Athena's Pov

I had gone limp in his arms as the relief of being safe took over all my senses. Hades let me put my weight on him and slowly slid down until we were both sat on the ground.

I wrapped myself on him like a koala and held him like he was the only person in the world who cared for me. I couldn't let him go.

I sobbed in his chest as I thought of everything that could've happened but didn't. I remembered how he wanted to save me, even if it meant putting himself into danger.

He cares for me even if he denies it.

He might not want my responsibility but he's ready to die for me.

What more can I ask for? How can I not forgive him after this? How can I not love him for how far he’s willing to go for me?

“He was going to…” I cried but my voice came muffled as I pressed my face harder into him.

“I'm so sorry, love.” He said so quietly that I barely heard him.

I sniffled and moved back, still in his hold. I had to wipe my teary eyes to look at him and the guilt on his face was so heartbreaking.

“It's not your fault.” I whispered suddenly feeling so exhausted due to all the stress.

“I should’ve been more careful. I failed you again.”

I immediately shook my head and hugged him. “I'm alright. I'm just… a little overwhelmed…”

He rubbed my back and I closed my eyes trying to convince myself that everything was going to be fine. Ares might want to kill me for what I witnessed, but his brothers will protect me.

When I heard some commotion next to me I looked back and saw some guards taking away Dan’s body. Hades instantly covered my eyes and guided my head back to himself.

“It's over now.”

When my eyes fell on Ares, I found him looking back at me with the same neutral expressions like none of this has affected him the least bit.

His blood smeared emotionless face was making me uneasy so I turned away. Just then I found Zephyr rushing towards us. He looked at me with worry so visible in his eyes and kneeled next to Hades.

“Thena, are you okay? Are you hurt somewhere?” He asked, placing his hand on my cheek.

So what if he was a murderer? At least he cared about me. Unlike Ares, he wouldn't leave me to die.

“I'm okay.” I answered him.

He sighed in relief and leaned forward to place a kiss on my forehead. His lips lingered on as his hand gently rested on the back of my head. The gesture was so sweet that I couldn't help but hug him.

I was probably not in my sane mind but after seeing death so up close, I wanted to hold onto the people who would protect me. Who cared for me.

He gladly welcomed me in his arms and hugged me close. He then helped me stand up and placed multiple kisses on my head while mumbling, “I'm so glad you're fine. I would’ve never forgiven myself if something happened to you.”

“Nothing would’ve happened to me, Hades was here to protect me.”

Ares must've hated my statement because he muttered, “I killed that son of a bitch.”

————

“Feeling better?” Zephyr asked as I came back from the bathroom.

I had taken a long ass bath using everything I had to make sure not a single drop of Dan’s blood remained on me. The scents of my bath products were calming but I could still smell the filth of that basement.

I still can't believe such a place exists within this beautiful mansion.

I haven't really asked about anything to the brothers yet. Zephyr had simply held my hand and took up upstairs while several guards looked at me in shock because I wasn’t supposed to be there.

The two nice brothers silently guided me to my room and I entered the bathroom right away to clean up, hoping they'd be gone by the time I would come back. But all three of the Konstantinos brothers were sitting on my bed right now, for almost an hour and half.

I understood why Hades and Zephyr stayed back to wait for me as I bathed but why was Ares here? Good thing he didn't have all the blood on him anymore.

“Yes.” I replied feeling awkward with their presence.

“Do you want to eat something before bed?”

“No, I don't think I can keep anything down…”

“Do you want a doctor?” Ares asked, furrowing his eyebrows.

I knew he didn't care but I had to answer him. “No, I'm fine. It's just that… the things I saw… I'm still getting visuals of it and I just wanna throw up…” I confessed. “I don't like seeing people die.”

“Try forgetting about it. Nothing you need to get yourself used to because I’m sure you won't repeat your mistake again.”

He looked at me like he was waiting for me to agree, which I did. “I won't. I'm already traumatized enough.”

If it wasn't for the other two, I wouldn't be comfortable enough to open my mouth in Ares’ presence after knowing what type of a man he is.

Zephyr grabbed the hair dryer I was reaching for and gestured me to sit down on the chair in front of him. “Let me do it for you.” I didn't protest because I didn't want to. I silently sat down as he started drying my hair, running his fingers through it ever so gently, making sure to detangle any knots.

If I had to wish for an experience I loved with grandpa and seeked from my older hookups, it was drying my hair. It always made me feel special. It made me feel like a child. Like I was suddenly that eleven year old who wished she had a dad.

“All done.” He patted my head.

When I turned to look at him, he had such gentle expressions on his face. He looked good without the scowl that has become his personality.

“May I ask why you did the very thing you were told not to?” He asked suddenly and my gradually calming mood sours again.

When I stayed silent Ares answered for me. “Curiosity of course.”

I gulped and looked at Zephyr again because he was being kind today. “I'm sorry, I didn't know there would be people getting tortured and killed and…”

He placed a hand on my shoulder as I still sat on the vanity chair. “We're sorry for how you found out about the basement. We never planned it to happen this way.”

“Um it's okay…” It wasn't okay.

“Why'd you run away when we found you?” Ares asked with the same hard expressions he hasn't dropped since I saw him torturing a man.

“I thought…” I bit my lip and looked at my lap. “I thought you'd kill me because I saw you…”

Hades gently gripped my chin and made me look up at him. “Why'd you think that? We would never harm you, Athena. You're family.”

Family. They've brought me to their home more than a month ago but I’ve always struggled with making a place in their hearts. So whenever any one of them makes me feel like family, it just melts my heart.

“I saw a lot and… I thought you'd kill me so I don't snitch on you.” I explained.

“We don't fear getting snitched.” Hades chuckled.

“Because the police won't arrest you.” I pointed out.

“We're above the law, Athena. No one can ever harm us.”

His words made me feel uncomfortable. It was so easy for people like them to kill innocent humans because even if someone saw them, they would never be behind bars.

It's scary that people like them live among us.

“You weren't even scared of grandpa?” I asked without hesitation because they looked to be in the mood for a peaceful conversation.

The brothers shared a look before Zephyr sighed and uttered yet another truth I wasn't ready for. “He already knows.”

My eyes widened and I looked at them with disbelief. “No he doesn't. He wouldn't have let me stay here if he knew there was a torture chamber at a walking distance.”

I knew Zephyr wouldn't be lying but I refused to believe him. It felt odd for grandpa to bring me in such a dangerous situation. But he has. He's betrayed me. Yet again.

“We assured him to keep you safe. Guards were there to make sure prisoners don't get out and you won't get in.”

“But-” I got up, placing a hand on my forehead in confusion. “This doesn't make sense!” My head was hurting badly now. “Why would grandpa think I won't be snooping around? Did he really think I'd be okay to not be let in a section of the house I'll be living in for- I don't know how long. He knows me-”

I stop and look at the brothers quietly listening to my rant. Each of them didn't have a single judgmental expression on their faces but their mood changed the moment I voiced the question disturbing me.

“Why do you even have a torture chamber in your house? Do you like killing people or is this some kind of job of yours?”

Their calmness had made me feel comfortable enough to ask that. I had nearly forgotten how terrible this situation was and it almost seemed normal talking about murders. Until I noticed the sudden unease in Zephyr’s demeanor.

“It’s not our job… It's sort of a part of it.” He answered rather suspiciously.

“How so?”

“Look…” He took a few moments to select the right words. “Our work is quite centered around construction and production of various related equipment. We deal in legal arms. We also have factories for alcohol and cigarette manufacturing. And sometimes, only sometimes we have people who want to take what's rightfully ours. They try to destroy our business and take away our hard earned money or opportunities so we have to… deal with them with a little bit of violence sometimes.”

“But trust me, all those men who we kill are bad people. They do not belong in society.” Some might say you don't either.

“So you kill everyone who goes against you?” I asked ever so calmly so as not to piss them off.

“Only those who we need to kill to protect ourselves and our empire.”

“It’s necessary when you reach a certain level and your wealth becomes attractive to others.” Hades explained.

“So it's not because you like it?”

He shook his head. “We don't do it for pleasure, Athena. None of us like killing people.” Didn't seem like it when Ares was snatching the last breath of that man.

“Why don't you just kill them? Why bring them here and torture them?”

I knew I was going too far but if they're giving me answers then I might as well ask each question I have. They won't give me this opportunity again.

Hades licked his lips and thought for a moment before answering. “Sometimes we also need information only they have so um… that's why.”

I was a little confused by the answer but nodded nonetheless. “What are the other two floors?” He opened his mouth to answer but I cut him off. “Let me guess, a medical and a training facility?”

“Bingo!” Ares said, forwarding his hand towards me and without thinking I gave him a high five.

The sudden burst of energy I had felt after getting the answer right had put me at ease. But when I realized I was actually scared of Ares I subtly stepped back and moved near Zephyr.

“I was scared you won't understand but I'm glad you're so mature.” He said and a frown appeared on my forehead.

I couldn't believe he thinks I don't disapprove of the torture chamber anymore. He must've mistaken my hugs for acceptance. But I was just seeking comfort after such a traumatic experience.

“You were scared that I'll snitch on you?” I asked quietly.

Because why else my approval would matter to him?

He shook his head. “I was scared that you won't ever like me.”

These words were enough to make my heart flutter. I felt a sudden joy that my opinion mattered to him. He wanted to be liked by me. He didn't just want to control me.

“You actually want me now?” I didn't intend to ask this question.

“Yes. I've made it clear before. You're my daughter and you belong with me.”

I gulped and fiddled with my fingers as thousands of thoughts went through my head. “I longed for a father for years and… maybe I don't want one anymore.”

To my surprise he didn't get angry at my words. Rather nodded in understanding. “I can't fill the void we left for all those years. But what I can do is be there for you for the rest of my life. And that's exactly what I intend to do.” He explained ever so patiently.

My heart felt overwhelmed with his kind words. “You can't expect me to accept you the moment you want me back.”

“I can wait.” Was all he said.

“If you wanna adopt a teenager, you should find a good one. I'm spoiled, bratty and very very stubborn.”

He smiled at me and I could see the gentleness his eyes held for me at the moment. “I like you the way you are.”

Why was he saying the exact things I wanted to hear?

A smile appeared on my face and I could feel some unnecessary tears wanting to break free. That's when Hades placed his hand on my arm and brought me out of the trance in which I was replaying Zephyr’s words.

“You look so cute when you smile.” Hades compliments.

My heart squeezed by the kindness they're showing me. I hadn't thought of it yet but I wished that whoever one of them is my father be it not Ares.

Hades hasn't said if he wants me for life but at least he doesn't want me to die. He might not want to continue our relationship, but he does want me to be safe and well.

“Both of you are so kind.” I couldn't believe I was saying that in context of these men.

“It's too late. You should sleep now.” Ares grumbled ruining our moment.

Zephyr held my hand and took me to bed. I laid down wordlessly and he tucked me in bed like Ares had done. Something that felt so sweet yesterday, now felt like some sick trick of manipulation by him.

“I'll tell dad you slept late so he doesn't wake you up. Come downstairs whenever you feel like it.” Hades said to me.

“Thank you. Good night.”

“Good night, love. Sleep well.”

Zephyr placed a kiss on my forehead and mumbled, “Good night, darling.”

“Good night, Zephyr.”

Both of the brothers moved towards the door and waited for Ares to join them as he kept looking at me like he expected me to say something.

When I stayed silent, he finally turned to the door and left. His brothers followed after him and turned off the lights before closing the door.