A dinner and a discussion for the worst.

After the meeting with the monarchs, Dario invited us to stay for dinner and spend the night at his estate. He felt it was the least he could do, considering Ikaro and Iris were family and we were their trusted companions. In his eyes, that made us friends of the family, and hospitality was practically second nature to him. Besides, he had plenty of food and resources to spare, years of managing his estate and wealth had left him well-stocked. Although he didn’t say it outright, I had the distinct feeling he wanted an opportunity to observe and speak with me further before we parted ways.

As dinner preparations began, everyone busied themselves with various chores. Ikaro and Iris, joined by Aerys, worked in the kitchen to prepare the meal, their banter and laughter occasionally drifting through the air. Meanwhile, Dario eagerly showed Entinos his extensive collection of war manuals and antique weapons, their mutual respect as seasoned warriors creating a natural bond. Noor claimed she was "enhancing the aesthetic of the house for dinner," though I wasn’t entirely sure what that entailed. Knowing her, it probably involved a mix of charm and mischief.... Or she was spying, wouldn't expect less from her.
I had taken on the task of setting the dining table, placing plates, utensils, and goblets with care. As I worked, Aerys approached, her voice light and teasing.

"Hey, don’t forget to set a plate for Orion," she said, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips. At her words, Orion, perched regally on a nearby shelf, let out an approving squawk, his piercing gaze directed at me.

I blinked in confusion. "He eats with you?"

"Not exactly," she replied with a soft chuckle. "But he likes to feel included. If we don’t set a place for him, he gets sulky. Isn’t that right, Ori?" The eagle responded with another sharp squawk, and Aerys laughed, her mirth infectious.

Shaking my head with a grin, I couldn’t help but note the similarity between her and Iris. "You know," I said, "you remind me a lot of Iris."

Her brows lifted in intrigue, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Oh? How so?"

"Well," I began, a slight blush creeping up my neck, "you’ve got similar features; your face, your crimson hair. It’s striking, like your father’s. Even the way it falls... it’s almost identical to Iris’s in length and style." I rubbed the back of my neck awkwardly, realising I might have been too candid.
Aerys was as stunning as Iris, and I couldn’t deny it.

Her smirk widened, her tone suddenly playful yet charged. "Are you saying you find me as attractive as Iris, Kayn? My, my. Aren’t you the charmer?"
Her confidence and teasing tone reminded me of Noor, yet she carried an unmistakable Spartan aura of pride and strength. It was a dangerous combination, alluring and intimidating all at once.

"I mean…" I stammered, feeling her gaze pierce through me. "Iris is definitely attractive and well—" Before I could finish, she stepped closer, her breath warm against my skin.

"And?" she prompted, her voice dropping into a sultry whisper as her hand brushed lightly against my abdomen, her touch sending a shiver down my spine. She wasn’t just flirting; she was testing me, gauging my reaction with every calculated move. "Do you find me… sexy, Kayn?"

Her forwardness caught me off guard, and I struggled to find my words. "...Saying yes would probably be an understatement," I managed, my voice barely above a whisper.

Aerys laughed softly, the sound both genuine and teasing. "Well, you’re not bad yourself," she admitted, her tone carrying a mix of warmth and mischief. "You know, I’ve had Spartans try to charm me before. Most of them were… underwhelming." Her eyes met mine, and for a moment, the playful edge in her voice softened. "A girl can dream, though. We Spartans tend to have high standards...especially when it comes to finding the right partner. I know my worth, Kayn. I’m not looking for just any man. I’m looking for someone who can match me, someone who’s strong, confident, and… capable." she said giving me a small look to the bulge in my legs.

"And you think that might be me?" I asked, raising an eyebrow, starting to understand where this was going.

Her smirk returned, and she leaned in just enough to make my heart race. "You’ve got potential. Physically, you pass with flying colors." Her voice dropped again as she added, almost in a whisper, "But I like a partner who’s skilled in every way. Show me you’re worth it, and maybe...just maybe, I’ll make it a night you’ll never forget."

Her words sent a jolt of electricity through me, leaving me momentarily stunned. Before I could respond, the sound of Dario’s footsteps echoed from the hallway. Aerys pulled away with a wink, her demeanor instantly shifting to one of casual innocence as she returned to her chores. I glanced at Orion, who had been silently observing the entire exchange. He let out a low, mocking squawk, his sharp eyes gleaming with amusement.

"Don’t start," I muttered, shaking my head… Seriously am I just that irresistible?

"Well then, shall we eat?!" Dario announced, his booming voice punctuated by the growl of his stomach.

"Yeah, yeah, we hear you," Iris quipped as she emerged from the kitchen, balancing a large platter of roasted venison. Ikaro and Aerys followed behind her, carrying bowls of vibrant salads and freshly baked bread. The spread was an impressive feast, fitting for a rare reunion of the Adreadis family.

"That's what I'm talking about," Dario said, rubbing his hands together as he took his seat at the head of the table.

Once everyone was seated, Dario raised his hands. "Before we dig in, let us give thanks to the gods. For this meal, for our health, and for moments like this. These are the blessings that remind us what we're fighting for." Heads bowed as Dario led a brief prayer, his deep voice reverberating with reverence. When the prayer ended, the clatter of utensils signaled the beginning of the meal.

The dinner quickly turned lively. Stories flowed as freely as the wine, and laughter filled the air.
"And there was your father and me," Dario said, gesturing dramatically, "standing alone against twenty Persians. Just me with a xiphos and your father with his shield." Ikaro and Iris leaned in, eyes wide with anticipation. Aerys smirked, having heard the story countless times before. Noor, Entinos, and I listened intently, intrigued by the tale.
"And what happened next?" Ikaro asked eagerly.

Dario chuckled. "We fought as one. Your father moved like a shadow; quick, precise, and clever. He used his shield to parry and disarm the enemy, then turned their own weapons against them. As for me..." He took a swig of his beer and grinned. "I showed them why I'm called the Lion of Sparta. HA! YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN THEIR FACES! THEY WERE SCARED SHIRTLESS!"

"True story," Aerys said with a smirk, backing up her father's tale.

"Or," Noor interjected with a sly grin, "it could be that Spartans are just good at embellishing stories, and the Persians were having an off day."

Aerys turned to Noor, her lips curving into a challenging smile. "What, you don’t think Spartans are that good?"

Noor shrugged, feigning indifference. "Oh, you’re good, no doubt. But after watching Ikaro fight, let’s just say my expectations have been... tempered."

"Hey!" Ikaro protested, causing Entinos and Dario to chuckle. "I'm great in battle, thank you very much." He said in a offended tone taking a sip of his mug.

Aerys narrowed her eyes at Noor, clearly accepting the challenge. "You haven’t faced me yet. And trust me, I’m not like my cousin here. Besides, I doubt you have the strength to back up all that talk."

Noor leaned back, smirking. "Careful, Red. You’re not the first to underestimate me. And for the record, there’s only one person at this table who might stand a chance against me." She threw me a quick look, her teasing tone unmistakable.

Iris leaned toward Ikaro, whispering, "Gods, do I sound like that when I argue with Noor?" Ikaro nodded solemnly, earning a playful shove from his sister and a laugh.

Sensing the tension, Iris deftly steered the conversation. "So, Aerys, I saw you in action earlier. You’re really skilled. Have you always trained like that?"

Aerys tore her gaze from Noor and smiled at Iris, clearly appreciating the compliment. "Since I was little. I used to beg my father to teach me. I’d follow him around, pestering him until he finally caved."

Dario groaned, shaking his head. "She was relentless. Never took no for an answer."

"And you’ve fought with the army?" Entinos asked, his tone measured but genuinely curious.

Aerys hesitated, glancing at Dario. The room grew quieter as an unspoken tension settled over the table. "No," she admitted, her voice tinged with frustration. "As much as I’d like to."

Dario sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. "We’ve been over this, Aerys."

"And it’s your fault we have to keep going over it," Aerys shot back. "You know I can handle myself. There’s no one better to join the war effort right now."

"You’re good," Dario said firmly. "But I’m the one making that decision, and I’ve said no. End of discussion."

Ikaro, clearly uncomfortable, shifted in his seat. Memories of similar arguments with his own father flashed across his face. Iris placed a reassuring hand on his arm, understanding his turmoil.
"She is really good, though," Ikaro ventured hesitantly. "She beat me earlier, didn’t she?"

Aerys raised her hands in triumph. "Thank you!"

“Didn’t ask your opinion here.” Dario gave his nephew a stern look clearly this being a delicate matter. “I don’t want you to waste your life on war… Our bloodline is already small and I won’t let it be lost because you want to follow this life of mine as much proud you will make me seeing you carrying sparta's lambda in your shield....I won't let you." He looked at his nephews for a second as he continued speaking "I didn’t get along with Arbos in the end, but once I had you I understood him, my duty is to my country... but right now is my family and bloodline and I won’t let it die because you are being rash. Glory and renowned are not gaining only in the heat of battle.”

Aerys’s jaw tightened, her frustration evident. "I won't waste my life as a trophy wife, know that for sure." Both of them started a discourse as their argument grew more heated. I remained silent throughout dinner, something unusual for me especially in this situations were an intermediate was necessary, Then I decided to stop it by shifting the focus on me. My thoughts were like a storm, turbulent and insistent, demanding I speak. Yet, I hesitated, torn between duty and the trust I had come to value so deeply. Finally, the words escaped my lips without permission, low but resolute.
“I’m going to the Underworld.”

The table fell silent as every face turned toward me, their expressions a mix of confusion, shock, and growing concern. “What?” Iris’s voice cut through the tension, a blend of disbelief and unease.

“Hades has requested my presence,” I said, forcing myself to meet their eyes, one by one. “He’s requested our presence. I promised Athena we would go.”

“And you kept this from us?!” Noor shot to her feet, her voice trembling with anger.

I exhaled, feeling the weight of her words like a blow. “…Yes. Forgive me.” My voice faltered, but I didn’t look away. “I should have told you. I know that.”

“YOU MOTHERF—” Noor’s furious explosion was cut short by Iris’s sharp voice.

“NOOR!” she barked, her tone firm yet tinged with her own frustration. Though she reined Noor in, it was clear she wasn’t pleased with me either.

Dario and Aerys exchanged glances but said nothing, wisely deciding to stay out of the rising storm. Orion, however, fluttered down and perched beside me. The eagle squawked sharply, almost as if he were defending me. The sound drew everyone's attention momentarily before Ikaro broke the silence, his voice strained.

“I don’t understand… Why, Kayn? Why would you hide this from us?”

My chest tightened. “It wasn’t my intention to betray your trust,” I began, my voice quieter but steady. “I promised Athena I would go after she helped us with the meeting earlier. Without her, we wouldn’t have gotten their support, and we wouldn’t even be here now. I... I didn’t want to **** you to come with me. But Hades made it clear—it’s not just me he wants. It’s all of us. He left no room for negotiation.”

“That’s not an excuse!” Noor’s voice trembled, now laced with fear beneath her anger. “Do you even realize what you’re asking? Some of us don’t serve your gods. What do you think will happen to me if I step foot in the realm of a god who isn’t mine? Did you even consider that?”

“I did!” I shot back, frustration flaring in my voice. “Do you think I want to drag you all into this? Do you think I haven’t lost sleep over it? My hands are tied, Noor. I wouldn’t have agreed to this if it weren’t absolutely necessary!"

“You’re the leader, Kayn,” Entinos interjected, his calm yet authoritative voice cutting through the tension. “But leadership isn’t about making decisions alone. It’s about trust and unity. You should have told us, trusted us to stand with you or voice our concerns. We are not your tools.”
His words hit harder than I expected, and I could feel the sting of their truth.

“I... I agree,” Ikaro said, his voice subdued. He looked hurt, and the sight was almost unbearable. “We’re here because we believe in you, Kayn. But this... You can’t just spring something like this on us. It’s not fair.”

I turned to Iris, hoping for a lifeline, but her silence was heavier than any words she could have spoken. Her eyes, filled with a mix of sadness and disappointment, were worse than any reprimand.

“I’m sorry,” I said, my voice cracking. “I’ve failed you all. I see that now. But this mission… it’s something I must do. I wish I had handled this differently. I truly do.” The weight of my failure pressed down on me as I pushed back my chair and stood. “I’ll prepare for the trip,” I said softly, turning toward the door. “With or without you.”

“Kayn, wait—” Iris’s voice stopped me for a moment, but before I could respond, Noor intervened.

“No. Let him go,” she said, her tone softer now but still firm. “He needs time to think. And so do we.”

As I walked away, their voices faded behind me. In my room, I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at nothing in particular. The silence was deafening, broken only by my thoughts. I recalled Athena’s solemn face as she asked for my promise. “The path ahead will demand sacrifices, Kayn. Not just yours, but theirs as well. You must be strong enough to bear it.”

Had I misunderstood her words? Had I already failed her by alienating the very people I was supposed to lead? I thought of each of them, Ikaro’s loyalty, Iris’s quiet strength, Noor’s sharp intellect, Entinos’s wisdom. They weren’t just allies; they were my family now. And I had let them down.
I pressed my palms against my temples, trying to calm the storm in my mind. Leadership wasn’t about wielding power or making choices in isolation. It was about trust, about unity. And I’d jeopardised both.
I have to fix this, I thought resolutely. Not just for the mission, but for them.

As I prepared for the journey, I made a silent vow. Whatever lay ahead in the Underworld, I would face it not as a lone warrior, but as the leader they needed me to be. And when the time came, I would earn back their trust, no matter what it took.