Chapter Seven
Thalia
I knew he was feeling the sorrow from his time without me. I wished he hadn’t suffered like that. I was in a limbo of sorts during that time, so I had not suffered at all.
“Hi, boy.” I held my hand out toward the black jackal. He was strange to look at, like looking at a real dog, but you could put your hand through him as you wished. He looked at me with his head cocked to the side, making a small giggle bubble up through my lips. Sometimes Tristan did that. The jackal was his animal, so I guess it made sense they would be alike in some ways.
“What do we do now?” I asked and kept my eyes on the dog. He sniffed my hand and his ears perked up, leaning in so I could pet him.
“We spend the night here, put some ears out tomorrow, and get ready for a storm.” He leaned in and kissed my head.“You focus on growing our children, and making me happy babies.” I couldn’t help but smile at his words. I could feel them moving around, almost like they were swimming. Maybe they could feel my happiness, too.
“I think I can do that. A shower, food, and sleep sounds good.” I pulled out of his arms and walked over the area that was his bathroom, silently happy that he had made some changes in here. Showers were not a thing back in ancient Egypt, so I was thankful he had installed one.
“I’ll go make something to eat.” He wandered off, ghost dog Jack on his heels. Cute.
The shower was heavenly, and I rubbed my hands over my belly, only to feel a flat stomach. Panic started to rear its head but then I remembered I had changed my appearance so the other gods wouldn’t see how far along I was progressing. I hadn’t gotten to use this power since I’d put on the rings that helped me control it. Letting my little budda belly free from their mirage, I smiled, seeing that they have grown slightly. Not much, but a wee bit.
As soon as I got out of the shower and dressed. I walked around some more, trying to get a feel for Tristan’s home. The view out the open balcony was breathtaking. It was like an oasis. Lush green everywhere, a river snaking through the lands.
“The underworld has many forms. It takes the shape of its state of mind, if you will. Right now, the underworld is at peace. In a time where many were passing through unnaturally, it was barren, and sad.” Tristan’s voice came from behind me. I tried to comprehend how that would work, but hadn’t experienced anything like it that would compare.
I prayed I wouldn’t see this place in a state of madness. Shaking off the shiver that took over me, I grasped my husband’s hand and walked us out to eat something.
Dinner was great, and Orion had come out of his side of the house freshly showered and wearing new clothes. I wondered where he got them. My eyes kept drifting back toward him as we ate together. It was strange to believe that just a few weeks ago we were enemies. Now we stood together against those that would hurt me and my family.
We were all pretty quiet throughout the meal, having been through enough, I actually welcomed the peace. We parted ways afterwards and I had Tristan poof a TV into his room. I was all for spending time without electronics, but right now I just wanted to cuddle up and watch a movie until I fell asleep. Tristan was always happy to hold me in his protective embrace, so I heard no complaints from him. It didn’t take long before the day finally caught up with me.
I had battled like a gladiator. While pregnant. It was something that one did not experience every day, to say the least. I passed out shortly after the movie Tristan had put in, not even remembering the beginning credits. Total party animal. When deep slumber brought me to dreamland, I was anxious to see who would be there with me. Usually, it was Tristan. We would lay in the fields in Greece. But I also had the dream of my son recently. Would he be here this time? Or would it be someone I didn’t want to see, like one of the gods who want to hurt my children? I really hoped that wasn’t the case.
I looked around, noticing it was much like the view I saw outside the balcony—lush, green, and calming. I could hear the river as it moved around me.
“Hello?” I called out for anyone to hear, if they were around. No answer. Hmm, odd to have a dream like this by myself.
A little tingle on the back of my neck made me shiver, as if someone was watching me. I turned around to find the little onyx hair boy from my earlier dream, looking at me with beautiful gray eyes.
“Are you my son?” I asked, dying to know the answer. The boy smiled and nodded.
“Holy shit!” I cursed, and then covered my mouth.
“I’m sorry, I said a bad word. Forget I said that.” I was a horrible mother already. The boy snickered and shook his head. We looked at each other for some time, just observing one another before I broke the silence.
“How is this possible? I mean. You’re here.” I pointed down to my abdomen. He came closer, sitting down in the grass and reclining. I joined him, both of us staring up at the clouds.
“It’s one of my powers. Like Dad’s. I can walk in dreams.” Well, that explained that. I wondered why Tristan wasn’t trying to enter this dream. I figured he would want a look at our son, or would be wanting more time with me, like usual.
“He told me not to see you in dreams.” I turned my head towards him, a frown creasing my forehead. What did he mean?
“He?”
“Daddy.” Say what? This was mind blowing. I didn’t even know what to say. Tristan couldn’t have said anything to this boy unless they were having mind conversations while he was in my stomach.
“Can you tell me more?” I really needed more.
“No. I have to go.” He sat up and looked at me. I wasn’t ready for him to leave. I wanted more time!
“Can you tell me something about you?” I smiled, waiting for his answer. He grinned and looked up at the sky again.
“I love bagels for breakfast.” Then he disappeared.I woke up, hungry.
