Believe me, goddess, I will never forget your forgiveness, nor your kindness, nor will I ever take advantage of it. Noteven on my knees can I make amends, nor express my gratitude for your light.
I have finally persuade you: you live with me, you sleep in my arms, and you allow me to cherish your springs with my cold heart.
Only you can thaw me.
I am yours forever, goddess; remember, this god will not forget.
Here you come, dancing among the flowers, concerned for me as always, you alone care for me.
You are my mistress, and I am your humble servant.
I love you, goddess, I love you with all that I am.
Hades.
Epilogue
Silas
“The mayor has arrived; we're all set,” Lauren says, brushing lint off my shoulders. She’s got that sharp eye for detail, and today, I need to be flawless.
I’m wearing a tailored suit just for this occasion, and I know the cameras will be all over me.
The Compass Project is finally here. There’s a big, bold red ribbon at the entrance, waiting for New York’s mayor to cut it. The media, celebrities, and my family are scattered around, mingling. It’s a good day—no, agreatday.
My father’s walking around like a rooster in a henhouse, chest puffed out with pride. My brothers are out there schmoozing with investors, each holding a crystal glass of something fancy.
“Hold on,” I say to Lauren, taking a second to adjust her jacket. Her six-month baby bump is unmistakable, and Iwantpeople to see it, to see my wife standing tall by my side. “Now we’re ready.”
I take Bunny’s hand—yeah, I still call her that—and together, we head toward the stage. The crowd starts clapping, and as soon as I step up to the mic, the applause gets louder. The cameras flash, and I flash them right back, fingers laced with Lauren’s. She smiles andwaves like a pro. We’d practiced for this—monthsof practice, just so she’d feel at ease under all the attention.
The Compass Project has been building momentum over the years, especially once people figured out what it was all about—community, practicality, and sustainability. And now, standing here, it’s finally come to life.
“When I started this project almost three years ago, I had ambition. I knew New York needed something more,” I say, pausing to glance down at Lauren. “But Lauren opened my eyes. She told me it was time to think about the planet. She stayed up late researching technologies, scouring the market for ideas. I’ve got to admit, there were times I was jealous.” I chuckle, and the audience joins in. “But she did everything she could to make Compass what it is today. Sustainable, recyclable materials, solar electricity.”
The applause is immediate, echoing through the space.
“But above all,” I continue once the crowd quiets down, “it’s about a sense of community—a place for those of us who want to leave a better world for our children. Somewhere to live in harmony. And we like the project so much … that we’re moving in ourselves.”
I wrap my arm around Lauren, pulling her close to my chest as the crowd claps again.
“We want to thank Mayor Harriman,” I say, pointing to the cookie cutter politician in the corner, “and everyone who worked tirelessly to bring Compass to life. Welcome, everyone.”
Lauren steps forward, handing the oversized ceremonial scissors to the mayor, who, with a grin, snips through the red ribbon. The crowd bursts into applause once more, and people begin to move inside to explore the place.
The apartments are all sold, of course, but the media still needs their shots—the mayor’s campaign needs a good push, and this is their chance to get it.
I don’t fully support using the project for political gain, but sometimes I have to play the game.
My brothers make their way over, and we all take turns carefully hugging Lauren. Her belly is so prominent now, everyone seems afraidto squeeze her too tightly. My parents join in, smiles all around, enveloping us in warmth and pride.
“I never thought you’d be a guy giving speeches,” Oliver says.
“I didn’t have a choice.” I grin, pointing at Lauren. “Or at least that’s what I was told.”
Lauren nudges me playfully, her eyes sparkling. “The city had to meet Silas,” Lauren says with a smile, and I can feel the warmth in her voice.
“True,” my father adds, stepping into the conversation. “I think the company needs to be more involved with the city. I’ve got some ideas I’d like to run by you, Lauren.”
