All Chapters of THE CHOSEN OFFERING: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Calliope started, and looked up from her washing. Thelios was standing in the door way, filling it with his impressive bulk. She frowned at him."Go back?" He nodded. "So soon? But...you just got home?" She let the plate in her hand slip back into the tub of water and turned to face him as she dried her hands on the towel hanging from her belt. He stepped into the room with a small smile, and folded his arms across his chest, mimicking the stance she'd taken. She in turn uncrossed them self consciously and rested her hands on her hips instead, cocking her head at him as she waited for an answer. He just smiled that odd smile. "Well?" She prompted.His smile widened just enough for the points of his fangs to show. "I only came...home, to tell you I would have to be away for some time, and, before you ask, I'm not sure for how long."She was able to school her features enough to hide her reaction, but she couldn't stop the tightening in her gut and throat. "So...no idea at all?" He simp

At least Demitri was there. Though, she thought, narrowing her eyes at him, it's probably his fault they avoided her. Then again, this might be better than the alternative if these men were anything like the one Demitri had originally threatened. Either way, what was done was done. No use moping too much about it.He sat with the men, talking with the captain, but met her eye when she'd glanced back toward them a second time and beckoned her over. She steeled herself and obeyed, skirting the men to kneel by him, keeping her hands and eyes to herself. She had no desire to intrude or make anyone feel anymore uncomfortable than they already did. He nudged her arm and she met his questioning eyes as he passed her a bowl of what looked like baked fish on...something. If it was the same something as the day before, then she knew if tasted more appetizing than it looked. Still, her stomach lurched slightly. It had been doing that, but she attributed it to a mild case of sea-sickness. It wasn

For a moment she considered denying it...as she'd been doing all along to herself, but the look in his eye told her it was a moot point. The cat was well out of the proverbial bag. "I-I haven't told him...I wasn't sure...""But you are now?""Not completely.""But mostly?"She nodded begrudgingly, feeling her eyes prickle slightly. "Please...please don't tell him yet."His expression softened. "Wouldn't dream of it. That's your prerogative. Just...don't wait too long." All Calliope could do was nod and swallow hard turning her face to her lap to hide her emotions."How did you know?""Didn't. It was just a guess. But you didn't deny it. Does explain a lot though. I thought for sure you were on your cycle or something." He smirked."I hate you sometimes."%%%%%On the fifth day, they finally got somewhere. Literally speaking at least. In her thoughts Calliope wasn't any further along in figuring out her dilemma than she'd been days before. And perhaps there wasn't a dilemma, and she wa

Demitri himself had wandered off when Thelios stopped to speak to the other two creatures. So she lingered back from the group alone, that they might speak amongst themselves without being overheard, if they so chose.She heard most of it anyway. The smaller one, it seemed, was the host, as he welcomed her master politely, though with little warmth and informed him of who had arrived, who was expected, and who had refused to join them. From what she could hear the names were not proper names, but some sort of code, a blend of nicknames and references. A few that had apparently opted to ignore the summons (as usual according to the cyclops) were Asta's daughters and "The favorites." She also heard Thelios's arched response, that this was because they were clearly smarter than he was. She didn't hear what was said to that, but the host didn't look pleased...Thelios still looked like he could care less. He did look interested, however, when a fourth party appeared in the massive doorway

It was Calliope's turn to gape, her reserve having dissolved, finally worn down by the unending volley of strangeness that had been her day. And it was, apparently, the man's turn to whimper....which he did. She might have been happier about that fact if she wasn't still reeling from her own fear. It didn't help that Thelios had turned his furious glare back on her."Is this him?" He asked gruffly, clearly attempting to keep himself from shouting as he spoke through clenched teeth. She caught his meaning and nodded. She felt as much as heard the growl which emanated from him. It caused a shiver to pass up her spine...she could only imagine what effect it had on the man who was now furiously, and futility trying to pull Thelios's hand off of him. "You were told, to keep your hands to yourself. He grabbed the man's arm, hard. "Need I remove them to help you resist the temptation?"The man sputtered, but didn't give an answer."Not quick enough." He pulled and the man screamed. He didn't