One Too Many Heartbreaks

VII. The Last Straw (Calypo's POV)

~ONE WEEK LATER~

Calypso wandered around the woods. She had been advised against it, but she was afraid not. She was skilled with magic and was sure that a safe camp for demigods would not contain anything lethal.

Calypso sang softly as she walked, stopping occasionally to chat with a nymph or satyr. Unintentionally, she stumbled along the place which was so important to Leo.

The stone wall soared high, far too high for a mortal to climb, Calypso noticed. She stepped closer and her fingers found the place where Leo started his fire, the way to get into what he called Bunker 9; a sizable workshop for all of his ideas and inventions.

An overwhelming feeling engulfed Calypso, not for the first time. Leo Valdez. He had saved her from her prison, the only hero who kept his promise. For that, she was thankful. However, how long would it last? She had seen how fickle mortal boys can be. He had disappeared not a day after promising not to; granted, he returned, and it wasn't his fault (she had cleared that up with the young Hades boy whom was so full of sadness), but how long would his love truly last? Calypso had heard a thing about this Hephaestus boy; how he never seemed to stop chasing pretty women yet never stayed true.

The nymph sighed and sank to the floor. She wondered whether Leo Valdez was worth it, whether he would love her always as he claimed, or would break her heart once again. Calypso found herself not wanting to take the chance. She buried her head in her hands, almost wishing to be back home, where she at least had her invisible servants and no doubt about her fate.

There was a soft rustling in the trees; Calypso looked up to see a beautiful doe watching her. Its coat was luscious brown and seemed to be glowing, though not as brightly as its eyes. Calypso sensed immediately that this was no ordinary deer; she stood slowly as not to startle it and it walked deeper into the woods.

Calypso followed the doe for maybe an hour, when they finally came to a clearing with a small lake that was surrounded by a ring of trees. The moon shone full and bright overhead, illuminating the doe as it skipped over and settled next to a young girl with auburn hair and silver eyes.

"My lady," said Calypso with a bow, recognizing the goddess immediately.

"Very good," Artemis said, nodding at Calypso. She gestured to a patch of grass. "Please, sit."

Calypso obeyed, settling near the goddess. "What are you doing here, my lady?" She asked politely.

Artemis looked at Calypso. "I believe you know the answer," she said simply. Calypso was afraid she told the truth. "You are afraid of the Hephaestus boy."

"No, my lady," Calypso answered, to which the goddess raised her eyebrows. "I am afraid that he will hurt me." Calypso explained.

Artemis still stared, the moon reflecting in her irises. "There is a way, Calypso. To never be hurt by a man."

Calypso felt trapped. If she abandoned Leo, was she no better than he or any of the other heroes before him?

"He will not blame you," Artemis assured her.

Calypso wanted more time to think, but she dared not keep Artemis waiting. She raised her head to the young girl. "I wish to be a part of the Hunt, my lady, if you would have me."

Artemis nodded. "Repeat after me. I (your name), pledge myself to the goddess Artemis. I turn my back on the company of men, accept eternal maidenhood, and join the Hunt."

Calypso took a deep breath.

"I, Calypso, pledge myself to the goddess Artmis. I turn my back on the company of men, accept eternal maidenhood, and join the Hunt."

Artemis's silver eyes sparkled. "Welcome, sister."