Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Melinoë thoughtfully stepped out of her tent. She was trying to recall the entire list of allies her mentor had ever given her. The girl recited dozens of names and characteristics of her comrades in her head, but there seemed to be not a single being that fit the description of that strange old man who was near Titaness's arena. It was too strange and even suspicious.

Without thinking long, the young witch quickly headed toward her mentor, who was standing by the cauldron as usual.

"Good evening, Mentor."

"Good evening, Melinoë. How is your journey progressing?"

The woman asked, slowly turning her gaze to her student, who had straightened up after her bow.

"Everything is progressing as you assumed. Mentor, during my descent, an… unexpected encounter occurred."

"An unexpected encounter?"

Hecate repeated, crossing her arms over her chest. Hades's daughter quickly nodded.

"The underworld is an amazing place. You never know whom you might meet on your path. Especially after Chronos freed so many shadows and beings."

"Actually, Mentor, we met at the entrance to the Ocean. He is quite slender and very tall. Unfortunately, I couldn't make out his face because of the shadow hiding him."

Melinoë said, thoughtfully placing her hand on her chin. Hearing the stranger's description, the Goddess of the Crossroads suddenly flinched and squeezed the forearm of the hand wearing the metal gauntlet too tightly.

"Melinoë, what have you already told him?"

"Only my name and my mission, and that was during the second meeting. The first time, to be honest, I answered his question about who I was rather rudely."

Her mentor exhaled quietly through her teeth, turning away.

"That's bad. Melinoë, do not engage in dialogue with him under any circumstances. If he is who I think he is, he could use the information he got from you against us."

"Understood, Mentor. I understand."

The girl nodded, bowing. Hecate waved her hand, continuing to stare off to the side, thinking something over.

"Then you may go. I will inform the shadows about a possible enemy near Erebus."

Titaness said, and Melinoë quickly turned and walked toward the training grounds, mentally cursing herself for her terrible oversight.

Melinoë sighed heavily as she left her tent. Today she had had another unsuccessful run. The girl had already lost count of how many failed attempts this was. Chronos's army seemed to have become much stronger and more aggressive, making it difficult to get through the rooms.

She shook her head and walked forward. She had to make another run; this time it would surely work.

"Melinoë, come here."

Her mentor's voice suddenly sounded, and when the young witch looked at her, she waved her hand. Melinoë hesitated for a moment and then, stumbling slightly, quickly walked over to Hecate.

"Has something happened, Mentor?"

She asked, placing her hand on her chest. The woman crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes.

"Surely you aren't planning to start a new attempt right after your failure?"

Her mentor raised one eyebrow, causing Melinoë to look shamefacedly at the ground.

"I… I need to return to the battlefield as soon as possible."

She replied, still looking at the ground. Hecate sighed heavily and shook her head.

"Melinoë, have you decided to neglect my recommendations?"

The woman said, tilting her head to the side. The girl awkwardly nodded.

"I'm sorry, Mentor, but… The situation gets worse every day; we need to act as quickly as possible, and—"

"And that's why you don't want to give your body any rest?"

Titaness finished the sentence for her student. Melinoë raised her head, looking at her guiltily.

"But things are getting worse and worse. How can I rest at a time like this? You, Nemesis, Odysseus — you all work constantly, without rest!"

Hecate shook her head, sighing heavily.

"Melinoë, they rest too. Each in their own way. Odysseus reads the scrolls you and the shadows bring him. Nemesis, though rarely, goes to the hot spring. Even I take breaks to check our food supplies."

The woman placed her hand on her student's shoulder, looking her straight in the eyes.

"Also, consider that Odysseus is dead and is a shadow. He doesn't really need rest. And Nemesis and I are gods with centuries of experience. We can easily go for weeks without a proper break."

Here she chuckled softly, looking off to the side, trying to hide a somewhat proud expression.

"Let's just say that in my time, I could train for months without sleep, rest, or any comforts, and it didn't affect me at all."

After this, Titaness shook her head and looked back at Melinoë.

"But you are not me or Nemesis. You are too young, and mortal blood flows in you. Someone like you absolutely needs rest. You cannot overexert yourself because of fears that are just fears and nothing more."

The girl lowered her head again, feeling that her mentor hadn't removed her hand from her shoulder.

"And let's end this conversation by noting that even Titans need rest. It allows you to catch your breath, act with a clear head, and perhaps look at the situation from a different angle."

She removed her hand from the young witch's head, who continued to stare at the ground.

"So, Melinoë, you need to rest. Let the gods deal with our enemies for now. They, unlike you, have far fewer responsibilities and can participate more in the battles than they currently do."

Hecate waved her hand, and bath salts appeared in her palm.

"For instance, you could go to the hot spring. It's an ideal way for your body to relax at least a little so you can go back into battle with renewed strength."

Here she snorted and slowly narrowed her eyes.

"You can also consider this as building relationships. After all, good relations with allies are just as important as good weapons and knowledge. You might even learn something interesting for yourself."

Melinoë sighed heavily but took the jar.

"Alright, Mentor, as you say."

Titaness nodded and turned back to the cauldron.

"And Melinoë, don't make me repeat this conversation again. You've long since outgrown the age where I need to repeat the same thing over and over."

The young witch blushed in embarrassment and, bowing to her mentor, quickly walked over to Dora. She seemed to have been working a lot lately too. She could invite her.

Melinoë looked at the cauldron slightly nervously and angrily, clenching her hands into fists. She was angry. No, furious. How could he?! How much had she heard about his deeds and glory from Odysseus. How many times had she heard about his unjust, in the strategist's opinion, suffering. And what did she see now? This very same hero fighting on the enemy's side against the gods! Unthinkable!

The young witch fumed inwardly for quite a while, staring at the water, until she suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Melinoë. The spell is ready."

Her mentor's voice sounded, causing Hades's daughter to quickly raise her head and look at her. She narrowed her eyes, noticing the confused and slightly angry look in her student's eyes.

"You're angry, Melinoë. What happened that made you so angry?"

She said, tilting her head to the side. Melinoë grew embarrassed, lowering her head.

"I… I met Prometheus on the surface. He blocked my way during my ascent to Olympus."

"Ah, Prometheus."

Hecate drawled slowly, removing her hand from her interlocutor's shoulder and leisurely walking around the cauldron.

"Mentor, he was fighting on Chronos's side! On the enemy's side!"

The girl exclaimed, waving her hands.

"How could he do that? Odysseus always proudly said that he was the savior of mortals and their protector, and yet he sided with the destroyer!"

"Well, now I understand your anger."

Titaness nodded, crossing her arms over her chest.

"It's a pity that even such a deity committed such a foolish act, choosing the wrong side. Apparently, Chronos lied to him or took advantage of his vulnerable state after years of torture. Quite sad."

She said calmly, causing the young witch to freeze and, raising her head, stare at her in shock.

"Why… Why aren't you angry?"

She asked quietly. Her mentor only shrugged and waved her hand.

"Melinoë, it's hard for me to be angry at Prometheus, even despite the fact that he is now on the enemy's side. It's hard to explain, but…"

The woman looked away, thoughtfully placing her hand on her face.

"Prometheus was one of the kindest Titans in antiquity. Surprisingly, many of his worthy deeds haven't even survived to this day. In his time, he had a worthy reputation and respect, especially when he sided with the gods despite the low odds of victory. His punishment shocked many and greatly saddened them, including me."

After this, she removed her hand and looked at her student again.

"Am I disappointed that he sided with Chronos? Undoubtedly. He made a mistake and is wasting his strength. But am I angry at him? Unfortunately, I simply cannot be. Perhaps it's foolish, but I still respect him for his many worthy deeds. No wonder mortals have always been on his side, and it seems Chronos understands that too, which is why, despite his past transgression, he accepted him into his army."

Melinoë lowered her gaze in confusion, trying to process what was said.

"But you must not give him leniency in battle because of his good behavior in the past. He is still our enemy, and that's that. If you give leniency to every hero of the past, you won't get far in this war."

Her mentor said sternly, lowering her hands. The girl quickly nodded, slowly bowing.

"Alright, Mentor. I will do that."

She replied. Titaness nodded, then waved her hand.

"Then go, Melinoë. Our enemies, unfortunately, will not wait for your arrival."

She said, and the young witch, nodding, turned and quickly walked toward the training grounds, mentally preparing for the next battle.

Melinoë looked thoughtfully at the cauldron and the next very important spell brewing in it that would help in the battle against Chronos. She slowly stirred the spell with a stick until she suddenly felt her tool moving on its own without her input.

The girl quickly turned and met her mentor, who was making the stick stir with a wave of her hand.

"Melinoë. Lately, you've been daydreaming too often. Have there been some difficulties on your path downward?"

The young witch looked awkwardly at the ground, thinking about her answer.

"I… I'm sorry, Mentor, it's just… I was thinking about some words my brother said to me during one of our conversations."

The woman tilted her head to the side.

"And what words were those? I've heard that your brother likes to talk about many things, and many topics can be quite unusual."

Melinoë pursed her lips, trying to choose her words.

"It… It might sound terrible or even disgusting, but Zagreus and I noticed that there were and are no records of Chronos's reign. We tried asking beings who lived at that time, but they couldn't say anything bad about his rule, and a terrible theory formed in our minds, but… Maybe Chronos was a good ruler? It wasn't for nothing that mortals called his age the Golden Age, was it?"

Hecate flinched and quickly turned away. She clenched the hand hidden behind the ribbons into a fist. The girl flinched and, seeing her mentor's reaction, wished this conversation would go away. That the woman would just forget it or think it was a joke.

The witch made another heavy sigh and relaxed her hand.

"You and your brother are not far from the truth. As hard as it is for me to say this, Chronos could be called a good ruler. It was a very peaceful time. There was no war, no famine, no cold, no death. There was only peace, as many believe, and tranquility. As some mortals might say, it was paradise on earth back then, which, unfortunately, was lost forever."

She chuckled softly under her mask.

"Naive. They don't even understand what was really happening back then."

The young sorceress thought for a moment.

"But if there was no war, no famine, no cold, and it was quite peaceful, why do you say they didn't understand what was really happening? Isn't peace and prosperity what we all dream of?"

Hecate waved her hand.

"Melinoë, tell me, why are you fighting against Chronos? Regardless of the plan, why do you think you are doing this?"

Melinoë frowned and placed her hand on her chest.

"To stop Chronos, bring back my family, and restore peace to the surface and the underworld."

The woman shook her head and, placing her hand on her student's shoulder, leaned down slightly.

"No, Melinoë. What is the real reason? The one hidden deep inside you?"

The girl was surprised by this question. She crossed her arms and, lowering her head, thought. Many possibly correct answers swirled in her head, but none of them seemed right for her mentor. As if they were completely untrue, which she certainly shouldn't say.

Hades's daughter was silent for quite a while, thinking, then said quietly and slowly:

"Because… otherwise you, Mentor, would suffer. Maybe even the entire Crossroads and its inhabitants would suffer. If Chronos manages to ascend the throne, no one else will be able to stop him."

The witch nodded contentedly, straightening up slightly.

"Exactly. The fear of loss drives you forward. Mortals have a more tangible sense of loss than we gods do. They fear that because of one event, a loved one will die and they won't have time to say everything to them. They fear that because of their words, they will hurt someone and regret it for the rest of their lives. They fear missing out on something important and necessary."

She pointed her hand at the shadows, who were once human and were examining the interior the girl had made.

"Why do you think they created paintings, books, poems, and songs? To convey their feelings, to tell a story, to describe their position — because there is no time, and who knows what tomorrow will bring. Now tell me, if the Golden Age returns, what will happen?"

Melinoë exhaled slightly nervously.

"Nothing."

Hecate nodded again.

"Correct. If there is no death, then you don't have to fear that someone important to you will die and you'll never have the chance to see them again, so you can easily go years or even decades without talking to them. If there is no war, why worry about preserving history when you can just tell it yourself and everyone can see it for themselves? If there is no famine, what is the point of working to plant a harvest when you can easily go without eating? Stagnation sets in, Melinoë. Chronos might not have noticed that his kingdom wasn't developing, but fortunately, the gods are not that blind."

The young witch frowned.

"Then why are there no documents left from his reign? Not even scrolls of his laws or orders. Not even those that Chronos himself wrote, since he must have issued some decrees or rules?"

The woman thought for a moment, putting her hands behind her back.

"Now that's more interesting. Of course, the main reason is that people didn't think it would all end and that this time needed to be remembered somehow, but there is another reason. Such truth is not beneficial to the gods. They can justify it however they want, claim it was all for the common good, that things were bad back then, but I remember those times perfectly. And even without considering the catastrophes, it was much safer to live during Chronos's reign than during the time of the Olympians. So I'm not surprised that a lot of slander appeared about that time, and I even suspect who exactly spread it."

The Goddess of the Crossroads snorted and waved her hand.

"But as for what happened inside his family — the details, unfortunately, I don't know. I can only say that at some point he completely lost touch with reality, which is why he had to be overthrown. I hope I've satisfied yours and your brother's curiosity about the past?"

She asked, and Melinoë quickly nodded, bowing.

"Yes, Mentor. Thank you for telling me this. I'm sorry if I brought up an unpleasant topic."

Hecate shook her head, smiling at her student with her eyes.

"Melinoë, learning about the past is not forbidden. If you don't know the past, you won't be able to create the future."

After this, the woman walked toward Charon, who had finally arrived with new supplies, leaving her student alone.

Melinoë sighed heavily as she entered her mentor's arena. The journey there had been difficult this time, and the enemies were trying even more actively to kill the young witch. Charon's shop was nowhere to be seen. Arachne, unfortunately, had not appeared on the path, and neither had Artemis, who was apparently too busy with her own affairs. At this rate, Hades's daughter wouldn't get very far.

"Melinoë, tonight you look much worse."

The girl sighed heavily but nodded.

"Yes, Mentor."

The woman narrowed her eyes, watching as the young witch reluctantly assumed a battle stance.

"And you understand that I won't go easy on you, even despite your condition?"

Melinoë swallowed her saliva along with some blood and nodded again.

"I understand, Mentor."

Titaness narrowed her eyes and waved her hand.

"Melinoë, the shadows have told me that you spend too many resources helping others. Both at the Crossroads and beyond. You're not touching your weapons at all."

The student flinched and shook her head.

"Odysseus said that it's not the weapon that should strengthen the person, but the person who should strengthen the weapon."

Hecate clicked her tongue in displeasure upon hearing this quote.

"Odysseus is first and foremost a strategist, not a warrior. Undoubtedly, there is some truth in his words, but unfortunately, such a philosophy does not suit everyone and only in rare cases."

She chuckled and assumed a battle stance, changing her attire.

"If you can defeat me in this state, then maybe I'll give you a couple of resources I found for that purpose. If not, I'll use them for my own needs."

Melinoë nodded and made a dash, thus starting the fight.

Melinoë cautiously approached her mentor. The latter was quickly writing something in her list. Perhaps she was improving one of her spells or making notes for the future. Noticing her student, the Goddess of the Crossroads put the list away.

"Melinoë, today you returned from Tartarus a little earlier than planned."

The girl nodded to Hecate.

"This time I was lucky, and Chronos fell quickly."

"That's good news, Melinoë. With each passing day, you are becoming stronger and stronger."

Titaness nodded and looked at the cauldron. The student suddenly also looked at the cauldron nervously.

"Mentor, while talking with my brother…"

She began carefully. Hearing this, the woman involuntarily sighed heavily. For some reason, since her student began communicating with Zagreus in the time trap, she had been acting too… strange and even dangerously. On the one hand, it was good that she was at least somewhat communicating with her family; on the other hand, Hecate felt that it would definitely lead to something bad.

"We discussed our plan to overthrow Chronos. We talked about it a lot and for a long time. Over several meetings, and… Mentor, don't you think that killing Chronos is not the best option?"

Hades's daughter finished the sentence quietly, cautiously looking at her interlocutor. Hecate froze.

"What?"

Melinoë waved her hands.

"I'm not saying he doesn't deserve punishment! He's a scoundrel, and we will give him back what he did, but… Since he is time itself, wouldn't it be better to seal him? Imprison his body or put restrictions on him."

The woman slowly shifted an unreadable gaze to her student.

"What do you want to do?"

The girl, slightly agitated, began to speak faster and faster.

"I know it sounds crazy. It's Chronos, he's committed too many sins, but what if his death leads to catastrophe? What will happen to the world without time? If we take another alternative, like a seal, perhaps creating chains, we could avoid terrible catastrophes or… or memory wipes. Or we could even…"

Suddenly, Hecate grabbed the young witch by the shoulders, squeezing them tightly.

"What do you want to do!?"

She shouted angrily. The shadows around fell silent and looked fearfully at the leader of the resistance. Melinoë also looked at her mentor in fear. The last time she had seen her mentor's anger was in the past, when she and Nemesis had decided to go alone, without warning anyone, deep into Erebus. Back then, if the woman hadn't decided to find out where the girls were idling, they probably wouldn't have returned in one piece.

"Do you even understand whom you are trying to spare and give an easier fate to!?"

Hecate continued shouting. The young witch tried to find some words, but her head was a complete mess due to her mentor's reaction.

"Do you understand the consequences of your actions!? Do you understand what will happen in the future!? Do you understand what he did—!?"

At the last sentence, the witch broke off and turned away, squeezing her interlocutor's shoulders even tighter. The girl barely swallowed the saliva that had built up.

"Mentor, I understand the risks, I understand the consequences, but, unfortunately, Zagreus is most likely right in his doubts. If Chronos truly is time, his death could lead to far too serious consequences."

Hecate slowly released Melinoë's shoulders, breathing slowly, trying to calm down. Judging by her eyes, she had compressed her lips too tightly.

"You don't understand or know anything, Melinoë."

The girl placed her hand on her chest, looking at her anxiously.

"Then tell me, Mentor! You know I'm ready to listen to you and accept any knowledge from you, no matter how complex it may be! Maybe you're right, and the death of time is a good option! Maybe your option truly is the only correct one! What if we are wrong, and his death won't lead to catastrophe! Just tell me, is it dangerous or not…"

The woman took a deep breath, about to say something, to answer, but only shook her head. The Goddess of the Crossroads was silent for a long time while Hades's daughter looked at her expectantly.

"Melinoë. Your and your brother's assumptions are too absurd. It's quite sad that you are questioning my words. Apparently, Chronos managed to fool you, or Zagreus once again decided to tell you too much."

Hecate said quietly and in a slightly tired voice. Her shoulders were slumped, and her gaze was fixed somewhere in the distance. She seemed to be ignoring the student standing right in front of her.

"Mentor…"

Melinoë replied equally quietly, but the woman's hand stopped her.

"We'll discuss this later, and for now… I'm taking away your time-erasure spell. I don't want to risk our plans because of your dangerous doubts. I will return it to you when I decide you are ready again."

After this, she disappeared, leaving the girl alone. She nodded at the emptiness and, after standing alone for a while, trying to analyze everything that had happened, the young witch approached the cauldron. She opened the Book of Shadows and was surprised to find that the spell for killing Chronos had indeed disappeared from the list.

Why had she decided to take away the spell because of, as she herself said, dangerous doubts? Melinoë had doubted many things her entire life, so why had her mentor decided to stop her now? Why hadn't her mentor answered her main question and explained anything, as she had always done before?

Could it be that Zagreus was… right?

Melinoë cautiously approached Hecate, who had been nervously tapping on the cauldron lid the whole time. Hades's daughter tried to walk quietly and not make any sudden moves, so as not to provoke another outburst of anger from her mentor. The latter, noticing the girl, narrowed her eyes.

"Has something happened, Melinoë?"

She asked in a slightly strained voice. The girl flinched at this but carefully held out the bath salts.

"Mentor, would you mind relaxing a little in the hot spring?"

The Goddess of the Crossroads frowned, looking at her student's nervous reaction. After long minutes of silence, she slowly nodded.

"Alright. I think I can do that. But only for a short while."

She replied and walked toward the hot spring. The young witch breathed a sigh of relief and ran after her. Her mentor quickly removed her attire, except for her mask and gauntlet, and then dove into the hot spring. The girl also undressed quickly and sat down next to Titaness.

They were silent for a while as Melinoë thought about what best to say to Hecate to start the conversation on a good note and not offend her. She could clearly see how tense she was after that situation and that she was thinking about something for a long time, but she didn't know what. It wasn't even clear what or whom it was related to.

"Mentor, I…"

"The topic of Chronos is closed for now, and I don't want to discuss it. Not for the foreseeable future."

The woman replied sharply, frowning. The young witch flinched and turned away, thinking of something else to start the conversation with. Every minute, she regretted more and more having started that dialogue.

"Mentor, um… your hand…"

Hecate turned to her student and raised one eyebrow.

"What about it, Melinoë?"

She asked in a slightly displeased voice. The girl flinched and waved her hands.

"I didn't mean to say something was wrong with it! I wanted to ask more about your gauntlet… And if possible, about your mask."

She quickly babbled, trying to calm down at least a little. Titaness narrowed her eyes, looking at her for a few minutes, then shifted her gaze to her hand, which was hidden under the fabric.

"Why do I hide it?"

She asked quietly, still looking at it. Melinoë quickly nodded.

"Yes. I've never seen you take it off. Neither in the past when I was little, nor now. Is it one of your protective artifacts?"

Hecate was silent, looking at her hand, then slowly raised it to the sky.

"Melinoë, this… is the part of me that I hate with all my soul."

She closed her eyes and sighed heavily.

"But the part that I can never remove, no matter how much I want to."

Melinoë blinked in surprise, shifting her gaze from her mentor's hand to her own ghostly hand.

"Mentor, did you also make a mistake in a spell long ago?"

Titaness chuckled and slowly nodded.

"You could say that. Although… it has nothing to do with spells."

She looked at her student again.

"Melinoë, unfortunately, I cannot tell you the details. It's something I don't want to remember right now. Perhaps… someday you will learn the truth, but not now."

The girl shook her head, placing her hand on her chest.

"Don't worry, Mentor. If you don't want to tell me something, then it's necessary."

The young witch smiled weakly, and Hecate smiled back with her eyes.

"Alright. Now let's just relax."

Titaness said and, closing her eyes, settled more comfortably in the hot spring. Melinoë nodded and, trying to also get comfortable in the hot spring, closed her eyes.

Melinoë cautiously left her tent, holding in her hand an old wheat stalk tied with a faded green ribbon. She turned it from side to side, trying to understand why one of the shadows in the Fields of Mourning had given it to her. That shadow was strange enough, and now it gave unusual gifts.

The girl carefully and quietly approached her mentor, who was preparing a spell.

"Mentor, forgive me for the interruption, but I have a question."

"What is it?"

Hecate asked, looking at her student. She held out the plant to her.

"I met a very strange shadow in the Fields of Mourning. It didn't react to my artifact for shadows. It refuses to go anywhere and only stares at the fields of fake wheat. And one night, it gave me this."

"A strange shadow?"

The woman carefully took the stalk and turned it over in her hand. She was silent for a while, and then her eyes widened.

"Oh, oh, this is quite interesting."

Her mentor muttered, causing Melinoë to grow even more worried. After another couple of minutes, the Goddess of the Crossroads laughed softly, handing the plant back.

"Oh, Melinoë, you have no idea how lucky you are to have met it. In his time, your father searched day and night for this shadow to please your mother. It led to so many funny moments. I even helped him back then, but unfortunately, for some reason, even my spells didn't work."

"Really???"

She was surprised, looking at the plant.

"Um… Why?"

"Hmm, I think when the time comes, you'll find out from others yourself."

Hecate shook her head, still smiling with her eyes.

"But if you're interested, I recommend showing this wheat to Demeter. She will certainly be glad to receive such a gift."

Melinoë nodded, carefully placing the plant in her bag. She stepped away from her mentor, who continued to mutter something under her breath.

"Oh, Moirai, you still create such strange paths."

Hecate muttered, then laughed again, shaking her head.

Melinoë nervously and slowly left her tent. She knew what awaited her next, and she knew she wouldn't get off so easily from punishment. After many years, the girl had decided to do everything herself again, risking her life. Yes, everything went well, and yes, the spell worked, but her mentor would hardly be reassured by that.

"Melinoë, how much longer are you going to stand there?"

Hecate's stern voice sounded, causing the young witch to flinch and approach the cauldron with slightly trembling legs. When Melinoë had proposed the alternative plan, she thought the woman was genuinely angry, but now… Now she could clearly see Titaness's true wrath.

"Melinoë, you decided to act again on your rash desires? Decided not to tell me again to appear stronger? Melinoë, you almost risked your hand and even your life again!"

With each phrase, Hecate's voice rose, and at the end, she pointed at the student's healthy right hand. The girl flinched and looked at it. She still remembered how the hand had begun to slowly dissolve, just like with the Icarus ritual, but thanks to the young witch's protective runes, everything turned out fine.

"Melinoë, this is crossing all boundaries. I don't know what gave you the idea that acting behind my back is a good idea!"

"But Arachne…"

Melinoë tried to protest, causing the woman to frown more deeply.

"Arachne has been suffering from my and Athena's curse for many years! You know the level of my skill and hers. You know the possible consequences of removing such magic. So why did you decide to take the risk!?"

"But it worked out…"

Hades's daughter muttered even more quietly. Hecate slapped her hand on the cauldron lid.

"But it might not have, Melinoë! Life and magic are very unpredictable things! One mistake, and you could lose everything! You decided not to tell me about your plan, went alone to perform the ritual, and only by the will of the Moirai did you not lose your second hand! Do you want applause for such risky actions?!"

Titaness, without realizing it herself, was already scratching the poor cauldron with her nails. The young witch only flinched at this but, taking a deep breath, tried to straighten up.

"Mentor, I did this in secret from you so that, in case anything happened, the Olympians wouldn't blame you for my actions. By acting alone, I took all the responsibility upon myself. They can't say that you put me up to it."

Melinoë began to answer in a slightly trembling voice. The woman almost hissed.

"Oh, how sweet. But you forget that I am your mentor and could easily have persuaded you to do it."

The girl quickly shook her head.

"I met with Athena before this, and… after one of our meetings, I think she and maybe the other gods understand that it was my decision."

She took another step forward, placing her hand on her chest.

"Mentor, I did this not for praise or to test my knowledge. I wanted to help my friend, just like in the past with Icarus. Someone who did so much for me and who suffered from injustice even after death."

Hecate clicked her tongue, lifting her chin.

"Melinoë, the road to the deepest depths of Tartarus is paved with good intentions. If you've forgotten, last time with Icarus you lost your hand."

"Yes, that's why I prepared better this time. Mentor, you yourself said that we must learn from our mistakes. I prepared the materials better, found a place where the moon's power is stronger. I also created protective spells that worked. Everything was done perfectly and much better than in the past."

Titaness approached her student, still frowning.

"Melinoë, every part of your plan could have easily collapsed. Your goal was not worth such risks."

Now the young witch, frowning, also lifted her chin, trying to at least appear taller in front of her mentor.

"I'm sorry, Mentor, but it was worth it. You know that I don't want my loved ones to suffer, and I want them to be happy. Arachne is also a dear person to me, and if for her happiness I have to suffer, then… so be it. I will do it."

"You…"

Hecate drilled her student with her gaze, while she, slightly trembling, continued to look directly into her mentor's eyes. After a couple of minutes, the woman sighed heavily and put her hand to her face, trying to calm down.

"Oh, Moirai, your brother is definitely a bad influence on you."

She whispered, shaking her head. Melinoë smiled awkwardly, with a mixture of embarrassment, and shrugged.

"He often says very… strange and foolish things, but some of his words contain a grain of reason."

Titaness chuckled and nodded.

"Yes, he's clearly Hades's son."

She crossed her arms, looking at her student again.

"Well, you will receive your punishment, but when the world calms down a little. For now, continue with your mission."

Hecate raised one hand, narrowing her eyes.

"But if you decide to risk your life again, inform me. Even if, after your escapade, I might suffer from the gods or other beings. Especially from the gods. I am the Titaness of Magic and the Goddess of the Crossroads! Why should I fear the gods from the mountain?"

She said, and Melinoë nodded.

"Alright, Mentor. I will remember, and I'm sorry it turned out this way…"

The woman waved her off and opened the cauldron lid. She began throwing various herbs into it, indicating that the conversation was over. The young witch watched this for a while longer, then turned and walked to her training ground.

Melinoë smiled happily and slightly tiredly and walked toward her mentor's arena. This time, she had reached the court quickly and without serious injuries. Perhaps Hecate would praise her or, conversely, point out where the girl had made mistakes in battle and what she could do better.

The young sorceress's smile quickly disappeared, turning into sheer terror when she noticed who was in the arena. There stood Chronos and her mentor, frozen in time. The spell around the woman was unusual; apparently, the Titan, remembering his granddaughter's spell, had decided to prepare, so Hecate could not escape the trap. Her eyes looked at the Titan with a mixture of anger and sudden, primal fear.

Noticing his frozen granddaughter, Chronos smiled.

"What a meeting, my dear. Sorry for interfering with your plans to kill me, but I need to talk to this lovely woman. After all, I'm curious who decided to rise against me and put such foolish thoughts into your head."

Melinoë, breathing hoarsely, assumed a battle stance. She gripped her torches as tightly as possible in her hands. Her hair stood on end, and her eyes trembled.

"Release her immediately, you scoundrel. Otherwise, I swear, I will kill you slowly and with pleasure."

She hissed, gripping her weapons even tighter. The man chuckled at the girl's words.

"Oh, how I fear your empty threats. I wish you a pleasant walk on your way to me. I will be waiting for you with anticipation."

"No!!"

The young sorceress lunged to at least grab her mentor, but Chronos had already tapped his staff and disappeared, leaving his granddaughter alone. She breathed quickly, trying to calm her heart. She quickly ran toward the exit from Erebus to the Ocean. Nemesis had been right: the girl had hesitated too long, and it had indeed led to something terrible. She needed to descend into Tartarus immediately! She needed to save Hecate immediately! She needed to stop Chronos immediately!

Melinoë did not know how long she ran downward and fought enemies until she felt the return circle appear under her feet. Her mentor had placed it in case the girl was on the brink but could not return herself.

"No, no, no, not now!"

She tried to cancel it to return to the fight, but it had already transported her back to the Crossroads. All the girl could do was cancel the healing effect, which would have taken too much time.

After that, ignoring everyone she could, she ran forward again to try to descend once more.

Melinoë did not know how many times she had descended. Her wounds simply did not have time to heal, and her head was spinning more and more. Many — no, everyone — at the Crossroads noticed her condition, and some, connecting Hecate's disappearance with the girl's state, understood what had happened. Some decided to stay out of the way so the young witch would bring back their leader, while others tried to stop Melinoë so she could get some rest and recover.

The worst part was Chronos's reaction. It was awful because the young witch had no idea what was going on in his head. At first, between Erebus and the Ocean, he looked pleased and tried to say something, but the more often he saw his granddaughter, the gloomier he became. Especially when she ignored the healing fountains because they wasted precious seconds of time.

On one of the successful forays, when Melinoë barely made it out of the river Styx into Hades's house, Chronos lost his patience.

"My child, tell me, why are you putting on this one-woman show? You don't even fight like this for your family or Olympus, yet you are ready to perish in the abyss for that worthless witch?"

The girl, trembling slightly, assumed a battle stance. Her head was completely foggy, making it hard for her to think straight.

"You don't understand anything. You don't understand that she is my family. Though why am I explaining this? To a being who turned away from his own family because of a foolish prophecy."

She said quietly, swaying. Chronos frowned and rose from his throne.

"What could you possibly know about that prophecy and my past?!"

"And you know nothing about my past, because, as always, you don't care about your family!"

After this, both the girl and the man lunged, starting a fight.

Of course, in this fight, Melinoë lost, and she appeared again at the Crossroads. She needed to run again to make it in time, and… The girl took a step and was surprised to meet Dora, who was blocking the exit from the young sorceress's tent. Behind her were Moros and Nemesis, who had already tried to stop their friend the previous times but had failed. In the distance, directly in front of the training arena, stood Odysseus and Eris, who were apparently going to block the last exit so that Melinoë would definitely not leave the base.

It seemed that this time they would not let her through so easily.

"Dora, step aside, I need to go forward, there…"

The young sorceress said with difficulty, taking a step forward. Her friend frowned more deeply.

"No, you are not going! Mel, look at yourself! There's not a single uninjured spot on you. One sneeze, and you'll fall apart faster than Akrotiri! You need to rest. Do you think Hecate would be pleased to see you in this state? Let's get some rest, and we'll figure out how to save her from the clutches of your evil Chronos."

The girl shook her head and took another step forward.

"No, I need to…"

After that, her body slowly leaned forward. Melinoë could no longer feel her body. She had reached her limit. The young sorceress heard someone shouting, felt herself being caught, and someone doing something to her, but she couldn't object or say anything. She couldn't even object.

It was unclear how long she lay on her bed, floating in unconsciousness, until she felt a painfully familiar hand on her forehead and a painfully familiar voice.

"How long has she been in this state?"

"By my calculations, several days. Or do you mean when she went mad and charged forward like a bull?"

Odysseus's voice sounded.

"Something tells me the answer is the same. You did well, you healed her wounds well."

"Ha! It wasn't for nothing that I was called the best healer in my time. I remember once I—!"

"Mentor…"

Odysseus quickly fell silent upon hearing Melinoë's quiet, weak voice. The girl tried to open her eyes, but the weakness throughout her body after days of continuous battles was taking its toll. Hecate's hand slowly moved to her student's cheek.

"I'm here, Melinoë, I'm here, and this is not a dream."

"Mentor."

"I think I'll go."

The man said quietly, after which he could be heard leaving somewhere. The young sorceress began to breathe quickly.

"I'm sorry, I tried, but I couldn't find you, and there were enemies, and Scylla and Cerberus, and—!"

"Hush, it's alright, I understand. I've been told what you went through."

The girl sobbed.

"Nemesis was right, I shouldn't have wasted time on those conversations with everyone. If I had worked faster, Chronos wouldn't have found a way to get to you and wouldn't have kidnapped you. I—!"

The woman slowly stroked Melinoë, calming her. The young sorceress tried to press her face more tightly against her mentor's palm. She hadn't felt such warmth from Hecate in a long time. The last time was when she had injured her hand because of her own stupidity, and her mentor had had to calm her for a long time.

"It's alright, Melinoë, it's not your fault. Erebus is a mysterious place, and it also contains many of my seals. The fact that our enemy managed to somehow get inside was unexpected for everyone, especially for me. Don't blame yourself for something you weren't guilty of."

Melinoë sobbed again.

"I'm so glad you're back. You managed to prepare even for such an event."

Hecate's hand stopped, and she was silent for a while.

"Melinoë, my spells didn't work. It's hard for me to admit, but they were completely useless against his magic. But unexpectedly, he didn't send me to a timeless pocket; he moved me to one of the destroyed rooms in Hades's house. And he sent me there to… talk?"

At the last word, she sounded surprised herself and began stroking her interlocutor's cheek again.

"To talk?"

Melinoë asked, not understanding what the tyrant could possibly talk about.

"It's hard to call it a conversation; it was more of a monologue. He talked for a long time, rambling about something, and seemed completely out of his mind, until he turned to me and put his hand on my forehead. After that, an instant passed, and I found myself in the deepest part of Tartarus without the Titan or any chains."

"Did he… let you go?"

The young sorceress whispered, stunned by her mentor's words. The latter made a strange sound.

"Maybe, or maybe one of the spells worked, and I managed to escape, but regardless, I should improve the defenses."

After that, the woman placed her hand over the girl's eyes.

"Now rest, and may Hypnos, even in his cage of dreams, grant you peace."

Melinoë wanted to say something else but decided to remain silent. There were too many questions in her head, but Hecate was right. She needed to rest after everything she had been through.

Melinoë slowly left her tent. She had been healing for a long time after her outburst and had not left her makeshift room. To be honest, she was too ashamed. She had behaved like a little fool! Even Eris would have been more reasonable in her situation than the young witch. She would have stayed in the tent forever to die of shame there, but unfortunately, she couldn't. She had too much to do. Besides, her mentor had called her to discuss something important.

The girl approached Hecate, who, as always, was standing by the cauldron.

"You called for me, Mentor?"

She asked, nodding. The woman looked at her student.

"Yes, and it's about your mission to kill Chronos."

Melinoë flinched and clutched her attire in her hands. The girl remembered the last time she had discussed this with her mentor, and she remembered her reaction, but she couldn't help it. Zagreus had been right in saying the plan was too risky and dangerous. If Chronos died, and time with him, what would happen to the world? How would it affect him, and how badly?

"I've been thinking about your idea of an alternative to Chronos's death."

The young witch braced herself, expecting a negative reaction. Unexpectedly, Hecate handed her a sheet of paper with something written on it. Melinoë took it and, after reading it, looked at the woman in surprise, who had turned away.

"It was difficult. I had to reread many ancient books written before my birth, but together with the other Lunar Sisters, I managed to create a seal."

The girl looked again at the seal and its recipe. Her mentor clenched her left hand, which was hidden under the fabric.

"You and your brother… were right after all. Killing Chronos, although it would solve many problems, is also too risky. Because of… because of some circumstances, I decided to ignore the signs, believing that the best outcome for him was death. But after thinking it over, it was decided to seal his body and restrict some of his magic."

She turned to her student.

"But remember: you will have to fight for the rest of your life with the remnants of his power that will try to break the seal. There might be projections of your battles, illusions, or worse. I cannot offer any guarantees in this regard. Are you ready for that?"

Melinoë nodded, clutching the paper and looking into her mentor's eyes.

"Yes. If such a small sacrifice is worth your safety and the safety of the whole world, then I am ready for it."

Hecate smiled with her eyes, then waved her hand.

"Alright, now go back to your tent and rest. You still need to recover well before you can leave the Crossroads again."

The girl nodded and, quickly recording the spell in the Book of Shadows, walked to her tent, leaving the woman alone, who, staring into the void, was remembering something.

The young sorceress quickly threw in the herbs her mentor requested. After the liberation of everyone in Hades's house and the sealing of Chronos, Melinoë diligently performed her task of fighting the Titan's projection. So she was very surprised when Hecate called her for a serious conversation. Moreover, the conversation began with her demanding that resources be thrown into the cauldron to perform a spell, after which her mentor gave instructions and fell silent.

Melinoë threw in the bronze when Hecate unexpectedly spoke.

"The shadows told me that you are actively running from your family."

The girl flinched and quickly turned her gaze to the water in the cauldron. Her mentor continued.

"That after you freed your father and mother, you don't go to them in Tartarus. That you ignore contact with your brother and that right after defeating Chronos's illusion, you return to the Crossroads. You've only been there once, to inspect the hall, and then returned almost immediately."

"But the house is still under renovation."

Melinoë tried to object quietly. The woman raised one eyebrow.

"If I'm not mistaken, the main hall has already been restored quite well and the excess debris has been cleared away. Your family is living there peacefully, and nothing is bothering them. Besides, if Hades has already given you a pass so you can freely enter, then you are already expected there."

The young witch exhaled, trying not to look at her mentor. She was too ashamed to admit that she was afraid of her family and tried to avoid them. They had been one of her goals, but when she freed them, the girl panicked too much. Melinoë simply didn't know what to say to them, how to say it, or how to start the conversation.

"Melinoë, are you avoiding your family?"

Hecate finally asked, seeing how agitated her student was. She slowly and shamefacedly nodded.

"Yes, Mentor…"

Melinoë replied quietly, still looking at the cauldron. The woman placed her palm on her interlocutor's hand.

"Why?"

The girl took a deep breath.

"I'm afraid of disappointing them, Mentor… That I'm too strange for them. Maybe too stupid, too arrogant. You saw my father's face when he learned that Chronos would live, and right under their house? It was like a mixture of disappointment and anger. And Zagreus, when he heard what I said to him? His face seemed disgusted. And I don't even know what my mother's reaction will be when she gets to know me better."

Hecate tilted her head to the side, narrowing her eyes.

"And you learned their emotions directly from them?"

"No, but I saw it in their eyes!"

Her mentor clicked her tongue and slowly shook her head.

"Seeing and knowing are not the same thing, Melinoë. We always deceive ourselves by saying everything will be bad, so that if we fall, it won't hurt as much. Are you truly sure that your family will reject you? That they won't accept you as you are? Even considering that you were the most wanted?"

The woman crossed her arms, looking at her student.

"Melinoë, if you're so worried about this, know that your parents rejoiced when you were born. They were happy and even threw a celebration in your honor. Finally, they had a daughter, which meant the restoration of the family was finally complete."

Here she unexpectedly chuckled, narrowing her eyes.

"And if it makes you feel any better, in his time, your brother caused quite… a lot of problems for your father. Unfortunately, I don't remember all of his transgressions, but let's just say that compared to him, you're a pure white lamb. So they will definitely accept your mistakes."

Melinoë smiled awkwardly at Titaness.

"Mentor… Forgive me for the immodest question, but what are your relations with your family like?"

She asked carefully. Hecate thought for a while, raising her head and looking at the stars.

"My relations with my family? Unfortunately, Melinoë, they are not the most pleasant. My mother abandoned me in the forest right after I was born, hoping I would die. She simply couldn't accept me when I reminded her of what my father had done to her. And my father… Ha, I'm even glad I never saw him. Even considering that he fought on the side of the Titans, he was much worse than Eris in terms of destruction."

After this, the woman lowered her head, looking at her interlocutor.

"So cherish the fact that you have parents who care about you and genuinely want to get closer to you. Because in our world, that is a very rare and precious thing."

Melinoë thoughtfully exited her tent. She was still weighing the pros and cons of her idea, and also wondering if it would be too presumptuous of her to ask her mentor for this. After all, from such an alliance, it seemed the girl would get more benefit than Hecate or the Crossroads.

Taking a slow breath and exhale, the young witch quickly strode toward her mentor, who, as usual, was standing by the cauldron.

"Hello, Mentor."

She said, bowing. Titaness slowly nodded to her.

"Melinoë, how are your missions progressing?"

"Very well. I've obtained more resources and also learned a lot of new things."

Hades's daughter replied, straightening up. She hesitated for a moment, still thinking about the request, but quickly shook her head and, exhaling nervously, Melinoë began.

"Mentor, forgive me for the rather bold and presumptuous request, but… could we find a place for Prometheus?"

"Find a place… for whom?"

The Goddess of the Crossroads asked, raising one eyebrow. The girl flinched and quickly began her monologue.

"Mentor, I know that Prometheus was our enemy in the war, but it seems he acted with good intentions. I understand that I am once again trying to spare an enemy, but perhaps if we win him over to our side and give him shelter from Olympus, he could be very useful to us. What if he could…"

"Well, I think I can allocate him one of the less populated parts of the Crossroads so he can live here."

Hecate calmly interrupted, crossing her arms. Melinoë blinked once. Then twice. After which she involuntarily opened her mouth, staring at her mentor in shock.

"You… don't mind?"

She whispered. Titaness only shrugged at this.

"Melinoë, as I said before, I was more disappointed in Prometheus's choice of side than angry with him. After all, I have too much respect for him to be angry. Also, consider that Olympus truly made a huge mistake by sealing him on the mountain. I, your father, and many on Olympus were against it, but Zeus decided otherwise, and as a result, lost a valuable ally."

The woman waved her hand, continuing.

"Besides, the Crossroads will most likely need a defender. Many have learned about it because of your ascents, and who knows what might happen in the future. Nemesis is not the most reliable option for this mission. Neither are Eris or Moros, as they were more looking for refuge than a new home. Artemis still spends most of her time on Olympus rather than here. Prometheus was known for his sense of duty, so for a little help in hiding from the gods, he would be glad to protect this place."

Here she tilted her head to the side, looking intently at her student.

"And there are many other reasons for my decision, but right now, one thing interests me. Melinoë, why did you decide to do this?"

Melinoë flinched and, after a confused look around, replied quietly.

"I… I offered Prometheus a deal. That I would give him shelter from the Olympus that betrayed him, and he agreed to fight with me periodically so that I could become stronger."

Hecate thoughtfully turned away, considering what was said, then looked at her interlocutor again.

"Well… I suppose a Titan like Prometheus could be a good mentor for you, Melinoë. You are growing, and you will need a teacher like him in the future. Although it is certainly strange that he would be useful to you precisely now."

"I'm sorry, Mentor. I just think it could be useful in the future."

The young witch replied, bowing. Titaness nodded and waved her hand.

"Melinoë, as I said, Prometheus can come to the Crossroads to hide from Olympus. You can tell him that, but also don't forget to tell him that everyone here follows strict rules and he will not be given any leniency if he breaks them in any way."

"Yes, Mentor. I will tell him."

Melinoë nodded, after which she quickly and happily ran toward her garden.

Melinoë nervously exited her tent. She was quickly adjusting her new attire, checking for any extra folds or tears. She wasn't wearing her usual yellow dress. Now the girl was wearing an outfit somewhat similar to the previous one, but red in color and with a longer skirt. In the middle, the skirt was split into a triangle, revealing the yellow part of the dress underneath.

She wore a slightly narrowed belt, which, as usual, had a protective circle, but vines were visible on the sides. At the bottom center, three moon phases were attached. The usual tassels on the belt were gone. On her neck, unlike her usual appearance, was only a small silver collar holding the dress, engraved with a moon symbol alongside her father's symbol.

On her shoulders were only one silver bracelet each, almost symmetrical to each other and resembling moons linked by vines. On her healthy hand was a ring with a skull, in whose eyes diamonds resembling two moons were set. On her legs were two ties, apparently common for witches, and one silver bracelet also engraved with vines.

On her head, she had made something like a bun, which was poorly held in place due to the young witch's short hair. On her ears were other adornments featuring two crescent moons, and on her lips was a slight application of silver lipstick. The fiery laurel wreath with the moon was still on her head.

This time, Dora had insisted too strongly on helping Melinoë with her makeup, and she simply couldn't refuse.

She stepped out of her tent, ignoring the surprised looks. The girl herself understood perfectly well that such a sudden change of style was too unlike her, but she couldn't help it. If the young witch wanted to get closer to her family, she needed to do so in every sense, even if it meant such a small thing as her attire.

Slightly excited, Melinoë walked toward her mentor, who was standing by the cauldron. She simply needed to know whether such an outfit was acceptable or not, and if not… She really hoped it was.

"Mentor."

The girl called, giving a slight bow. The woman slowly shifted her gaze to her student, then froze. The young witch only nervously clutched her dress at this.

"I asked Arachne to help me with my new outfit so that it would meet all the standards."

She said quietly, adjusting her skirt a little. Hecate first tilted her head to one side, then to the other, examining her interlocutor. The latter grew more and more nervous with each passing minute.

"I also had to ask Hephaestus through the gifts to make some of the jewelry. He said it was difficult, but he managed to combine the two worlds and add the necessary details."

Melinoë continued, now almost trembling, not knowing what to say next. Then her mentor unexpectedly took a step forward, approaching her. Her student flinched, digging her nails into the fabric. The woman reached out her hand and…

A second later, her hand blazed, and a silver adornment in the shape of a vervain sprig appeared in it. She placed her hand on the girl's unsuccessful bun, and after another minute, a click was heard. The young witch was surprised to feel her hairstyle being secured and her mentor stepping back.

"The new outfit suits you, Melinoë."

She said, and her eyes seemed to smile. Melinoë grew embarrassed because of this.

"Thank you, Mentor."

She replied quietly, bowing. Hecate chuckled softly, examining her student.

"Just remember: because of your change in style during training, I will not give you any leniency. And I really hope this attire is worthy enough for a fighter like you to wear it."

"Undoubtedly. Arachne put all her strength into it, so I think it can withstand even Typhon's power."

The girl said, smiling. The woman waved her hand.

"Well. We'll find out in practice."

She said, and the young witch, nodding, walked toward her garden plots, continuing to adjust her new outfit.

Melinoë nervously and almost furiously tore another sheet of paper in her hands, throwing it onto the pile of other shredded papers. She took a new parchment, preparing to draw new runes and words. The girl very rarely created spells herself, and most often they bordered on something simple and straightforward. The exception was when she needed to improve the spells given to her by her mentor or other witches.

Now, however, the young witch simply did not know which runes and spells to use to make everything work. For the first time, she was creating something so powerful that it could somehow restrain Chronos's powers. Melinoë tried to understand the seal that the other Silver Sisters had made, but she couldn't. It was knowledge too ancient, things she hadn't even begun to approach.

Sighing, the girl took the sheet, rising from the ground. As much as she didn't want to, she would have to ask her mentor. She simply could not make a mistake in this spell, because otherwise everyone could suffer, including her mentor. And she couldn't give up on this idea because… because she had already promised her brother she would do it.

Slightly squeezing the paper, the young witch left her tent. Fortunately, Dora wasn't there, so she didn't have to explain the mountain of trash she had created. Of course, Melinoë would clean it all up later, but certainly not now. Taking a deep breath, she immediately headed toward the cauldron, next to which her mentor was standing.

"Mentor."

She called, bowing. Hecate slowly turned to her.

"Yes, Melinoë."

She said, as usual, in her quiet voice. The young witch grew even more nervous.

"Mentor, my brother and I were discussing a rather… delicate topic."

"Ah, Zagreus."

The woman said quietly, narrowing her eyes in displeasure. It seemed that with each passing day, she liked this young man less and less, even though she was still barely personally acquainted with him. And of course, she had good reasons for such dislike.

The girl swallowed the saliva that had built up and continued.

"And I tried to solve this problem myself, but unfortunately, even after all your lessons, I still don't know much, which means my version has many flaws and problems that could lead to serious consequences."

"And this paper is one of your attempts?"

Her mentor asked, pointing her hand at the parchment her student had brought, on which she had quickly drawn one of the many versions of the contract. Melinoë nodded, and when the woman reached out her hand, she gave it to her. Hecate read the sheet for a while, then squeezed it so hard that she tore it in places.

"Melinoë…"

Dangerous undertones were heard in her voice, causing the young witch to flinch.

"Don't tell me that you and your brother are seriously considering freeing him."

She said, frowning. The girl clutched her attire in fear.

"Mentor, this is…"

"Melinoë, remind me what caused the catastrophe throughout the world?"

Her mentor began to raise her voice, clenching the paper in her hands. Another moment, and the contract would simply ignite in her hands.

"This is an option that…"

"So you and your brother want to free the one who caused the catastrophe and who poses the greatest danger to the whole world?!"

Hecate quickly leaned her hands on the edges of the cauldron to avoid doing anything rash. Melinoë barely managed a small breath.

"When I saw him last, he…"

"You saw him!?"

The woman looked at her student furiously. The girl flinched and, no longer hiding it, began to tremble. Titaness took a deep breath, placing her gauntleted hand on her face, trying to calm down at least a little. She took a couple of deep breaths to continue.

"What else have you decided to hide from me, Melinoë?"

"Mentor, I'm sorry I had to do this, it's just that Chronos's condition was too… strange and suspicious, which forced me to check on him. Initially, it was meant to be a routine check of his prison, but later, everything went off plan."

Her mentor squeezed the edge of the cauldron so hard that it bent. It would certainly cost resources to fix it in the future, but that wasn't important now.

"Melinoë, Chronos is still dangerous, and the seal, even with Nyx's support, is unstable. It's still poorly understood, and it's unknown what flaws it has. How could you risk yourself so much by going down to him?"

"I know it was foolish of me, but considering how he is behaving now, there's a chance to win him over to our side. If that happens, then Time itself will be on our side, as well as the entire underworld, and most likely the surface will recover much faster. It would also greatly reduce the chances of his possible uprising in the future."

Hecate was silent. She slowly massaged the bridge of her nose with her hand, trying to calm down somehow. After a few minutes of silence that seemed like an eternity, she released the edge of the cauldron, taking a step back. Titaness looked at the paper her student had brought, which was completely ruined by the Goddess of the Crossroads' nails.

"Alright, Melinoë…"

She replied quietly.

"I will study your version of the contract. Modify it and make it safer to reduce possible future problems, but remember!"

Her mentor looked seriously at Melinoë.

"If Chronos takes even one step that could signify a threat, I swear by the Moirai, I will destroy him myself. And your pleas with your brother will not stop me."

"Thank you, Mentor."

The girl bowed, exhaling tiredly. The woman waved her hand, turning her gaze back to the parchment.

"Go. I am busy now and cannot continue this conversation."

She said, and the young witch quickly walked away, leaving her alone.

Melinoë paced nervously in her room at the Crossroads, thinking about the Moirai's words. She didn't understand how her mentor had tried to change fate and why she had failed. Maybe she hadn't told her something? Maybe she had decided to hide something for Melinoë's safety? Suddenly, she froze at a thought. What if Hecate had been working for Chronos?

The girl quickly shook her head and slapped her cheeks. No, no, no, NO! That was complete nonsense, it wasn't true! Her mentor would never do such a thing, even under threat of death! It was better to find out immediately what the Fates' words meant rather than misunderstand everything. Melinoë's head was already spinning from everything happening, and she shouldn't burden it further.

She took a deep breath and walked toward Hecate. As expected, she was standing by the cauldron, preparing another spell. Many had asked for different kinds of help after the war, and the woman had agreed to help them. She was now apparently making a spell to restore one part of Tartarus. Melinoë slowly approached her.

"Mentor, forgive me for the interruption, but I need to talk to you."

Hecate did not turn to her, continuing to prepare the spell.

"Yes, and about what?"

The girl took a deep breath and said.

"The Moirai, when they met with me, said that you once tried to change fate, but you failed. What fate were they talking about?"

The woman froze. The water in the cauldron seemed to stop as well upon hearing the young witch's words. She slowly turned her head toward her student.

"What did you say?"

Melinoë flinched at her mentor's behavior but repeated.

"The Moirai said that you once tried to change fate, but you failed. What fate were they talking about?"

Hecate quickly closed the cauldron with its lid so it could steep. She slowly tapped her nails on it.

"So, they told you everything…"

The girl began to worry more and more because of her mentor's reaction.

"You know you can trust me. I will never judge you for your past or your actions. I just need to know what happened so I don't build false theories."

Hecate was silent, but after a couple of minutes, she waved her hand and walked to one side of the Crossroads.

"I think it's better to talk somewhere else. Away from prying ears."

Melinoë blinked in surprise but, quickly nodding, followed her mentor. The woman walked through the Crossroads for a long time, going deeper and deeper. They finally reached Hecate's garden. Here, the woman grew all possible plants for spells and potions. The girl had been here long ago when she was still little. Her mentor had shown it to her then and explained how to grow each plant. She had also explained that this garden was for emergencies, since the best ingredient was one grown in its natural environment.

Hecate approached one of the flowers, thinking about what to say next. She sighed heavily.

"Do you remember our conversation about my connection to Chronos?"

Melinoë flinched but nodded.

"Yes. You said then that you would tell me everything in the future."

The woman nodded and placed her hand on the mask that covered her face.

"The Moirai did not say for nothing that I tried to interfere with fate. In the past, I committed one of the stupidest mistakes of my life."

She closed her eyes and, with a quick motion, removed her mask. Melinoë gasped and covered her mouth with her hands. Hecate's cheek was severely damaged. Golden lines spread from a huge scar. The light from her eyes faded, revealing one intact blue eye and one damaged white eye. The woman placed her hand on her other arm, which was hidden under the fabric she always wore. Hecate freed her hand from this covering, revealing even more golden scars. Due to the lack of fabric, her hand began to twitch weakly.

"I… I was arrogant back then. When Chronos began turning into a monster and the gods were preparing a rebellion, the young me decided that I could handle him myself. Foolish, wasn't it? I believed that since magic itself was on my side, that meant I could defeat Chronos and end his tyranny."

The woman sighed heavily and ran her healthy hand over her face.

"I was saved only by a miracle. If Chronos hadn't decided to torment me for my arrogance. If I hadn't managed to call upon the spell. If he had managed to bring down his scythe. If I hadn't decided to interfere with the prophecy…"

She shook her head. Melinoë was silent, listening attentively to her mentor, trembling slightly from shock.

"After that, I didn't leave the Crossroads for a long time. I was too ashamed. What could I, magic itself, do against Time itself, but… Where was my mind then? Why did I even do it? To prove what? That I was strong and to be reckoned with? Quite some time passed before I finally decided to leave my hiding place and begin interacting with the world again. I hid the scars with fabrics and light. I placed all possible protective signs at the Crossroads and Erebus. Finally, I began to sleep peacefully without nightmares."

Hecate squeezed her face. Her voice began to tremble.

"And then he returned, and what did I do? Like a coward, I ran back to my hole! I pushed all the responsibilities onto a little girl, you! I raised you like a killing machine!!! And I stayed here at the Crossroads and Erebus, not sticking my nose out because of my cowardice and weakness!!! If I hadn't gotten lazy!! If I had been paying closer attention to everything!! If I had been braver and not pushed all the work onto you!! If I had been wiser, no one would have suffered!!"

Melinoë flinched at her words but, frowning, stepped forward, placing her hand on her heart.

"Don't say that!! You are one of the bravest women I know, Mentor!!"

Hecate waved her injured hand.

"Because of me, you couldn't see your parents, Melinoë! Because of my inattention, the satyrs managed to bring him back!"

The girl shook her head and took another step forward. Her mentor didn't even turn to her.

"Zagreus didn't know. Hades didn't know. Even Nyx didn't know. No one knew he would return or what he would do. And I did see my parents. The portrait you managed to save from Hades's house when Chronos captured it. Despite your fear, you risked it and saved that painting for me! You raised me, yes, harshly, but with love and support."

The woman chuckled sadly, still hiding her face with her hand.

"With love? I literally drilled the stupidest idea into your head, the idea of killing Time itself! I was just trying to make you a stupid copy of my past self, ignoring your feelings and desires! Did you want any of what happened?"

Melinoë took a deep breath, trying to calm down, and stood in front of Hecate, who, judging by her voice, was on the edge.

"Yes, maybe I didn't want it, but there was no other choice. You did everything to make my childhood joyful and happy. You protected me, worried about me, and taught me your craft. Where would I be now if not for you? Floating in the river Styx hoping someone would save me? Where would all these shadows and gods be if not for you? You can blame yourself as much as you want and repeat that you are nothing to me, that you only make things worse, but I will always answer you that you are the closest person to me and that you did everything you could and even more. Because you yourself taught me not to lie to you but to tell only the truth."

Hecate abruptly spread her arms, looming over Melinoë. She stood still, slightly shrinking back, waiting for her mentor's next move. The woman looked at the girl angrily for a while until she unexpectedly pulled her into an embrace. She began to slowly stroke her head. The young witch sniffled at this action, feeling tears finally roll down her cheek.

"Why did you become so kind? Why don't you understand what I've done to you? Why do I even worry about you every time you leave the Crossroads? You are the worst thing that has ever happened to me, yet somehow, I am so happy about it."

Melinoë pressed herself closer to Hecate.

"You have no idea how glad I am that you became my mentor and that you exist at all. If I had the choice to grow up with you or with my family, I would always choose you. No matter how much I love them, you are still the most precious thing I have."

The woman lightly tapped the girl's head. The young witch chuckled softly at this.

"Don't say that. Your family is also the most precious thing you have; you just haven't realized it yet. But… I must admit, it's nice to hear."

The young witch nodded, resting her head on her mentor's chest. They stood for a while until Hecate pulled back, clearing her throat slightly. She began to return the fabric to her injured hand with slightly trembling hands. The woman blinked rapidly to stop her tears.

"I'm glad we were able to talk and sort things out, at least a little."

Melinoë nodded, still sniffling occasionally. She didn't even remember the last time she had cried like that. Probably since she was a child. Hecate put her mask back on her face and hid her eyes under the light. She carefully wiped the tears from Melinoë's face with her hand.

"I hope you at least somewhat understand what the Moirai were talking about and how I am connected to Chronos."

The girl nodded, smiling.

"The most important thing is that you were able to trust me, and I swear, I will not let you down in that regard."

Her mentor waved her off, turning her gaze to her garden.

"Alright, in that case, try not to tell anyone about this, especially Chronos. I… don't want him to remember who I am. This shame of my past will be only between you and me. Let it be a lesson to you and me that arrogance can lead to the grave."

Melinoë nodded and also looked at the garden. Hecate chuckled and began to walk slowly through the garden.

"Come on, I want to show you how this garden has changed. You haven't been here in a long time; much has changed. I managed to get plants all the way from the east. I think you'll like a tree called 'sakura.' Very beautiful."

The girl nodded happily and followed her mentor. How she had missed quiet walks with her.

Melinoë quickly left her tent, smiling happily. This time, she had managed to do many things: both in the underworld and in her father's house. She even got to talk to her grandfather a little longer before he left to restore the halls.

She glanced briefly at the Crossroads, then walked toward the cauldron where her mentor stood. The latter, noticing her student, unexpectedly… sighed heavily and shook her head. The girl blinked in surprise but still approached the cauldron.

"Good evening, Mentor! This time, I dealt with the remnants of the army much faster and gathered many materials!"

She said, smiling. Hecate slowly nodded, placing her hand on her cheek.

"Yes, you… did well…"

The woman answered somewhat stiffly. The young witch didn't notice this and began quickly throwing the necessary ingredients into the cauldron.

"Today, I want to make you a blanket. Lord Hypnos said it's so soft that even Typhon could sleep under it!"

"Melinoë."

"I also want to make some incense. Mother told me it helps with relaxation and is quite popular among humans."

"Melinoë."

"I also found a couple of interesting scrolls in my father's house. They are very old, and perhaps you haven't seen them, because Nyx gave them to me."

"Melinoë!"

Unable to bear it any longer, Titaness shouted over Melinoë's monologue. The girl flinched and looked at her mentor in fright. The woman sighed heavily and moved her hand to her head.

"Melinoë, I would like to talk to you about your behavior after that incident."

The girl blinked in surprise.

"Is something wrong? I'm just trying to be more helpful and—"

"And you're acting as if I'll die in a few days."

Hecate frowned in displeasure, shifting her gaze to her student.

"For example, when you started asking about my condition every day and every minute. As if a moment from my past is bothering me terribly and is about to kill me at any minute."

"I'm just interested in how you're feeling…"

Melinoë tried to justify herself, awkwardly looking away.

"Or when you started making various things. At first, I thought you were, as usual, making things for the Crossroads, but after the screen for the hot spring, I realized that wasn't the case. No one living here needs it. They simply have nothing to hide, except me."

"It's for convenience?"

The young witch replied, trying to smile at least a little.

"And your speech. Melinoë, you don't even mention Chronos as the Titan of Time. As soon as the conversation turns to discussing him or anything related to him, you change the subject."

"I'm… tired of discussing him?"

The girl looked guiltily at Hecate. The latter sighed heavily and shook her head.

"Melinoë, I know you are not doing this to insult or humiliate me. And I know that the things you make are indeed useful for me, but your behavior seems to imply that I am terribly ill and about to die."

She said, grimacing in displeasure.

"I have had this injury for many millennia. Some gods were not even planned when I got it. And what Chronos did doesn't mean the injury got worse."

"But my brother and I—!"

Melinoë tried to protest, but was stopped by her mentor's raised hand.

"Did what you had to do, and I am even grateful to you for it. I myself decided to hide this secret from everyone, and the fact that you and your brother acted without considering it led to the best possible outcome for the world."

The young witch sighed and lowered her head. Titaness looked at her for a while, then placed her hand on her shoulder.

"Melinoë, I am not made of crystal. I will not break if you stop caring for me so much. Especially since, unintentionally, you are pointing out the injury, which hurts me much more."

The girl hunched over slightly guiltily.

"But I have to repay you somehow for my transgression and for everything you have done for me, despite everything."

Hecate thought for a few minutes, then nodded to herself.

"Alright, if you want to do something for me so badly, then… you can continue to give me nectar."

Melinoë looked at her mentor in surprise.

"But you said it was enough."

"Yes, Melinoë, I did, but seeing your attempts to ease my pain, I think nectar would be a good substitute for that."

Titaness replied and narrowed her eyes contentedly.

"Besides, nectar can be quite useful for some of my spells."

The young witch hesitated for a moment, then nodded and smiled as well.

"Alright, Mentor. If it makes it easier for you, I will do that."

The woman waved her hand and turned to the cauldron.

"Now, I think you should finish your spells."

Melinoë nodded and, folding her hands in a sign, slowly began to whisper the necessary incantations.

Melinoë happily and carefully adjusted the copy of the family portrait that stood proudly alongside the old sketch her mentor had managed to steal. The girl had managed to convince a shadow to make a copy so she could take such a precious item to the Crossroads. Now she could proudly look at the portrait featuring her entire family, including her mentor and Nyx.

After wiping a bit more invisible dust off the parchment, she left her tent.

"Melinoë, come here."

Titaness's voice sounded. The young witch flinched and approached her slightly guiltily. After all, her and her brother's escapade was somewhat… unknown to everyone, so it was unclear how the woman would react to it all.

Hecate, as usual, was standing by the cauldron, and when her student approached her, she crossed her arms.

"I think you understand that I am somewhat displeased that you hid your surprise from me, Melinoë."

"Yes, Mentor."

Melinoë nodded slowly, looking at her mentor. She narrowed her eyes.

"In that case, can you explain to me why you didn't tell me about it?"

"We… we thought that you and Lady Nyx would refuse to pose for some reason."

The girl replied quietly. Titaness clicked her tongue in displeasure and fell silent. She was silent for a long time, then spoke slowly.

"Melinoë, I didn't call you over to scold you. After the painting was finished, I… had a little talk with your mother."

She began carefully, placing her hand on her chin. Hades's daughter looked at her interlocutor with interest.

"It was a rather long and interesting conversation, but the point is that… your mother wanted to discuss your past with me and how you lived at the Crossroads."

"Yes?"

The girl was surprised, tilting her head to the side. Hecate nodded and continued.

"She also wanted advice on how best to furnish your room in Tartarus. Of course, we decided to arrange periodic meetings to discuss all this, since, unfortunately, we both had many responsibilities that took up all our free time."

Here her mentor narrowed her eyes somewhat mysteriously.

"And we also discussed with your mother the possibility of sleepovers: yours in Tartarus and your family's at the Crossroads. Ah, and the possible creation of a quick route down for such meetings."

"And you?"

The young witch asked impatiently, clutching her skirt in her hands. The Goddess of the Crossroads was silent for a while, then calmly shrugged.

"Melinoë, I simply had no right to forbid either you or your family from doing that. Selene, Hades, and I have already discussed the possibility of moving between Tartarus and the Crossroads — it's only a matter of time before it appears. Although, undoubtedly, before their arrival, the Crossroads will need to be well prepared."

"Thank you! Thank you, Mentor!"

Hades's daughter said happily and, unable to contain herself, hugged her mentor. The latter smiled back at her with her eyes, placing her hands on her shoulders.

"Melinoë, did you really think I could refuse you and your family something like that?"

"I'm sorry, Mentor, but I never even thought about it. I'm just glad that you don't mind."

Melinoë replied, lifting her gaze to Titaness's face. The latter, clearing her throat awkwardly, pushed her student away from her.

"Well. That's all the news I wanted to tell you. Now go. The remnants of our enemies will not wait for you."

"Alright, Mentor."

The girl nodded and, after bowing, almost skipped toward the training grounds.

Melinoë, squinting, looked at Hecate's torches. She tilted her head to one side, then to the other. The woman, who had been petting her pets the whole time, noticed her student's behavior and turned to her.

"Is something wrong?"

The girl flinched and quickly shook her head.

"No, sorry, I'm just wondering why your torches look so much like mine?"

Her mentor looked at her own weapon.

"Ah, you mean this. I couldn't find a suitable weapon for myself for quite a long time. They were all too strange or didn't channel magic well. Completely unsuited to me. Then, during one of my experiments, I received aspects from the future. They suited me almost perfectly, and without thinking long, I decided to keep them. Surprisingly, over the centuries, the torches have changed more and more, adapting to me, becoming one of the best tools for me."

The young witch nodded thoughtfully.

"So the same aspect of Moros could change if it were in my hands, Mentor?"

The woman, smiling with her eyes, nodded.

"I think so, but you would need to use it for a long time for your magic to begin affecting it. And the changes wouldn't be drastic; this matter still needs to be studied."

Melinoë nodded and smiled slightly, hesitating.

"I'm glad that my weapon turned out to be the most convenient among the other variations."

Hecate smiled with her eyes and stroked her student's head.

"Maybe fate itself was hinting at who would become my student? Who knows, with the Moirai and their plans."