the blood of hades

chapter 10: Cairo

 I stood on the balcony of my room that I had been assigned while staying here, it was next to Ryan's. I leaned over the railing and looked at the snow covered ground, it was now stained in some spots blood red.

" happy birthday" I heard a voice behind me causing me to spin around, it was lucas.

" how did you know?" I asked a small Smile as I turned back to look at the snow falling slowly covering the blood stains. I needed to know how they got so close to the palace, the palace territory had acres of land how they managed to penetrate the borders and make it to the heart of their territory was beyond me, but it was horrifying.

" Ryan told me," he answered as I heard his footsteps get closer before he was next to me, his hand reached out in front of me and was holding a small chocolate cupcake with blue icing and a cute swirl on top, with One Singular candle sticking out of it

I took the cupcake from him, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips as I looked at the simple yet thoughtful gesture. It was a stark contrast to the chaos and turmoil that had engulfed our lives in recent days, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there could still be moments of light and joy.

"Thank you, Lucas," I said sincerely, my voice soft as I looked up at him. Despite everything that had happened, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for his kindness and support.

He returned my smile, his eyes warm and filled with understanding. "You're welcome, Cairo. I know things have been tough lately, but I wanted to do something to make your birthday a little brighter."

I nodded, my heart swelling with appreciation for his gesture. It was moments like these that reminded me of the bonds we shared, the connections that transcended the trials and tribulations we faced.

Together, we stood on the balcony, watching the snow fall in silence as the candle on the cupcake flickered in the cold breeze.

" are you going to make a wish?" Lucas asked me with a small chuckle. what would I wish for? every birthday I've always wish to see my father. but I know that wasn't happening until my next birthday. and I knew the risks now, before I thought the goddesses were just talking nonsense but I felt the pain when we touched, I felt my life leaving me.

I glanced down at the cupcake, the flame of the candle casting a soft glow on my face. Closing my eyes for a moment, I thought about what I truly wanted, what my heart yearned for amidst the chaos and uncertainty.

Slowly, I leaned forward and blew out the candle, a silent wish forming in my mind as the flame flickered and disappeared. It wasn't a wish for material wealth or fleeting happiness. Instead, it was a wish for strength, for courage, for the wisdom to navigate the challenges ahead.

"I made my wish," I said, meeting Lucas's gaze once more. "But it's not the kind of wish you make for things to magically change. It's more like... a wish for guidance, for clarity."

Lucas nodded understandingly, his eyes reflecting the same determination and resolve that I felt within myself. "Sometimes, that's the most powerful kind of wish," he said softly. "The kind that comes from the heart, the kind that fuels your spirit and gives you the strength to keep moving forward."

I smiled gratefully at him, feeling a sense of reassurance wash over me. "About earlier..." Lucas started this time turning towards me with a serious look on his face. that can't be good. " what did you mean by she?"

my heart froze, and it took several seconds to start back up at a normal pace. " I was just assuming, I truly don't know anything" I lied.

Lucas studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable. I could feel the weight of his gaze on me, probing for any sign of deception. It took all my willpower to maintain a composed facade, to keep the truth hidden beneath the surface.