Chapter One: Aidonea
Aidonea knew only darkness.
From the very beginning, darkness was an intimate friend but she was never cold. Hestia's arms were very warm and strong. She was never alone with Hestia.
Soon there were others in the darkness.
Demeter liked to kick. Hera liked to cling tightly. Poseidon was very loud.
Aidonea never felt alone in the darkness.
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The very first time Aidonea saw the light, she was already full grown.
The light burned her skin and blistered her unused eyes. The earth was hard under her feet. The wind was harsh and cold. She heard voices louder than Poseidon's. She felt hands hold tighter than Hera.
Aidonea cried long and desperately. She only ceased when she felt Hestia's arms around her again.
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Aidonea and her sisters and brother were well taken care of.
They were taught how to stand, to walk, to run, to fly. They were taught speech and written language. They were taught of the ways of the world. They were taught of the rebellion and how to fight in it.
They were led by their youngest brother Zeus.
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The war was long. The war was terrible. But in the end, they won. They overthrew their tyrannous father and his legion of Titans.
Erebus offered imprisonment but for a price.
"There is an accord as ancient as the Primordial Ones themselves. Tartarus requires a warden," Hecate said, "This is my lord's demand."
There was uproar of hesitancy and protests. The agent of Erebus turned to retreat.
"I will answer the call," Aidonea whispered.
Hecate held out a shrouded hand for her.
Cronus and the Titans were all imprisoned in the lowest depth of Tartarus.
Hestia was inconsolable.
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The realm of Erebus was vast and cold. There was dark water as far as the eyes can see. Land or rocks were as white as ash and the sky was sunless.
Erebus welcomed her in his freezing arms. Nyx cradled her as she laid on ashen ground, weeping for her sister's strong warm arms. The roar of her father's rage rang in her ears.