The Crowns of the Gods.

Family Lost and Found

 Restless, Blair wandered the dimly lit halls of the ancient castle, her footsteps echoing softly against the cold stone floors. The flickering torchlight cast dancing shadows on the walls, adding to her unease. Hades and Peri had convinced her to meet with her parents, leaving her nerves shot to hell. It had been nearly eight years since she last spoke to them, almost ten since she had seen her brother. Her heart ached with the longing to meet his children, yet her anger had kept her away. The betrayal she felt when her mother had placed her in the mental institution still burned fiercely within her. Blair had sworn she would never forgive her. They had always thought she was crazy, never truly listening to her.

The memory of that fateful night resurfaced vividly. She had been arguing with Joan, her voice hoarse from shouting, when the truth slipped out. Blair had discovered she was adopted. The shock of the revelation stung, but it was Joan's hurtful words that cut the deepest. Joan had expressed regret at adopting such an insolent child, a comment that echoed painfully in Blair's mind. That cruel remark had been uttered the night before she was sent away, solidifying Blair's belief that her mother no longer wanted her around.

Peri's revelations had added another layer to Blair's turmoil. When they discussed visiting her family, Peri revealed that Blair's mother had never stopped searching for her, blaming herself for Blair's disappearance. The irony was not lost on Blair, as she too had placed the blame squarely on her mother's shoulders.

Determined to confront her parents on her own terms, Blair decided to bring her sisters to the cemetery for the meeting. Zeus had assured her that her parents would find it this one time, offering her a sense of control and comfort. Blair smiled gratefully at him, and then went to her room to finish her preparations for the meeting. As she exited her room, Braxy, her loyal companion, followed closely behind, his large paws padding softly against the floor.

In the hall, she met up with the others. Braxy yipped playfully at Pasha and Naoko, his tail wagging enthusiastically. He then lay down, allowing Baez to climb onto his back, a playful gesture that made the girls laugh and share warm smiles. Braxy had naturally taken on the role of caretaker among the animals, much like Blair did with her sisters. His watchful eyes and gentle demeanor mirrored Blair's own protective instincts, looking after everyone in their little makeshift family.

As they walked together, the tension in Blair's chest began to ease, replaced by a cautious optimism. The castle's cold and eerie atmosphere seemed to thaw slightly in the presence of her sisters and their animal companions. For the first time in a long while, Blair felt a flicker of hope. The upcoming confrontation with her parents loomed large, but she was no longer facing it alone. Surrounded by those who cared for her, Blair felt a surge of determination. She would face her past and, perhaps, find a way to heal the wounds that had festered for so long.

"Are you ready?" Peri asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper as they stood at the threshold of a significant moment.

"No, but let's get it over with," Blair replied, a determined glint in her eyes despite the trepidation that clung to her like a second skin.

Hades and Peri gently picked up the girls, each cradling their own pet with care. When they arrived at the cemetery, Luna's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat as she took in the vast, sprawling grounds, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. Blair couldn't help but smile at her sister's awe before turning her attention back to Hades and Peri.

"We'll be fine. Give us a couple of hours. We'll call when we're ready," Blair said softly, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling within her.

Hades nodded, his expression a mix of reassurance and concern. With a final glance, he and Peri turned to leave, their figures gradually blending into the shadows.