Trista woke up in a haven of soft red sheets, like she was sleeping on air. She slowly realized it was not her regular bed, and she turned her head to the man next to her. Hades was sleeping soundly, the most vulnerable she had ever seen him. It then dawned on her that neither one of them were wearing clothes.

She tried to take a few breaths and figure out what happened. She remembered the wine, but it had only been half a glass. Unless…Reveriend. Reveriend wine was very powerful, very strong wine, brewed over thousands of years. She now remembered that was Hades's favorite, and it was his usual poison. How could she forget so much? Her judgment had been clouded—but still, there was no excuse.

Trista had broken a single rule that night that she knew would forever haunt her. Slowly getting up from the bed and finding her clothes by candlelight, she snuck out of the room and headed to the portal that would take her home.

If she hadn't woken up where she did, she would not have believed it was real. Trista knew there were consequences for her actions, and it was forbidden some time ago for the Lord of the Underworld and any of the scouts to fall in love. She had fallen in love anyway with Hades, and had allowed herself to be vulnerable. Going to his room—she had practically offered herself to him. He must have figured she wanted it, and the wine was just the push to get her into his bed.

She had returned to Earth. She had run from what she had done, at least until things were cooled off.

Now she was pissed at both him and herself. Trista's thoughts were all swirling together, but one thing was clear: she couldn't go back. There was no going back after this.

None of the others could know yet. Hopefully Hades would understand and not try to follow her. He knew the rules of the Underworld just as well as anyone else. Yet he broke them too.

Changing into her civilian clothes, Trista thought about the previous night. She remembered flashes of passion, rhythm, movement, sweat, saliva, love. She shook her head, trying to keep a calm composure. The last thing she needed was for the others to notice how hot and bothered she was. The return to Earth was going to appear as a visit, for Trista knew perhaps at some point she would have to face destiny.

Trista took a deep breath and exited her room. It was a good feeling to be back, though—now that she had been given back the trust that she thought she had lost in Michelle and Amara. Little Hotaru must be at school, she mused—it was about noon and no one was in the apartment. She took a look at the calendar—December 23rd. Goodness, Christmas was soon. Trista wasn't all for the religion stuff, but she liked the idea of a holiday for giving. This meant Hotaru wasn't at school—she must be shopping with Michelle and Amara. At least Trista could figure out where they went. I should probably do a little shopping myself, she thought. It was be rude to return and not have some sort of gift for such a holiday.

Trista returned to her room to grab her purse, dusty from lack of use, and exited the apartment.

Downtown was a shopper's nightmare. People were everywhere, in long lines, in shops, in the streets, all trying to finish their last minute shopping .Trista shivered at the thought of what the next day would be like.

She made her way to her favorite shop and stood in line to get in. It was almost tempting to stop time, grab all of the items she needed, and get to the register before anyone else. Trista figured she had broken enough of the rules as it was; stopping time would be senseless and selfish.

She looked to her right beyond a mass of people and saw a narrow alleyway. Something in her gut made her feel drawn to it. How silly, I don't even know what's in there, she thought. She felt someone familiar there. One of the girls?

Then she saw him. Whether he didn't see her or didn't recognize her, it didn't matter. Charon was on the Earth. Now what was he doing here, she wondered. He's supposed to be guarding the gate…maybe now I can tell Hades where he really has been. But at the thought of Hades, Trista's heart cringed and she fought back the tears. She wished she could be with him, but knew she was forbidden to do so. The Queen would be ashamed of her.

Dear Serenity, I'm so sorry, Trista thought quietly. I wish things could be different. But how do you stop love?

You don't, a voice answered her.

Fate?

Correct as always. You can't stop love, and you can't run from your mistakes. Oracle tried to warn you, in her own way.

Oh. That explained a lot. Well, what should I do?

Return soon. You will know by then.

Will I?

Of course. Be safe, dear Trista. I saw what you saw, and I know Charon is up to something.

Okay, I will keep an eye out.

Silence. Fate must have severed the connection. Trista sighed. If only she told me how long this shopping was going to take me…

Four hours, seventeen minutes, and thirty seconds.

Trista rolled her eyes. Gee thanks.