Face-off

When it comes to heartbreak, this is something that Alessia has never felt. Her heart is ice and stone. She grew up in an orphanage and didn't have many friends, as she liked being by herself, and it protected the little humanity she had left. Alessia had never dated nor knew what it was like to be in love.

Love is foreign to Alessia, and she may not know what it feels like herself. She does feel empathy for others. More so now, maybe because of Mania and her powers running ramage in her veins.

As Zagreus holds Alessia's throat and tries to strangle her once more, she sees the hurt and betrayal in his eyes. She can't ignore his pain, even though she knows her life is at risk. She wants to comfort him despite the danger.

"Let her go!" Donn yells, grabbing Zagreus's arm and pulling him back, making him drop Alessia on the ground.

Coughing and catching her breath, with her tear-soaked eyes, she focuses on Zagreus.

"I'm telling the truth. You don't have to believe me. But I wasn't the one who stole Mania's powers. She gave them to me. It was either that or give everything to Cronus." Alessia coughs while trying to gain back her composure.

Her emotions are running wild, and Alessia knows she needs to gain control over them.

"Cronus was imprisoned in Tartarus before mortals even existed. Please explain to me, human, why you would lie to a God?" Zagreus hisses out.

In no time at all, Alessia's sadness fades away as she pushes herself to her feet.

"You know what, Zagreus, I was feeling pretty d*mn bad for you. The love of your life vanishes. You are left clueless, and a clumsy human girl stumbles her wanna-be demon slayer into your life. I'm the only clue you have, yet you are so disrespectful. I do not care if you believe me or not, Zagreus. One thing I do know is I am over your attitude. Get your sh*t together. You have a Titan coming back to life!" Alessia didn't realize she was toe to toe with Zagreus and was jamming her finger into his chest.

"Also, screw you!" She huffs out and turns her body away from him.

At the corner of her eye, Alessia can see Donn trying not to laugh at the current situation.

Slam!

The door to the room slams shut as Zagreus leaves. Alessia runs her hands through her hair and lets out an exhale.

"Was I too harsh?" Alessia asks and faces Donn.

"Not at all. Zagreus needs to come down off the high horse he is on. Right now, his broken heart is blinding him from seeing anything. Give him some time, and he will see the truth. Though, our father and mother retiring and retreating to a smaller realm that is heavily guarded with a strong barrier make me feel like we need to make a trip to see them." Donn rubs his chin. He is starting to wonder if his father knows more than he lets on.

Three years ago, his father said he wanted to pass the throne to either Zagreus or Donn. Though Donn instantly refused, he didn't think much of it. Hades has ruled the underworld since the beginning of time. He would only naturally want to give his sons the throne.

"What do you mean?" Alessia's voice brings him out of his thoughts.

Donn looks at her and shrugs his shoulders.

"I don't believe in coincidences."

* * *

Zagreus slashes a vase with his sword. He can feel his anger getting out of control. How could it not? A mere human, seeing and talking to Mania. It angers him. Why couldn't she use whatever remaining power to speak to him? Shouldn't he be the first to know if there is such a significant threat with Cronus?

Granted, the title of King of the underworld isn't Zagreus just yet, but it might as well be! Before his father left, he only had one condition: get married, and it would happen. He was supposed to marry Mania.

"D*mn it!" Zagreus yells out loud. His mind runs wild with thoughts, and he can't seem to think straight.

"Zagerus."

Glancing over his shoulder, Donn approaches him.

"What?!" Zagreus grumbles.

Donn crosses his arms and leans against the stone wall.

"We are planning to go see father. I think you should come too."

Why would Donn want to see his father? The last time he had seen Hades was since the day he left the underworld.

Donn steps away from the wall, walks closer to Zagreus, and places his hand on his shoulder.

"Zagreus, for once. Think like a God, and use that head of yours. Why would Hades retire but only go to a place so far away that it is more difficult to get to than the Heavenly domain? A place that Cronus won't go to? Let me break it down even more, Why would dear old father allow you to take over the underworld, only on one condition, to marry." Donn leans over and whispers into Zagreus's ear.

"Mania, you and me were caught in a trap that Hades set up, Zagreous."