The Gorgon Queen

Epilouge

I shattered the mirror for two reasons. One, was because I still couldn't stand the sight of snakes in my hair even though I've grown accustomed to them over the years. The second reason being that I just found out that my sisters are dead.

Beheaded, they say. Or as Metis says for Athena found it in her soul to send me a short, giving great detail of how Perseus slaughtered my sisters.

For years, my sisters and I had ruled this land, making men bend to our will before turning them to stone. I took great pleasure in their misery for all the men I came in contact with only gave me pain. Now I was completely alone.

I wasn't surprised to hear the footsteps coming down the hall of the cave, for I knew Perseus would come for me next, afterall it was he who left me the cloak and note the day I turned.

I hid behind the wall, I always enjoyed the element of surprise. When Perseus entered I was taken aback by how much he changed. He grew stronger and now how a little bit a facial hair. But I could still see the young warrior that rescued me that night at the docks.

I closed my eyes, mourning the girl I used to be before embracing the creature I am now.

A Gorgon who puts fear into mortal men.

If this were any other day, I would defend myself, but what else do I have to live for? My sisters are dead and I knew I never will truly be happy, spending my days in this cave.

I inhaled and stepped out of the shadows, my black and purple dress trailing behind me.

"Hello, friend." I said, my voice giving off a hissing sound. Perseus spun his sword toward me and without looking at me, he said, "You don't have the right to call me friend." he said.

It pained me to see him looking at me as if I were a monster, which in fact I was.

A beautiful monster.

"But we were friends once." I said.

"Not anymore."

I sighed, "Why don't you look at me, Perseus?" I asked even though I knew the answer. He shook his head, "You know why."

I glanced at myself in the broken shards of glass now riddled on the ground, "You murdered my sisters." I said. I heard Perseus inhaled sharply, taken aback by my comment. "I had to, Athena ordered it."

My brows rose, "Did she?" I swept my skirts behind me as I began to pace, "Did she order you to come here to kill me?"

He was silent for a while, as if deciding how to answer my question. "Answer me!" I shouted.

"Yes!" Perseus replied. "She wants your head."

I licked my lips, deciding where in my life I took the wrong path that led me here. I didn't want to die, but I also didn't want to live. I knew that if I continued to live, Perseus and other warriors out there would only try to find me and kill me.

And I was growing tired.

Now especially since my whole family was gone, what else was there to live for?

"So kill me." I said. Perseus faltered, almost dropping his sword. I knew I shocked him with my statement. "Pardon?"

I came closer until the tip of his blade was touching my throat.

"My sisters are dead, I have no family or friends," I paused, "no love. What else is there for me? I've spent years seducing men and then turning them to stone all out of revenge for what Poseidon did to me. I'd rather be rid of this world."

I could see Perseus shaking, he was still the young warrior I knew. "As you wish."

"Just tell me this." I said before he could move his blade, "Did Poseidon get what he deserved? Did Athena punish him like she said she would?"

Looking down at his feet, Perseus said, "Athena ordered the warrior Jason to leave him stranded at sea with no food or fresh water. The last we heard he was sick to the point he was coughing up blood and having delusions. We believe him to be dead."

I felt a smile spread across my lips, satisfied with his answer. "Then all is well."

I stood there as Perseus lifted his sword, but before bringing it down he said, "Maybe in the next life, things will be different."

I nodded, truly believing him, "I indeed it might be."

At first, I didn't feel the pain, only an overwhelming sense of peace as the world around me disappeared and the piercing gaze of sapphire eyes welcomed me into his embrace.