I lay there eyes tightly shut for what felt like forever. Their thumb stroked my hand sending shivers down my spine.

"You awake my love?" whispered soft, but close so that I could feel the person's breath.

In a sudden act of bravery, I opened my eyes. What I saw was not what I expected but equally as terrifying.

A man lay next to me, we'll not a man exactly, I guessed he was somewhere between 18 and 21 years old. His eyes were like fire, but a warm and welcoming fire like the ones family's sit around on Christmas Eve (not that I have any experience with family). His hair was blonde as the sand we sat on and came down to his shoulders.

I couldn't explain his features any way besides perfect. He was probably the most handsome man I had ever met. Something about him was familiar, as though i had known him for years.

One hand still grasping mine, he moved his other into my hair, stroking softly. His warmth surrounding, his touch calmed me.

I couldn't move. I could barely breathe. My mind was blank. It was like nothing I ever felt before. I was lost in his eyes, in his warmth, in the feeling that i was safe. At that moment i wished to stay forever. I also knew better than to remain here. However my muscles went numb under the warmth of his hands. I couldn't move.

I layed there him stroking my hair in shock for what in my head felt like forever. Eventually he leaned down and spoke into my ear making my whole body shiver.

"My dear, I have waited for this moment for years," his voice was beautiful, strong and warm. Like the wind on a summer day. He had a humor in his eyes and I found it extremely unsettling.

There was something off about his tone. Almost like I was dreaming, but I knew it wasn't one. Something powerful and dangerous was in his voice... Ohhh no! This wasn't some random mortal standing over me. This.... this... this was a god...

I had to get away from him, but I couldn't move no matter how much I tried, my muscles just wouldn't respond. His face came to mine and he kissed me gently, like he was unsure of himself. Now I really had to get away.

I tried to pull back but he laughed and kissed me again. Still laughing he muttered, "I love you," I could barely hear the words over the sound of the forest. His eyes looked at me longingly, as though he had been a prisoner offered freedom.

I felt a connection to him that i couldn't pinpoint. But nonetheless I wasn't his sweety, I was Dana, and I wanted to flee from him.

I layed there trying to summon my strength. None came. The swim earlier had made my muscles ache and now they were useless.

So i lay there, eyes closed as he stared at me. I conserve my energy, and in only a matter of seconds I could feel my body was ready to stand.

Part of me didn't want to leave. Part of me desperately wanted to be in his arms. But I knew better.

No matter who this god was staying would be a mistake. I wanted to join Artemis' huntresses. I had to forget and push away all men.

I pushed him away. There was something both freeing and longing when I no longer felt his touch.

He didn't say a word as I stood up. When I was on my feet I looked him over. He had on a leather jacket, blue t-shirt, ripped jeans, gray combat boots, and rainbow sunglasses that he had pushed onto the top of his head. He stood tall over me, 6'3" maybe 6'4". He was built for the forest. Thin enough to maneuver through trees. Buff enough to stand toe to toe with any beast.

His face was beaming with a smile ever since I pushed him away and I couldn't figure out why. Suddenly his mouth twisted into a smirk, eyes still full of laughter. "It's been a while sweety," he flirted, "Miss me?"

As he spoke he moved closer to me. I don't know why I didn't do this before but I kicked him in the groin and took off as fast as I could.

(Side Note: I am not in any way condoning kicking a god in the groin. In my particular experience it seems to only make the god annoyed and or in shock)

It wasn't ten seconds before I could hear him behind me. "My dear Daphne," he called out, "It is me Apollo. I wish you no harm, but only to love you. Stop running and see me as I am, your destined lover."

I didn't know what to think. I was running from Apollo.

That's why he looked so similar! The sandy hair was identical to most of Haidar siblings, especially Simon. The warmth of their eyes too. And with my luck, he would also have their speed.

He would catch me any second and what then? He thought I was the woman he lost. The woman who was turned into a laurel. I had to do something to stop him from chasing me. Something before he caught me.

"I am not Daphne. But Dana, daughter of Iris," I said. My voice stronger than I thought it would be.

"But you are my love, I know it" he chased me.

I wanted to turn around and see his expression but I knew it was a bad idea. I could hear his breathing and soon I would be able to feel it on my neck.

"I don't know how, but you are my Daphne." his voice faltered. "Please remember me."

"If I stop will you leave me alone?" I asked.

Silence. I could feel the nearness of him. His hand brushed my arm and I ran faster.

"Dana, daughter of Iris. Though you may not know yourself to be Daphne, I feel the same. I have watched you years. I know you. I am in love with you." his voice sounded happy, as though chasing me was a fun game, but there was also a hint of desperation, like he was scared I may disappear into thin air. "There is no running from me my love. I will have you. I know you are aware."

Well that's not what happened to Daphne, she freed herself. I thought to myself.

"Come to me and I will show you who I am." Tempted to stop, I kept running. No good came from being loved by a god.

"No!" I cried, wanting nothing to do with a god. Not as a lover, not as a parent, not as a friend. I was sick and tired of them ruining my life. "Save me my lady Artemis! Save me from this fate."

Something in the forest beside me screeched. I didn't look, I kept running. I knew if I kept running not only would Apollo catch up, but a beast as well.

Maybe that was Artemis doing. To summon a beast and distract her brother from me. "Thank you," I muttered softly.