Oh, how joyous Hera felt as she relaxed, savoring a much-needed respite from her divine responsibilities. She caressed the faces of her crows surrounding her, some gently nipping at her celestial skin while others pressed their heads against her cheek. Silent giggles danced on the lips of the queen of the gods, but her fleeting moment of happiness was abruptly shattered.

One of her crows cawed, drawing her attention to the mortal realm below. There, she sensed the presence of another god, a divine light radiating from someone—brilliant and glowing within a palace in Corinth.

Her eyes narrowed as she peered inside, and slowly, they widened in shock, quickly shifting to a simmering anger. How dare Zeus? That lustful god was embarrassing her once more, shattering any remnants of trust and faith she might have clung to.

Her stubborn heart, which once overflowed with love, began to crack under the weight of familiar anger and despair. The marble floor of Olympus groaned beneath her feet, cracking in response to her fury. But just as she was about to unleash her wrath, a familiar voice broke through her tumultuous thoughts. “Hera…”

She paused, momentarily calming herself as she hastily wiped away the tears she hadn’t even realized were flowing. Composing herself despite the fire building within, she cast one last glance at the palace, her eyes narrowing again as she sensed that same divine aura; yet this time, it felt different, as if someone had switched.