Whispers Of The Underworld

💀🌹Side Stories: Thanatos & Artemis Part 2🌹💀

Several days had passed since their initial meeting, and Artemis and Thanatos had become experts at sneaking around together without being caught. The thrill of their secret meetings only added to the excitement of their budding romance, but Artemis couldn't shake the fear of what Zeus might do if he discovered their relationship.

Their secret spot in the garden was a hidden gem, tucked away behind a dense wall of ivy and flowering vines. The entrance was almost invisible, known only to those who knew where to look. Inside, the space was a small, secluded alcove, filled with soft moss and surrounded by towering trees whose branches formed a natural canopy overhead. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming jasmine and the gentle rustling of leaves. A small, crystal-clear stream ran through the center, its babbling providing a soothing soundtrack to their stolen moments.

Artemis and Thanatos sat close together on a blanket they had laid out on the soft ground. The dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves cast a warm, golden glow on their faces as they leaned in for another kiss. Their lips met in a tender, loving embrace, each kiss filled with the passion and intensity of their forbidden love.

"I wish we could stay like this forever," Artemis whispered against Thanatos' lips, her fingers tracing the outline of his jaw.

Thanatos smiled, his eyes filled with a mix of love and determination. "Me too, Artemis. But no matter what happens, I'll always be by your side. We will find a way to be together."

Artemis looked into his eyes, finding solace in his unwavering gaze. "I'm so afraid of what Zeus might do if he finds out. I couldn't bear it if something happened to you."

Thanatos gently cupped her face in his hands, his touch reassuring. "We'll be careful, my love. We have to trust in our love and our ability to outsmart them. And remember, you're not alone in this. We have each other."

Their conversation was interrupted by the faint sound of footsteps approaching the garden. Artemis' heart raced as she recognized the heavy, authoritative tread of Zeus. Panic flashed in her eyes as she turned to Thanatos.

"We have to hide," she whispered urgently.

They quickly disentangled themselves and moved deeper into the hidden alcove, pressing themselves against the thick ivy-covered wall, hoping that their secret spot would remain undiscovered. The tension in the air was palpable as they held their breaths, listening intently to the sound of Zeus' footsteps drawing nearer.

Zeus's booming voice echoed through the garden, laced with anger and authority. "Artemis! Show yourself! I know you're here!"

The once serene garden was now filled with tension as Zeus began to destroy the carefully tended decor, smashing statues and tearing down vines in his search. His wrath was palpable, each step closer to their hidden spot amplifying the fear in Artemis's heart.

"Stay hidden," Thanatos whispered urgently, but Artemis knew there was no escaping Zeus' fury.

The moment Zeus discovered the entrance to their secret alcove, he stormed in, his eyes blazing with rage. "Artemis!" he bellowed, spotting the two of them. His gaze then shifted to Thanatos, and his anger only intensified.

With a terrifying roar, Zeus grabbed Thanatos and hurled him to the ground with immense force. Thanatos groaned in pain, the impact reverberating through his body. Artemis's heart wrenched at the sight, and she quickly moved to shield him, standing defiantly between her father and her love.

"Zeus, please!" Artemis pleaded, her voice breaking with desperation. "Don't hurt him!"

Zeus's face contorted with fury as he screamed and cursed at her. "How dare you defy me, Artemis? Associating with this... this harbinger of death!"

Artemis stood her ground, her tears mingling with her resolve. "I love him! Please, don't do this."

But Zeus's rage was unstoppable. With a wave of his hand, he summoned a powerful wind that swept through the garden. "Thanatos, you are banished to the Underworld!" he declared, his voice thunderous and final.

Thanatos tried to reach out to Artemis, but the force of Zeus's power pulled him away, dragging him towards the entrance of the Underworld. "Artemis!" he called out, his voice filled with anguish.

Artemis's heart shattered as she watched Thanatos disappear from her sight, torn from her grasp by her father's cruel decree. She fell to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably, the weight of Zeus' wrath and the loss of her love crashing down upon her.

Zeus's laughter echoed cruelly through the garden, a harsh contrast to Artemis's heart-wrenching sobs. With a final sneer, he turned and walked away, leaving his daughter to her grief.

As soon as Zeus was out of sight, Apollo rushed to his sister's side, his heart aching at the sight of her pain. "Artemis," he murmured gently, wrapping his arms around her trembling form. "I'm here. I'll help you through this."

Artemis clung to her brother, finding some solace in his presence. Apollo knew he had to do something to lift her spirits. "Come with me," he said softly, helping her to her feet. "Let's go somewhere away from here."

He led her to the mortal world, hoping the change of scenery would provide some distraction. They wandered through a bustling marketplace, the vibrant energy of the mortals offering a stark contrast to the sorrow that had filled their hearts. Apollo bought Artemis a whole bunch of snacks and stuffed animals, hoping to see even the slightest smile on her face.

As they walked, their arms full of treats and toys, they came across a small young man sleeping on a pile of hay in the cold. His clothes were tattered, and he shivered in his sleep, clearly in need of warmth and comfort.

Artemis and Apollo approached the young man carefully, their steps slow and non-threatening. The young man stirred at their approach, his eyes snapping open in fear. He backed away quickly, hitting a wall and curling up defensively. "Please, don't hurt me," he begged, his voice trembling.

Apollo knelt down to his level, holding out his hands in a gesture of peace. "We're not here to hurt you," he said gently. "We want to help you."

Artemis nodded, her expression soft and reassuring. "We can take you to Mount Olympus," she added. "You don't have to stay here in the cold."

The young man's eyes darted between them, uncertain but hopeful. "Mount Olympus?" he whispered, the words barely audible.

"Yes," Apollo confirmed. "You'll be safe there. What's your name?"

The young man hesitated for a moment before answering. "My name is Andre," he said softly, his fear slowly giving way to a cautious trust.