My heart flutters, and I want to hug him.

Sadness flickers across his face as he looks around my apartment, his gaze fixating on the wall I share with his parents’ place.

“We’ll find a way to contact your parents,” I assure him.

He nods and opens the door. We walk outside and down the stairs, only to be blocked in the lobby by a smirking Hades.

“Did you really think you could run, Meg? If you could, you would have long ago. Ah, this must be my nephew Hercules. What a strong name for a son of Zeus,” Hades comments.

He scans Herc’s appearance. “You’re quite the strapping young man. No wonder you melted our ice-cold Meg’s heart.”

He chuckles and waves his men towards us.

I step in front of Herc to protect him from Hades’ goons. We need to buy some time.

Just then, a large, drunk man stumbles into the lobby through the front door. It’s Ares.

“Meg, what the hell? This place is a dump. I came to talk to you about—” Ares stumbles and notices the goons and Hades. “Hey, what’s happening?”

Recognition dawns in Ares’ eyes as he spots Hades. “Uncle? What are you doing here? This isn’t the Underworld.”

Hades looks annoyed. “And this isn’t a whorehouse or some fight ring, nephew.”

Ares’ face turns red, and he lunges at Hades, throwing a punch. “I’ve never liked you, Uncle.”

They exchange punches and blows, while the goons scramble to protect Hades. Ares is consumed by rage, and nothing will stop him now except drawing blood.

Ares showing up surprises me, and I consider helping him. Apollo and his team, who patrol this city, won’t be far behind after receiving my urgent text.

I grab Herc’s hand and lead him to a different exit. We run into the chilly morning air, our breath burning in our lungs. I’m not sure if we’re being followed yet, but I don’t want to risk it.

We run through the streets and hop on the subway, attempting to reach the city outskirts.

Silent hours pass as the train fills with people going about their daily lives, seemingly unaware of the events unfolding. I wonder if we can ever have a life like that. Maybe one day we’ll find a place to settle down, or are those hopes just foolish?

Herc squeezes my hand, and when I look at him, he gives me a sweet smile. “Everything will be fine. We’ll work it out together, okay? You and I.” He kisses the back of my hand.

We reach the last station and quickly choose a departing long-distance passenger train. We hop on board, and I take one final look at the city that had consumed my life.

I’ve lived, died, and been reborn there. I won’t say I loved the city, but maybe I found love in it? Who knows? This journey is still new and crazy, but I want to explore it further. Maybe I can build something deeper than the lingering passion of one night between us.

I’m not in love yet, but it’s a beginning. Despite our desperate escape from Hades with nothing but the clothes on our backs, I cherish the hope I feel and the warmth of Hercules beside me.

For the first time since my struggles and the time I spent in jail, I believe there’s a chance for a future. A future for both of us.