Son Of Hephaestus

{✔}| SOH:- PROLOGUE

{PROLOGUE}

"Are you sure?" Ryan asked, staring at his sister in doubt. "I don't think we need a lot of flour, Jessie."

Jessie Kelsh playfully glared at her brother and he laughed. "What? Read the instructions!" She rolled her eyes. "Fine. But if they don't end up fluffy, I'm going to blame you."

He nodded. "Okay." As they continued to bicker and bake the muffins, Ryan felt glad he still had his sister and mother. "Jessie," he stopped and smiled at his younger sister. "Thank you, for everything."

Jessie smiled, wrapping her arms around her brother. "Anytime."

The doorbell rang, interrupting their moment. "I'll get it." Jessie nodded and let Ryan get the door.

When he did, it was a rush of action right there. He caught a glimpse of long, blonde hair and a terrified, tear stained face and that was it. "Hello?" He called out, waiting for an answer. Nothing.

Then, his eyes lowered and he jumped. There, wrapped in a velvet pink cloth was a baby. Ryan felt a rush of disbelief as he picked the baby up in his arms, noticing a golden envelope nestled between the baby's arms. 

She looked adorable in her sleep, her tiny lips slightly puckered out. Ryan sat down in the living room, the baby laying peacefully next to him as he read the letter.

Dear Ryan,

My name is Mariana. My situation is far too dangerous to explain, and I'm probably dying, or even dead as you read this.

The baby by your side, is your daughter.

I do not lie, Ryan, she is your daughter. Remember the night you lost both your baby girl and your wife? That is because you do not know who your wife really is, and what your daughter is capable of.

She was left in my care for one reason, and one reason only. To be marked.

You see, I have a kingdom. I'm a Queen. And not long ago, my dreams of being a mother were shattered, ruined. And so I think you understand why my emotions got in the way, and I grew to care for the girl.

After the death of Daedalus, the maker of the famous Labyrinth, I have been given the opportunity to take over. I have been gifted with the power to control this deadly maze, and what lives and breathes inside of it.

Your daughter was sent to me by Aphrodite herself. Desiree is my successor. And I hope you will love her and care for her just like I did, because hating a baby is just impossible.

You've got your daughter back, Ryan. Take care of my little princess.

Best wishes,

Queen Mariana

"It's true," an all too familiar voice whispered. Ryan jumped again, holding the baby protectively in his arms. His eyes widened as he took in the person standing in front of him and he managed to weakly whisper, "Ariadne?"

The woman was dressed in beautiful Greek robes, her hair styled to perfection, flowing in brown (and flashes of blonde) waves down her back. Her eyes were multicolored, drawing him in. There was confidence and beauty in the way she stood, and when she smiled, Ryan felt his breath catch in his throat.

Her eyes sparkled as she shook her head. "No, Aphrodite." Ryan raised an eyebrow. "What? What do you mean?"

Aphrodite gestured towards the baby girl. "She is a demigod, Ryan." He struggled to breathe. "You're a," he choked on the word, "goddess?"

She nodded. "I'm sorry I kept my true identity a secret." She smiled sadly. "Am I forgiven?"

Ryan couldn't help but nod. "So what is she, Desiree?"

Love gleamed in Aphrodite's eyes as she placed a gentle kiss on their daughter's forehead. For a second, Ryan felt envious of his daughter, then realized how silly he was being and mentally slapped himself.

"She's half god, half human. All children of Aphrodite are blessed with irresistible beauty, charm speaking abilities and talents that are never really given a second thought to. Desiree, however, will change that. Queen Mariana wasn't lying, Ryan. She is the successor to a great amount of power."

"So you compelled my love?" Ryan asked, clearly hurt. Aphrodite shook her head and leaned in, placing a cold hand on his cheek. "That's not true," she soothed, pulling her hand back. "I never compelled your love. It was real, and so was mine."

The stinging sensation stopped. "I'll take care of her." He promised. "I'm glad I got her back."

"Keep her safe, Ryan. Remember, she was saved by a brave Queen's love and I doubt Hera will keep quiet about this."

 Ryan Kelsh stared sadly at his former wife, whom he believed to have been dead after the delivery of his daughter. "I got it." He whispered, unable to say what he really wanted to say. He had no idea he had been falling in love with a goddess, especially not Aphrodite herself.

 "So you're leaving me? Forever?" The goddess shot him a sad smile. "I have to. If I want you alive, I have to leave you. Take care of her. Martha knows exactly what to do. And...tell Jessie I'm sorry okay?"

 Ryan nodded, feeling his heartbreak all over again as he watched the one woman he loved disappear before his eyes.

 He then stared at the baby and into her multi-colored eyes. Smiling, he kissed her forehead and called for his sister.

 If the woman he loved left him, it was time to love what she left for him.

 His Queen.