All those eyes bore into Caleb. Judging him, measuring him, weighing him. The silence was deafening and oppressive. He was positive that they all could hear the hammer of his heart and the whoosh of blood in his veins. Yeah… this was a wonderful start to meeting Styx’s companions. Now the thoughts cascaded faster, all skewing negative. They hated him!

Great, now he was about to cry. Burst into tears like the pathetic mortal that he was. Heat built behind his eyes, threatening to spill over and drip off his cheeks.

Then it was chaos again.

image [https://i.imgur.com/TfrHInH.png]

Past, Present, and Future rushed forward, their attention a torrent of touches and comments that left him floundering. They rifled through his hair, tugged at his clothes, and pinched his skin, eliciting yelps and squawks with every intrusion. Despite his protests, they were relentless, examining every inch of him with a curiosity that knew no bounds.

“Eight was too young for that pony ride.”

“His hair is so soft!”

“Is that a new nervous tick?”

“He’s too soft in the middle.”

“Total Dad bod.”

“Next vacation spot—Bermuda NOT Mexico, trust me on this.”

“You should have studied harder.”

“Stop chewing your fingernails!”

“He smells yummy.”

“Don’t try for the door.”

“All those wrinkles make you look handsome.”

“You never should have tried winging ACTs.”

“Throw out all your peanut butter.”

“You should have used more glitter! Glitter would have gotten you an A.”

“Retirement won’t be in Idaho anymore.”

He’d never been a huge fan of being the center of attention. Sometimes even standing in front of a classroom full of impressionable youth was trying. But being the focus on so many immortals was in a different league all together.

With these mythological beings pressing so close, the tang of sharp magic enveloped him, its spice and sweetness roving up and down his body, testing, teasing, needling. A faint smell of power haunted the edge of his senses, prodding, poking, exploring. These powerful beings were the representations of the past, present, and future. They heralded disaster, prevented catastrophe, and ended quests. And they were touching him!

The voices, the sensations, were overwhelming. His head spun endlessly as he struggled to hold on to himself. A wave of nausea spread, tainting the wonder of this place with sickness. Everything swam as his mind whirled, making him dizzy and uncomfortable.

“It’s been so long since we’ve had a mortal lover,” they all said in unison.

“This mortal is mine!” Styx voice boomed.

The Three Fates scuttled away from him. He sucked in a breath and staggered backward, clutching his chest. He never wanted to experience that again! Who knew that being mobbed by the mythical fates was going to be something from a horror story?

The three women leaned together, talking rapidly amongst themselves, casting longing glances over at him. Styx stepped over beside him and rested a hand on his shoulder.

“Did you survive, Cal?” Styx asked, a half-smile on her lips.

He grinned up at her. “It was worth it. I’ll forever recall “This mortal is mine!” Sounded great coming from you.”

She slapped his back. “Don’t get used to it. I’m usually not so possessive.”

image [https://i.imgur.com/tRNztRv.png]

Shinigami laughed. “Right? That’s funny. What about the fairy dress? Or the unicorn foals? Or that god from Takamagahara? She was possessive of all of them.”

“Stuff it, Shinigami,” Styx growled.

“What god?” Caleb asked. “Who? Is he still around? Should I be worried? Great, now I’m worried. I can’t compete with a god!”

“Of course she is around,” Anubis said. “Immortal god, remember?”

“She?” Caleb coughed.

Styx grinned and winked at him. But before Caleb said anything else, Anubis stepped forward, and he snapped his mouth shut. There was something strangely intimidating about the Egyptian god. Then again, staring at a man with a jackal head probably counted as textbook intimidation.

“What’s wrong, Styx?” Anubis asked. “I can already feel the disturbance.”

image [https://i.imgur.com/nGzoJ8m.png]

Just moments before, lively chatter filled the spacious chamber; now, only an uneasy silence lingered, thick with discord. Her chin quivered and shoulders slumped in such a heartbreakingly defeated gesture, Caleb reached out for her. Then something unexpected happened.

Styx cried. Caleb was at a complete loss when those crystal clear tears slipped from her eyes. He’d never seen her cry, never seen that sort of untainted emotion on display.

The Fates pushed past him, Shinigami elbowed him further away, and Anubis pressed in tight to her. He stepped back, knowing that they had just as much right to comfort her as he did. It was painful to know that she was suffering, to feel the aching sorrow through the bond, and not be able to do anything—rendering him nothing more than an impotent spectator.

The Three Fates continued to coo over her, brushing her hair and adjusting her clothes. Shinigami rested both hands on her shoulders, his head bowed inward close. Anubis gripped her hands and closed his eyes.

“Yes, yes, yes,” the fates said.

“It’s obvious,” Shinigami nodded.

“We’ve all felt the disturbances,” Anubis added.

“The demons,” the women said together. “The demons have severed a connection.”

Anubis smashed an iron fist into his palm. “These evil invaders have crossed a line.”

“We won’t tolerate it!” Shinigami shouted. “I’ll lure them to the highest cliff and shove them off!”

Caleb felt a little more relieved. Styx had such a strong support system and so many powerful being ready to help. But he was just a frail mortal man, with no magic. How could he make a difference in her life? How could he help traverse this obstacle?

A sharp flair sprouted inside of his skull. Needles pulling a white hot thread through the big muscles of his thighs went weak and quivered. Styx shot a quick glance at him, but he smiled. She was stressed enough without having to worry about him. Besides, he was just feeling sorry for her, for the trials she was experiencing.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

“We’ll solve this,” the Fates said together.

“I possess ancient seeds from Eamon’s orchard. He received them from his mother, Gaia. That might help us restore you,” Past said, twisting a few strands of thread around her fingers.

Present shoved the pocket watch she was staring at back into her robes. “I have freshly collected dew that contains the new dawn’s promise. Bathing in its moisture will suffuse you nicely.”

“Tomorrow’s moon already beams, knowing radiance.” Future examined the strange circular tattoos on her hands. “I’ll trap the glow with the jeweled lens. We’ll use that.”

Anubis crossed his arms over his sculpted body. “Horus will bestow upon me a bust of pure sunlight. That will serve a purpose.”

“But we have to consider,” Shinigami said. “That perhaps this is the time for Death’s departure from the world.” Everyone turned and glared at the god. He raised his hands. “Joking, joking. I’ve got some hero’s blood somewhere around here.”

Styx tried her tears and nodded. “Thank you, my friends. I knew I could count on you.”

She cast a glance at Caleb, and he smiled. “I’ll do whatever it takes, blossom.”

They all looked at him and he blushed. “Sorry, I’m trying to find a cute nickname.”

“Death! Having an adorable pet name!” Shinigami laughed. “Please! Make it Pookie! Or Love Pie! No! Lamb Chop.”

Even Anubis seemed to smile with his teeth bared and lips pulled tight. “The immortal god of Death, with a term of endearment. I never would have thought.”

Caleb looked at his feet and examined the very nice stone floor. Styx slid up beside him and kissed his cheek. He stammered and glanced over at her smiling face.

“Thanks, Cal.”

“Why does Cal get all the credit?” he frowned.

Present snorted. “Here you are worried about her nickname. Don’t you have more pressing thoughts?”

Caleb smacked himself. He was being an inconsiderate fool! “Sorry, sorry. You’re right.”

“I know several books that can help,” Anubis said. “Let’s begin.”

“This will be fun,” Present said. “It’s been a long time since a mortal has seen the library.”

“And Cal here.” Styx smacked his back. “Is a scholar.”

Anubis eyed him. “Then he will appreciate it.”

While the headache still pounded inside of his skull, the idea of seeing all those books, all those shelves, all that knowledge was tantalizing. Caleb rolled his hands together, bouncing on his toes. “Hell yeah I will!”

“This way.”

Their procession moved through the entryway, passing elaborate statues of gods, warriors, and epic tapestries woven from spun precious stones alongside priceless silks. Caleb’s head was on a swivel, looking at the entire scene, taking it all in, admiring every detail. It was grander than he thought it could be, would be. Everything seemed crafted with both beauty and functionality in mind.

They could never refer to the hallway they entered as normal. No, it wasn’t even extraordinary. It was beyond and more. Rich wood reflected the flickering light, sending slight sparks dancing across the polished floor. Paintings of epic scenes glittered as if formed from stars in the sky.

Styx walked by his side, their elbows grazing before retreating. Each tiny touch was electrifying and erotic, something to be remembered forever. Caleb realized with a start that she was different here in the Underworld. No, different was the wrong word. She was heightened. She was more.

The scent of her was more intense, the smell of ash more pronounced, and the hint of cloves more distinct. Even her presence was more. As if her aura was bursting outwards, begging to be released into the world. All of it was entrancing, and made him want more.

“Psst, Styx,” he leaned closer. “Psst.”

A ghost of a smile touched the edge of her lip. She cast a side glance at him. “You don’t have to whisper. We aren’t in class.”

“Oh, right, that’s obvious. I have a question.”

“Duh,” Present said, twirling her ink-stained fingers around. “That’s a dumb question.”

“Right! How could I be so stupid, my bad,” he said.

Styx growled. “Ask the damn question, Cal.”

He startled. “Hahaha, yeah, uh, did you make all of this?”

Now that hint of a smile spread into a full-blown grin. “Most of it. Some decorations were gifts, treasures that were plundered, looted, salvaged. But the base architecture was all me.”

“Wow! I’d love to see you creating,” Caleb said. “I bet it’s sexy. You probably look great making walls.”

Future snickered. “Is that supposed to be romantic?”

“Give him a break,” Present said. “We all know how awkward he is.”

“Yeah,” Past laughed. “Remember how he accidentally slapped his crush in elementary school? I almost died from second hand embarrassment.”

Caleb’s cheeks heated, and he tried to think of something to say.

“Lay off, Triple Cronies. I thought it was cute,” Styx hissed.

The three women leaned together and chuckled. However, Caleb focused on Styx. “Really? You thought it was cute? I’m cute? You think I’m cute? I can be cute for you.”

Styx squeezed his elbow. “Don’t overdo it.”

“Right, sorry. Hey, Anubis, she thought that was cute,” Caleb gushed.

image [https://i.imgur.com/QmSw54I.png]

Anubis glared at him before pausing at another enormous door, and Caleb grinned excitedly. Styx stood by his side and grabbed his hand as it swung open. He stumbled, wide-eyed, into the best room he’d ever seen. The massive area was a panoramic spectacle that made him hate his mortal senses.

This was the true proof that he now walked in myth and fable. Before the rock was easily explainable, even the monumental building wasn’t anything too out of the ordinary. But this was pure magic.

Endless shelves venturing beyond sight.

Rows of books.

Endless knowledge.

Each polished oak column soared upward into cathedral spires needling an unseen firmamental dome. Thousands of burnished indices beckoned across endless sections, brass plaques winking amid a heaven of towering oaken shelves.

This was the best place he’d ever seen. Had the privilege of experiencing. Nothing would compare to this. Incapable of speaking, unable to move, he stood gawking at the sight. The others flowed around him, their voices only a distant blur.

Unable to comprehend the sheer amount of books, he stumbled over to the closest shelf and pulled a thick leather tome out. The cover was simple leather, metal adornments shone against the color. He flipped it open. Glittering gold letters spelled “Marion Cobretti”.

Caleb giggled as he flipped a few pages and read. “This is so cool!”

Eager, he slid Marion’s book back before grabbing another, hungry eyes skimming this new life. Sarah Anderson… Hiroshi Tanaka… Ella Tremaine… Usagi Tsukino… the names of actual souls throughout history adorned each volume, toppling out. Soon he held half a dozen, stifling giggles at such intimate glimpses being cataloged for posterity with miraculous scope.

Anubis glared at him. “Be careful mortal, these books are precious.”

Caleb slid the books back. “I would never, ever harm a book. Ever. Frankly, I’m appalled that you’d think that of me.”

Anubis didn’t move, only stared. “This library is the record of every life of every human ever. It’s my duty as guardian to ensure that these books remain untarnished.”

“Which is why he hates me.” Shinigami laughed as he forcefully pulled a book from the shelf and threw it across the room.

Anubis growled, but Shinigami laughed harder and started running. Anubis tensed for a moment like he was going to give chase before grumbling. A golden yellow magic sprouted from his fingers and wrapped around the book. It carefully placed it back in the space.

“Am I in here?” Caleb asked.

“Of course you are.”

Caleb perked up. “Can I read my book?”

Styx signed. “Technically, yes, but it’s not advisable.”

Future slid up behind him, and he flinched at her proximity. “Mortals who know their future always end up ruining it.”

“Napoleon,” Past signed. “Could have secured enduring empire glory if not for squandering troops and resources invading Russia. Perfect example.”

“King Henry VIII,” Present said. “He could have easily sealed the Tudor dynasty and avoided that bloody religious pendulum if he wasn’t so fixated on having a son.”

Caleb startled. “They both read their book?”

“In a way,” Styx said. “Napoleon found some magical carved sapphires in Egypt.”

Anubis snarled. “Found! He found nothing. That irreverent bastard plundered the sacred space of Nut. He deserved every moment of suffering once he trespassed on that hollowed ground.”

Styx waved him off. “Technically he found, because he located the secret entrance in the temple. Unfortunately for him, he glanced at them at midnight when the hieroglyphs came alive. He traced them and activated the spell.”

“Still deserved it,” Anubis huffed.

“That gave him a glimpse of his future,” Past said. “At the time, it was one of an enduring empire, a powerful kingdom and rich wealth.”

“So to achieve that,” Future said. “He ignored all his instincts and pushed too far into Russia. Idiot.”

Caleb rubbed his temple. The headache was getting stronger. The once subtle dizziness now made his knees weak and stomach revolt.

“Which led to his exile.”

“That made him stressed and unhealthy.”

“Resulting in his death from stomach cancer.”

Anubis nodded. “Nut and the others celebrated his demise.”

“Okay,” Caleb said. “I’d rather not risk that sort of doom and gloom. I’ll stay away from my book.”

“Smart.”

“Excellent.”

“Disappointing.”

They all looked at Future. The young woman shrugged and tossed her golden hair over her shoulder. “What? It’s always really interesting to see how mortals deal with knowing their future.”

His budding desire to read his book vanished instantly. Dealing with the cosmic implications of reading his future would have made his life even more complicated. Anubis gave a single nod before pointing to a cluster of desks and chairs.

“I’ll have the relevant books delivered there,” Anubis said. “Wait with the others.”

Caleb gave a quick nod, which he regretted because it made the pain spike. Walking on wobbling legs, he stumbled over to the table and gratefully sank into the chairs. Each of the others bustled about, performing the tasks assigned to them.

Styx leaned against the table and sighed. “Has coming to the Underworld turned you against me?”

Caleb gasped. “How could you say such a thing to me?!”

She grinned and grabbed his hand. “Most mortals aren’t like you.”

“I’d hope not. I enjoy being a unique sea star. But no, nothing about this has turned me against you at all. If anything, it’s made me understand and enjoy you that much more.”

“Really?”

“Why not? I’m coming to learn who you are when at home. Isn’t that a good thing for any relationship?”

A shy smile spread over her lips and Caleb wanted to kiss her senseless, but he couldn’t. Not that it wouldn’t be enjoyable, but he’d probably get caught. Then he’d have to face everyone after, and he wasn’t sure he could.

So he did the only thing that he could think of. He brushed the tip of his thumb across her lower lip. Startled, she looked up at him.

“Don’t smile like that.”

“Why not?”

He leaned closer. “Because it makes me want to kiss you.”

“Oh.”