Notes: Firstly I would like to apologize in advance, if my grammars or words aren't that accurate then I'm sorry english isn't exactly my first language. Second, I am a very slow writer so expect that this fanfic would have slow updates, I haven't written in a long time. Third, the only character I own in this fanfic is my OC. Also the timeline for PJO in this fanfic is not like the books which take place in the early 2000s, the timeline would be the present which takes place in 2020s.

IT WAS SNOWING HEAVILY THAT NIGHT, a flurry of tiny snowflakes cascading down like confetti thrown by a very confused winter god. I found myself tucked away in a cozy café, wrapped up in a far corner under dim light. A warm cup of coffee cradled in my hands was the only comfort I had, while the book I'd accidentally picked up—Fifty Shades of Grey—was a literary disaster that felt like being trapped in the Underworld without a way out.

As I flipped through the pages, the song "Still" by Hillsong blasted through the speakers, an ironic soundtrack to my misery. I could practically feel the judgmental glares of fellow patrons, maybe christians, but I shrugged it off. They can stare all they want, it wouldn't bother me. I'm pagan.

The cafe was nearly empty save for myself and a few others who sought refuge from the storm. Normally, this place would be bustling, but the blizzard outside raged on terribly. No one in their right mind would go out in this weather unless they wanted to freeze to death or become stranded in the bitter cold. I cast a glance at the flat-screen TV in the corner, catching a snippet of the latest news.

"Due to severe snowstorms, numerous roads are now temporarily closed. We strongly advise staying indoors and avoiding travel until conditions improve. Please stay safe, keep warm, and look out for further updates."

I turned my head to gaze out at the streets through the window. Boreas must've been in a mood, flinging snow around like he was decorating for a winter festival gone wrong. I lifted my cup, sipping the bitter coffee, before putting it back down. Just as I was about to return to my unfortunate choice of reading, the café door suddenly swung open, letting in a gust of cold air that whistled through the space causing the bell above the door to jingle loudly. The door slammed close and moments later, I heard footsteps approaching towards my direction, stopping right in front of my table.

"May I sit with you?" a voice asked, cutting through the café's cozy atmosphere.

"No, I don't wish to entertain anyone," I quickly dismissed, keeping my eyes glued to the book.

"You look like you could use some company, though," the voice persisted, warm and inviting.

"I'm really not interested."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, quite sure,"

"Not even the company of an old friend?"

With an exasperated sigh, I snapped the book shut and looked up. Standing before me was a tall, olive-skinned woman with long black hair, dressed casually in jeans and a bright rainbow shirt. Thick glasses perched on her nose, and her warm brown eyes sparkled with an intensity that screamed "not your average mortal." It was none other than the messenger of the gods and the goddess of rainbows herself.

"Iris," I frowned as she flashed me a dazzling smile bright enough to blind any unsuspecting mortal.

"Amaranthine," she greeted warmly, her eyes twinkling with hues of every color in a rainbow as they met mine. "It's been a while. How are you?"

"Fine," I replied, though my tone was more 'I'd rather be anywhere else right now' than 'let's catch up.' I watched as she pulled out a chair and sat down like it was her place—no invitation necessary.

"Your brother-in-law seems to be in a bad mood this month."

"Oh, Boreas? He's always grumpy," she said, waving it off like we weren't talking about the literal North Wind. "He's not as good at temper control as my husband. But these winds? Not him. This one's on Poseidon. He's throwing a fit, and we might have another storm on our hands. Hades help us if it turns into another tsunami."

"Good ol' Barnacle Beard," I muttered, taking a long sip of my coffee. "That explains why the sea's been acting like it had one too many espressos."

Iris stifled a laugh. "Says the immortal older than the tides themselves."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh, please. I'm only twenty-five."

"Twenty-five thousand," she corrected, a smirk tugging at her lips.

I rolled my eyes and set my cup down. "Alright, enough. Why are you even here?"

"Whatever do you mean?" Iris asked, feigning innocence like a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar. "I came to visit a dear friend, that's all."

"Right. And I suppose you're here to enlighten me with some divine wisdom or offer me a quest?"

"Something like that," she replied, her tone teasing. "But first, let's talk about that choice of reading material. Trust me, I can do better than this."

"Hard pass," I shot back. "So, what's the deal? What's your real reason for being here?"

She gasped, hand over her heart, like I'd just told her rainbows were canceled forever. "What? You don't think I came all this way just to check in?"

I leaned back, crossing my arms, and gave her the look. The kind that could dodge Artemis' arrows any day of the week. "Gee, I don't know. Maybe it's the fact that I haven't heard from you in two hundred years, ever since I ditched the Hunters."

"Oh, come on! I didn't mean to ignore you! I was busy!" She threw her hands up dramatically. "And besides, it's not like you have a phone or anything I could use to contact you."

I gave her a skeptical look, my eyebrow raised. "Right, because the goddess of rainbows is totally incapable of sending an Iris message."

Iris sighed, her playful demeanor faltering as she realized her pretense was unraveling like an ancient scroll in a rainstorm. "Fine, you're right. I'm here because I was tasked with delivering a message to you."

"I'm surprised Hermes isn't the one dropping by."

"Would you prefer Hermes?"

My nose scrunched up in distaste as I recalled the memory of how the male messenger god had once flirted with me, asking for my hand like I was a prize to be won.

"No."

"Exactly."

"So, who's the message from?"

Her eyes sparkled with a myriad of colors at my questions. "You already know"

I blinked, tilting my head as if that would help shake out the answer. Which god or goddess was trying to get in touch with me this time? My brain scrambled for clues, but it was like trying to catch smoke—until it hit me. No way. What could SHE want from me?

"Oh? Do tell," I leaned in, resting my elbows on the table like we were about to swap juicy gossip. "What could she possibly want from me? You know, the estranged Hunter?"

Her lips twitched, as if she enjoyed watching me squirm. "That's not a question for me to answer"

"Of course it isn't," I said, leaning back in my chair with a heavy sigh. "Because why be direct when we can be cryptic, right?"

"I really can't answer you" Iris' eyes flicked to the clock on the wall, staring at it like it held the secrets of the universe—or maybe just an excuse to not answer my question. "But trust me, you'll find out soon enough…when you meet her yourself"

I scoffed at her reply. "I see you haven't lost your penchant for riddles either"

She glanced back at me, eyes softening. "Amaranthine, it's been two hundred years. Surely you can't keep avoiding her forever?"

I rolled my eyes, standing up so fast my chair nearly tipped over. "She can wait another century, for all I care."

Grabbing my book, I was ready to make a dramatic exit, but Iris' hand shot out, catching my wrist with a surprising strength. The café went eerily silent—no clinking cups, no idle chatter. Just the howling wind outside and the dull rattle of the windows.

Her grip tightened. "On the beach, tonight at midnight when the moon is full. She will be waiting there"

I glared at her, yanking my arm free. "Tell her I got the message. I'm still not interested."

Without waiting for a reply, I spun on my heel and stormed out, stepping straight into the blizzard.

Grasping the scarf wrapped tightly around my neck to keep it from being snatched away by the wind, I took a moment to take in the scene. The cold air whipped across the beach, carrying with it the rhythmic crashing of the waves against the shore. The sand, usually golden and warm, was now dusted lightly with snow, blending the land and sky into one seamless stretch of white. But it wasn't only the sea or the sand that caught my attention. My gaze fixated on two things: the glowing orb of the full moon high in the night sky, and the lone figure standing at the water's edge.

My breath caught in my throat. This was not going to end well. Even as my mind screamed for me to turn back, my feet betrayed me, carrying me forward toward the beach.

Turn back, my brain insisted. A very logical suggestion, but apparently my feet missed the memo. I kept walking, pulled forward by some invisible force stronger than my common sense. Each step dragged me closer to the beach, closer to her.

Seriously, I could still leave. Right? Just turn around and pretend this whole thing never happened. But no, instead, I found myself trudging down the rickety wooden stairs onto the snow-dusted sand.

Each step felt heavier than the last as my boots sank into the cold, wet sand. My gaze remained locked on the figure ahead, and as I drew closer, the shape became clearer. My eyes stayed locked on the figure ahead, her outline becoming clearer with every breath I took—her. I knew that silhouette too well. The Moon Goddess herself. Awesome. Just as I was about to take another step closer, I stopped, inches away from where she stood, the distance between us shrinking yet feeling impossibly vast.

She wasn't in her usual childlike form, but rather appeared as a woman, very tall and well— very intimidating. Her long raven tresses cascaded freely, dancing in the wind. Even from a distance, I could feel the power radiating off her. The Moon incarnate, in all her terrifying glory.

Before I could process my next move—like, say, running away—she turned. Slowly. Like she'd known I was there the whole time. Her silver eyes sparkled like stars when she met mine and I felt that familiar knot twist in my stomach. Her skin practically glowed in the moonlight, like someone had dialed up her godly aura to max power. She wasn't wearing her usual hunter's gear, either. Nope. She was draped in a flowing white peplos that shimmered under the moon, as if it had been spun from moonbeams themselves. The silver circlet on her head completed the look, making her seem like she'd just stepped straight out of a Greek myth (which, let's be real, she technically did).

"Amaranthine" she spoke, her voice calm but laced with enough power to make the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

Yup. This wasn't going to be the usual catch-up.

I placed a hand over my chest and bowed, lowering my head just enough to be respectful. "Kuría mou," I greeted, slipping into ancient greek.

"Êlthes," she responded, her words heavy with the weight of, you know, centuries of shared history and a mountain of unresolved drama.

"Ou dýnami agnoeîn tēn klēsin tēs kyrias mou," I said, lifting my head and locking my purple eyes with her glowing silver ones. Formal? Check. Respectful? Double check.

She smiled at me, and suddenly the air didn't feel quite so cold. "Do not be so formal, Amaranthine. We have known each other for a long time, have we not? You may address me freely."

I blinked. "Right, sure. Freely. Just, you know, casually chatting with my former boss, no big deal." My voice dripped with sarcasm, but hey, what's a little sarcasm between old colleagues?

Her smile softened. "There's that sharp tongue of yours. I almost missed it."

"Almost?" I shot back. "Come on, don't pretend you didn't miss me a little."

"Perhaps," she said, her expression shifting back to that unreadable goddess mode. "But tonight is not about the past. It is about the choice you must make."

I let a smirk tug at my lips. "Glad to see you're still doing well, Elaphiskós."

The nickname caught her off guard, and she let out a laugh—a melodious sound that danced like starlight on the waves. "Yes, and I'm glad to see you haven't lost your wit. It has been two hundred years, after all."

The number made the smile on my lips instantly drop. My chest tightened, and my gaze drifted toward the sea. "Two hundred years," I repeated, my voice quieter. "I've lost track of time. So much has changed."

"Indeed it has," Artemis replied, her gaze softening. "Though in the midst of change, connections remain timeless. It's good to see you again, after all these years."

I stayed silent, letting her words settle in the space between us. The waves crashing against the shore were a perfect metaphor for how I felt—time pulling me forward, even though I'd much rather stay adrift.

Finally, I broke the silence. "So, you didn't drag me out in the middle of a blizzard for a simple reunion, did you? I suppose there is a greater purpose?"

Her eyes flickered back to the moon. "You're right. There's something greater at play."

I sighed, already sensing where this was headed. Of course she had a reason—she always does. Gods, especially Olympians, don't summon you unless something big is about to go sideways.

"As you know," she began, her gaze still fixed on the sky, "the Second Titan War ended not too long ago. Perseus Jackson—Poseidon's demigod son—has gone missing. Two weeks ago, he disappeared without a trace. His whereabouts are unknown, and—"

I rolled my eyes, cutting her off with a knowing look. "And let me guess—you want me to find him."

Artemis finally turned her attention back to me, her silver eyes locking onto mine. "I do."

The simmering anger in my chest began to bubble to the surface. I clenched my fists at my sides. "Why?"

"Because is a worthy ally and hero," Artemis replied calmly. "He aided my hunters when they were in need and saved my life in the process. That is why—"

"I mean, why me?" I snapped, cutting her off. "Why are you involving me in this search?"

The moon goddess' gaze remained steady. "Because among my hunters your skills are uniquely suited to this task"

I let out a dry laugh that held zero humor. "And if I refuse?"

Her silver eyes flashed, and just like that, the calm goddess I'd been talking to switched into full-on moon deity mode. "It seems you've forgotten. You may have left the Hunters, but you swore an oath to me."

"To Tartarus with that oath!" I spat, my voice bitter. "I have always done what you asked of me, and I have served you well. Two hundred years I've lived freely. And now, you expect me to just roll over and help you look for Poseidon's brat? You've never changed, Artemis. Always pitying others, just like you did me or at least that's what I thought."

I could feel the fury rising in my chest like wildfire. "Do you think I didn't realize? That the reason you spared me from Tartarus was because of that damned old hag—"

"Hold your tongue, Amaranthine!" Artemis's voice cracked through the night like thunder, and instantly, I shut my mouth. The goddess could unleash some serious divine energy when she wanted to.

I glared down at the sand, clenching my teeth so hard I thought I'd crack a molar.

"Zoë Nightshade is dead," Artemis continued, her tone softening slightly but retaining its edge. "My new lieutenant, Thalia Grace, though talented, is inexperienced and young. I would not be entrusting this task to you if I had any other option. This mission is crucial, and we are running out of time. I know you sense it too—another war is brewing"

She was right, and we both knew it. The world was on the verge of another disaster, and here I was, trying to act like I didn't care. The weight of her words hit me like a tidal wave.

"I need you to find Perseus Jackson and bring him back. Quickly."

Her eyes bore into mine, her silver eyes reflecting the light of the moon and the depths of a history that was as tangled as the roots of an ancient tree. Between us was a deafening silence. The waves crashed against the shore, but they might as well have been background noise in the middle of this standoff.

I wanted to tell her to shove it, to walk away and never look back, but… deep down, I knew. Something was shifting—something bigger than both of us.

Artemis' gaze softened slightly, like she could sense the war raging inside me. "Refusal is not an option," she said, her voice sharp as a blade. "I'm not asking, Amaranthine. I'm commanding you. You will do this, as you always have, as you swore to me. But…"

She hesitated, and the brief pause was more jarring than anything else she'd said. "If you truly desire it, I will release you from your oath. Complete this task, and your fealty to me will end."

I blinked. Wait—what?

"You would… release me?"

Artemis raised a brow, her silver eyes narrowing. "You think I would lie?"

"No, I—"

I faltered, trying to wrap my head around what she was offering. Two hundred years, bound to the goddess of the moon, and she was offering me freedom, like real freedom. The word hung in the air, both terrifying and exhilarating. I didn't know whether to feel lighter or like I was about to drop off the edge of a cliff.

I stood there for a moment, chewing over the implications. Finally, I sighed, the tension in the air between us buzzing like a live wire.

"Fine. I'll do it," I said, not quite meeting her gaze. "But once this is over, you'd better keep your end of the bargain."

"Then it is final," Artemis said, her voice unyielding. "Leave no stone unturned. Until Perseus Jackson is found, you must not stop the search."

Her words hung in the air like a binding spell, and I felt the weight of the task settle on my shoulders like a cloak I hadn't asked for. This was bigger than I thought, and the stakes were even higher than I'd realized.

But beneath it all, a tiny spark of excitement flared in my chest. I hadn't felt the thrill of a quest in years, and the rush of it—well, it was hard to deny.

"Just don't expect me to enjoy it," I muttered, half-joking as I turned to leave, pulling my scarf tighter around me.

Artemis's laughter followed me, soft but full of warning. "Enjoyment is overrated, Amaranthine. Just remember—you'll need every bit of that stubborn streak to survive what's coming."

Yeah, well—that was easier said than done.

I muttered a curse in Ancient Greek as I crouched over yet another set of deer tracks. Six months. Six very long months since I'd started the wild goose—er, demigod chase for Perseus Jackson, and still not a single hint of where Poseidon's golden boy had vanished to.

Frustration boiled over as I kicked at the ground, scattering the leaves around the tracks. My patience was wearing thinner than a satyr's tinfoil armor, and the summer heat wasn't doing me any favors. With a growl, I yanked off my hood, letting my long silver-white hair tumble down my back, sticking to my sweaty neck. Normally, I disguised my hair, but today it felt like trying to hide a disco ball in a dark room—impossible. I brushed the damp strands away from my face and cursed the heat that was wrapping around me like a particularly clingy nymph.

If there was one thing I'd learned over countless millennia, it was that living like a mortal was about as fun as watching paint dry on a stormy day. Sure, I was still a goddess at heart—just without the fancy title or the divine perks. Joining the Hunters meant I had to give up a slice of my godhood and deal with all the delightful human inconveniences. Like sweating. I'd never sweated this much in centuries. The last time had been during an epic showdown with Artemis, and even then, I hardly broke a sweat—not that I'm bragging or anything.

Speaking of the moon goddess, my former mistress thought it was a great idea to cut off all contact the moment I began my search. I tried everything to reach her—shouting into the void, sending very polite messages to Olympus—but all direct lines were sadly blocked. The entrance to the home of the gods had vanished as well, and there was no Hermes to deliver messages or Iris to summon a call, I was left in the dark. The silence from Artemis was both unsettling and maddening—no updates, no hints, nothing. It felt as if Olympus had completely shut its doors.

Looking up, I noticed the sky had turned orange. The sun was going to set soon. I sighed. Great, back to camping like a girl scout who forgot her s'mores.

As I scoured the forest for a spot to set up my campsite for the night, I stumbled upon a small clearing among the trees. It wasn't exactly five-star lodging, but it had that nice secluded vibe—not that any sane would venture this deep into a forest. Plus, there was a small stream nearby.

Setting my bag down, I rummaged inside and pulled out a small box, about the size of a pack of chewing gum. With a casual flick of my wrist, I tossed it onto the ground and watched as it expanded into a shimmering silver tent, its fabric glinting in the fading light. The tent unfolded with a satisfying click, and I couldn't help but grin at the magic woven into it.

When the Hunters were formed, Artemis had gifted us all sorts of nifty gear to survive in the wild. Some of it was great—like the enchanted weapons that could take down a monster faster than you could say "Olympus." But then there were the head-scratchers—like the awful uniform I was currently stuck in. It was about as comfortable as wearing a porcupine. Seriously, who thought silver was a good color for stealth? At least it matched my hair, but that hardly made me feel any less like a shiny target in the woods. I mean, come on, Artemis, a little practicality would go a long way!

The tent, though? Absolute genius. It was easily one of my favorite inventions from Artemis, right up there with moon water. I mean, who didn't love a magical tent that set itself up? It practically sparkled with convenience! Just toss it down, and voilà—instant shelter.

Once the tent was up, I set to work on building a campfire. I gathered fallen branches and kindling, stacking them into a neat little pile. In true mortal fashion, I struck two stones together, creating a spark that ignited the dry wood. The flames flickered to life, casting a warm glow that offered a welcome respite from the evening chill.

As the fire crackled and shadows danced around the small clearing, I leaned against a tree and pulled out my maps and notes, spreading them out on a nearby flat rock. The paper was creased and worn from months of handling, covered in annotations and arrows, none of which had brought me any closer to finding Perseus Jackson.

I traced my fingers over the chaotic scribbles. Two months ago, I'd spotted footprints on the far side of the forest, but just as I thought I was onto something, they vanished like a mirage in the desert. Every lead had gone cold, and it felt like I was running in circles, deepening the gnawing sense of futility that had settled in since my search began. The weight of my mission pressed heavily on me, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

My thoughts drifted back to Artemis, the goddess who had thrown me into this impossible quest. The silence from both Olympus and her left me with more questions than answers. Why had she cut off all contact? I remembered her warning about another war brewing during our last meeting, but trying to piece it all together only made my head hurt more.

Sighing, I turned my gaze to the gleaming item beside me: my bow. Lifting it, I examined it closely. Silver and sleek, it resembled the bows of Artemis and her hunters, but this one was thicker and heavier. Thanks to its enchantment, it felt almost weightless in my hands. Crafted from one of the sacred oak trees of Dodona, the longbow featured intricate, elegant carvings that glowed softly in the dark. I expected nothing less; after all, it was my mother's bow.

Running my fingers along the carvings, I felt a rush of warmth and nostalgia. Each swirl and line told stories of battles fought and victories won. I recalled how Artemis had given me the bow during our last meeting.

Just as I was about to leave, she called out to me.

"Amaranthine, wait"

Stopping dead in my tracks, I turned around, my expression shifting to surprise as I laid eyes on the item in Artemis' hands.

It was a bow, but not just any bow—it was the one that belonged to my mother.

"How—"

"After Selene abdicated her position as the moon goddess, she gave me her bow," Artemis said, glancing down at the weapon. "She told me she had no use for it anymore, so I kept it."

Heart racing, I listened as Artemis continued, "But I never wielded it. I do not wield a weapon that is not mine to begin with, and even if I could, I am not worthy enough to continue its legacy. It deserves someone who can truly honor it."

A wave of emotion washed over me. "You mean… you want me to have it?"

Artemis nodded, a serious look in her eyes. "It is yours by birthright. Your mother entrusted it to me, and now I am entrusting it to you."

I looked at the bow hesitantly, not knowing what to say. "But—"

"I may be the moon goddess now," Artemis paused, her eyes twinkling as she handed me the bow, "but you would have been her successor and it would have been yours anyway. I believe she would have wanted nothing more than for you to have it."

Her words echoed in my mind. I averted my gaze from the bow to the full moon, watching as stars blinked into existence. Each flickering light felt like a distant memory, and a flurry of questions swirled in my thoughts. What would it have been like if I'd acted like the daughter my mother had wanted? Would things have turned out differently?

A heavy weight settled in my chest. I frowned. Not this again. I shook my head, brushing aside the "what ifs" that threatened to consume me. It was getting late. I turned my attention to my maps and notes, methodically folding them and tucking them away in my bag before sheathing my bow.

Standing up, I was about to retire inside my tent and just lay there for the night when I heard the sound of rustling leaves from nearby.

What in the river styx was that?

I froze, ears straining for any hint of movement.

There it was again—a faint rustling, like something was sneaking through the underbrush. Instinctively, I grabbed my bow and nocked an arrow, creeping toward the sound. Each step felt charged, my senses sharper than ever, ready for anything that might leap out of the darkness.

The rustling grew louder, guiding me deeper into the shadows of the forest. With every crack of a twig beneath my feet, adrenaline surged through me. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched, which made me all the more vigilant.

As I ventured farther from my campsite, the trees loomed like ancient guardians, their branches twisting together to create a canopy that swallowed the moonlight. My heart raced—whatever was making that noise was close now.

Finally, I spotted the source of the rustling. Slowly, I approached a thick patch of bushes.

"Show yourself!" I called out, channeling every ounce of bravado I could muster. If it was a monster, it had better know I wasn't about to go down without a fight.

For a moment, there was nothing. Then, out from the bushes, a pair of glowing eyes blinked at me. My breath hitched in my throat. Great. Just what I needed: a cryptid or something worse.

I drew my bow back, ready to unleash a silver arrow at whatever emerged. Then the creature decided to step into the moonlight, and my tension melted as I realized it was just a deer. It stood there, wide-eyed and trembling, its delicate frame seeming almost too fragile for the wilds.

"Seriously?" I exhaled, lowering my weapon. "You scared me half to death!"

The deer blinked at me, probably wondering why a girl dressed like a bright aluminum foil was lurking in the bushes. Seeing that I retracted my arrow, the deer took a hesitant step back, then bounded away into the depths of the forest.

But before I could turn back to the campsite, something in the corner of my eye caught my attention. At first, I couldn't make out anything in the dark, but when the moon shone down on the path, I saw it—large footprints. They resembled wolf prints but were significantly larger.

Curiosity piqued, I knelt beside the tracks, tracing their contours with my fingers. My instincts flared. This was no ordinary creature. The markings were too deep, too wide to belong to any typical wolf. If my guesses were right, and I hope that they weren't, they were the unmistakable footprints of a large beast—a lycan, to be exact.

Lycanthropes rarely appeared in these parts of the forest, and if I had known one was nearby, I would have hunted it down ages ago. How strange, I thought, glancing around as if the trees were eavesdropping.

It wouldn't hurt to investigate.

Deciding to follow the tracks, I went deeper into the forest, gripping my bow and securing my quiver on my back. The underbrush rustled softly around me, and the night sounds wrapped around me like an old, familiar blanket. Moonlight filtered through the trees, casting shimmering patterns on the ground, almost like a silver path guiding me deeper into danger.

With each step, the air grew thick with tension. Every sound felt amplified, as if the forest itself were holding its breath. I paused frequently, straining to catch any noise beyond the whisper of the wind. A part of me buzzed with excitement—like I was on the cusp of discovering a great secret—while another part of me screamed that it wasn't a good idea and to turn back.

The tracks led me deeper, where the trees closed in and the air turned cooler. I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, an unsettling weight pressing down on me. I kept my bow drawn, ready for whatever might leap from the shadows.

Suddenly, a noise shattered the silence—a distant rustling, punctuated by hurried footsteps. Following the sound, I soon arrived at a clearing near a lake. And then I saw them: lycans, at least six, forming a tight circle around a large bonfire. In the center lay what seemed to be their prey.

Putting on my hood, I stealthily moved closer, hiding behind massive rocks and bushes to avoid detection. As I crept forward, the sight of their prey became clearer, and my heart sank.

In the center of the circle was a child.

The little boy, no older than eight, had bruises marring his pale skin, and blood dripped from his scraped knees. He was tied up, trembling and pressing himself against the rough bark of a tree, his wide eyes darting around the forest in sheer terror.

What in Hades' name was a child doing in the forest? Mortals—especially a little boy—did not dare wander these woods at this hour. Did he get lost? It was impossible for someone so small to venture this deep unless— My frown deepened. The boy had been kidnapped.

Moving silently behind a tree, I watched the scene unfold, my heart racing as I listened to the lycans arguing among themselves.

"I told you to get an adult!" one lycan growled, his voice low and menacing, like a thunderstorm waiting to break. "This one barely has any meat on him!"

"You idiot," another lycan snapped back, baring his teeth in a way that made my skin crawl. "We're using this one as bait."

"If you're not eating him, I will!" came a third lycan's voice, dripping with hunger. "I want me some of those juicy legs!"

"Back off!" the first lycan snarled, his eyes flashing like a stormy sky. "I caught him, so I get to eat him!"

"Not if I eat him first!" the second lycan retorted, lunging at the first.

Chaos erupted, growls and snarls filling the air as the lycans clashed like a pack of overgrown puppies fighting over a chew toy.

"Silence!" a voice boomed, and the lycans immediately halted, as if someone had hit the mute button on their monstrous reality show.

Just then, another lycan emerged—one that put the others to shame. He was larger, taller, and radiated a menacing aura; the other lycans looked like a bunch of ordinary wolves next to him. As he approached the fire, he transformed into a burly man with a thick beard and eyes that could freeze lava.

"The boy is not to be eaten," the man declared, his tone firm enough to make the trees shiver. "He is a sacrifice."

My eyes widened in horror. Sacrifice? I leaned forward, gripping my bow tightly, my heart racing.

"Is it really necessary for all this ritual stuff?" one lycan grumbled, scratching his head with a clawed hand. "I'm getting kinda hungry."

The man shot him a warning glare that could stop a charging bull. "You will control your appetite! The pact demands his blood at the full moon, or we risk everything."

Murmurs of dissent rippled among the lycans, the kind of grumbling you'd hear from a bunch of campers whose s'mores just got burned. The man pulled out a knife, its blade glinting in the firelight like a bad omen. He began to chant in Ancient Greek, his voice deep and resonant, as if he were reciting the world's worst bedtime story.

"Tō Lykaōni, haima soi prosforan."

A knot tightened in my stomach. I couldn't let this happen. As the chanting continued, I crouched lower behind the rocks, my heart pounding like a drum solo. I had to disrupt the ritual, but how could I do that without attracting every hungry lycan's attention?

Biting my lip, I scanned my surroundings. Spotting a small rock, an idea sparked in my mind. With the kind of precision that would impress even the best archers, I picked up the stone and hurled it toward a nearby tree. The rock struck the trunk with a loud thud, rustling the leaves and drawing the lycans' attention away from the ritual like a shiny object distracts a toddler.

"Did you hear that?" one lycan growled, shifting uneasily.

"Whatever it is, find it!" the man barked, and the lycans dispersed, sniffing the air.

Seizing the opportunity, I dashed forward to the center of the clearing where the boy was bound. Stealthily sneaking past the man, I knelt beside him and pulled a silver dagger from my boot, its blade glimmering with promise. In one swift motion, I cut the ropes that bound him, praying to every deity I could think of that this wouldn't be my last act of bravery.

"Come on, we have to go!" I whispered urgently, stowing the dagger away while scanning for any signs of danger.

The boy blinked, startled but instinctively trusting me. "Who are you?"

"Not now! Just trust me!" I urged, glancing nervously over my shoulder as I heard the lycans returning, their growls echoing in the dark.

Picking up my bow, I grabbed the boy's hand, urging him to stay close. "This way!" I hissed, leading him toward the trees at the edge of the clearing.

We slipped into the cover of the underbrush, the shadows swallowing us as we navigated through the dense foliage. The forest felt alive around us; each rustle of leaves and snap of twigs heightened the tension. In the distance, I heard the man's furious voice commanding, "Stop them!"

The urgency in his tone pushed us forward. We pushed through the brambles, and the boy kept pace beside me.

"Where are we going?" he asked, glancing back nervously.

"Somewhere over the rainbow," I joked, trying to lighten the mood. Not my best choice of words, but I wasn't exactly a kid-whisperer, and the boy was shaken up for Hades' sake.

"Just stay quiet and follow me." I added, hoping my tone would help.

We maneuvered deeper into the forest, the sounds of pursuit growing fainter but not yet gone. I led him to a thicket and turned to him. "Hide here."

"Where are you going?" he asked, confusion clouding his face.

"I'll be back for you. Just stay hidden for now," I said firmly.

He hesitated, glancing nervously in the direction we'd come. "But what if they find me?"

"They won't," I promised, crouching down to meet his eyes. I gently rested my hand on his head. "Trust me. I'll create a distraction. Stay low, stay quiet. I'll come back."

His eyes shimmered with fear, but he nodded, determination flickering in his gaze. With one last reassuring squeeze of his shoulder, I slipped away into the darkness, heart racing as I prepared to face whatever nightmare awaited me. Because let's be real: when it comes to monsters, it's never just a walk in the park.

Turning away from the thicket, I focused on the direction of the lycans' voices still echoing through the trees. I needed to draw their attention away from the boy—time to play the hero, or at least try.

As their snarls grew nearer, I bolted in the opposite direction. My heart pounded like a drum in my chest, silently praying the kid would stay hidden. Racing through the underbrush, my movements were swift and soundless, shadows wrapping around me like a dark cloak as I wove between trees and thick vines.

But, of course, like any hero in a myth, my luck soon ran out.

I stumbled into a dead end, cursing under my breath as I spun around, ready to flee back into the woods. But before I could move, a lycan sprang from the bushes, blocking my path. One by one, four more emerged, their glowing eyes locked onto me. With each step they took, I retreated until my back pressed against a cold, solid rock wall.

I was trapped.

The lycans growled, their eyes shimmering with hunger as they advanced. My pulse quickened; I could feel the heat radiating from their bodies, the raw energy buzzing in the air. I quickly drew an arrow, nocking it onto the string of my bow and aiming, bracing myself for the showdown—until a voice sliced through the tension.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

Great. Just what I needed—an unsolicited opinion in the middle of a potential dinner scene. I turned to see who had the audacity to crash my moment of impending doom. It was the burly man, stepping out of the shadows with a wicked grin plastered across his face. In his grip was the little boy from earlier, squirming and letting out a strangled cry that echoed through the clearing.

The lycans halted, their growls fading to low, menacing rumbles, eagerly awaiting his command.

"Well, well, well, look who we have here," the man sneered, his lips curling into a mocking grin. "If it isn't the daughter of Selene. You've made quite the mistake wandering into our territory, haven't you?"

"Release him, you wretched beast," I commanded, arrow unwavering, my voice a blend of fury and determination.

The man let out a laugh, sharp and cold as ice that almost sent shivers down my spine. "Release him? Now, why would I do that?" He tightened his grip on the boy, who flinched. "The fun is just starting."

My jaws clenched, knuckles turning white around the taut bowstring. "Unhand him, or I swear I'll—"

"Or you'll what?" The man's taunt dripped with arrogance, echoing through the clearing. He gestured to the snarling lycans surrounding me, their low growls rumbling like distant thunder. "You're outnumbered. Do you really think you can take us all down before we tear you apart?"

I didn't flinch, my gaze steady and unyielding. "Try me."

"Such a brave little huntress," he mocked, his tone dripping with condescension. "How about we make a deal? We release the child in exchange for your life."

Eyes narrowing, I tightened my grip on the bowstring. "And what makes you think I'd trust a foul creature like you?"

His mocking grin faltered, replaced by a cold, calculating stare. "Trust?" he spat, the word dripping with venom. "This isn't about trust. It's about survival—his or yours. So, what will it be?"

I didn't need to think long about the offer; my mouth ran ahead of my brain. "Over my dead body."

A dangerous glint sparked in his eyes, and his sinister smile returned. "Very well. You want it the hard way?" He turned to the lycans, tipping his head in a silent command. "Kill her."

In an instant, the wolves lunged, teeth bared, claws digging into the earth as they charged. My instincts flared to life. I released my first arrow in one fluid motion, sending it hurtling into the throat of the nearest lycan. It collapsed in a heap, gurgling like a broken faucet.

Without hesitation, I nocked another arrow, my movements swift and practiced, heart racing in sync with the chaos around me.

The remaining lycans moved like shadows—fast, feral, and closing in on me from all sides. When a second lycan lunged, I rolled just in time to avoid a massive claw that swiped through the air where I'd just stood. Dirt erupted from the impact, and mid-roll, I pulled back my bowstring and released another arrow, which sank into the second wolf's neck. Its snarl turned into a gurgle as it crumpled to the ground, but the remaining three lycans advanced, their eyes gleaming with unrestrained bloodlust.

I spun around, narrowly dodging snapping jaws and swiping claws. My movements were sharp and precise, each one fueled by adrenaline and the instinct to survive. As the third lycan leapt at me, I kicked it hard enough to hear a satisfying crack—hopefully a rib. Ha! Take that! I mentally cheered. Pivoting on my heel, I fired another arrow at the fourth wolf, the shot landing true and sinking deep into its chest. It dropped like a sack of potatoes, and I couldn't help but grin.

But before I could savor my victory, the fifth lycan was already airborne, its maw wide open and aiming straight for my throat. With no time to nock another arrow, I instinctively raised my bow as a makeshift shield. The creature's jaws clamped down on the wooden shaft with a force that rattled my bones. I growled through gritted teeth, struggling to hold it off while the world around us blurred into a frenzy.

In the chaos, the man took his chance. Tightening his grip on the boy, he turned and bolted into the dense forest. Seriously? Can't I catch a break? I cursed under my breath. With only a few arrows left, I couldn't afford to waste them.

Glancing around, I spotted thick vines hanging from a nearby tree, and an idea ignited in my mind. Summoning all my strength, I shoved the lycan off me with a guttural yell, sending it stumbling backward. Without a moment to waste, I sprinted toward the tree, leaping at the last second to grab hold of a vine. The lycan quickly regained its footing and charged, but I was faster.

Swinging myself up with the vine, I drew my silver dagger from my boot. As I propelled myself into the air, time seemed to slow, the world around me sharpening into focus. I descended onto the lycan's back, aiming my dagger right at its skull. But then I had a better idea: I switched to my bow mid-flight, nocking an arrow and letting it fly with deadly precision. It pierced the lycan's skull, and it let out a deafening howl, thrashing beneath me before collapsing, its body twitching before finally going still.

Landing gracefully, I dusted myself off, shooting a triumphant grin at my defeated foe. "Still got it," I muttered, feeling like a mix of Artemis and a rock star.

But there was no time to celebrate—I had a kid to save and a lycan-man to hunt down.

Turning my gaze back to the path where the man had disappeared with the boy, I sprinted after them, tracing his steps through the underbrush. The scents of damp earth and pine mingled in the air as I followed the trail deeper into the forest. It felt like a maze, but the sounds of snapping twigs and rustling leaves guided me.

Soon, I realized he was heading toward a clearing at the forest's edge. The distant sounds of the man's footsteps mixed with the boy's frightened cries pushed me onward, adrenaline spiking with every step. With every step, I could feel the stakes rising, the tension thick enough to cut with my silver dagger. No way was I letting this creep get away!

It wasn't long before the chase reached its climax. Bursting into a clearing, I skidded to a halt at a cliff overlooking a rocky ravine. There stood the man—or rather, the lycan he had become—poised at the brink, gripping the terrified boy by the collar, a malicious grin spreading across his face.

Fingers trembling with adrenaline, I grasped the last arrow from my quiver, nocking it on my bowstring and aiming steady at the lycan. "Drop him," I commanded, my voice steady despite the adrenaline racing through my veins and the ache in my muscles. The world around us faded; it was just me, the lycan, and the boy caught in the balance.

The lycan laughed, dangling the boy precariously over the abyss. "Or what?" he sneered, contempt dripping from his words. "You'll kill me? Go ahead—I'll take him down with me."

"Release him now, and I might let you live," I lied, the words slipping out smoother than I'd intended. Of course there was no way I'd let him live.

The lycan's eyes flickered with amusement. "Spare me?" he chuckled, but there was a crack in his bravado now. "You think I'll fall for that?"

"You look like you would," I shot back before I could stop myself. Seriously? My mouth had a knack for getting me into trouble. "If you don't let him go, I'll make sure your death is slow and painful."

His amusement faded, a shadow of fear creeping into his eyes. The wind howled through the ravine below, and the boy whimpered, shaking like a leaf in a storm. I knew I was running out of time.

"You don't scare me, little huntress," the lycan growled, but the bravado was fading fast. I could smell his fear now, and I was counting on it. "I'll kill him before you could release another arrow"

"Do it, and I swear I'll make it the worst decision of your life," I replied, my voice steady and cold.

The lycan hesitated, his eyes darting between me, the boy, and the churning abyss below. His claws dug into the boy's shirt, and for a moment, I thought he might actually pull the kid back. But then he laughed menacingly.

"You want this runt so bad?" he taunted, gripping the boy's collar tighter. "Come and get him!"

Before the lycan could send the child plummeting into the abyss, I instinctively released my last arrow, the shaft finding its mark squarely in his chest. He howled in agony, a sound that echoed through the ravine like a death knell. His grip faltered, and the boy dropped to the ground with a thud.

"Run!" I shouted, but the kid stood frozen in horror.

The lycan staggered, clawing at the arrow lodged in his chest, fury radiating off him. With a feral snarl, he lunged for the boy, but I was quicker.

Seizing the moment, I charged at the lycan, shoving him hard. He lost his footing, teetering on the edge of the cliff. Time seemed to slow as I watched him tumble backward, and I turned to the boy, relief flooding me. But it was a mistake—I shouldn't have turned my back.

Just then, the lycan's claws snagged the edge of my jacket, yanking me down with him.

Instinct kicked in, and I grabbed the ledge with one hand. I twisted and kicked hard, dislodging his grip from my leg. The lycan screamed as he fell into the abyss, his howls echoing in my ears like a twisted victory. But I wasn't safe just yet.

With a shaky breath, I focused on the ledge beneath me. My fingers struggled to find a secure grip as I glanced down at the rocky drop. Suddenly, I heard a cracking sound—a sharp noise that sent a jolt of fear through me.

The earth beneath my hand shifted, and I realized the ledge was crumbling. Panic surged as I fought to pull myself up, but the strain in my muscles threatened to give out.

"Grab on!" I looked up to see the little boy, tears streaming down his cheeks as he extended his hand. His small fingers trembled with fear. I wanted to believe we could escape this nightmare together, but I knew even with his help, I might not survive.

Is this really how I die? I wondered, frustration mixing with disbelief. Well, this sucks. A part of me refused to accept that this was the end. Memories of battles fought, fleeting moments of joy, and even the pages of A Court of Thorns and Roses that I haven't finished reading flashed through my mind. As an immortal, death had never seemed real until now.

Turning my gaze to the moon, I let its silvery light wash over me, evoking memories of countless nights spent beneath the stars, feeling invincible and alive. If this is how I go, then so be it. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, then opened them again, glancing back at the moon.

"Forgive me," I whispered silently.

As my strength faded, my fingers began to loosen their grip. A smile spread across my lips, and before I knew it, I let go. The last sound I heard was the boy's scream echoing in the night as I surrendered to my fate, falling to my death.

TERMINOLOGIES:

Κυρία μου (Kuría mou) - My lady

Ἦλθες (Êlthes). - You came

Οὐ δύναμαι ἀγνοεῖν τὴν κλήσιν τῆς κυρίας μου (Ou dýnami agnoeîn tēn klēsin tēs kyrias mou) - I cannot ignore the call of my lady

Ἐλαφησκός (Elaphiskós) - little deer

Τῷ Λυκαῶνι, αἷμα σοι προσφοράν (Tō Lykaōni, haima soi prosforan) - To Lycaon, I offer thee blood

Note: Okay so to answer a few questions. Amaranthine's name is pronounced as "AMA-RAN-TEEN" though you guys could just pronounce it however you like. Second question that I wanna answer is "Why is Amaranthine twenty five thousand years old when greek mythology isn't that old?" well, as an avid reader of greek mythology, the timelines between the gods ruling the greek pantheon were short like Gaea and Kronos. So I figured that each god like Kronos and Gaea would have been ruling earth for atleast thousands of years before the current greek gods (Zeus, Poseidon, Hades etc) took over. Also again, I'm sorry if there were any grammatical mistakes because english is not my first language. See you on the next update!