Reaching For The Stars

Chapter 51

Artume

There is something strange with her. She has felt it ever since they returned from their meeting. It made her feel strange, odd in her emotions, and tired. Her gaze settled on the paperwork left for today. The wishes of Zeus were burning in her trash bin. Her current thoughts on whether she should grant a wish for—her eyes drifted to the paper—Melinoe. The daughter of Hades currently acting as an agent in Kronos' camp.

But this sensation within her felt overwhelming, like her mind felt slightly unfocused. Never before has she felt this. With a swift stroke of the quill, she granted it. A mere wish for one of her children to have a friend. Couldn't hurt. They were very solitary, the children of Melinoe.

As she stood up a bit too quickly, she felt a bit sluggish in a way. "What's wrong with me?" Artume muttered, stroking her forehead as she thought.

"Something the matter?" Annabeth asked, seeing Artume enter the living room as she laid on the sofa.

"I don't know. I feel weird."

"A goddess can feel weird? How strange."

Artume chuckled, letting herself slip next to Annabeth. A content sigh left her as she rested her head in Annabeth's lap. How long has she thought about this. Her life with Annabeth in this palace, her presence filling this place with life. To create new memories. It's truly like a dream come true. She almost wishes she could dream like during the time she was a demigod.

"I'm fine. It doesn't feel wrong," Artume said as she felt Annabeth's fingers go through her hair. It's then her mind came filled with distant whispers, a prayer made by those asking for help. The words were followed by a heavenly aroma, warm and comforting, like she smelled the warm breeze from a hearth.

May this offer please you, Artume. I ask you to bless us when we enter the labyrinth. Guide us as we seek the smith you wish. And protect our home. Please, watch over us.

It was the words of Thalia. She knew it in an instant yet it felt unlike her to be so humble. But it made her see what Hades meant. The demigods truly respected her deeply for some reason. It is something she will try not to break. However, Thalia asks something she cannot do. The maze she meant is not something she sees through. Her stars' light is absent and will never reach it. She is blind in there. Even her stars.

Thalia, I cannot help within the twisting maze of Daedalus. His creation is where we gods can hardly do anything. All I can do is watch over camp. Besides, Zeus and I have fallen out over my actions concerning Annabeth. I'll do what I can, but you'll be on your own, my friend.

Artume sighed, snuggling a little bit more into Annabeth's thighs. It's nicer as she was still barely clothed. In her mind, she does wish she could have done more for them. But all she can do is watch out for anything surrounding the Camp. Her stars will be ever watching. That's all she can do.

"You were silent for a moment, like in a trance. Something wrong?"

Artume shook her head. "No, perhaps in time, you will experience it, but prayers come from time to time, making me experience a euphoric sensation. An offering is very pleasant to us, Annabeth. A moment ago, Thalia made an offering to me. I answered and will do what I can for her. Unfortunately, I could not offer much guidance."

"I see. What did she inquire about? Anything interesting?"

"It involves a new project of mine. But it was also about protecting the camp. They will venture into the Labyrinth of Daedalus. I cannot say much about it. Or help them in there. It's beyond the power of the gods. Daedalus has been very crafty in the design."