At dusk, deep in the marshlands, the last rays of the setting sun spilled through the forest, painting the mist a soft blush—like the shy flush on a lover's cheek.
Only when the rustling of leaves came from behind the bushes did Samael finally let out a long sigh of relief. From the fork in the path emerged Themis, unscathed, with dozens of Nymphs circling in the air behind her.
"I told you I'd be fine..."
The Goddess of Justice murmured, her tone lightly chiding, though a faint blush still colored her fair face.
"I just came to take a look."
Samael feigned a clueless smile, giving a small nod.
The fact that Themis stood here now meant the talks had gone smoothly, without any major mishaps. At last, he could set down the weight pressing on his chest.
"Is everything ready?"
Their eyes met, fingertips brushing as Themis stepped closer. Glancing at the sun sinking past the horizon, she asked softly.
"Of course. Just waiting on you."
Samael smiled faintly and guided Themis toward his cavern home.
Behind them, the chatter of Nymphs filled the air. Each carried gifts, their little faces flushed with excitement and anticipation.
"I'll tell you a secret—Samael's cooking is the best!"
"I even skipped meals for two days just to get in on this feast!"
Daphne, an old acquaintance, fluttered excitedly through the air, wings flapping as she wiped away sparkling drool, loudly promoting the meal to her companions.
The festive mood only grew warmer with their chatter.
When night fell, the cavern glowed with lamps and streamers. Platters of delicacies—fruits, fine dishes, crystal dew, mushroom broth—were laid out across the long tables.
Besides Themis and the familiar Nymphs, Echidna, the Mother of Serpents of the Arima Caverns, had arrived with her newly awakened Typhon offspring. Chiron, the children's teacher, had also come to lend a hand.
With so many gathered, the spacious cavern suddenly felt crowded. Yet the bustling, cheerful atmosphere only grew stronger.
Nymphs, carrying fruit baskets, laughed and chased each other through the air, or passed dishes along in a playful relay.
The monsters, still bearing bruises and scrapes, showed none of their usual ferocity. Instead, they naturally helped the Nymphs and teachers carry trays and arrange food.
Of course, the two troublemakers, Euryale and Stheno, only put on airs, refusing to lift a finger. As always, they drifted near the tables, sampling one delicacy after another.
The harpy—who seemed like she must have been a gluttonous demon in her past life—always stole a few bites whenever she carried food to the table. The sauce dripping from her lips, never wiped away, made her crimes plain to see.
The Mother of Serpents and Themis sat side by side, calm and composed, whispering to each other. Echidna's gaze swept across the hall. After a moment of hesitation, she slowly gave a nod.
When Samael brought out the evening's centerpiece—Roast Venom Dragon—the ancient serpent clapped her hands, a subtle smile tugging at her lips.
At once, the room fell into silence. The lively Nymphs, the mischievous Gorgon sisters, even the scatterbrained harpy—every gaze turned toward the sealed cavern entrance, its glowing sigils lulling one toward drowsiness.
Samael snapped his fingers. The crisp sound echoed as Tina pushed the stone door open from within.
Out she came, tugging along a drowsy figure with an air of mystery.
"Huh? How did I fall asleep? What time is it now?"
"Wait—why are you all here? And Harpy, your wing is broken! Why aren't you resting?"
Athena, freshly woken, stumbled into the hall under Tina's guidance. Blinking in confusion at the gathered crowd, she scratched her messy silver hair and muttered in bewilderment.
"Athena..."
Samael stepped forward solemnly, taking his foster daughter's delicate hands in his own and lifting them slowly, his voice grave.
The Goddess of Wisdom thought back to the battle earlier that day. Her heart skipped a beat, her body tensing unconsciously.
"Happy birthday!"
At that moment, a chorus of cheers burst out from every direction. Familiar faces beamed with genuine smiles.
"You all..."
"How could I forget my daughter's birthday? Wasn't tonight's company good enough?"
Samael winked at Athena, his smile carrying a teasing edge.
At once, Athena remembered her childish outburst earlier—pinning him in a chokehold and whispering her petty grievances in his ear. Her teeth ground together in shame.
What the hell! You all remembered and kept me in the dark?!
"Happy birthday, Athena..."
Medusa appeared next, walking gracefully with a sweet butter cake in hand, the Typhon offspring gathered around her.
On the cake's surface, the name "Athena" was written in jam. The Goddess of Wisdom cast it a glance, raising her chin slightly.
"Doesn't look like much, considering I saved your life."
Medusa's pretty face cooled as she made to take the cake back.
"This has always been my favorite. If you don't want it, fine. And I saved your life on the battlefield too. That makes us even."
"Hey! Since when can you take back a gift?"
With a huff, Athena snatched the cake while Medusa wasn't looking.
"Give it back!"
"Nope! Let me try it... Mmm, crispy on the outside, soft inside, and even fruit filling? Seriously, are you still a kid? Who else likes sweet-and-sour stuff this much?"
Medusa's face darkened as she watched Athena mock her while happily digging into the butter cake, fruit and all. An almost irresistible urge welled up to smash the plate right into her face.
As always—infuriating. As always—picking a fight.
"Smack!"
The sharp sound came as Athena, usually the victor in arguments, received her punishment.
"Can't even keep your mouth shut while eating, can you?"
Samael's expression turned grim. Grabbing Athena by the scruff, he flung the proud, sharp-tongued girl aside, keeping the two troublemakers apart.
With that, the birthday celebration began in earnest. Nymphs brought fruit baskets, woven garlands, and crystal dew brewed by their own hands, each giggling as they offered Athena their gifts.
The Typhon offspring followed. Some gave "hardcore" presents like severed heads of their prey—Chimera and the Colchis Dragon among them.
Others, unprepared and fearing a certain sharp-tongued goddess's complaints, offered to let her pick materials from their own bodies as keepsakes: Hydra's venom, the Hades Hound's shed fangs, or feathers from the Harpy that commanded the wind.
Some chose the lazy route, offering fruits or garlands instead—like Euryale and Stheno, who were always at odds with Athena.
The Sphinx was at least creative, presenting a riddle whose answer was: "Happy birthday, Athena."
Then there were the stingy ones who simply tossed her a glowing ore to be done with it.
Ladon, I won't forget this...
The little schemer cast a shadowed glance at the dragon, who was still fretting over the loss of that "shiny rock," silently adding him to her blacklist.
Finally, the five elders stepped forward with their gifts, each one valuable.
The Mother of Serpents offered a pale golden fruit nourished by the Earth's power, carrying a trace of regenerative ability. To Samael, it felt similar to a golden apple, though not nearly as pure as the legendary originals that granted true immortality.
Chiron presented a cedar bow of his own making and a quiver of bronze arrows, smiling warmly.
Themis gave a set of bronze armor tailored to Athena's form, gently brushing her silver hair as though seeing Metis again, once small and clinging in her arms.
Tina's gift surprised everyone: a beautiful hymn composed by Samael. The innocent Goddess of Beginning sang it in shifting tones, scattering emerald light through the air, soothing hearts and filling bodies with vitality.
At last, Samael stepped forward solemnly. He drew out the guardian artifact long hidden and treasured under Metis's guidance, caressing it with care before placing it in Athena's hands.
"This ram-skin shield is your birth mother's relic. Take it—and protect yourself well."
Feeling the familiar aura within, Athena's eyes lit up. She accepted the shield at once, reluctant to set it down.
But then she pressed a hand on Samael's shoulder, holding her pale palm out again with a playful smile.
"This one's from my mother. Where's yours?"
"Fair's fair. You promised to tuck me in tonight—don't think you can back out."
Samael froze, breath catching. Under the weight of her expectant gaze, he gave a helpless nod.
"Aaaaaa! (I want to be tucked in too!)"
Tina, imitating Athena, grabbed Samael's other arm, chiming in eagerly.
Caught between the two girls, the ancient serpent rolled his eyes and gave up resisting.
Tonight, then... they'd all sleep together.
...
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