Chapter Text
The creek water felt refreshing on your face, after fleeing your house, you had beelined it to the small stream that ran through the village. Kyrios objected to being carried the minute you left the door, so you made the journey alone. It wasn’t like you had anywhere else to go, Kassandra or Barnabus would question you if you showed up at their house. It’s not like it was unpleasant to be there, the water cooled you down after what you experienced back at the house. You just wish you didn’t have to leave.
It took 20 minutes for your self control to break and head back home. You were no fool, you had a good idea of what was going on in your absence. But the plakous should be done soon and there was no way you were going to let the treat you fought so hard to make burn.
Standing, you slipped your shoes on and made your way back, anxiety building the closer you got. You did not want to interrupt them, but it was your house, they could technically just continue upstairs. Oh gods, they probably didn’t even go upstairs did they? You’d all been sleeping downstairs, they never even checked out their room upstairs, so you doubt they relocated to fuc-
You groaned in embarrassment, they probably had sex on what was essentially your bed. The gods never made anything easy for you did they? How were you supposed to face them? Pretend nothing happened? That was probably the most courteous move, but would they ignore it too, or would they tease you more?
You wished you could have just stayed, that you didn’t have this idiotic stipulation about being intimate, but if you’re being honest with yourself there's no guarantee if you would have stayed even if you could. The whole thing between the three of you is so new, would you really have given yourself to them that easily if you could? There's no point in what ifs, you tell yourself, steeling your nerve as you arrive at your house.
You are met with silence, which you are grateful for, you don’t want to think of how you’d react if you could hear them going at it. Knocking on the door, you announce yourself, “May I enter? The food is nearly done, I do not want it to go to waste.” You cough, embarrassed, “You can move upstairs if you need more time.”
There is shuffling around for a minute before Sun’s voice calls out, “Come in!” The scent of sex hits you the moment you open the door and you have to school your features into a neutral expression. Both anima are sitting on the floor in front of the hearth, Sun’s eyes flick around, avoiding your face in embarrassment but looking blissed out in the way only a really good fuck can achieve. Moon sits staring at his hands folded in his lap, not acknowledging you.
Both are disheveled, like they threw their clothes back on, tunics hastily fastened and draping off their bodies in weird ways. You’re about to go check on the food, giving them a moment to figure out how they want to approach this, when you catch sight of the marks on Sun.
He is covered in bite marks and bruises. The bruising is concentrated on his wrists, and you can see one on his hip from where the chiton isn’t covering it. You would just ignore them, but the bites are far worse, concerning even. They pepper his collarbones, but one in particular looks dangerously deep, enough to require medical attention. Glancing over him, you meet his eyes and he gives a nervous grin. You do not return his smile, the second you saw his injuries you mildly dissociated, sinking into the mindspace you reserved for healing, only focusing on addressing his wounds. With a start, you took off to your workshop, slamming the door behind you in your haste, not realizing how it looked to the anima.
The smile fell off Sun’s face, confusion and hurt bleeding into his features. You ran away? He knew that you would likely be uncomfortable, but he wasn’t worried about that, time would wash that away. But he hadn’t expected you to flee, biting his lip he tried not to cry, had they ruined the courtship before it even started? Moon seemed to sense his distress, grabbing his hand and stroking his thumb over the back gently.
“It is my fault for losing control, I am so sorry, Sunshine.” Sun shook his head, it wasn’t Moon’s fault at all. All anima felt emotions so much more deeply than humans, despite not having animal characteristics like some anima, they were still prone to outbursts when their instincts acted up. When you showed off your sides like that, after accepting their offer of courtship, it caused Moon to slip into a more animalistic mindset. He had no control over it and while he could deny it, it was far easier to give into the urges, so Sun offered himself in your place. They had no idea it would upset you so.
The workshop door flung open and you emerged in the doorway, holding an armful of supplies. Zeroing in on Sun you rushed over, moving his tunic aside to get a look at all the wounds and rifling through the pile for the right salve. “Idiots, the two of you, being so rough without aftercare. You know how upset I would be if you bled out?” You grumbled, lecturing them as much as confessing your concern.
The anima looked at each other in surprise, so you weren’t upset at them, you were worried. Relief washed over the pair, but it was cut short as you stared down Moon, frown set on your face, “I do not know what happened to you, but if you do this to my poor Sunray again without patching him up, you will not like the consequences.” You warned, Moon only grinned in response, happy to return to your earlier dynamic and leaning in, “Is that a promise?” He purred, which earned him a smack on the head.
“Get out of here, you crazed animal.” You motioned to the stove with one hand, the other massaging salve into Sun’s bites, “Make yourself useful, tend to the food while I fix him up.” You carefully started to bandage Sun up, tracing delicate lines over some of the bites in admiration, you wondered how it would feel to be on the receiving end of Moon’s affections. When you were finished bandaging him you gave each shoulder a kiss, refusing to look at Sun’s reaction and instead gathering your supplies.
Sun basked in the attention, earning a jealous look from Moon as he plated up the stew and took the plakous out of the oven. You walked by him as you headed back to your workshop, pulling him down by the shoulder and giving him a kiss on the cheek when he stooped down. “I didn’t forget about you, Moonbeam.” You hummed, patting him on the shoulder and heading to the workshop, satisfied at the blue blush blooming on his face.
When you reemerged you found them seated next to each other, Sun’s legs in Moon’s lap, holding their bowls and smiling softly at each other. Taking your own bowl you tried to walk past them and sit across from them, but Moon grabbed your leg, almost making you spill your food. Whipping your head around, you were set to glare at him, when you saw the soft look he gave you, patting the spot next to him. There was no denying him, making a show of rolling your eyes, you plopped down next to him, leaning your head on his shoulder as you ate.
Despite what happened, you all fell back into the easygoing atmosphere from earlier, sharing gentle touches and fond looks. When you all finished eating, you practically skipped over to the dessert, excited to share it with them. Before you doled it out, you gave Moon a warning look, “Your tongue stays in your mouth, mister. I will have none of your mischief.” He only grinned in response, licking his lips.
“Are you deaf?” You shook your head in disbelief, giggling as you gave him a piece. Sun butted in this time, licking his own lips, a blush creeping up your face in response. “He meant no harm, we only long for the tempting treat in front of us.” He was not talking about the plakous.
You didn’t have time to dwell on his flirting, the door to your home whipping open with a startling bang. Kassandra grunted in exertion, dragging a battered, blindfolded man into your house and setting him at your feet. He whimpered in fear, looking around as if trying to see through the blindfold, tugging on the ropes around his wrists. Fuck, you wanted to keep this part of your life from them, at least for awhile. It looks like the gods did not want to grant you that mercy. The anima may have seen glimpses of what happened during the siege, but not up close, not like this.
Moon gaped in shock, not understanding what was going on, but having the sense to stay silent. Sun, however, immediately gave into the all encompassing fear that wracked his body, seeking you out for answers. “Soteria?” He squeaked, Moon immediately slapping a hand over his mouth and pulling him into his lap.
The man honed in on Sun’s voice, turning in his direction and trying to shamble towards him despite his restraints. “Please, free me! I am innocent! This is all a mistake!” he pleaded, earning a kick to his side from Kassandra. Moon scooped his lover up in his arms, silently creeping away from the man, who had crawled too close for comfort.
“I do not make mistakes.” Kassandra sneered, spitting on him before turning to address you, “He was lurking outside the village, trying to find a way in. Others recognized him from their trips to Leuctra, he is a scout.”
Fury burned deep in you at the man’s actions, how dare he scare your anima, stalk your village. You wrenched his head back by the hair, growling at him, “Do not speak to them. There is no aid for you within my house. Who sent you? What do you seek from within my village?” The man trembled, insisting on his innocence, “I know not of what you speak. I was merely traveling through the forest. I had no knowledge of a village here.”
Retrieving the dagger you keep strapped to your thigh, you made a point of dragging the blunt side from the man's chest up his throat and resting it near his mouth. He recognized the cold metal, shaking and trying to flinch away but Kassandra pushing him into your blade from behind. “No one chooses to traverse this forest, only my kin leave it alive. There is not a soul in Greece ignorant of its curse.” You pinch his nose shut and he is forced to open his mouth to breathe, you take the opportunity to shove your knife in. He stills, his breath coming out in panicked pants, “Such a shame, I thought we might get along. Seems you need to be reminded, liars don’t need tongues.”
He thrashes in Kassandra’s grasp and you grab his chin, cutting a shallow cut down his tongue, a promise of what’s to come. “Rethink your answer.” You instruct, wiping your blade on your tunic and turning to Kassandra. “You know what needs to be done, make preparations, I want a report by dawn.” Bowing, Kassandra took her leave. “Yes, Heirei.”
With her departure, you were left alone with the man and your anima. You feared what they thought of you, unable to look them in the eye. Did they think you a monster? Would they still want to court you after seeing what you were capable of? You didn’t have the time to dwell on it, this needed to be taken care of. Channeling your frustration at having your hand forced, you clenched the man's hair, dragging him screaming to our workshop and the cellar attached. You were not gentle when your people were threatened, but the price he paid for his tresspasses would be doubled for endangering your beloveds. Calling behind you, you instructed the two, "Go upstairs, you need not hear this."
The lovers watched as you lugged the man away, only daring to look away once they were sure he was gone. Sun was beside himself with fear, had the Oracle sent him? Were they seen entering the village? They couldn’t go back, they wouldn’t. He curled in on himself, hyperventilating, letting himself weep now that the man was gone.
“We are safe under their care, Sunshine. Agapetos will never let harm befall us, nor will I.” Moon reassured him, cradling him close but heeding your warning and making their way upstairs. Once there he arranged bedding for Sun, impeded while carrying him, but nonetheless completing the task. He laid down, lowering Sun on his chest and humming a lullaby to soothe him, a habit he had developed during their confinement.
Moon was not shaken by what had transpired, if anything it solidified his affections for you. When he first stopped you from leaving them to journey to Athens, he had done so because he felt you would protect him. You had proved him right, holding up your promise that no harm would befall them. No, the violence you had inflicted on that man was justified. The way you looked holding a knife only added to
Sun was far away, barely registering the world around him. Moon's humming pierced the haze surrounding him and slowly he came back to himself, blinking blearily up at the lunar anima. Moon simply smiled down at him, rubbing his rays softly and placing a kiss on his forehead. “Rest, Sunshine. We are safe. We are free. Agapetos will not let her take us. When you wake I will feed you all the plakous you desire.” Sun nuzzled weakly into him, drained from the whole ordeal, his anxiety was far worse since they escaped. He had something to lose again, and his body was sent into a panic at the thought of it being taken away. He eventually drifted off, Moon watching over him and waiting for your return.
You wanted to kill this man, gods, did you want to send him packing to Hades. But you knew that wasn’t the best course of action, no, if you were to do this right, you couldn’t even torture him. He was one of the Oracle’s scouts, of that you were sure, and that meant he was expected back, unharmed. You would treat his wounds, by the time he returned there should be no evidence of injury. The problem was the memories of the village, at least everything since entering, especially Sun’s voice. If his voice was reported back to the Oracle it could spell disaster for the whole village. You knew it was just a reaction out of fear, but the anima had no self preservation instincts, at least Moon stayed silent. Though, it was very endearing he called for you.
Sighing, you scrubbed a hand down your face, tuning out the whimpers from your prisoner, he hadn’t quieted since you brought him down here. There was a ritual you could do, it would be taxing though, and would cost Hekate a favor with Hypnos. But there weren’t many other options that got you the information you needed. Preparing the potion required for the ritual, you braced for the next part. Blood rituals were never easy, though you had gotten used to them over time.
Your blood in particular was potent, as a witch and Hekate’s head priestess it held great power. But with your rebirth and restored virgin status, there were no rivals. Your ‘virginity’ was part of the reason Hekate refused to let you be intimate with anyone, it would leave you weakened without a powerful partner. But with two anima, you could easily replace the blood magick with sex magick, less convenient, sure, but you would easily pay that price to be in a relationship with the two celestial anima.
Looking around, you took stock of the cellar. It was nothing short of horrific, if you awoke in a place like this, you would be sure you were dying there. On one side were all manner of torture instruments and restraints, blunt instruments like flogs and flails lined the walls. While the sharp implements laid on a large table next to an upright slab, chains littering the floor. The other side of the cellar sported a wall of shelves, bottles and jars of ingredients littered them, and a worktable with a small cauldron sat beneath them. In the corner a ceremonial circle was etched into the floor and a large barrel full of blood rested next to it. There were miscellaneous decorations, skulls, dried fingers, jarred organs, all meant to add to the atmosphere. The more a person feared, the more powerful their blood for rituals and it was time to put the fear of the gods into the man.
Removing his blindfold, you watched in delight as his expression morphed into one of pure terror, grinning at the look he gave you as he met your eyes. “Shhhh…you need not befall such a horrid fate, drink, and all will be well.” You cooed, holding out a cup to the man. He did not believe you, but he did not know any other option, you were armed, in your element. There was no chance of escape and defying you would only anger you, reluctantly he drank, struggling to keep his eyes open as it took effect.
After you were sure he was asleep you disrobed, sitting in the circle with your dagger. In order to call upon Hekate you had to carve her sigils into yourself, direct contact with a goddess on command came at a price, even for her most devoted. At least you healed far faster than others. You were unsure if it was because of your priesthood or because you were a witch, but after your rebirth even the deepest cuts did not stay for long. You were not disillusioned to think you were impervious to damage, if anything it seemed more of a tool that facilitated your worship, the benefit healthwise was more of a side effect.
Drawing the sigils into the ground in your blood, you recited the spell to speak to your goddess, feeling the familiar presence in the back of your mind as you finished.
“Why do you call upon me, my child?”
You took a deep breath, trying to keep yourself tethered to reality, speaking with Hekate always made you feel like you were floating away. Prostrating yourself on the ground, you admitted your shortcoming. “You know the siege went not as planned, the Oracle had already fled by the time we marched. I seek your forgiveness.”
“You have it, you could not have known she was warned. But as for how, you must assure the stone was not thrown from within your own house.”
Making note of her warning, you straightened up, continuing. “She is weakened, but you know I seek her head. I need her location, the scout will lead us back to his master.” You explained.
“Why should I grant you this boon? What do you offer me?”
Even though she wanted to help you, she always asked for offerings, single minded in her greed. She was not unfair, if you had nothing to offer you knew she would help you anyways, on principle of your devotion and past deeds. But she smelled blood in the water, she knew you had something for her. You were almost embarrassed to admit your situation, but you did so anyway. “In the temple, I found two anima, blessed by Selene and Helios. They must have angered their gods or know not of their powers, otherwise you know no prison could hold them. They seek to court me. I will help them gain back their gods’ favor, form an alliance with them.” You proposed, you could feel her pleasure at your words thrumming in your mind.
“Very strategic of you, I have taught you well. Do they know of your chastity, that they must offer their devotion to me?”
You nodded, “They know, and they are not deterred.” You paused, mustering up your courage. “We have not known each other long, but we already care for each other. I offer you nothing but honesty. I would pursue them even if they had nothing to offer me. I am happy the circumstances are pleasing to you, but I want them for me.” You sniffled, overwhelmed with emotion at your confession, “I feel, for the first time since my rebirth, and I will not be dissuaded from claiming them as my own.”
“I am happy for you little one. You came to me so broken, seeking only revenge, it is refreshing to see you driven by something other than rage.”
At her approval, you let yourself cry, pouring all the frustration and fury you had bottled up when you found out the Oracle was not in Livadeia. It would leave you now, and you would make room for affection, and if you were lucky, for love. You would not give up on your revenge, but it would no longer consume you, not anymore, you had your anima to think of.
“I hate to waste a favor, but I will call on Hypnos. Never say I have done nothing for you.”
You could tell she was teasing, she was happy to help you, as much as she was loathe to admit it, you brought her into power. When you fled Livadeia years ago, you ran as far away as possible, to Thrace. Your agony, your righteous fury called to her, and she made herself known to you, offering her boon in exchange for your devotion. It was there you were reborn as a witch in both body and mind.
From there you amassed a following, taking misfits and outcasts from each town as you journeyed downwards, back to the source of your rage. Now her disciples were widespread, you trained priestesses and sent them off, to make their own villages. They could never surpass you, you would always be Hekate’s most precious, the one who took her from obscurity. For that she was just as devoted to you, she would never let anything happen to you, even if she would never admit it.
“Hypnos will come to him in his sleep, convince him to give up his memories, and lead him away from the village in his sleep. Then it is on your people to follow him back to his master.”
“Thank you, Hekate. For this and all you do for me.” You got to work, not wanting to waste any more of her time, preparing the man for Hypnos' influence, annointing him in oils and chanting incantations over him. Returning to your circle, you made sure to perform the closing spell, cutting yourself off from the divines once again. By the time you were finished you were exhausted, snatching your black robe and wrapping it loosely around yourself you made your way out of the cellar. You didn’t bother with your chiton, you’d just stain it, and the tightness would aggravate the cuts. After informing Kassandra of the plan, you headed up to see your boys.
You are sure you looked a sight when you emerged upstairs, fresh wounds carved on your limbs and torso, puffy red eyes from crying, naked except for your robe. You’d be worried about Moon’s reaction if you weren’t so focused on protecting them while the intruder was still in the village. Soon he would wake, under the spell of Hypnos and leave your village behind, but until then you would stand guard.
You didn’t acknowledge the two anima, wanting to let them come to you on their own terms, sitting facing the stairs, back to them. They probably wanted nothing to do with you, a hurt bloomed deep in your chest at the thought that the source of Sun’s fear earlier might have been you. The floor creaks as someone makes their way over to you, sitting down next to you. You share a comfortable silence, listening for any sounds downstairs. Soon enough, the sound of the cellar door thunking open and shuffling could be heard. You turned to the person sitting next to you, to your surprise finding Sun sitting there, and putting your finger to your lips. He stayed silent, but you could see the anxiety clear on his face, you grasped his hand to comfort him. Unsheathing your dagger, you mindlessly fiddled with it, wanting it out in case you needed it. Sun was amazed with the way you manipulated the blade, graceful, with practiced skill. He knew whatever happened, you would keep them safe.
The next few minutes passed in silence, only feeling safe to speak once the sound of your front door clicking shut rung out. Putting away your knife, you turned to Sun, who practically vibrated with anxiety and confusion. Instead of addressing his own worries though, he directed his attentions to you, raising a hand, holding it hesitantly over the cuts on your arm. “Why?” He asked, gently tracing the wounds in fascination after recieving your approval.
“I had to commune with Hekate, receive her advice and aid.” You explained, amused at the bewildered face he gave at your words. “You talked to her?” He gaped, amazed that the goddess would talk directly to you.
You nodded, “I am her chosen, unlike you and Moon, born as the god’s favored, Hekate chose me. I was reborn in her image.” You explained. Hekate was the only god not to use an anima as their representative, you did not know her motivations but you were grateful nonetheless. Sun frowned, thinking of his own god and they cut contact when they were captured. No matter how they pleaded, they received silence in return, their bodies weakened from being cut off from their patrons. You seemed to know what he was thinking, “I can aid you in regaining their favor, Sunray. You will become powerful again, a force to be feared, both of you.” You promised.
Sun smiled sadly at you, he wanted to believe you, but he wasn’t sure there was anything that could sway the gods. He knew you’d try though, and that was more than enough. Not wanting to think on it anymore, he turned his attention to the man who escaped.
“Why did you let him go? We thought surely you would kill him.” You were shocked at how indifferent he was to the idea of you murdering someone, you were sure the fear he expressed earlier was because of your bloodlust, but you were mistaken. “Your safety is my priority, if I gave into my desires, more scouts would come in his place. It was in our best interest to let him go, send my men to trail him, so we may know where his master lies.” You let your robe drift open slightly in the front and your leg peek out from the slit at the front, giving him more skin to touch if he desired, craving his caresses. “You need not worry, he will remember nothing of the village, Hypnos ensured that. I apologize if his departure frightened you.”
The apology barely registered to Sun, too enraptured by the lines littering your skin, standing in stark contrast to the otherwise unmarked expanse. He had no idea how you did not scar, maybe it had something to do with the blood magick? He grew more confident in his touches, moving his face closer to watch the give of your skin as he played with the cuts, fascinated. A gash on your collarbone started to bleed, Sun bringing the bloodied finger to his lips without thinking, humming at the taste. His eyes flicked to yours, realizing what he had done, embarrassed, and you giggled at his reaction. He was shyer than Moon, but you could see now that he coveted you in the same way, an animalistic undertone accompanied them both.
You maneuvered yourself, offering your collarbone to him to play with as he wished. You were not expecting him to launch at you, attaching his mouth to your shoulder and sucking. A zing of pleasure shot down to your core and you let out a startled keen, causing him to growl in return, gripping your shoulders tightly to keep you still. The way his towering form engulfed yours made you shiver, he was so huge, he had to contort himself into your space. Sun’s rays trembled in satisfaction, wet smacking sounds filled the air as he drank and you panted. This could not continue.
You shoved him away, he could have easily tanked the force but he chose to remove himself from you, wiping his mouth. “We must stop. You know I can not partake.” You did not sound convinced, if anything it sounded like it pained you to say the words. Wrapping yourself tightly in the robe you hissed the sensation on your lacerations, but you refused to show him any skin right now. Sun looked wrecked, there was a look in his eyes you had never seen before, like an animal looked at prey. You hated how much you liked it.
Reluctantly he backed away, allowing you both to cool off, “If I sleep upstairs with you, will I remain untouched?” you asked plainly, needing to know if there was any chance of him losing control like Moon. He shook his head, he didn’t want to sleep without you, but he would not put you in danger. “I cannot make any promises, Agapetos, I will not lie to you.”
Nodding, you stood on wobbly legs, “Then I bid you goodnight, Sunray. I will see you in the morning.” With that you descended the stairs, curling up in your bedding, grimacing at the smell of sex from earlier. Despite living alone for so long, you found that right now, you felt lonelier than ever.