As the pain throbbed in Heron's chest, he stared up in shock at the taller god. His blue eyes widened as he processed what had just happened—he had been stabbed by Hades. The only words breaking through the suffocating silence were, "Forgive me," followed by Hades's sorrowful gaze. Hades had no choice; he couldn't return to the underworld to endure eternity amidst the mournful cries of the dead. He couldn't bear to be away from Persephone, not when Melinoë and Zagreus were grieving at winter's end.

Heron's eyes slowly drifted downward, dizziness overwhelming him as blood seeped from the wound. When Hades released the dagger, he collapsed to the ground. His vision blurred, but he could make out Alexia's form hovering above him, desperately trying to keep him awake as she held his face. And then, darkness enveloped him.

Suddenly, Heron jolted awake, drenched in cold sweat, only to be met with a sharp pain in his chest. Where was he? His vision remained hazy as he struggled to recall what had happened. Where were Alexia and Kofi?

Glancing down at his lap, he noticed a blanket draped over him, and realized he wasn’t wearing his chiton. Only bandages covered his torso, where the pain still throbbed. "Where...?" he muttered, his voice rough as he blinked rapidly, his vision gradually sharpening. The agony was overwhelming.