In Control (HIATUS)

Ch 18: Missing

Amilia pov:

Morning came and I let the kids stay home for a few days. I woke to the sound of Athena and Ryker talking and playing with Axe. He was shirtless and covered in bandages, his body obviously still suffering from the night before.

Going to Arthur's room I knocked and entered, seeing him sitting at his desk with a blank stare. Going up I placed a hand on his shoulder and gained his attention. He looked out of it but gave a weak smile.

"You okay honey?" I crouched down a little to be at his level. He let out a sigh and shook his head, his knuckles turning white from balling his hands up.

"I'm worried about dad… what if she-"

"We don't think like that Arthur. I know you're worried and scared for her but we will find her, we will get her back." I placed a hand on his cheek and he nodded weakly. Kissing his cheek I encouraged him to come downstairs for breakfast.

Going back down I see Artemis and her Daughter awake, hanging out with the other two in the living room. Not feeling up to cooking, I ordered a double family breakfast meal from a local restaurant.

Ryker and Athena hugged me good morning before talking with Axe, asking him about the mission. He looked fucked up but wore it well, it took a lot to kill this guy, even at this age. When breakfast arrived we all spread out the food and dug in.

When it was over Ryker and Arthur decided to train while Athena took Hades to watch them. Leaving just the adults I turned my attention to the two, listening to Axe's side of the story. It all matched up and pissed me off. I know she did it out of the goodness of her heart but it was pissing me off.

"Is there anything she told either of you?" I looked at them. Axe shook his head but Artemis nodded.

"She wants me to watch over you and the kids till we find her. I know you're upset and not very happy with me but-"

"Of course. I'm pissed but I'm not an idiot. We need to inform Damien and the others so we can get everything up and running." I pinched the bridge of my nose, getting more and more irritated.

"He's gonna freak out." Axe grunted.

"Good, it'll make him work harder. Mind going and spreading the news big boy?" I asked the injured man. He grunted and stood up, taking a random coat from the coat rack.

It was tense and awkward between us. I could feel the guilt and remorse Artemis felt, I knew she felt terrible about the outcome. Standing up I motion for her to follow me, leading us to the backyard where the kids were.

"Azrael is her own person and is smart enough to know what call to make… she trusts that we'll find her. So stop beating yourself up about it." I assured her but she shook her head, a look of anger in her eyes.

"I got my best friend taken away. Hard not to beat oneself up about it." She chuckled, her eyes softening when she saw her daughter playing with mine.

"She isn't here right now. My kids have never been away from her longer than a month. If we go over that time I need you to help them. I don't want them going weak because of this setback." I could handle myself with Azrael being gone for a while but I worry for the kids. What if they start to think she's dead?

"You have my word." She tells me, looking at me with sincerity. I nodded and let her stay to watch them as I went to get started.

We can find her…