Chapter 5: Between Love and War

Eve stood at the edge of the woods, her arms wrapped tightly around herself as the crisp air chilled her skin. Her breath came in shallow bursts, her mind a storm of emotions she couldn't name, let alone tame. The towering trees around her felt suffocating, their branches like claws reaching for her, pulling her back to memories she'd buried long ago.

Ares.

The name itself felt like a wound, jagged and unhealed. She pressed her palms to her temples, trying to block out the images that came rushing back. His voice, smooth and commanding, promising her the world if only she'd kneel. The way he had looked at her— as Livia, his warrior, his protégé, his... plaything.

She shuddered, her stomach churning. Back then, she had thought it was love. She had believed his lies, let herself be molded into the perfect instrument of his chaos. Ares had fed her ambition, stoked her fire, and made her feel invincible. But it wasn't love. It was control. Manipulation. He had used her for his own ends, just as he was using her mother now.

The thought made her chest tighten, her fists clenching at her sides. How could her mother let this happen? How could she, of all people, make a deal with him? Ares had already taken so much from their family. He had taken Livia's innocence, her choices, twisted her into something unrecognizable.

She sank to her knees, the damp earth soaking into her pants as she struggled to catch her breath. The memories pressed harder, sharper, refusing to be silenced. She could still feel his hands on her, the way he would guide her sword with a touch that sent chills down her spine. She had wanted his approval back then, craved it like a drug. And now, the same man who had broken her was tying himself to her mother.

Her stomach turned, and she doubled over, clutching the grass beneath her. "Curse you, Ares," she whispered, her voice cracking. "You ruin everything."

But it wasn't just him. It was her mother too. The woman she had fought so hard to forgive, to love, to follow. Her mother had promised to protect her, to fight for her, and now... now she had made a deal with the devil himself. Eve couldn't decide if she was more furious with Ares for pulling them into his web or with her mother for walking into it willingly.

Her jaw tightened as the anger swirled into something darker. Was this what Ares wanted? To pit them against each other? To tear apart what little peace they had found as a family? He had done it before, and he would do it again. And her mother—fierce, stubborn as ever—was letting him.

Eve pushed herself to her feet, her legs trembling as she stared back toward the farmhouse. Her chest heaved as she fought against the tide of emotions threatening to pull her under. She couldn't let Ares win. She wouldn't.

But what could she do? She had given up the sword, sworn an oath to walk a path of peace. Yet every fiber of her being screamed at her to fight. To fight for her mother, for Gabrielle, for herself. But how do you fight a god?

The question hung in the air, heavy and unanswerable. Eve took a shaky step toward the house, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn't fix this—not today. But she had to try. For her mother, for their family. Because if she didn't, Ares would destroy them all.

She stopped abruptly, staring into the shadows of the trees, her mind drifting back to that moment in the arena—when everything had changed. A sharp whistling sound cut through the air. Both their heads snapped toward the source, but it was too late. A chakram sliced cleanly between them, embedding itself into a nearby pillar. Livia's breath caught as she turned to see the figure stepping out of the shadows.

Her heart stopped. Ares' reaction was instant. He lowered his sword, his body going completely still. Livia glanced at him, expecting irritation or anger, but what she saw shook her to her core.

He was mesmerized.

That smug grin that was plastered on his face moments ago was gone, replaced by an expression she had never seen before—raw, almost vulnerable. His eyes locked onto Xena, wide with disbelief, as if he was seeing a ghost.

Livia stood there frozen, her sword hanging limply at her side as she watched Ares take a slow step forward, then another. He was moving as though he was in a trance, his gaze never leaving Xena.

Livia's chest tightened as she realized what was happening. Ares, the God of War, who had spent years training her, elevating her to heights she never thought was possible, had forgotten she existed.

And it wasn't just the way he looked at Xena—it was the way he walked toward her, as though nothing else mattered. Not the sparring, not the arena, not her. Livia's hand tightened on the hilt of her sword, her knuckles white as anger and humiliation surged through her.

Eve scoffed, her arms crossing tightly over her chest. The memory burned as hotly as it had that day. She had been furious, humiliated. And later, at the Bacchanalia, when Xena and Ares kissed in front of everyone, it was like a dagger to the chest.

She clenched her jaw with bitter thoughts. No matter how much her mother denied it, she was addicted to Ares just as much as he was to her. She could tell by the look in her eye. And that was the scariest part. They were drawn to each other like flames to dry wood, each feeding the other in a way that threatened to consume them both.

Eve swallowed hard, her arms crossing over her chest. She wasn't stupid. Ares had been drawn to her because she was powerful, because she was ruthless. But he had never needed her the way he needed Xena. With her mother, it wasn't just about power—it was something else. Something deeper.

Her chest tightened as tears pricked her eyes. Her mother had gone against everything she stood for—all for her. Tears slid silently down Eve's cheeks as she sank to her knees again. She couldn't imagine sacrificing herself the way her mother had, all out of love.

She glanced back at the farmhouse, her vision blurred. If only she had grown up with her mother and Gabrielle. Maybe she could have understood Xena's darkness better, how she had fought it. Maybe she could have helped. But it didn't matter now. What mattered was keeping her mother away from Ares. Forget that deal. Forget all of it.

Eve stood, her determination hardening like steel. If her mother could sacrifice herself to save her, then she could do the same to save her mother. She tilted her head back, her voice strong and clear as it cut through the breeze.

"Ares!"

The air around her stilled, and a moment later, he appeared in a flash of light, his usual smug grin firmly in place. "Well, well," he said, crossing his arms as he leaned casually against a tree. "What's on your mind, Evie?"

Eve scowled, her arms crossing tightly. "Don't call me that."

Ares smirked, tilting his head. "What? It suits you. I figured since your mother and I are so close now, we should keep things in the family."

Eve's jaw tightened as she glared at him. "Call off the deal," she said, her voice steady but filled with anger.

Ares chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, sweetheart, you don't just 'call off' a deal with me. Your mother knew what she was doing."

"She did it to protect me," Eve snapped. "And now I'm telling you to undo it. Take me to Olympus. I'll turn myself over to them. Whatever it takes, just leave my mother out of this."

Ares arched a brow, finally pushing off the tree as he took a slow step toward her. "You really think I'm going to give up Xena? Just like that?" He let out a sharp laugh, shaking his head. "Not a chance."

Eve stepped forward too, refusing to be intimidated. "You're going to destroy her! Can't you see that? This deal is going to kill her, and for what? Your obsession?"

Ares' grin dropped slightly, his eyes narrowing. "You have no idea what you're talking about."

"I know enough," Eve shot back. "I know you don't love her. You just want to own her, to keep her tied to you forever."

Ares' expression hardened, his voice dropping into something quieter, more dangerous. "You think you know me? You don't have a clue. I've loved your mother longer than you've been alive. No deals."

Eve's stomach twisted, but she held her ground. "Then love her enough to let her go. Love her enough to stop this."

Ares scoffed, shaking his head. "That's where you're wrong, kid. Letting her go isn't love. Fighting for her is." He leaned in slightly. "And you? You don't get to rewrite the terms of our deal."

Eve's hands balled into fists at her sides. "You're a selfish bastard, you know that?"

He smirked, the tension in the air crackling. "I've been called worse."

Eve exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "You're going to regret this," she said, her voice trembling with both anger and desperation.

Ares studied her for a moment, then chuckled. "No, Eve. The only thing I'd regret is letting your mother slip away. And that's not going to happen." Before she could reply, he vanished in a flash of light, leaving Eve alone in the forest, her pulse pounding in her ears.

Gabrielle sat back in her chair, watching Xena carefully. The tension from earlier still lingered in the air, but the kitchen felt quieter now, almost fragile. Xena hadn't spoken since Ares left, her expression locked in something unreadable.

Gabrielle hesitated before speaking, choosing her words carefully. "I know last night wasn't easy," she said slowly, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup. "And I don't want to push you, but... we have to talk about this."

Xena didn't look at her. "What's there to talk about?"

Gabrielle sighed. "You know what."

Xena finally turned her head, her eyes sharp. "I did what I had to do, Gabrielle. End of story."

Gabrielle shook her head. "No. That might be where you want to end it, but that's not where it actually ends."

Xena's jaw tightened.

Gabrielle leaned forward slightly, keeping her voice steady, careful. "I get why you made the deal. I do. And I don't blame you for it." She paused. "But Ares—he knew exactly what he was doing. He waited until you had no other choice. He played you, Xena."

Xena scoffed. "You think I don't know that?"

"I think you're pretending it doesn't matter."

Xena exhaled sharply, pushing her plate away. "What do you want me to say, Gabrielle? That I regret it? That I feel sick knowing he got exactly what he wanted?" Her voice lowered, tight with something Gabrielle couldn't quite place. "Because I do."

Gabrielle's chest ached at the admission, but she kept her voice calm. "Then what now? Ares isn't going to let this go. We both know that."

Xena ran a hand over her face, exhaustion creeping into her posture. "He'll get bored eventually."

Gabrielle frowned. "You don't believe that."

No, she didn't. Ares had waited years—decades even—to have her. He wasn't going anywhere.

Gabrielle hesitated before speaking again. "How do you think Eve feels about all of this?"

Xena flinched, just slightly, but Gabrielle caught it.

"She stormed out of here because she couldn't handle what she heard," Gabrielle continued, her voice softer now. "She's angry, confused, maybe even scared for you. And I can't say I blame her."

Xena's expression flickered, just for a moment, before she pushed back from the table and stood. "Where is she?"

Gabrielle stood too. "I was just about to go find her."

Xena nodded once, crossing her arms. "Good. Because if anyone can get through to her right now, it's you."

Gabrielle studied her, searching for something beneath the hardened exterior. "Xena—"

"I don't want to talk about it anymore," Xena interrupted.

Gabrielle exhaled, nodding slowly. "Alright." She reached for her cloak. "I'll find Eve."

Xena stayed silent as Gabrielle walked out, the door clicking shut behind her.

Gabrielle found Eve sitting on a fallen log, her back to the farmhouse. The tension in her shoulders was clear even from a distance. Gabrielle took a slow breath, reminding herself to approach carefully. Eve was still upset, and pushing too hard would only make her shut down.

She stepped closer, her voice gentle. "You okay?"

Eve didn't turn around. "Do I look okay?"

Gabrielle sat beside her, leaving enough space so Eve wouldn't feel crowded. "No," she admitted. "You look like someone who has too much on her mind."

Eve let out a bitter chuckle. "That's one way to put it."

Silence settled between them, the sounds of the forest filling the space. Gabrielle waited, giving Eve time to speak first, but when she didn't, Gabrielle took the chance to ease into the conversation.

"I know you're angry about the deal," she said, keeping her voice steady. "And I know you blame Ares."

Eve's jaw clenched. "Of course, I blame him. He manipulated her. He took advantage of her when she was vulnerable." She shook her head, her fingers digging into her palms. "She spent years fighting against everything he stood for, and now she's... his."

Gabrielle sighed. "I hate it too, Eve. But Xena wouldn't have done this unless she thought it was the only way."

"That doesn't make it right," Eve snapped.

"No," Gabrielle agreed. "But it's done. And we have to figure out how to deal with it."

Eve scoffed. "You sound like you're accepting this."

Gabrielle's expression hardened. "I'll never accept Ares being in Xena's life. But I also know how she is. If we attack this the wrong way, she'll shut us out completely."

Eve exhaled sharply, rubbing her hands over her face. "I just don't understand how this happened."

Gabrielle hesitated, then placed a hand on Eve's shoulder. "Maybe it's time you heard the full truth."

Eve turned her head slightly, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

Gabrielle nodded. "You already know the basics from my scrolls, but I don't think you understand how deep this really goes. Ares didn't just appear in Xena's life one day and turn her dark. She had already become someone dangerous. She had already lost so much before she ever met him. Her brother, Solan, Borias...she was grieving, and she didn't know how to handle it. He just gave her a purpose, a way to focus all that pain and anger."

Eve's brows drew together. "So you're saying he didn't create the darkness in her?"

Gabrielle shook her head. "No. It was already there. But he fed it. Encouraged it." She sighed. "And in return—"

Eve swallowed, her voice quieter now. "She became his chosen."

Gabrielle nodded. "She pledged herself to him completely. And in that, they were lovers, Eve."

Eve stiffened. "You're sure?"

Gabrielle gave a small, humorless laugh. "Xena would never admit it, but I know it."

Eve crossed her arms. "So what? They had sex. That doesn't mean she was his."

Gabrielle met her eyes, her voice steady. "No, Eve. She was his. And very willingly." She exhaled, glancing away for a moment. "They share a bond, still even now. Have you ever wondered why all the gods know Xena?"

Eve frowned slightly but before she could answer, Gabrielle continued. "Because they all know her from when she was Ares'. In every way of the word. Ares taught Xena more than how to fight, I can tell you that."

Gabrielle let out a bitter laugh at the thought that just replayed in her mind, shaking her head. "When we took you to visit your grandmother, Xena had pretended to agree that she would go along with the deal back then. Now, I don't know what happened in his temple, but Xena admitted that she felt something. I saw the way she licked her lips—she loved it. She teased and said she nearly ran out of foreplay." Gabrielle scoffed. "At first, I thought she was just joking, but now? Now I'm not so sure. And I did find out... she was naked."

She turned back to Eve, her voice quieter but firm. "He's her weakness, Eve. Even now."

Eve's stomach twisted. She looked away, her jaw tightening. "And that's what makes him so dangerous."

"I have no idea how long they were together though. Only she and Ares know." She glanced at Eve. "You know, she won't even tell me everything about him."

Eve was quiet for a moment, then said, "Maybe she feels if she talks about it, she might start to miss it."

Gabrielle's chest tightened. That was something she had never considered. She exhaled slowly. "Maybe."

They sat in silence again before Gabrielle continued. "Something happened between them. Something that made Xena walk away from him. But Ares never got over her. The more she pushed him away, the harder he chased her. Even after she had you, he was still there, interfering whenever the gods came after us. And when she was ready to die to protect you, I know deep down Ares wanted to stop her. He just didn't have the courage to admit it."

Eve's hands curled into fists. "I think he wants her to believe that he loves her."

Gabrielle scoffed. "Yeah, right."

Eve hesitated. She wanted to tell Gabrielle what Ares had told her earlier, that he had loved Xena longer than she had been alive. But something stopped her.

Instead, Gabrielle shook her head. "But it doesn't matter what Ares thinks or what he wants. What matters is Xena. And right now, she's stuck in a deal that we don't know how to get her out of."

Eve swallowed hard. "There has to be a way."

A beat of silence passed between them before Eve turned back to Gabrielle, her voice careful but direct. "If push came to shove... do you think she would kill him?"

Gabrielle hesitated, her lips pressing together as if sorting through every memory, every moment she had witnessed between Xena and Ares. Finally, she exhaled and shook her head. "No. I don't think she could."

Eve frowned. "You don't think so?"

Gabrielle nodded slowly. "She had the opportunity once, after Ares killed Eli. She was furious at him—with me too. She found the Hind's dagger just to put it to his throat. You should have seen the way her eyes watered." Gabrielle's voice softened. "And of course, she didn't use it."

Gabrielle exhaled, her gaze distant as she recalled the moment. "And Ares, in turn, grabbed the knife and turned it on her throat." She shook her head, a humorless smirk forming. "But of course, he didn't use it either."

Eve's brows creased. "Why not?"

Gabrielle scoffed. "Now that I think about it, I think it was all for show. There was a crowd watching. Ares may have wanted to prove a point, but he was never going to hurt her." She sighed, glancing at Eve. "Even back then, when she was at her angriest, when she had every reason to kill him, she didn't. And neither did he."

Eve's jaw tightened as she processed Gabrielle's words. "So what happens when the gods come after her again? Do you really think he'll protect her?"

Gabrielle frowned. "That's the thing, Eve. I don't think—I know he will."

Gabrielle hesitated, then finally asked the question that had been weighing on her since last night. "How do you think Xena feels about all of this? About being with Ares?"

Eve frowned. "She hates him."

Gabrielle sighed, shaking her head. "No. I think she wants to hate him. But deep down?" She hesitated, her voice softer now. "I don't know if she does. What I do know is that she hates herself. And that's what we have to protect her from."

Eve scoffed bitterly. "You really think she'll let him in? That she'll actually be with him?"

Gabrielle hesitated, but then shook her head. "No. Xena is too stubborn. Too angry to give him what he wants that easily. But..." she trailed off, frowning.

Eve frowned too. "But what?"

Gabrielle sighed. "You saw how he acted this morning. He's not backing down. He plays the long game. He's patient when he needs to be. And worst of all, he knows Xena. He knows how to get under her skin, how to wear her down."

Eve's stomach twisted, her fingers digging into her arms. "That's what I'm afraid of."

Eve's arms tightened around herself, her gaze dropping. "She never should have had to make this deal in the first place."

"No," Gabrielle agreed. "But this isn't just about him being around. She agreed to give him a child."

Eve exhaled sharply. "I don't think she's letting herself process that part yet."

Eve exhaled, shaking her head. "I won't let this happen."

Gabrielle looked at her. "What do you mean?"

Eve's jaw tightened. "I mean, forget the deal. Forget whatever twisted hold Ares thinks he has on her. I will find a way to stop him."

Gabrielle sat up straighter. "Eve..."

"No," Eve cut in, her voice firm. "She gave up everything for me. If she was willing to sacrifice herself to save me, then I'll do the same for her. I owe her that."

Gabrielle's chest tightened at the determination in Eve's voice. She knew that kind of conviction—she had felt it herself so many times when it came to Xena. But she also knew how dangerous it could be.

"Eve," Gabrielle said carefully, "Ares isn't someone you can just stop. He's a god."

Eve met her gaze, fire burning in her eyes. "So what?"

Gabrielle reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind Eve's ear. "We need to keep her grounded, Eve. No matter what happens. We can't let Ares drag her back into the darkness."

"I don't care what it takes. I will not let Ares consume her. Not again." Gabrielle squeezed her shoulder. "Then we're in this together."

For the first time after breakfast, Eve felt like she could breathe.

Ione crouched low behind the thick brush, her breathing steady as she kept her eyes locked on the two women sitting beneath the trees. She had followed them from the farmhouse, keeping her distance, waiting for the right moment. Athena had sent her to watch Xena, to gather anything of value, but she had never expected to uncover something this big. Gabrielle's voice carried in the quiet morning.

"You're old enough to hear the truth, Eve."

Ione edged closer, careful not to snap a twig beneath her foot. She didn't dare risk being seen. If Xena found out she had been lurking, she would be dead before she could blink.

She listened closely as Gabrielle spoke of Ares and Xena's past, their history, their bond. Her stomach twisted at the idea. Then she heard it—the real revelation.

"She agreed to give him a child." Ione's eyes widened. Her breath caught in her throat.

The rest of their conversation barely registered as her mind raced. Xena had made a deal with Ares. A child. This changed everything. She had to get back to Athena. Now.

Slipping away as silently as she had come, Ione moved swiftly through the sunlight, every step taking her closer to her goddess.

By the time she reached Athena's temple, her chest was heaving from the urgency of her journey. She entered the grand hall, falling to one knee before the towering statue that loomed at the altar.

"My goddess," she called, her voice steady despite the pounding in her chest. "I bring news that will please you." A shimmer of golden light filled the chamber, and Athena appeared, her piercing gaze settling on Ione.

"Speak," Athena commanded.

Ione bowed her head before rising to her feet. "It's about Xena."

Athena's expression remained unreadable, but Ione could feel the shift in the air, the way the goddess seemed to focus even more closely. Ione straightened her shoulders. "I overheard her companions speaking. Xena has made a deal with Ares. She agreed to bear his child."

For the first time, Athena's carefully controlled mask shook, the faintest flicker of surprise crossing her face. Ione pressed on. "What will you have me do, my goddess?"

Athena's silence stretched, the weight of the revelation settling between them. Then, finally, she spoke.

"This is... unexpected." Her gaze darkened. "But not unaccounted for."

Ione stood still, awaiting her command. Athena's lips pressed together as she considered. Then, with a tilt of her chin, she said, "You've done well, Ione. I will decide our next move soon."

Ione bowed deeply. "Thank you, my goddess." As she stepped back, disappearing into the shadows of the temple, she couldn't help but wonder—had she just sealed Xena's fate?

Xena paced the farmhouse, her fingers twitching at her sides. She had already sharpened her sword—twice. Organized her armor. Checked the horses. By the gods, she had even folded blankets.

And yet, the itch under her skin wouldn't go away.

She leaned against the doorway, exhaling sharply as she looked outside. The morning air was crisp, the trees still, but her mind was anything but.

Gabrielle and Eve had been gone for a while now, and despite knowing they were safe, Xena felt like a caged animal waiting for something to happen.

She turned back inside, eyeing the empty space before rolling her shoulders. "Maybe I should take up knitting," she muttered under her breath. "Or embroidery. Something nice and calm."

She snorted at the thought, shaking her head as she walked toward the table. Her fingers drummed against the wood before she grabbed an apple from a bowl, tossing it up and catching it repeatedly.

A moment later, the door creaked open, and Gabrielle and Eve stepped inside.

Xena straightened immediately, her eyes scanning Eve's face. She expected tension, anger—anything that showed Eve was still upset. But to her surprise, Eve looked... steady. Almost peaceful.

Xena took a step forward, opening her mouth to speak, but Eve held up a hand, stopping her.

"I don't want to hear it," Eve said firmly, her voice leaving no room for argument. Xena's brows raised slightly, caught off guard by the change.

Eve met her gaze, her expression unreadable. "I already know what you're going to say. But it doesn't matter." Her arms crossed over her chest. "Because I've already decided—I'm protecting you now." Xena's lips parted slightly, but no words came. She hadn't expected that.

Gabrielle gave Xena a small, knowing look before stepping past them toward the kitchen. "I'm going to make some tea. You two have... whatever this is."

Xena's eyes flicked back to Eve, her jaw tightening slightly. "Protect me?" she repeated, arching a brow.

Eve nodded once. "That's right."

Xena let out a breath, shaking her head with something between exasperation and amusement. "Great. Now I've got two mother hens."

Eve didn't back down. "Someone has to keep you from making reckless decisions."

Xena smirked. "Funny. I was thinking the same thing about you."

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then, Xena's smirk faded slightly as she studied her daughter's face. There was something different in Eve's eyes—something determined.

Xena sighed, tossing the apple into the air one last time before catching it and taking a bite. "Fine," she said around her mouthful. "But don't get in my way."

Eve simply stared at her, "Same goes for you."

Xena chewed thoughtfully, then gave a small shrug. "We'll see."

Gabrielle cleared her throat from the kitchen. "Tea's ready."

Xena exhaled through her nose, rubbing the back of her neck as she walked toward the door. "Good. Maybe it'll stop everyone from hovering over me."

Gabrielle smirked. "Doubt it. And where do you think you're going?"

Xena barely glanced up from where she stood near the doorway. "I don't want tea. I was just about to—"

Gabrielle didn't let her finish. She grabbed Xena's wrist and pulled her toward the table with surprising force. "No, you weren't. Sit."

Xena huffed. "Really?"

Eve smirked as she settled into her own seat. "Really."

Gabrielle placed the tea in front of Xena and gave her a sharp look. "Drink."

Xena raised an eyebrow. "I don't remember agreeing to this little tea party."

Eve took a sip from her cup. "You didn't. We dragged you into it."

Xena exhaled sharply but dropped into the chair, arms crossed as she eyed the tea with suspicion. "Alright," she muttered. "So what now? A heartfelt discussion about my life choices?"

Gabrielle smirked, taking a sip of her own tea. "Oh no, we've already accepted that you make terrible life decisions. Now we just drink and pretend you'll actually listen to our advice."

Xena rolled her eyes but took a sip anyway, the heat spreading down her throat. The moment of peace didn't last. Gabrielle took a sip of her tea, glancing at Xena over the rim of her cup. "So... how long do you think Ares will keep this up?"

Xena frowned. "Keep what up?"

Eve rested her elbows on the table. "The whole 'showing up uninvited' thing. Acting like he belongs here."

Xena scoffed, gripping her cup tighter. "As long as he wants."

Gabrielle raised an eyebrow. "And you're just... okay with that?"

Xena exhaled sharply, setting her cup down. "I didn't say that."

Eve tilted her head. "Then what are you saying?"

Xena's fingers drummed against the table, her irritation growing. "I'm saying that Ares does what Ares does. The gods may hate him, but he's still one of them. He can do whatever he wants, whenever he wants."

Gabrielle leaned forward. "But he's not just showing up anywhere, Xena. He's showing up here. Around you. Around us."

Eve nodded. "Because he thinks he owns you now."

Xena's jaw tightened, her grip on the cup going white-knuckled. "He doesn't own me."

Gabrielle studied her. "Does he know that?"

Xena met her gaze, her expression unreadable. "He should."

Gabrielle smirked. "Because you sure didn't look like you were willing to stop anything. You looked quite happy if you ask me." Xena abruptly pushed back from the table, the force knocking her chair over. She nearly tripped over it but caught herself, her movements stiff with frustration.

Eve tilted her head. "Where are you going?"

Xena waved them off, her voice short. "Somewhere that doesn't involve this ridiculous conversation."

Gabrielle raised an eyebrow. "That's funny, because no matter where you go, your thoughts go with you."

Xena shot her a glare over her shoulder. "Not if I knock myself unconscious." Gabrielle and Eve exchanged a playful glance, holding in their laughs, before taking another sip of tea, watching as Xena stalked out of the room.

Xena stepped outside, inhaling deeply as the cool air hit her skin. She needed to move. To do something—anything—to get her mind off Ares, off this deal, off the words she refused to let sink in.

Her scowl deepened. She stretched her arms before moving toward the clearing. Fine. If her thoughts wouldn't quiet down, she'd drown them out the best way she knew how.

Training.

She worked through forms, her movements sharp and precise. Her sword cut through the air, muscles burning as she pushed herself harder, faster. One form. Another. Again. Again.

Minutes passed. Then hours.

When she finally stopped, her chest heaved, sweat dripping down her back. But her mind was just as loud as before. Frustrated, she tossed her sword aside and ran a hand through her damp hair.

"Not enough," she muttered. She needed more.

Singing.

A ridiculous old drinking song from her warlord days—one that used to drive Borias insane. It worked for about three verses before she trailed off, arms crossing as she exhaled sharply. Still there. The thoughts. The memories. Her lips tingled and she cursed under her breath. She needed something more physical.

Chopping wood.

She grabbed an axe, setting a log in place before swinging down with enough force to split it in one go.

Then another.

Then another.

She lost track of time, arms aching, body screaming for rest. But she kept going until the sun dipped lower in the sky. Gabrielle's voice interrupted her rhythm. "You're gonna cut down an entire forest at this rate."

Xena wiped the sweat from her forehead. "Good. More firewood for winter."

Gabrielle leaned against the doorway, watching her. "You can do all the chopping, training, and singing you want. It won't change anything."

Xena's grip on the axe tightened. "Not everything has to change."

Gabrielle sighed but didn't push. Instead, she motioned toward the house. "Dinner's ready." Xena hesitated before nodding, setting the axe down. She followed Gabrielle inside, ignoring the knowing look Eve gave her from the table.

The meal was quiet, tension heavy in the air. She felt suffocated. By the time the sun fully set, she couldn't take it anymore. She pushed away from the table, rolling her shoulders. "We need to move."

Gabrielle frowned. "Move?"

Xena nodded. "Sitting here isn't doing us any good. The gods aren't coming for us. Not yet, anyway." She stood, pacing slightly. "They know I'm working with Ares now. They wouldn't jump into a reckless attack without a plan."

Eve glanced at Gabrielle before looking back at Xena. "And where exactly do you plan on going?"

"Anywhere but here."

Gabrielle sighed. "Xena, running from this isn't going to—"

"I'm not running," Xena cut in sharply. "I just—I need to move."

Gabrielle studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Alright. We leave in the morning."

Xena gave a nod before heading toward her room, her steps quick as if movement alone could push away the unease settling inside her. The moment she stepped in, the air felt heavier, the silence pressing against her. She went straight to her weapons, adjusting them on the table, anything to keep herself busy. But something caught her eye. Her reflection.

She frowned, turning fully toward the mirror. At first, everything seemed normal—just her own face staring back. Then, her breath caught. The woman in the mirror wasn't the one she had come to accept. It was her. The old Xena. Cold. Smirking. Eyes dark with something hungry, something untamed. A chill crawled down her spine as she took an uneasy step closer.

Her stomach twisted, and she blinked hard. When she looked again, it was just her own reflection. Her heart pounded, and she exhaled slowly, stepping back from the mirror. It was nothing. Just exhaustion. Shaking her head, she turned away, shoving the image from her mind.