Lord of the Night Ch. IV

I do not own PJATO. If I did, this story would not exist. I do NOT claim any historical accuracy, because this is Fanfiction and I unfortunately do not have the time to research all that I would need to make this as accurate as some of you would probably like. Timelines will probably be off for this reason. Also, please feel free to join the Discord Server: discord. gg/DF3Zwyj (remove any spaces). Several fanfic authors are there, including nutsofthechest and others, so please come and talk to your favorite authors! Anyways please enjoy! R&R!

Perseus woke up early. He stretched out the muscles in his neck and shoulders. He had been Nyx's guest for some two millennia. She allowed him to visit his mother and sister weekly which was nice of her. The torture portion of Nyx's training had ended after one year. His training was also complete. However, Nyx had elicited his promise of servitude, and he had been carrying it out diligently. He had trapped Atlas under the sky after he had convinced a young demigod son of Hermes to take the sky for him. He had went toe to toe against the Titan of Strength and had barely defeated him. Yet, the son of Hermes was alive and well, while Atlas held the burden of the sky once more.

After being rescued, the son of Hermes willingly swore on the Styx to keep the existence of Perseus a secret. Then after considering what the son of Hermes had endured, Perseus made an unprecedented offer.

**Flashback**

Perseus looked down at the son of Hermes that now had streaks of silver in his hair, a sign of his endurance under the burden of Ouranos.

"You have done well son of Hermes. Tell me, what is your name?"

The boy responded with a small smile, "I am Luke."

"Luke you have done something that few immortals, let alone mortals, can do. By bearing the Burden of Ouranos, you have shown yourself to be courageous and strong of heart. I would like to make you an offer.

"You don't need to answer immediately, but I'd like to offer you the position as my immortal lieutenant. You'd live forever, helping me rid the world of injustice."

Luke's eyes widened at the prospect. Serve a god for eternity?

Perseus could see that the son of Hermes was surprised by his offer, "You'd never age or die. You would serve as the First of the Warriors."

Luke looked stunned, but tried to keep it hidden as he looked down at his feet.

"Lord Perseus, I-I accept your offer." Luke kneeled before the god in front of him.

Perseus smiled, he knew he had made the right choice in choosing him as his lieutenant.

"Repeat after me: I swear myself to Perseus, God of Night, Time and Loyalty. To eternally serve him in his quest to rid the world of injustice. I shall henceforth answer his call."

Luke completed the oath and Perseus placed his hand on Luke's shoulder. After a second, Luke glowed a silvery golden hue. After the glow disappeared, Luke was standing straighter, his fatigue wiped away by immortality.

"Come Luke, I have someone I wish you to meet."

**Flashback End**

The rest was history. It had been some fifty years since Perseus had recruited Luke. He currently lived on Delos.

Perseus had acquired the island after making a deal with Lelantos. He would protect his mortal descendants from Zeus and the mortal world and it would be done on the island of Delos.

It was a small island, but that did not bother Perseus. Already there were small cities forming in Greece. Corinth, Athens and Sparta in particular, held influence.

Perseus, with the help of Nyx had cast a powerful enchantment over the island. It would appear as a barren rock to travelers on the ocean and to the gods of Olympus. However, if one stepped onto the island, they would see a beautiful island surrounded by an immense wall some forty feet high. The walls surrounded the island in a way that only ten feet from the coast was available. During high tide, only the land within the walls were safe.

On the north side of the island was the city Athana, home to the descendants of Lelantos. On the southern corner of the island sat the city of Xenou, Perseus' sacred city. In the east, a part of the wall extended into the sea, allowing for a massive port, home to a great navy. With Poseidon's blessing, the island thrived.

As Perseus walked to the dining room in Nyx's castle, he smirked at how the people of Delos worshipped. Foremost was himself, then there was Hestia, Hades, Poseidon and surprisingly, Nyx. While there were multiple temples to Poseidon, Hades, Perseus, and Hestia, on the tallest hill of the island there sat an immense temple of Stygian Iron, dedicated solely to Nyx.

Nyx had been so pleased with this that she had created an entire new species to guard the island. Called the ískios, or the shade, they were warriors made of the shadows, meant to serve and guard Delos. The rulers of the cities could summon them by the hundreds of thousands when needed.

While Athana had become the scholastic center of the island, Xenou was highly steeped in military tradition. Perseus enjoyed watching the war games that were held in Poseidon's honor each decade. They typically lasted a month and were followed by the annual Honor of Hestia, a weeklong celebration of family.

It was a great honor for the cities when one of their patron gods attended and so the patrons made sure to attend each so as to reassure them of their approval.

"Lost in thought?"

Perseus was drawn from his musing by the beautiful female voice. He turned to look at where the voice had originated. A mass of shadows congealed together to form a stunning goddess.

Perseus dipped his head to the true Lady of the Night. While there was no doubting that the bond they had shared, had indeed grown stronger, there still sat a small air of distance between them. It bothered Perseus that he could not determine the cause.

On the flip side, Nyx knew the exact reason behind the supposed distance. There still remained for her however, when she and Hestia could address the situation.

"I was thinking of Delos. The war games will begin in just a few days' time. I am pondering attending this year. I know Hestia will attend as is her way. I have not gone in over a decade. Xenia should be of age now."

Nyx smirked at Perseus, "It seems that you're long overdue for a visit there. Are you thinking of finally allowing one of Lelantos descendants into your bed? I did not know your bed was so cold that you'd resort to sleeping with the crazy daughters of that family."

Nyx laughed at Perseus as he glared affectionately at her. His face was a deep golden shade as he struggled to contain his embarrassment, "I will not be taking her to my bed. Despite her crush, I have always seen her as a daughter of mine. If I am right though, she shall be coronated, which is something I should attend. You should as well."

Nyx placed a hand on Perseus shoulder, smiling at his defensive stance, "Peace Perseus. I spoke in jest. I will probably attend and," she smirked a bit, "we both know you'd rather have me or Hestia warming your bed."

Perseus face was ridiculous to look upon. It was amusing to see the how his emotions roiled within him. Nyx took note of the slightest hint of lust that flashed through his eyes. He schooled his face with precise discipline, then mirth filled his eyes, "Only because no one else would dare to warm yours."

With that he bolted from the throne room as Nyx turned silver with anger and embarrassment. She chased Perseus until she cornered him in his room.

"You can't escape me now Percy," Nyx claimed, using the name Xenia had so fondly attributed to him.

Perseus growled, then grinned before he blew her a kiss and disappeared in a flash. Nyx was dazed for a second, she had seen Perseus' godly form before, and she did mean godly, but after their banter it had more of an effect on her than usual.

Nyx growled, when Perseus returned, there would be Tartarus to pay. Perseus knew that the flashing away had been a dirty trick, and that he would pay for it later, but it had been worth it to see Nyx's face as he flashed away.

As he appeared on the steps of his temple on Delos, he could sense the presence of citizens in his temple. He entered the temple and was surprised to see Queen Kara and Princess Xenia kneeling before his statue. It seemed that Luke had just finished giving them the Royal Blessing.

Perseus watched as Luke helped Kara rise from the ground. Xenia remained kneeling as Luke put a diadem crown on her head, "By the powers vested in me, by the High Protector of Delos, I name you Xenia Tíendu of the House Lelantos, Princess Regent of Delos."

The assembled lords and ladies of Delos cheered, "Long live the Princess! Long live the Princess!"

The applause in the temple was thunderous. While Kara was by no means old, it was custom that at eighteen, the Heir Apparent took on an "apprentice" like role in the form of Prince or Princess Regent. It gave them an opportunity to learn how to properly lead, so that when the time came, they were ready to take the throne.

Perseus watched in silence as Kara escorted Xenia out of the temple grounds to the grand crowd waiting outside. He listened as the cheers outside grew in number. King Thaddeus and his daughter Kara had been popular with the people of Delos, it seemed that the same would be true for Xenia.

Perseus silently withdrew from the temple and headed out towards Rhea's palace. It was a place of home and comfort. And if Perseus knew his mother well enough, which he believed that he did, then she would likely be there tending to her kitchen.

As he had predicted, Rhea was cooking in the kitchen. Perseus was quick to alert her to his presence by clearing his throat. She turned and smiled as one of her favorite children entered the room.

"Welcome Perseus, what brings you into my home?"

Perseus smiled and gave her a light kiss on the cheek before sitting down, "Can I not just be visiting to give you my greetings?"

Rhea smirked and stirred the soup, "You could, but I know you too well, you are here to ask me something."

Perseus smiled fondly at Rhea, she always had a knack for figuring out when something was wrong, "Mother, I seek your counsel."

He paused for a moment, unsure of how to continue his inquiry, then decided that laying it out was the best way to continue, "I find myself in a quandary. I have fallen in love."

Rhea frowned, "How is that a problem?"

Perseus' face fell into a similar frown, "I have fallen in love, with not one, but two women. I do not understand how it could be possible."

Rhea left the soup to go sit at her son's side, "And pray tell, who could these lucky women be?" She had a good idea of who it was, but it would be best to hear it from his own mouth.

Perseus groaned, "Who else? I find myself enamored with both Nyx and Hestia. It does not help that they seem perfectly cognizant of the fact. I would even suggest that the two conspire to go out of their way to embarrass me about it."

Rhea smirked inwardly, "So, you are telling me that they are both aware of the others' stake on your heart?"

Perseus nodded, not sure if he would like to hear what would next come from her mouth.

Rhea let her smile be known, "Well then, my son, the answer is obvious. You need to take the both of them and sit them down together in a room and discuss it."

Perseus turned to her, unsure, "How can you be certain?"

The pout on his face was adorable, and Rhea could not help but give him a small chuckle, "My dear Perseus, despite your old age, you remain blissfully innocent and naive to the truths of life. If they are both fully aware of the tensions between you, then they will be willing to discuss it with you."

Perseus gave his mother a sheepish grin, "Thank you."

Rhea smiled and returned to her soup, "Now off with you. Do not return until you have had your discussion with them."

Perseus stood and left her palace, heading towards the Temple of Nyx. Upon arriving, he silently called to Hestia and Nyx. He was not surprised when they appeared together. They both seemed surprised that he had summoned them to Delos.

Perseus led them to the central chambers, where not even the priestesses of Nyx were permitted. Once they arrived, he summoned chairs for the two ladies but remained standing himself.

They both seemed to know why he had called for them but waited for Perseus to speak. Unbeknownst to Perseus, Nyx and Hestia had already had a discussion about how they wished to proceed but had chosen to wait for Perseus.

"I do not know how to say this, but please bear with me, because I fear that if I do not say it right, things will never be the same between us again."

Perseus watched as Nyx and Hestia nodded. Taking in a deep breath, he continued, "I have found myself in a predicament, that to be honest I do not completely understand." He took in another deep breath, "I have found myself falling in love."

Nyx and Hestia shared a glance, would the truth be coming out now?

He continued, "Only unlike any normal being, I find myself falling in love with not one woman, as would be the norm, but rather I have found myself falling in love with two extraordinary women."

Nyx loosed a mischievous grin, "And who could it be that as found their way into your heart?"

Perseus sighed, "You are really going to make me spell it out?" When the two goddesses nodded he glanced at the ground and continued, "I have fallen in love with the both of you."

Perseus bowed his head and waited for their response. He was surprised, when after a few seconds, he heard giggles. When he looked up, Nyx and Hestia looked like they could barely contain their laughter. It was Hestia that broke first, letting loose a hearty laugh.

Nyx answered Perseus' inquiring glare, "We know this already Perseus, you may be brave and dashing and all that, but my dear, you wear your heart on a sleeve."

She looked over at Hestia, who nodded for her to continue, "We are willing to try out a three-way relationship with you."

Hestia took over, "We know how much it would hurt to choose one of us over the other, so we decided we did not want to make you try and do it."

Nyx nodded, "This does of course come with certain conditions. First off, no sex." There was a definite golden blush on all three of their faces, "At least not anytime soon. We want our first time to be special, and together."

Hestia went on, "Second, we discuss everything as we would if we were in a normal relationship. There will be no going around one of us, or us going around you. We discuss everything, otherwise, how would it work out?"

Nyx nodded and smiled at Perseus, "Sound like a deal?"

Perseus almost could not believe that they had agreed to anything of the sort. This had not been what he had been expecting. Before he even realized what he was doing, he nodded and rushed forward, grabbing the both of them into a hug. "Deal."

It was turning out to be a great day.

Fifteen years later:

Perseus roamed the woods near the ruins of Mt. Othrys, searching for his next prey. He was sure he had sensed a Manticore nearby. It was certainly possible that he could be wrong, but he doubted it. His cousin, Lelantos, had ensured that he knew how to properly track and hunt down creatures. It was important that this Manticore be killed. The Manticore had been harassing the nearby villages and Hestia has desperately come to him for help. Who was he to turn down one of his girlfriends?

Perseus had agreed and was now searching for the monster. As he went further into the forest, he paused because he also sensed an immortal's presence nearby, an immortal with a signature similar to Lelantos. Just as he turned, Perseus saw the woman emerge, she was beautiful, and happened to be heavily pregnant. The woman seemed to be surprised at seeing Perseus, but she recovered quickly, "Who are you?"

Perseus cocked his head to the side, eyeing her curiously, "I am Perseus, youngest son of Kronos and Rhea, God of Night, Loyalty and Time. May I ask who you are?"

Leto was surprised by the humble tone in his voice, and she replied meekly, "Leto, daughter of Phoebe and Koios."

Perseus dipped his head to the Titaness of Motherhood, "It is an honor to meet you cousin."

Leto blushed but did a small bow, "The honor is mine Lord Perseus."

To Leto's surprise, Perseus frowned at the title that she had given him. She voiced this emotion and Perseus gave her a small smile, "I am not a Lord. I am not as my brother requiring obeisance from others. Please just Perseus."

This brought a large smile to Leto's face. She was clearly expecting a god very similar to Zeus. Perseus reckoned she had not had much contact with Poseidon or Hades, both deities being gods that acted much less pompous than their brother Zeus. When he voiced the sentiment, she affirmed it quickly.

"Are those my brother's children?" Perseus asked, pointing at her enlarged abdomen. Leto blushed deeply, "They are-how did you know it was more than one?"

"My mother is the Titaness of Family. I could tell immediately, you are bearing twins. My siblings probably could as well if you were in their presence. Though I would recommend avoiding Hera. Hera is furious because she knows of your pregnancy. According to Poseidon, she has sent Ares and Hermes to find you."

"How did you know Hera is angry, if you did not know who I was?" Leto asked.

"My sister, Hestia informed me, just a moment ago. Do not fear, she does not side with Hera on this matter. Though we should be quick to leave."

Leto's face blanched, and she began muttering to herself. Finally, she turned to Perseus, "What am I to do? I cannot fight Ares in this condition. He will surely kill me and my children."

Perseus frowned, "Come with me. I will take you to Delos. As long as you remain there, it will protect you, and Hera will not be able to find you there. For I will shield you from her, Hermes and Ares' eyes."

Perseus smiled, "They will be protected. If you will wait here, the Manticore is nearby. I have been directed by Hestia to dispose of it. He has been harassing the surrounding villages."

Perseus turned from her, now being able to block her presence from his mind so that he could track down the Manticore. At this point, he could smell the monster's scent on the wind. Pulling out his sword he flashed himself to where the Manticore was getting ready to ravage a young wolf.

"Manticore! I bring the justice of Olympus on your head. Your sentence is Tartarus for your crimes. When you reform, you are to live in the lands east of the Great Sea, in the deserts of Persia."

The Manticore turned his large head to Perseus, growling, "Godling! I will take great pleasure in partaking of your blood."

Swatting the wolf aside, the Manticore launched himself at Perseus. Perseus waited to the last moment before leaping over the monster and severing his tail. The Manticore turned howling in pain, as Perseus ducked the monster's arms and cutting off one of its legs.

As the Manticore fell to the ground, Perseus brought his sword down and cut off the Manticore's head. The monster dissolved, and Perseus turned to the injured wolf. Wiping the blood off his sword, he sheathed it and

raised his arms as he approached the wolf.

The wolf whined in pain as he approached, Perseus hushed it and laid a hand over its wounds. Purple energy flowed into the wolf's flank and slowly, the wolf's breathing came easier to it.

In his mind, Perseus reached out to the wolf, "What is your name, brave one?"

A distinctive female voice answered, "I am Nara, milord. The last of my pack." Her voice became bitter at the end, her grief evident and painful to Perseus' ears.

"I can make you immortal Nara, my sacred animal. You will forever be my companion. Never alone again."

The wolf looked up in surprise at the god that had saved her life, "You would do that for me?"

"As long as that's what you want." Perseus smile was wide, as he knew her answer.

The wolf dipped her head, "I will follow you to the end of time milord."

"Nonsense call me Perseus. Now," Perseus raised both hand over her and fused his power into her. Nara lifted herself up as she felt much stronger, and while Perseus was still kneeling, she licked his cheek in appreciation. Perseus grinned and stood, "Come we must escort Lady Leto to Delos. Hera has sent Hermes and Ares to hunt her . Delos will keep them from taking her away or harming her." Nara followed her new master down to where Leto was sitting. If Leto was surprised by the appearance of their new companion, she did not show it. Instead she stood and asked, "You disposed of it?"

Perseus nodded, smiling. Then he looked down at Nara and added, "This is Nara. My new sacred animal." Leto smiled at the wolf and grabbed Perseus' now extended hand.

Together they flashed away, and Leto gasped as she saw the island of Delos.

It was a beautiful island, filled with beautiful forests. In the center of the island stood black temple on hill that overlooked the entire walled island. On the northern coast of the island was a small village. Perseus now began walking toward the village, lightly tugging Leto along. As they walked, he pointed out various points of interests, and unique wildlife. Leto was entranced, while mainland Greece was beautiful in its own right, Delos was a paradise in comparison. Finally, as they approached the village, they watched as four horsemen rode out from the city gates, beyond the farmlands to greet them.

At the forefront of the group was a young woman who immediately jumped off her steed and kneeled before Perseus, "My lord, welcome back to Delos."

Perseus chuckled, "Rise Zanthe, it is good to be back. This is Lady Leto, she is our guest. Hera seeks her head, and I will not give her the pleasure of having it. She has sent Ares and Hermes after her, so I brought her here for safety. I will give her a home above Athana, near the temple of Nyx. There she will be safe."

Zanthe brought her right fist to her chest, "As you will it my lord." She smirked, "Princess Xenia will be glad to see you."

Leto held in a chuckle as Perseus face immediately soured, "Of course she will. When is she not happy to see me come to Delos?"

The question was rhetorical but Zanthe answered anyways, grinning, "When you told her about you, Nyx and Hestia. As I recall, she threw quite a fit. Lots of screaming. She may actually have broken some of the furniture."

Perseus grimaced, "She has been used to getting her way since she was born." Perseus turned to Leto to explain, "Xenia is Princess Regent of Delos and resides in Xenou, a large city below the hill, on the southern side of the island. She has been enamored by me since she was a child. Unfortunately, her mother, Kara, has not big on discouraging her. Thankfully, Nyx and Hestia find it amusing, rather than insulting."

"Why would Hestia or Nyx care?" Leto was curious about this.

Perseus chuckled, "That is because, they are my girlfriends."

This stunned Leto, "You are with the Primordial of Night, and the Olympian goddess of the Hearth?"

"Yes, and they can be quite possessive at times, though they do not like to admit it." Perseus was smiling at this.

Leto's eyebrow rose, "Then why keep her around?"

Perseus laughed, "I could get rid of her, but the cities of Athana and Xenou have sworn eternal loyalty to me. Their oaths are on Khaos, hence truly unbreakable. So, Xenia may be irritating, but she is fiercely loyal. She understands why I have not taken her to my bed. She does however, like to cause me some grief every time I return here."

Leto frowned but kept her mouth shut, she did not know many gods that were so merciful to humans, especially annoying human pests, like it seemed that Xenia was. It seemed though, that Perseus had made a deal with the ruling families on Delos. A deal that kept them in his favor and offered them

his protection.

She would honor that, despite the fact that it seemed that this Xenia would be quite annoying and possibly even bothersome. Perseus seemed to know what was on her mind, though he certainly was not reading it, "Xenia will not bother you. If anything she'll be overly respectful. She is Lelantos' great-great-granddaughter after all."

This surprised Leto, "I didn't know dear brother of mine had mortal descendants."

Perseus shrugged, "It happened around a few hundred years ago. I have been the patron of Delos since then. Lelantos asked it of me when Zeus started hunting him. Come, it's time to build you a palace here."

With a conspiratorial grin Perseus led Leto to the hill on the island. Once there, Perseus waved his hand. Piece by piece, a building appeared on the hill. It was beautiful, a small palace that was grand despite its size. Leto was shocked that Perseus would do such for her, she turned to him, "This is too much Perseus, why would you do this for me?"

Perseus pointed at her bulging abdomen, "Those children will be my nephews and/or nieces. They share my blood, and do not forget that you are also my cousin, daughter of Koios."

He pointed to the rest of the room, "Get yourself settled, if you need anything, notify one of the ískios," He pointed to the ískios guarding the door, "if you need anything. You are welcome to come eat dinner with Nyx, Hestia and I if it would please you."

Leto bowed her head and gave a small curtsy, "It would be my honor, Perseus."

Perseus watched as Nyx and Hestia entered the dining hall in his palace. They both gave him a kiss on the cheek, which he returned, before sitting down at the table. The past fifteen years ago had been special. He had never enjoyed life so. They had brought something he never knew he had been missing into his life.

They were both dressed in cool summer evening garb. To Perseus, it did not matter, they both looked beautiful. He almost decided to tell them, but held back. They already knew, and it was not a good time to get into a make out session, they had a guest coming over for dinner.

Within a few minutes, Leto herself walked in. She seemed surprised to actually see Nyx and Hestia. Perseus guessed that it probably had not sunk in that she would see them here.

Nyx was the first to greet the Titan of Motherhood, "Come sit and join us Leto. Dinner is about to be served."

As she spoke, four ískios came in bearing platters. They set them down on the table, and everyone dove in. Perseus was not surprised when the veal dinner was completed within a few minutes, it had been exquisite. Nyx and Hestia were quick to take Leto out of the dining hall and to the gardens outside of his castle. Perseus went over to the window, his mother had been right about Nyx and Hestia. Every moment with them was intoxicating and wonderous.

Perseus slowly made his way to the main hall. As expected, Luke was standing at attention. Perseus held out his and Luke gripped it with a grin, "Perseus, it is great to see you again."

Perseus smiled fondly at his champion, "It is good to see you as well." His face grew grim, "Did you find out what I asked?"

Luke frowned, but dipped his head in a nod, "I did my lord. It seems that Ares tracked down Leto's tracks to where you collected her. He apparently reported that an immortal of great power must have intercepted her."

If Perseus had been surprised by this, he did not show it. Luke stood and watched as Perseus paced for a moment. Finally he seemed to decide on something, "Post guards on every tower. We need to be prepared if Ares comes here."

Luke nodded and prepared to leave, but Perseus cut him short, "Afterwards, get some rest, you have circles under your eyes."

"Of course, my lord."

Perseus chuckled, it had been Luke's habit to always call him 'my lord' on 'official' occasions, including giving reports. Suddenly the air tensed and Perseus sensed an ískios headed in his direction. Turning, he was surprised at how fast it moved towards him. It halted before him.

"What is your message?"

"Lady Nyx has asked me to inform you that Lady Leto has entered labor. Lady Rhea has been informed and is on her way."

Perseus nodded and before he knew it was making his way to the gardens where they had been. They had laid Leto down as gently as they could and Perseus could tell that Leto was already in pain. It seemed though that Hestia was already doing her best to relieve her of her distress. Perseus kneeled down by her head and let the Titaness grip one of his hands. As a Titaness, her grip was already strong, add to that the pain that was amplifying her adrenaline and suddenly she had the grip of Nyx, which meant that it hurt like almost nothing Perseus had felt before.

Finally, after ages it seemed, Rhea took over, they all watched as Leto went through labor. As dawn finally approached the sky, the cries of a newborn babe were heard. Rhea handed the newborn to Leto, who cradled it close to her chest. Nyx used a knife to cut through Leto's clothing so that the babe could reach her breast. After a few moments, Nyx passed the naked babe to Hestia as Leto went into spasms once more.

Hestia smiled down at the child, "Congratulations Leto, you have a daughter."

Leto gave a faint smile before contractions wracked her body once more. The daughter of Leto seemed to understand the pain her mother was in, for she crawled out of Hestia's arms and placed a hand on Leto's forehead. Perseus was not sure what it was that the child did, but it seemed to have worked, for just a few moments later, Rhea announced that the second child was well on their way.

Within a few minutes, the second child, a son, was brought into the world. Leto cradled both children to her closely for nearly an hour, silent tears of joy running down her face. Soon she passed the son to Hestia and passed off the daughter to Perseus.

As Perseus cradled the growing child, he could not help but notice her beauty, she had wide silver eyes that scrutinized every inch of his face. For one so young she also had thick red hair. Perseus was so entranced with the child that he almost missed Hestia's question.

"What will you name the children, Leto?"

Leto pointed to her son, "Phoebus Apollo"

Perseus could not help but smile as Leto turned to her daughter.

"Phoebe Artemis."

Perseus grinned at the happy child in his arms, Artemis was an enchanting name for an enchanting goddess.

He turned to Leto, "Rest cousin, we shall watch them through the day into the night. You need to recover your strength."

Leto smiled up at him and patted his cheek, "Thank you for everything."

As promised, Rhea stayed with Leto, and Nyx, Hestia, and Perseus entered the house with the twins.

Within a few hours, two rambunctious children were bolting across the house, the adults gleefully chasing them around. For a moment, even with the threat of Ares in the air, Perseus allowed himself to relax. While they were both endearing, Artemis held a special place in his heart. One that was eerily similar to the place that Nyx and Hestia held.

It was not until Perseus felt a sharp pain in his toe and heard a scream right after that he began to put together the pieces. He was the first to find Artemis and he held her close so that Hestia could nurse her toe. It seemed that Artemis had stepped on a sharp rock that had cut her gentle skin. Neither Hestia or Nyx seemed to have noticed Perseus reacting to Artemis' pan before she herself had screamed.

Meanwhile, Perseus allowed his mind cautiously float to the point in his mind from where the pain had originated. There he found it, the small, yet powerful presence of the daughter of Leto. Shocked, Perseus turned to Hestia, "How could this be possible?"

Hestia glanced at him, curiosity in her eyes, "What? Has something happened?"

Perseus nodded slowly, "I seemed to have bonded with Artemis."

What does the bonding mean? What perils will Perseus have to face with Ares actively hunting for Leto? Find all this out and more in the next installment of LotN! Did you like it? Did you hate it? Tell me about it in a review! And if you did like it don't forget to add this to your follow list. See you next time!