Alexander ~

Thalia led me into her tent, which resulted in a fair amount of glares from all of the Hunters. I was glad that the lieutenant told them all off very quickly, otherwise I'd probably pinned to a tree with silver arrows, even if I was a god. Once inside, Thalia gestured for me to sit down on the fur-covered ground. Even though it wasn't as comfortable as Artemis' tent (as expected), it was still better than sitting on the rock hard ground.

"It's so great to see you, Alex," Thalia said with a smile. "It's been a long time."

I smiled back at the girl I loved, but could never have. It has been a while since we've been together. Has it already been a few months since the last time I saw her at Olympus? I guess time really does fly, especially when you're immortal.

"It's good to see you too, Thals," I said. "How have you been?"

"Pretty good," she answered. "The usual, just been busy slaying monsters, keeping the girls inline, and going on the occasional quest for my Lady. What have you been up to?"

I shrugged. "Nothing much, just listening to oaths and promises being made all day long. I've also been looking after the sacred rivers in the underworld. Once in a while, I also check up on Nico. It's actually not that fun to hear voices all the time inside your head. It gives me headaches sometimes."

"So is there anything else going on that's interesting in your life?" Thalia asked.

"I recently adopted a daughter," Alex replied with a nod. "You'll be meeting her very soon, since she'll be a hunter of Artemis."

"Does she have a name?" the lieutenant asked.

"Yes," the young god answered. "Her name is Aletheia. I claimed her because of a promise that her biological father broke. I couldn't ignore her, especially when she was hurt and left to die."

"Is there any specific reason why you decided to have her join the hunt?"

"Well, the first reason is that I have absolutely no idea how to raise a child. Second of all, I don't think raising her in the Underworld would be the best. Knowing Nico, he'd probably corrupt her innocent mind when my back is turned. I figured that having her join the hunt would be the most ideal situation for her, because I know her sisters and her Lady will raise her and treat her right."

Thalia laughed. "I can totally see that happening! Nico would probably bring her around the Underworld and scare her with the creatures that roam around there. Besides, now we can train her to grow up as a man-hating hunter that will chase Nico around and shoot him with hundreds of arrows."

"I just hope she'll respect my decision and understand that it was very hard to make. I don't want to make her feel like I'm abandoning her, you know?"

"Don't worry," Thalia reassured the god. "I'm sure that if you drop by once in a while and chat with her, you'll still develop a really good bond."

I brought my gaze up to her eyes, those beautiful blue orbs that were gleamed with electricity, so full of energy and life. Thalia raised an eyebrow in response, making me look down at ground in embarrassment.

"Are you okay, Alex?" she asked with worry evident in her eyes.

"Yes," I answered quickly as I blinked. "I'm fine, just thinking."

"About what?" Thalia asked.

I had absolutely no idea whether or not to deny the feelings that I have for her. It was forbidden! She was a hunter of Artemis, meaning that she was completely off limits, even for gods. I also vowed to Artemis that I would control my feelings and never fall in love with anyone.

"Alex?"

"It's nothing," the god replied. "I just have some business to take care of."

"Oh, ok then."

"I should get going then," Alex said awkwardly.

"Are you going to visit sometime soon?" Thalia asked.

"Of course," the god answered.

"Alright then," Thalia said. "I guess you should get going now. I don't want to hold you back from your godly duties."

"No worries. And don't worry Thals, I'll come check on you and Aletheia in a couple of weeks or so."

"See you soon!" Thalia said, giving Alex a hug.

"Lady Artemis?" Alex addressed the goddess.

"What is the matter that you need to discuss, Alexander?"

"I just wanted to let you know that I will be leaving now. Thank you for accepting Altheia into the hunt. It really means a lot to me," the young god said.

Artemis simply nodded in response. When Alex turned around to leave the tent, the goddess finally spoke again.

"I'm glad that you have kept your oath."

The young god immediately turned around, his eyes wide in shock.

"How did you know, my lady?"

Artemis smiled knowingly, her silver eyes twinkling. "I am the goddess of the hunt and the moon. I'm very observant and during the night, I see everything."

"I don't know what to say. I love her, but I love her so much that I'm willing to stand on the sidelines so that she can remain immortal and continue to do what she wants and most importantly, to serve her Lady."

"Unlike popular belief, I do not despise all men. You are an example of one of those special few. And because you have continuously demonstrated exceptional character and integrity, I have decided to take the utmost care of Aletheia," Artemis said. "What you have done is very noble. As the goddess of childbirth, I know what happens to each and every child that is born. I am happy to know that she didn't have to be put through more suffering than she had to go through. You don't have to worry anymore, Alex. She is in very good hands, and I assure you that she will make a very fine hunter."

"For that, I am glad. Thank you again, for your willingness to help. I must return to the underworld and take care of some … issues."

"Farewell for now then," Artemis said as Alex disappeared in the darkness with a swipe of his stygian sword.

I apologize to you all for my extremely long hiatus. I can't believe that it's been almost a year since I last updated.

I would like give a shout out and a big thanks to booknerd95. Your inspiration and help made this chapter possible. You're the best.