When Cupid Falls In Love

Chapter 13: Cupid

I was stunned. 

"Hades?" I repeated weakly.

"Hades," She repeated ominously.

Shivering, I looked back at Penny's house.

If I was in a normal frame of mind, I would've immediately ruled out going to him for help, but I was desperate. I wanted to be with Penny so bad I felt like nothing could make me happy. The thought of never being with her made parts of my body ache I didn't know the name of. Going to Hades though? Asking him to lift my curse? Was that kind of betrayal to my ego worth the risk? How could I move on though knowing that someday she would be in another's arms? I wanted to be her man and make her happy, no matter the cost. No human man can amount to what she deserves, only I can.

That's it then, my selfish selflessness wins.

"If that's what it takes," I decided, locking eyes with the Oracle.

I swear a twinge of a smirk ghosted her lips. "Then go to him. I'm sure once you tell him your affliction, he'll find a way to help. Although, there's always a chance he may decide to help by killing you." She forewarned, rocking on her heels.

While the choice was intimidating, I knew he was my best bet.

Or, I hoped he was. I trusted that the Oracle had no reason to mislead me.

I swallowed thickly. "It's a risk I'm willing to take." I gripped the leather strap of my quiver. "I've escaped the Underworld a hundred times. I'm sure I can do it again," I said as I unfolded my wings and spread them out. "Thanks for the help. When I find the one for you, I'll be sure to shoot them," I promised.

She smiled sadly. "That would be kind of you, but don't waste your time on me," She said solemnly as she turned away and began walking down the street from where we came.

One day, I would help her for helping me. Until then, I had my own worries. So, with a final glance at Penny's residing place, I sprung into the night air and began flying towards the Underworld.

I've been there dozens of times and never once cowered, but tonight my insides trembled like a cold mutt. Last time I saw Hades, he threatened to dismember me in rage, and I literally escaped by a feather. Normally I gave him space for a month or two before approaching the Underworld again. It was unnerving not knowing if I was flying towards a better future or my new home. With that in mind, the night felt impossibly darker as it filled with impending doom.

The only thing that broke the suffocating darkness was the moon.

Hermes always said the moon was an excellent way to find light in the darkness. When I was a child, I remember sitting in his lap as an island storm raged outside my window. Holding me close, he pointed out the window and said, "You see the moon Cupid? As long as it shines bright you don't have to be afraid. You can make wishes, find hope and follow your destiny. Isn't that wonderful?"

Tonight, was the first time I truly understood that and this was the one time I needed to be brave enough to take control over my destiny. All the Gods have faced this awakening at one time in their lives and I always figured deep down I was destined to do the same.

I just wasn't expecting it to be like this.

Neither did my father I bet.

He was chosen for the Roman side by Jupiter. His love for my mother and her love for him was forbidden. In fact, they crossed paths as spies during the war. Despite the complexity of their situation, my father pursued her and of that passion I was born. In the Roman realm my father, Mercury, was the messenger of the Gods. That's part of the reason why I stuck with Hermes here, because he's somewhat how I envision my father.