Cursed

Epilogue

Aphrodite

Life without Hades constantly threatening our existence is one of sweet serenity. Zeus and I reflect back on our time as mortals and it never ceases to make us laugh. Being trapped in a human body isn't a curse I would wish on anyone, but there was something poetic about living the delicacy of human life. In the secret world of my own thoughts, I occasionally miss being Aurora Kline. I'm curious as to what the humans are up to today in their little world.

Walking over to my gilded mirror I pour out pink energy from my fingertips, onto its flat surface. It spreads like liquid and then freezes over the mirror, revealing to me the human world in all its fragility. What I see shocks me, causing the mirror to crack and break into a thousand pieces. I fall to the floor, stunned by the truth that's just been revealed to me. It can't be.

"My lady!"

One of my servant girls rushes to my side. She supports my body into a sitting position, careful not to look directly into my eyes. I have to tell someone what I saw. Even if it means they will not live to share the information.

"My precious Saphene, what I have to say can never be spoken out loud. Do you understand?"

Saphene looks down at my feet, nodding vigorously. I take her face in my hands and force her to look up at me.

"I'm pregnant. The world doesn't need another child of Zeus. I cannot take on this burden of motherhood. I will get rid of the child, Saphene. But he must never know!"

"I won't tell anyone, goddess. You have my word, please spare my life!"

"It's too late for that now, you know too much. Goodbye Saphene, you have served me well and I will miss your company."

Without allowing her head to turn away I stare deep into the pools of her light blue eyes, causing her body to shake violently. In the time it takes me to blink, she's gone. I look around to make sure none of the other servants are aware of what just transpired. I'm alone. Now to more important matters, like the child growing inside me. I must get rid of it. I ring a tiny silver bell and another servant girl quickly appears by my side.

"How can I be of service to my lady?"

"Retrieve the goddess Demeter. I must speak with her right away."

After a few minutes Demeter appears before me in a golden aura, similar to that of the grain she harvests.

"Sweet friend, I'm happy to see you. But why do you take me away from my fields and gardens in the midst of harvesttime?"

"I only need a moment of your time Demeter. I promise not to keep you from nurturing your crops. I know they are the only children you have."

Demeter looks around nervously as I approach her. Moving quickly I grab her shoulders so that she's unable to move, while I use magic to connect us. Chanting the words of inception I transfer the fetus from my womb space to hers. Before Demeter knows what's happening to her I wipe her memory of any trace of the event. She looks up at me innocently. My magic works and she has no memory of what just happened.

"What did you call me here for Aphrodite?"

"Is it too much to ask for your company this evening? I know Zeus would love to speak with a woman who can cultivate agricultural feats such as yourself."

Demeter blushes. I always knew she had her eyes set on Zeus. In order for him to believe that this baby is truly his and Demeter's, I can't falter or hesitate in my plans. I open my arms wide and take Demeter in close to me for a sensual embrace. Gently kissing the sensitive area where her neck meets her jawline I whisper her deepest desires in her ear. She swoons under my love spell.