. “Fine, I suppose I can do that.”

Iasus scowled. “Hmph. Guards. Show them to their rooms.

And judging by the king’s attitude… my quest just became a lot more difficult.

The goblet of mulled wine trembled in my hands as I tried to lift it to my lips. But the shaking only worsened, threatening to splash the warm drink on me. Then two familiar hands came and steadied the glass.

“Are you sure you’re okay, Odessa?” Atalanta asked skeptically.

I wish I knew how to answer that question.

Atalanta had invited me to her room for the evening. There was an unusual chill to the air, so we set a fire in the fireplace. Atalanta called for a bottle of mulled wine and some desserts. The food and drink sat on a table a few feet away from us as we curled up on her bed, covered in furs. Thunder rolled in the distance. With the firelight and wine, I felt warm and safe. Atalanta truly knew how to make a place feel like home.

“...I don’t really know,” I answered quietly, looking down at the goblet that I now rested on my lap, holding in place. “The shaking won’t stop.”

Atalanta remained quiet for a moment. “...It’s my fault. If I hadn’t gone after the hydra…”

I shook my head. “We wouldn’t be here.”

She glanced at me. “I… suppose that’s true.”

I scooted forward, intending to set my mostly untouched goblet of wine on the table. But my hands suddenly spasmed. My eyes widened in surprise as I expected the glass to crash to the floor and stain the brown bear rug on the floor. But Atalanta was fast and caught it before it could spill.

“All right, that’s it,” she said. “I’m getting your salve. You need more.”

I decided not to protest.

She got up, set the goblet on the table, and left the room. I let out a sigh, letting my shoulders slump. If worse came to worst, I would be no help in a fight. And that was what truly frightened me. I couldn’t aim my bow like this.

A moment or two passed and Atalanta returned, the clay pot that contained my medicinal salve in hand. Atalanta sat back down, popping off the glass cap.

“Your hands, please.”

I held out my hands to her, trying to ignore the shaking as it became worse. Atalanta dipped her fingers in the salve and then grasped my hands, steadying them. She rubbed the salve into my skin, her fingers firm yet gentle. Like always, the medicine burned, sending warmth into my muscles. The shaking would lessen for a bit.

“I… realize I don’t know much about you,” Atalanta said quietly after a moment, her gaze still on our hands. “You know practically my whole life story but I know not a bit about yours.”

“Oh.” My eyes widened in surprise as she let go of my hands to wipe hers off on a cloth. “My life would bore you.”

“Regardless, I would like to know,” she said, looking down at me. “You are my… lover after all.”

Lover. Hearing that word come from her lips, despite it very much being true, made my heart skip a beat and my cheeks flush. Embarrassed, I looked away, only for Atalanta to catch my chin and turn my face so I had to look at her.

“So you’re the one getting flustered now?” she teased. “I thought that was my job.”

“Sh-Shut up.”

She laughed and leaned down to kiss me. I was more than happy to press my lips to hers, leaning into her. Her arms slipped around my waist. She kissed me until I was breathless. I reluctantly pulled back so I could remember to breathe, resting my forehead against hers.

“I… I suppose I could tell you.”

And so I did.

I told her of how the Huntresses of Artemis discovered me as a newborn and took me in. I told her of my childhood in Mytilene, how lonely it was. I told her of how Erinys had always been with me, my irreplaceable partner. I told her of how Berenike was often tasked with watching me, because of the danger that always seemed to find me. I told her of the summers we would come to Arkadia to hunt with our sisters. I told her of the time I climbed a golden apple tree to try to grab one to give Akantha, only to fall off and break my arm. I told her of how I left the safety of Mytilene to journey to find myself. And I told her everything of the day that led to our first meeting.

Atalanta listened to every word. She commented on a few things, but always let me continue. She eventually shifted our positions so she could retrieve the food and drink, pointedly making sure I ate something while I talked. It had been such a long time since I felt so… comfortable and at ease.

“Your life is not boring,” she snorted, shaking her head at me as she lifted her goblet of mulled wine. “Though what Artemis said to you… has me curious.”

I frowned for a moment, pausing in taking another bite of pastry. “I thought you hated Lady Artemis.”

Atalanta let out an exasperated sigh, shaking her head again. “I don’t… actually hate her. It was just… easier to stay angry after everything. Her Huntresses would shun me regardless.” She paused to take a sip of wine. “I had nothing left to live for. Even after finding my family… I love my mother, but…”

“Iasus and Diokles made it difficult,” I guessed.

She nodded. “But seeing Mother today, after everything that has happened…” She let out a sigh. “I won’t lie, I am still afraid of the future. But… I think I can believe she will never hate me.” She looked up at the ceiling. “And maybe someday Artemis will be able to forgive me too.”

I smiled and nodded, reaching out to clasp her hand and give it a squeeze.

Atalanta looked back down at me, meeting my gaze. “After all of this is over, we should go to Ithaka.”

My eyes widened. “Together?”

She snorted. “Of course together. You do want answers, don’t you?”

I glanced down at our hands, biting my bottom lip. “I never even considered the possibility.”

“Odessa.. If there’s one thing you’ve taught me this past week…”

I made myself look back up at her, silver eyes meeting brown. She had set down her goblet, her attention fully on me.

“It’s that we have the strength to take hold of our own fate. It may damn well feel impossible, but we can do it. And that includes you too.”

My heart swelled. And I couldn’t help but reach up to clasp her face in my hands and kiss her. Her lips were soft and gentle against mine, but I did not linger for long. I pulled back, giving her a smile.

“I would love that.”

I ended up falling asleep in Atalanta’s room that night. After all that talking and mulled wine, we both dozed off far too easily. The next morning, we were both embarrassed by Klymene when she came in to check on her daughter. But the queen didn’t bat an eye at finding us snuggled together in bed. I realized she must have known all along… but didn’t care. I had never felt so relieved before in my life.

But Klymene ushered us to get up and prepare for the day. In fact, the healers came for examinations on both of us, separating us until breakfast in the dining hall. Atalanta was back to grumbling and picking at her food, muttering something about her mother being overbearing. She looked up at me as I joined her.

“I have to find Meleager today,” she told me immediately.

I frowned. “Why?”

Her hand clenched into a fist. “To beat the shit out of him.”

My eyes widened.

“Kidding, I’m going to ask him to spar.” She leaned back. “If I’m going to stay on top of whatever the hades is coming next, I need to be at top form. And there is no one better than Meleager to see if I measure up.”

My gut twisted. I had a bad feeling about this… but she sounded so sure of herself. How could I speak against it?

“Well, if you think it’s best,” I said.

“Of course it is,” she said with a roll of her eyes. “Who else am I going to spar with? Nikandros? Hippomenes? I don’t think so. Besides…” She flashed a grin. “You haven’t really seen me fight yet.”

“There was the hydra,” I noted.

“That doesn’t count.” She sighed in exasperation. “I wasn’t myself.”

“You mean you couldn’t show off,” I said very matter-of-factly.

“Hey!” Her cheeks flushed. “That’s not what this is about.”

I couldn’t help but smile at her, shaking my head. “Sure it is, Ata.”

But I decided to relent on the teasing and focus on eating breakfast. Atalanta grumbled at me a bit more, but eventually returned to eating as well. Once we finished our meals, I decided to join her in her search for Meleager since I was still sorting out my plan to convince Hippomenes to drop out of the race. Besides, I… wanted to make sure she was okay. This whole idea made me uneasy.

But Atalanta seemed to have the confidence back in her step, as we left the palace. I followed her down the front steps, wondering what she intended to do. But then she stopped and I noticed what caught her attention.

“Did Father send you to harass me?” a very annoyed Nikandros demanded from the woman standing before him.

The woman snorted. “Hades no. Remember, your father isn't mine and wants me dead. You know I haven’t been in Sparta in years.”

The woman appeared to be in her mid-twenties. She resembled Nikandros more than I initially thought. Tall and broad-shouldered, she wasn’t much shorter than the man who was apparently her half-brother. She was built like a warrior, but her armor reminded me of the Amazons—functionable but feminine. The gold and red breastplate bared her muscled shoulders and hugged her figure enough to show that she did have curves. She was beautiful in a fierce sort of way. Her black hair cascaded down to her shoulders in elegant waves. Her eyes were as blue as the sky, a stark contrast to her bronze skin. She had a strong, aquiline nose, her face as perfect as a marble bust. She was heavily armed, but an intricate spear stood out the most. Honestly, she could have walked down from Mount Olympus and I would have believed she was a goddess.

Wait a moment… if this woman was Nikandros’s sister…

“I’m just here to harass you of my own free will,” she said with a cheeky grin. “And to meet this beautiful princess you’re so desperate to marry.”

“You wouldn’t dare, Xena,” Nikandros snapped.

“Dare what?” she asked innocently, tapping her chin. “I haven’t the slightest.”

Right. Xena, also known as the Spear of Zeus, was notorious for more than one reason. She was renowned for her strength and the fact that she was the daughter of Zeus. Unfortunately, being the child of Zeus also meant she had a reputation much similar to Berenike’s; she had a way with women. But her infamy was by far worse than my sister’s. Her stepfather and quite a few other kings wanted her dead. But they did not wish to anger Zeus, so she was free to do what she pleased. So she traveled Greece, helping those in need… as long as she received a reward, of course. She was more of a mercenary in my opinion, but was hailed as a hero due to her heritage, power, and accomplishments.

“I am literally right here, you know,” Atalanta deadpanned.

Both siblings looked towards us. Atalanta continued to look annoyed, standing with her arms crossed over her chest. I felt extremely out of place here, but I couldn’t exactly leave now, could I?

“Well, if it isn’t the great Atalanta herself!” Xena flashed a grin.

Atalanta narrowed her eyes. “And you’re… Xena. The… what was it? The princess fucker.”

She laughed. “I prefer ‘the Spear of Zeus’ but that title works as well. I certainly could show you why it works.”

“Xena-” Nikandros began, giving her a dangerous look.

“Not interested,” Atalanta said flatly, before looking over at me. “Come on, Odessa, we need to find Meleager.”

My eyes widened now that I was suddenly being spoken to. “Oh, right!”

“Why are you looking for Meleager?” Nikandros questioned, narrowing his eyes. “He’s a busy man.”

Atalanta snorted. “He’s never too busy for me, I assure you.”

“Oh my.” Xena smirked. “Say, I think I’ll come along with you. I wouldn’t miss a chance to witness the fabled friendship of Atalanta and Meleager with my own eyes. Besides…” She looked at me and winked. “I haven’t gotten a chance to speak with the lovely Huntress of Artemis.”

Oh gods. She was talking to me.

Atalanta bristled. “Leave her alone.”

“Why?” Xena quirked an eyebrow. “As far as I am aware, Artemis’s Huntresses don’t swear off the company of women. But I haven’t had the pleasure to confirm this. Perhaps you could change that… Odessa, wasn’t it?”

Before Atalanta could even get angry, Nikandros scowled. “For fuck’s sake, do you have to make advances on everything with tits?”

Xena laughed. “For fuck’s sake? Yes, I do, little brother. A heroine has her needs.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Why do I have to have a sister such as you?”

I cleared my throat, and looked back over at Atalanta. “Shouldn’t we go find Meleager now?”

“...Right.” Atalanta nodded to me, though her expression was still sour. “Nikandros, do you know where he is?”

The man scowled. “He’s at the training grounds, last time I heard. He needed a break from tending to his wife, I suppose.”

That’s what everyone was led to believe, at least. From everything that Atalanta had told me, I was hesitant to accept that he genuinely cared about Alkyone. Part of me hoped that I was wrong, but… I had a feeling that I wasn’t. But Atalanta nodded, and without saying another word, walked off towards the training grounds. I followed suit, and unsurprisingly, Xena came along. She did say she wanted to see Atalanta and Meleager spar.

But Nikandros proved to be right. Meleager was indeed at the training grounds, working with some of the challengers. As we approached, I saw that he, like the other training men, was down to his undergarments, shouting out advice. I wrinkled my nose as we got closer, noticing how sweaty they all were. Gross.

“Meleager!” Atalanta called to him.

Literally everyone stopped what they were doing. Meleager had been helping set back up a practice dummy when he paused, glancing back towards us. Atalanta was hard to read as she crossed her arms over her chest. Normally she wore her heart on her sleeve, so I was a bit caught off guard. Just what was she planning here? She had told me nothing. I had no idea what she was going to do.

“Atalanta,” he greeted, giving her a nod as he wiped his hands off on a rag. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

All eyes were on her as she walked over to him, leaving me back with Xena. Gods, I did not like any of this.

“I… wanted to apologize for my behavior the other day,” she said after a moment, sounding genuinely earnest… which had me concerned for a second. “It turns out that hydra venom has a hallucinatory effect after all.” She smiled sheepishly, reaching up to rub the back of her head. “But I’m feeling better now. Cleared my head and everything.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Meleager said with a chuckle. “I do apologize that I haven’t had time to visit—my duties and Alkyone’s condition keep me occupied. I finally found some free time, but I was asked to evaluate the challengers.”

Atalanta winced. “I am sorry… about your wife.”

There it was. The hidden barb. All my worries faded away. Atalanta simply was playing the game. But if Meleager noticed, he did not show it. He was good at this. Too good. He appeared to be the perfect man, the perfect husband, the perfect hero. He was handsome, brave, and strong. I could see how Atalanta fell so quickly for his charms. But beneath all of that was his fatal flaw—lust. The true desire that drove him to do what he did. His true motivator.

Meleager closed his eyes. “Alkyone is strong. She will pull through. I have faith. Hera has always smiled down upon her.” He reopened his eyes, looking down at her. “But surely there was more you wanted than to discuss my wife’s condition.”

“As a matter of fact, yes,” Atalanta replied. “It’s been ages since we last sparred. What do you say? A sparring match for old time’s sake? I’m feeling a little rusty and could use an actual challenge.”

Xena snorted. “Those two totally fucked,” she said quietly, so only I could hear. “It’s obvious in their body language. The sexual tension. What scandalous drama.”

My eyes widened. “How—never mind.”

She smirked and winked at me. “I have my ways, moonshine.”

I wasn’t sure what to be more appalled about—the fact that she figured out Atalanta’s secret so quickly or her new apparent nickname for me.

Meleager closed his eyes and smiled. “It would be my pleasure, Atalanta. It’s been what, almost a year and a half?”

“Almost,” she agreed. “But come on-”

The rest of their conversation was drowned out by a familiar voice saying, “Oh, Odessa, you’re here!”

I glanced over, eyes widened. “Hippomenes!”

Indeed, Hippomenes had appeared. He looked at me, and then over at the woman next to me.

“And… Xena?” His eyes widened. “Wow, I never thought I’d have the honor to meet you. You’re, uh… not here for Atalanta, are you?”

Xena laughed. “Ha, no, she already turned me down. But this one hasn’t.” Once again, she winked at me.

“...I’m not interested either.”

She let out an exasperated sigh and snapped her fingers. “Damn. Guess I won’t be sharing my bed with anyone tonight.”

I rolled my eyes and returned my attention to the heroes’ impending sparring match. “Come on, let's find a seat. I want to watch.”

Together with Hippomenes and Xena, I found an open bench. We each took a seat and I ended up in between the two. But I didn’t really care; my focus was entirely on Atalanta. I truly hoped she accomplished whatever she was trying to do here. Especially since a crowd had gathered. I noticed that even Nikandros had decided to come see what was going on. Instead of standing with the other challengers, he walked over to stand near us, arms crossed over his chest. But I returned my attention to the woman who held my heart. I saw that Atalanta had stripped down to her smallclothes; it was a common practice, considering that sports were performed while nude, especially the Olympics.

The two heroes had taken up wooden weapons. It wasn’t always necessary for sparring, but for people as powerful as they were, I supposed it was a precaution to prevent serious maiming. And perhaps in Atalanta’s case, it was necessary. She must be using a lot of self control to pull this off. I couldn’t help but worry. What if she slipped up and tried to kill him again?

No. I had to have faith.

“On your mark,” Meleager said, shifting into a battle appropriate stance with his wooden sword.

Atalanta nodded and took a deep breath. A moment passed. And then another.

“...Now.”

She lunged forward, leaping up and swinging down with her own wooden sword. But somehow Meleager was fast enough to raise his sword to block the blow. The two wooden blades collided with a loud SNAP, shattering into splinters. With their training weapons gone so quickly, they immediately shifted to hand-to-hand. Atalanta jerked back, but then spun, intending to land a kick on Meleager. But he raised his knee, stopping the blow. In a brief second, I noticed—a flash of anger in Atalanta’s eyes, a tiny quirk in Meleager’s lips. He knew.

She punched him, but again he blocked. This continued on for a minute. Every blow that Atalanta attempted, Meleager blocked or parried.

“You’re telegraphing every move,” Meleager chided her as he again blocked another kick. “What’s wrong, Atalanta? You’re better than this.”

But he continued this charade of friend and mentor. I just didn’t understand. What was his game? My hand twitched, but I was so focused on this that I chose to ignore it.

Atalanta let out an angry growl. She was losing her cool. Her temper would be soon to follow if she did not calm herself. They exchanged more blows, but Atalanta had lost her poise. Her attacks were blocked, but Meleager got in a punch and a kick.

“You still let your emotions get the better of you, I see,” Meleager said as they paused. “I suppose it should be expected, since you are a woman.”

The twitching of my hand continued, but since I just assumed this was a new symptom of side effects from the hydra, I decided to ignore it. This was more important.

Atalanta bared her teeth, her composure completely gone. “This has nothing to do with-”

Suddenly, my body stiffened. Out of nowhere, I fell off the bench. My heart clenched with fear as I realized I had no control of my body as the twitching turned to spasms. What was-

“Odessa?!”

Atalanta’s attention ripped away from Meleager, her eyes now on me, wide with panic. And then everything went black.