we did eat for pleasure often.
And everything I had heard
of Kore spoke of joy and kindness
and yes, even of pleasure.
She was a Goddess of spring,
used to fruits every day
for her meals. But I could not argue.
I had used all of my cards here.
I nodded and just as I was about to leave,
Zeus said to me,
‘Hekate, tarry.’
I stopped but did not turn back.
‘I never want to see you
anywhere near this mountain again.’
I closed my eyes at these words.
Gods are not good with fear,
and I had proven myself worthy of their fear.
‘One more thing.’ Zeus’ voice rang out.
‘You must never marry.
Especially not a child of the night.
Especially not Thanatos.’
My eyes widened and I spun back
at his words. His stony gaze met mine
and I realized he knew something
I had refused to admit to myself
until this moment. That Thanatos
meant so much more to me
than just friend. I did not speak.
I turned away, not giving Zeus
the satisfaction of agreement.
