Within the private chambers of imperial estate, Erebus sat beside Hades' crib, quietly sharpening his sword. The gentle rasp of the whetstone was the only sound accompanying the infant's occasional cooing.
The stillness was broken by a soft knock. Augusta opened the door, ushering in an elderly Mayan couple.
"Grandma Dacey! Grandpa Fabio!" Nemesis cried out, rushing into their arms with uncontained excitement.
The couple beamed with joy. Dacey scooped him into a tight embrace. "Oh, my precious boy. I've wanted to see you for so long."
But her warmth was swiftly tempered by shock. As she looked up, her eyes fell on Erebus—a towering figure silhouetted against the crib, sword in hand, gaze calm yet unreadable.
Dacey gasped in Mayan. Fabio flinched beside her, stiffening as if confronted by a primal instinct. They both stood frozen at the threshold.
"That's my dad!" Nemesis declared, switching to their native tongue.
The revelation only deepened their disbelief. Erebus rose from his stool and walked toward them. Compared to him, the couple barely reached his chest. Dacey instinctively gripped Fabio's arm.
"Dwarves?" Erebus mused quietly to himself, noting their short stature, though his tone lacked mockery.
"Dade! Grandpa Fabio always wanted to meet you. He said it all the time!" Nemesis added brightly.
Fabio's expression soured. In truth, he had long dreamed of meeting Erebus—not out of admiration, but to plant a well-earned punch square in his face for abandoning Luciana and the boy on that godforsaken island.
But now, standing before the infamous general, all he saw was a predator in repose—dangerous, silent, coiled.
"This man… is our daughter's…?" Dacey's voice faltered, the rest unspoken but understood.
Erebus nodded solemnly. They returned the gesture, stiff and awkward.
"Who are they, Nemesis?" Erebus asked.
"They took care of us when Mama got sick."
Erebus squinted, taking in the red and white markings on their faces. His jaw tensed. He'd once subdued pirates who bore similar war paint.
"Maya," Nemesis explained, sensing the question before it was asked.
So that's why I couldn't understand them… Erebus thought. But Nemesis does.
"You have my gratitude," Erebus said, bowing his head slightly.
Nemesis translated. The words brought a small smile to Dacey's lips. "They are like our own grandchildren," she said, brushing her fingers against Nemesis' hair.
The room fell into a gentle silence as the boy chattered between the adults, the only bridge between two languages.
A knock interrupted them. Augusta stood at the door. At Erebus' signal, she entered, ready to attend the children and guests.
Erebus turned to leave, but just as he reached the doorway, he nearly collided with Luciana. He caught her in time, steadying her before she could fall.
"Ah—thank you," she murmured, hastily wiping away a tear.
Erebus's gaze narrowed. "Were you crying?"
"N-no. It's nothing." She looked away too quickly.
Before he could press further, Nemesis shouted, "Mama! Grandma and Grandpa are here!"
Luciana seized the distraction and slipped past him. Erebus let her go, watching as she embraced the elderly couple. Their reunion was warm, emotional. He gave them their privacy.
As he turned to depart, Luciana caught a glimpse of his retreating form. He could've at least stayed for lunch, she thought.
"You're worried about him, child," Dacey said softly.
Luciana looked surprised. "Oh? Did it seem that obvious?"
"This old woman has seen many things. I can read it in your eyes. And in that sigh… it's not one of fatigue, but of longing."
Luciana chuckled lightly. "Aunt Dacey… maybe you're just imagining things."
The sound of baby Hades cooing and Nemesis laughing as Fabio lifted them both filled the room.
"Come. Let's have some lunch in the dining hall," Luciana said. "Augusta, please stay and watch over Hades."
She led the couple and Nemesis out, her smile belying the unease still churning within.
---
Meanwhile, in the outer gardens…
Erebus crossed through the final stretch of manicured paths when he encountered Cornelius and Aria, hand-in-hand during a peaceful stroll. Their wedding had recently been sanctioned by both Helios and the Alchemist Tower.
"Lord Stygian!" Cornelius greeted with a surprised grin. "Didn't expect to see you here."
Aria studied Erebus, her expression unreadable. Not shock, nor awe—only the silent recognition that this man, thought long dead, was Luciana's husband. The golden eyes she inherited from Helios watched him carefully.
Erebus paused, returning her gaze. Her resemblance to Helios was uncanny, haunting even. She bowed respectfully, and Erebus acknowledged the gesture with a curt nod.
"Good timing," he said, addressing Cornelius. "I've been meaning to speak with you."
"Me? Why?" Cornelius blinked.
Erebus glanced at Aria. "It's best we speak privately."
Understanding the gravity of his tone, Aria stepped back. "I'll wait here."
"But—"
"Just go already," she chided, giving him a nudge. "I'll see you at dinner."
Cornelius gave her a quick kiss on the forehead before following Erebus.
As Aria turned toward the villa, she stretched with a contented sigh. "No wonder Hades got those good looks. His father is handsome too."
A playful smile danced on her lips. "I just hope Neli and I tie the knot soon."
---
Outside the villa, beyond earshot of the estate, Cornelius called out, "Hey, are you even listening?"
Erebus finally stopped. The look he gave was sharp, direct.
"I need your help," he said simply.
Cornelius blinked. Erebus was never one to mince words.
This was serious.