Page 21 of Thanatos' Craving

I strode down one of the larger halls. A goddess who helped Zeus far too much for her own good. She wanted to help the Celestial Kingdom as a whole and see it thrive, and much more so now that Hera has her own mate and does not spend the time on the high throne as she used to.

I focused on my will and willed myself to become visible. The billowing darkness of my robes stood in stark contrast to the pristine ivory door. With a sweeping motion, my scythe sliced through the air, forcefully pushing the doors open with a gust of wind. My shadows slithered in after me, dancing and twirling, as they inspected the room for any potential intruders. And there, before me, sat Athena at her desk, engrossed in a massive tome. The pages of the book fluttered and flipped violently, stirred by the restless movements of my shadows.

“Thanatos.” Athena pulled down her spectacles from her face. “Was that really necessary?”

I walked forward slowly until I stood in front of her desk. She looked up at me, but she wouldn't maintain eye contact with my hood for long.

“I seek your guidance.”

Athena raised an elegant eyebrow, her expressive blue eyes shimmering with curiosity. Her silky white-blonde hair, freshly cut and slicked back, gleamed under the warm office lights. The faint scent of her floral perfume lingered in the air, adding a touch of sophistication to the room. Dressed in a fitted blazer that stressed her slender figure, she exuded an air of confidence and professionalism. With each step, the sound of her heels clicked against the polished floor and echoed in the room. As she gracefully rounded the desk, her long pant suit rustled softly. Athena’s logical nature was clear. She radiated a reliability that promised to be of great help for me.

“Are you seeking therapy?”

“In a way.” I tilted my head. “Does this mean you will keep your strict doctor, patient confidentiality?”

Athena leaned against the mahogany desk with her hands in her pocket. “Yes, of course. I do that with all my patients.”

I hummed in agreement. “I do not need therapy, but I need your medical expertise for a mortal.” Athena lowered her shoulders. “She has wounds that need tending, and with you being a doctor, of both psychology and medicine because of your extreme knowledge, I would like you to heal her.”

Athena eyed me. “Why not ask—”

“He doesn’t like me,” I interrupted.

She chuckled, “I guess I can see why. Taking souls before he can heal them.”

I didn’t explain, and I didn’t need to. Athena could figure it out all on her own.

“Where is this female?” Athena walked away from the desk and went to a closet on the opposite side of the room. She pulled a bag from the closet and looked inside before closing it again.

“My home.”

Athena stared at me, her eyes widening. “You have a mortal in your home in the Underworld?”

I didn’t answer.

My shadows gathered around me, agitated. My wings released behind me, no longer staying close to my body to make sure I didn’t bump into anything. Athena would travel with me. I would have my Juniper healed.

Athena tilted her head, holding the bag close to her body. “Thanatos, is this female—is she your mate?”

I lowered my wings that had stretched too far. My shadows slowed and settled around me.

Ember said Juniper was someone’s mate. She did not specify who, she just said that I must let her soul stay with her body.How could I do that? If I let her soul stay with the body and no one took care of her —

But I was there.

I was there to take care of her.

I jerked my head to meet Athena’s gaze, to where she was still waiting to hear my answer.

Is Juniper actually mine?

Chapter Seven

Juniper

My life didn’t flash before my eyes.

I didn’t see my parents, the hard work they had accomplished to give me a somewhat normal childhood. I didn’t see the sun, the flowers, the small little things in life that made me happy.

---