Heathen

Endymion III

Endymion's POV

I was standing absentminded in the shadows after my family left, torn between following them and revealing myself or letting them in peace. After all, I had to remind myself, I was not the same as before. I had the mark of Hecate on my neck and was irrevocably bound to her.

But, still...

And then I saw her, Io. The girl I swore I would love till the day I would die.

My heart sank. A wave of guilt washed over me, not only because I forgot all about her, finding pleasure in the arms of another woman, even if she was a Goddess, but also because, Io was now forever out of my reach.

But, still...

She knelt in front of my family shrine and placed her offerings. Then she took the red ribbon that tied her hair and placed it around the headstone.

(A/N: Ribbon placing around the headstones is similar to placing flowers on graves.)

I felt the tears I was holding back flowing freely now. I put my hand over my mouth to stifle my sobs and stop myself from calling her name. I knew she was crying even though I could only see her back. Her shoulders were shaking. It broke my heart.

Should I run to her? Should I tell her that I am alive and well?

I was almost ready to act on my impulse when my grandmother returned and knelt beside Io. She put her arms around her shoulders and let her cry in her lap. After what seemed like an eternity or mere moments, the two of them stood up and started to walk away. Then, my grandmother turned her gaze to where I was standing, as if she knew all along I was there. She motioned for Io to go on without her and turned aside facing my way.

- Endymion, she called my name. Her voice was calm. - Come here my boy.

I walked out of the shadows and reached to her. I fell into her open arms, hiding my face in the crook of her neck. She hugged me tightly. I felt relieved, safe in my grandmother 's embrace. Her scent, pinewood, thyme and wild flowers, flooded my nostrils soothing my nerves. I inhaled deeply. It was strange that it was so clear, but it surrounded me like a warm blanket, comforting me.

- My dear, dear boy! You are alive? Her voice cracked now. - What happened to you? You feel cold. Are you alright?

- Grandmother! I am alive. I... I survived. I hesitated to say anything more.

- Let me look at you, I am so relieved...

She examined my face and, as her eyes moved down, she saw it, the crescent scar.

- Endymion! She sounded shocked. - You have the mark of Hecate!

She was looking at me concerned, I could see something changing in her eyes. Was I no longer her beloved grandson? Was I someone different, foreign and perhaps dangerous? It was clear that she was wavering.

I hid in her embrace again.

- No, Grandmother, I am fine, it does not mean anything... I begged.

- My dear, sweet boy. This changes everything and you know it. Even now, with me, I am sure you can feel the difference...

She paused and looked straight in my eye. I could feel it. It wasn't just her scent that was more potent. I could feel the blood flowing through her veins, I could hear her heartbeat clearly, I could even see every blood vessel in her body.

I swallowed hard.

- It does not matter. I can control it. I would never hurt any of you, I am certain. I swear to all the Gods! Please Grandmother, let me stay!

I was panicking in the thought of her pushing me away, disowning me. My flimsy hope of going back was crumbling. She took me in her arms again, stroking my hair gently. I could feel her tearing up. When she spoke again her voice was soft.

- I know that you would never harm any of us on purpose. She took a deep breath. - But, you are a blood drinker now.

I flinched at her words.

- And, even though you may not need it to survive - having the grace of Hecate in you - you may be tempted...

I shook my head in disagreement. I wanted her to see that I could go on like before, even if I didn't actually believe it myself anymore.

- Try to understand, Endymion. You are not the same... You will remain unchanged while everyone else around you ages. That may make people anxious and wary of your presence. It may put you in danger. And them.

My grandmother let go of me and cupped my face with her hands She looked at me lovingly, though her words were cutting me like blades.

- You only have to wait a few years... Her voice was dripping with sadness. - Soon, everyone who knew you when you were just Endymion, will move on to the Afterlife. There will be none left to feel awkward by your presence.

I felt like I could not breathe. I wanted to shout in despair and defiance. But everything she was telling me was true. There had to be a price for the gift Hecate gave me. And it was to sever all ties with my previous life.

I bowed my head, defeated and let my tears flow freely.

She lifted my face with her hand and ran her thumb over my cheeks, wiping away my tears. She kissed my forehead and smiled gently, but the sadness was still clear in her eyes.

- Fare thee well, my beautiful boy. Never forget who you are!

Not able to utter a single word, feeling a lump on my throat, I retreated back into the shadows where I came from, looking at my beloved grandmother, holding her in my gaze until I could no longer see from the tears clouding my vision.

I have no right to upset my family or Io. I am only a memory now.

I am just a shadow in the dark...