“did you find what you were looking for?” -- from hegemone !!
Hesperos snorts a derisive laugh between his fangs.
It's the first time they've spoken since their transformations. No pleasantries exchanged -- trust Hegemone to cut right to the heart of the matter. She was always as perceptive as she was logical, and when Hesperos first took the position of keyward it didn't take her long to sniff out the boiling well of emotions he kept hidden beneath the surface.
He spies Hegemone staring at him, hard and unwavering. Did she truly want an answer? Regardless of their situation, he supposes they are scholars, after all. Ever seeking answers to questions better left unanswered. Dipping his head, he considers it.
Did he find what he was looking for?
He thinks of Lahabrea -- Hephaistos -- whispering to him. He thinks of his praise, of his promises that Hesperos could be something more ; something worthy of his attention. Hephaistos had made no promises of love, but it didn't matter. Hesperos had been more than happy with his gaze alone. To finally be seen as something special, and beautiful...
He should have known it was not enough. He should have seen the shadow of Athena lingering over him even in death. Should have realized the delight in Hephaistos's eyes was not, and never will be meant for him -- but he had shut his eyes and refused to wake from the dream.