Born-cursed, a young demi-goddess is hidden from the world. Until one day she stumbles across a trinket that will send her to a frozen hell. Will she survive a battle between the gods or will the sole warmth of her new prison steal her heart?

1

A golden-haired woman stood out on a balcony. A pink-hued city shrouded her as she held a blue peacock feather between her fingers. There was a worried look on her face as the feather caressed her fingers.

"Gaea, what have I done…" the woman mouthed.

As the golden woman let out a deep sigh, a dark-skinned woman draped in white robes approached from behind.

"...slept with her husband and produced a child," the dark-skinned woman said as she quietly closed the door behind her.

"Philippa…"

"Don't Philippa me, Hippolyta," the dark woman replied. "Of all the vile male creatures to sleep with you choose her husband…"

The golden woman lifted her hand, stopping the approaching woman from continuing to speak. As she pointed to a dark corner of the main room behind her

"She's sleeping," the golden woman said softly.

The dark woman paused as she had forgotten their meeting wasn't private because of the newly born resting babe. Gathering her thoughts, she approached her queen. As she quietly continued her approach, the dark woman's eyes drifted to a dimly light corner on the far side of the room.

"Hera has eyes everywhere, my queen," the dark woman added.

The golden-haired woman shuddered as she heard the name of the gods' queen. Glancing over to her old friend, the babe began to stir.

"I wanted a child," the golden woman replied. "He was there. I used him to my advantage…"

The dark woman shook her head in disgust.

"Your advantage could get all of us killed," the dark woman said as she touched the queen's shoulder.

"Hera wouldn't…"

The dark woman pulled the queen by her shoulder. Forcing her to face her, the dark woman took hold of the blue feather.

"She sent this as a warning, Lyta," the dark woman said as she lifted the feather to her face. "Take heed and get rid of the child for all our sakes. Hera's wrath knows no bounds especially if a of her husbands is involved."

As the dark woman spoke, the babe began to cry. Its wails rang out into the sunset. Both women looked in the direction of the cry. Swiftly the golden woman ran over to the babe and picked it up.

"Hush now…" the golden woman cooed as she held the babe in her arms.

Over time, the child's cries lessened as the golden woman rocked it back and forth.

"I will not harm her," the golden woman said firmly. "She was a gift from Zeus. I will keep her…"

"Hippolyta, this is folly…"

"SILENCE!" the golden queen ordered.

Carrying her child into the sunset, the babe reached out towards the last flickers of sunlight.

"I will just have to keep her out of Hera's sight,"

The dark woman walked over to the golden queen. The babe cooed as she tried to grab the last bit of light from the setting sun.

"And how do you plan on doing that, my queen," the dark woman asked. "Hera has eyes everywhere…"

A few moments later

The queen and her confidant waited until the sun set before they ventured out of the palace. Guided by moonlight, the two women and the babe left the court and made their way to a temple on the southernmost part of the island. The two women wandered south until they reached a temple of long-forgotten treasures. As if expressing displeasure at their coming, the building howled as they approached.

"We shouldn't be here, my queen," the dark woman said as she watched the babe bury its face into the queen's chest.

"This is the only place where she will be safe from Hera's wrath," the golden queen replied as she set foot in the temple.

The dark woman shuddered as she climbed the steps of the temple.

"This place, what is it?" the dark woman muttered.

The golden woman didn't reply as they both entered the temple. Lighting torches as they went, they followed winding corridors deep into the heart of the complex. Deep under the earth, a cold chill filled the night air as they reached a massive golden door. Towering to the ceiling: the door left the women in awe of its enormous size.

"The old treasury?" the dark woman asked.

The golden woman nodded as she placed the babe into the dark woman's arms. Walking ahead of her companion, the queen made her way to the large doors. Placing both of her hands on either side of the door, the queen forced them open. Creaking open, the doors revealed a room filled with treasure beyond compare.

"What now, my queen?"

The golden queen stood taller as she replied.

"Leave her here,"

The dark woman was taken aback by the queen's words. Though she had suggested them earlier, the dark woman didn't expect her words to be heeded.

"Hippolyta," the dark woman said as she looked down at the child in her arms. "Leaving her to wilds might be a place. Nymphs might find her…"

The golden queen walked over to her old friend and caressed her cheek.

"And Hera will find her still amongst them," the queen replied as she took her daughter into her arms. "You shall be safe here, my little one…"

The golden queen placed a kiss on the top of the babe's head before she placed it on the floor. As the babe touched the cold floor it began to cry. The dark woman started to walk over to the babe but the queen stopped her.

"No,"

The dark woman looked over the queen's shoulder towards the crying babe.

"It's for her good," the queen replied as she walked passed her friend.

The dark woman gave one last look at the child before she followed behind the queen. The babe's wails could be heard throughout the temple until they reached the outer columned patio. Once outside they were met by a white peacock. The bird tilted its head as the women stepped into the moonlight.

"It is done," the golden queen called out.

The peacock nodded before vanishing into the night. Both women let out a sigh as the bird faded into the darkness of the night.

"That was too close," the dark woman said.

"As long as she believes the child is no more we are safe,"

2

On Mount Olympus

"...As long as she believes…"

Gutteral laughter filled the empty halls of Olympus as a white peacock materializes.

"What matter of fool does that whore queen take me for," the bird crocked.

The bird took a few steps before turning into a woman. Naked as the day she walked out of her father's carcass, Hera queen of the gods spat in the direction of her husband's throne.

"You've brought me nothing but pain," she cursed. "Now I shall return it to you tenfold."

Wiping the spit from her lips she called out a forbidden name.

"Darkseid…"

"Hera," a deep voice replied. "I never thought to hear your voice after all these years. What brings you to my door?"

Hera stood up straight as she reached out in front of her. As her hand reached out into the air a grey fleshed arm appeared.

"I have something you might desire," she added as the rest of the god/man took shape.

Towering over her, Darkseid's soulless red eyes met hers.

"You've decided to join me?" he asked as he raised his eyebrow.

Hera caressed his arms as she slid her hand to his. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.

"No, but I've got something better,"

The grey man seemed amused at Hera's words.

"What could be better than you?" he mused.

Hera waved her hands in front of them, conjuring up an image of a raven-haired beauty.

"Who is she?"

"A child of my husband," Hera spat out.

"And he knows you wish to give her to me?"

Hera turned to face Darkseid and smiled.

"What if he doesn't?"

"Than a war of the gods will insure," Darkseid replied.

"And…" the divine queen cooed. "All of this would be yours for the taking."

A dark grin spread across Darkseid's face.

"What games you play Hera," he laughed. "Bring the woman to me…"

Panic filled Hera's face.

"She is but a babe, but time shall reveal her to be a great beauty," Hera scrambled.

Darkseid studied the image of the raven-haired woman

"Let's say I take you at your word and the child is to be mine, what of those in your house," he asked. "What's to stop them from coming to my door to gather the woman back."

"None but you and I know of her," Hera replied. "When you come for her and none on Olympus shall stop you. By the time Zeus realizes his daughter is gone, it will be too late. I get rid of one of his bastards and you get your war."

"You drive a hard bargain Olympian," Darkseid replied. "When the time comes I shall send my hound to retrieve her."

Darkseid bowed to Hera as she nodded.

"Your hound?" Hera asked.

"Oh yes, Kryptonian," Darkseid answered.

"A child of Rao?"

"I found him in the rubble of crashed Kryptonian ship," Darkseid added. "He had been left under a yellow sun for years alone. Feral and stronger than any man I'd meet."

Hera laughed, "A child of the Rao taken in by the Void himself…"

"He serves me well,"

"Maybe I shall meet him upon your return, my King," Hera said with a smile.

"I enjoy the ring of that," Darkseid laughed as he took his leave.

Alone the queen of Olympus laughed.

"I will take everything from you," Hera said. "My unfaithful husband…"

On Apokolips

Darkseid closed the portal behind him as he stepped back to his hellish realm.

"Welcome home, my liege," a gravelly voice called out.

Looking out of his open balcony, Darkseid surveyed his lands.

"Desaad," Darkseid replied.

"I take it your little trip went well," Desaad asked as he stepped out from the shadows.

Darkseid didn't reply. Desaad continued.

"Seeing that you are not in a foul mood, I'll take it as a good sign,"

"It was a very eventful trip indeed, worm,"

Desaad bowed as inched closer to Darkseid.

"While I am glad your venture on Olympus went well," Dessad paused as he reached Darkseid's side.

"Spit it out worm," Darkseid growled. "I've got things that need planning."

Desaad gulped hard.

"Your pet project wants to speak with you,"

Darkseid smiled.

"And what does the child of Rao want?"

Desaad took a few moments before replying, for Darkseid turned his gaze to him.

"He just wishes to see his savior," Desaad replied stumbling over his words.

Darkseid laughed, "Come, boy,"

As he spoke, an imposing figure appeared behind them. It knelt, causing its long dark curls to shield its face.

"Lord Darkseid," the figure said in a deep voice.

"My child," Darkseid said as he signaled for the figure to stand. "There are no formalities between us. You know that."
The figure stood, towering over both men. Piercing blue eyes stared out from overgrown bangs.

"What have you come to ask for from me, boy,"

The towering man nervously grabbed hold of his arm as he replied.

"I am…"

Darkseid walked to the towering man and reached out for the man's arm patting it. This caused the man to stop speaking in mid-sentence.

"Say no more," Darkseid replied. "There are plenty of women for you to choose from."

The towering man lowered his head.

"They won't stay," the man said softly. "They've all seen what I'm capable of."

The towering man's voice trailed off as if he was ashamed of what would follow.

"You are my hound and the head of my armies," Darkseid added. "What women amongst my ranks wouldn't want to be chosen by you…"

The towering man didn't reply.

"Come now speak," Darkseid ordered. "I know words did not come to you till late, but I will have you answer me!"

"Tis nothing," the man replied. "I'd rather be alone."

Lowering his head as he turned to leave.

"Sorry for wasting your time with my problem, Lord Darkseid," the towering man said.

Looking over to Desaad, he asked to return to his cage. Darkseid nodded. As the man vanished, Desaad once more approached Darkseid.

"Most fear him, my lord," Desaad said.

"As they should," Darkseid replied.

Desaad looked worried as Darkseid blew off the hound's concerns.

"Maybe we could find someone for him,"

"He can have anyone from this realm," Darkseid replied coldly.

The grey-fleshed god knew his oldest advisor had been watching his conversation with Hera.

"But…"

"The girl Hera spoke of is for my hands and mine alone," Darkseid growled. "Have I made myself clear… old worm…"

Desaad bowed his head as he slipped back into the shadows.

"Yes, my king…"