Chapter 8 Return of The Tale

A/N ????????? GUYSSS I AM BACKKK! It's been nearly two years isn't it?. I know you guys miss me ?? and guess what, I miss you guys too! ??.

I have finally finished high school. So now I'm basically free to do what I like. I told you guys I would not return until December. But how could I let you guys linger on with this waiting and expectation for my return? ??. So I will continue the book a month early.

I know ??. I'm awesome.

Oh and as I have promised before. I will definitely complete this book just like my other Pertemis. So you don't have to be worried about that. In fact, I will keep on updating frequently to make up for the months of absence. Yay! ???.

Anyway, I don't want to hold you guys back from the excitement to continue this book any further. I'm pretty sure we will have a lot to talk about.  Now, for your months of waiting, you are finally rewarded ???

Enjoy~~~

Artemis's POV

It's been a month. A month full of satisfaction, of needless thinking for tomorrow. A month when I felt full of content. Not for the fact that he was here, nor how he had started to warm up with me. Not for the fact that he finally allowed me to dine with him on the same table, or how we would share the same bed at night. But for the look in his eyes. Those dull sea green now seemed to brighten and alive with each passing day. Though I do not know what he was thinking or will I ever be able to. Sometimes in the night, I still get woken up by the reality that he was no longer my innocent Dirt Brain anymore. But somewhere deep inside, I knew his past was catching up.

No light was needed to lift my eyelids. Through spending months here, it became an instinct for me to know when is day or night. I stretched out my arms and yawned, for the furry bed was too comfy. Then I realised something was missing by my side, a certain warmth and that familiar weight of his arm wrapped around my waist. Judging by the coldness of the air, it was still early in the morning, probably around 6 am. Generally, he would still be around sleeping. Sometimes when he woke early, he would just lay there and played with my hair. Without his comfort, my sleepiness was swept away.

Making my way towards the round table in the middle of the room, a bowl of steaming soup and a cup of coffee were already prepared for me. I gulped down the freshening elixir before saying my silent thanks to Feyre. Even until now, I still found Perseus's personal servant a mystery. Though she had to wake up early and hit bed late everyday, she would never be deterred from her duty nor would she ever bear the thought of betraying her master. In fact, as far as I had seen, every single wolf in this Shadow Claws Clan laid their absolute trust in Perseus, even when he had just taken up the position as their leader not a long time ago. Perhaps the Wolf Clan followed the absolute monarchy. Then again it made Perseus even more significant and I stressed myself the fact that I took him too lightly in the past. He was a direct descendant of a long royal bloodline and given that he also carried Leto's blood, who was a Titan Princess. Perseus held the legitimation of stepping on the Throne of Titans, if that Reign still exists as well as the Chieftain of The Wolf Clans.

As I was pondering on my thought, Feyre walked in from the back room.

"It's time for your shackle" she said while fixing up the bed.

I sighed in exhaustion. Even after all those months, I was still not given my freedom from those chains. Perseus though his eyes told me he regarded me as a person, his mouth still treated me as if I was still his pet.

I let myself towards the good old bronze chains and shackles. Feyre came over and clipped it around my ankle. However, she let it a bit loose this time since Perseus would get irritated if the shackle was too tight and I ended up get scratches and bruises on my skin.

"Where did he go today? He took off really early this morning" I immediately asked once I found my old seat at the corner.

"He never tells me his business nor would I ever date to ask." A blunt and straight forward response came from her.

I knew she would say this. I felt stupid for even bothering to ask. Perseus held the absolute authority in this place. I was probably the only person here that doesn't address him as Lord and bow in his presence. So of course he didn't have to inform a servant where he was going.

Feyre cleaned up the room quickly and disappeared to the backroom before I could start another conversation. Not that I would get anything from her anyway. It just staying here for an entire day without a being to talk to makes you desperate. I was tired with counting tiles and memorising every furniture and decorations within the room. I even picked up some of their language from the runes carved into the pillars. The only time when I actually felt alive was when Perseus get back, for we would spend hours talking of nonsense. More often than not he would spill his frustration regarding his brothers with me. I never expected there would be such commotion amongst the Princes, since they all seemed noble and fair. Sometimes during our conversation, I would casually slip in some of our past, the beautiful and tough time we shared with each other before he lost all of his memories. He knew my intention, he was smart enough to notice it. But somehow, he decided to get along.

Time in the cave seemed to pass extremely fast. For just a moment of pondering, a few hours already went by. I knew this because of Feyre walking out of the door to fetch something for dinner. Probably some mushrooms in the Eastern carven, where I have only been told of. Perseus told me that was his favourite spot in his territory, for it was connected to nature the most. It wasn't that his cave was not connected to nature. An underground waterfall and streams ran throughout the cave. Each stone pillar that held up the ceiling  was  actually harbouring a growing tree. However, through Perseus's words, there was something magical, almost familiar in the Eastern Carven. There was a lake there, in the middle of the cave, surrounded by colourful enormous fluorescent flowers. The water of that lake is supplied by a stream that come from a crack on the stone wall. Its water contained all sort of colours, and they sparkle like running rainbow. The place was lit up by massive Angel Trumpets that glowed like a mini lamps from its anthers. The place reminded me of a certain location, the single place on Earth that once sealed Perseus's and my Fates together forever. The place where he and I both laughed and cried and finally decided to know each other.

The cave on Leto's island.

Thinking of the memory sent a smile to my lips. I wondered how was Mrs O' Leary doing these days, when there would be no Perseus around to pet and take care of her. But she as a strong hound, much stronger than other members of her species. The least thing that I should be concerning over was her.

Suddenly, the front doors flung open. Feyre walked in with an annoyed face. I was about to ask her what happened when I heard another footstep following not far behind.

"C'mon love" A strange voice came from the other side of the door. "You clearly know my position in this place. Go to me and you will have all the beautiful things you desire in this world"

"Lieutenant Fingrol!" Feyre turned around sharply. "I must remind you that this is the Shadow Claws's territory. You have no business here. Please leave before my Lord notice your presence"

"Like that is going to scare me"

Then he appeared. The moment I saw him, I instantly knew which Clan he belonged to.

The Fire Mane.

There was no mistaken, everyone in that clan possessed a distinctive red hair. Perseus told me the members of that clan though born with lacking intelligence, they were compensated with their combat skills. They were physically stronger than most Wolfs in other clans and so they often like to show their prowess. They take their pride extremely high and thus become the reason why Shadow Claws hate them so much.

"You know Prince Thanor is your Lord's big brother" Fingrol continued, stepping closer to Feyre. "Do you think your Lordship would consider sparking an antagonism between the two clans just because of some silly little thing like this?"

"But Sir you are invading our territory..."

"Don't use the 'our' here Feyre" Fingrol was now just a step from touching her. "You clearly know that you will never be considered a Wolf for you bear no blood of our kind. Forever you will just be a servant here, kissing your Lord's ass and follow every command."

"But..." Fingrol had his arms at either sides of Feyre's as he leaned closer. She was now stuck between him and the dinner table. "If you follow me. I have the power to elevate you from that position. A Lieutenant's wife is still better than a servant. I'm just second behind Prince Tharnor in the Fire Mane Feyre, what do you want more from it?"

Feyre was silent. Her eyes still show that burning fire of determination for a fight. She leaned closer to him.

"I would rather live the rest of my life as a servant or die the most horrible death" she bared her teeth at him. "Than to step one foot into your Clan"

And that set everything inside him loose. I could see the fire dancing in his eyes as he grabbed her neck.

"What did you just say?" He flashed his fangs at her.

Feyre leaned back as she was taken by surprise.

"Don't forget you are just a servant Feyre".  He grabbed at the hem of her tunic, tugging her closer to him. "I could take you right here in this court and no one would speak a word"

"Lieutenant" Feyre eyes finally displayed the fear she was holding. "Lieutenant you must not"

With a slash of his claws, her tunic was shredded, revealing her undergarments. His eyes filled with desire as he pressed closer to her.

"Lieutenant" Feyre desperately pushed him away.

This is why I hated male. Those hungry beasts that deserved to be skinned alive. I thought Werewolf was a fair and wise race. No one would ever expect such savagery amongst this ancient bloodline. Guess being born the the Fire Mane makes you less intelligent than others after all.

"Hey!"

I surged out from the shadows of the room. All the activities ceased. Feyre's hands still held across her chest to protect her innocence. However, that pervert Lieutenant already took notice of my presence. His head slowly diverted from Feyre and to me. A smirk appeared on his face.

"Well, well, well" he said. "What do we have here? Isn't this the famous pet, Moon Goddess that everyone is speaking of"

He was now towering over me. His eyes, the same as everyone here, full of disdain towards my kindreds.

"You have quite a sight aren't you, Olympian" he said after assessing me with his eyes. "No wonder Prince Perseus took so much interest in you, even to the point of argument with Prince Ecthelion."

"You know what" his hand moved so fast I couldn't react. He had the fingers at the sides of my cheeks, squeezing them tight as he pulled my head closer to him. "Consider yourself lucky today Feyre. Since I need to satisfy myself, I'll have her instead."

My eyes widened as I struggled to get out of his hold.

"Lieutenant. She is my Lord's property. You don't have the right-"

"So what?" He barked. "She is still our enemy isn't she? What's wrong with punishing the enemy?"

Then those lustful eyes returned to me. "Now" he smiled wickedly. "Let's start it show we?"

I kicked and threw my punches on his chest but to no avail. He was stronger, and plus with the celestial bronze chain at my ankle, my power was locked. I was now like a mortal trying to fight against the strength of a god. Feyre kept shouting while he kept forcing his lips onto mine. I leaned I head back as far as I could. My lips were saved for one man and one alone. No one could touch them. In the panic, I saw the opportunity. Since his thumb and forefinger were still at the sides of my cheeks, his purlicue was right in front of my mouth. Taking no hesitation, I lunged forward and crunched my teeth on it.

The bite sent sparks of pain through Fingrol's brain as he jumped back, wincing while shaking the hand that now had teeth marks engraved on it.

"You bitch!" Anger flashed through his eyes and he sent a thunderclapping blow cross my cheek. My head shot to the side and I saw stars. The only thing I could hear at that point was Feyre's scream as I was thrown to the ground by that slap. A familiar metal tang of Ichor occurred at my lips. The cracks sent waves of painful stings throughout my body. I felt dizzy, my vision was blurry and all I could hear was the oozing and ringing of ambiguous sounds.

In my disorientated state, I could still manage to hear the glass break and Feyre pointed the sharp of a broken vase towards Fingrol.

"Leave!"

"Okay love" he held his hands in surrender. "You should take it easy"

"Leave here before the guards arrive. I swear to you I will take you done with me if you dare make another step towards her!"

Feyre's arms though were shaky still held the sharp firmly. Her eyes showed the determination to fight.

With that, Fingrol treated slowly, while still not taking his eyes off her.

I didn't know whether he left the room or not, for my vision already turned black after that. If he decided to overwhelm Feyre and tainted my body, I would not be conscious enough to fight him.

I don't know how long I remained unconscious. By the time I woke up, the room was already left empty. I hastily checked for my clothes, and sighed in relief for they still remained intact. This means Fingrol must have taken in Feyre's threat and left. The broken vase was cleaned and the displaced cups were brought back to their original places. As far as I can see, the room looked like no Lieutenant of the Fire Mane ever stepped foot in here. Maybe Feyre afraid Perseus would know of the incident here, or maybe she didn't want her Lord to get into trouble. Knowing Perseus's short temper, he would tear the entire clan apart.

Speaking of him agitated me. I thought I was save in here, inside his territory, I would be protected. So I deluded myself with that fallacious belief. But the humiliation today brought reality back to me. I was in the Wolf's territory, the enemy's land. I was nothing other than a prisoner here, Perseus's play-toy. The pain at my lips proved it. Never in my life had someone laid a hand on me, let alone cracked my lips like this. I was not angry because of the injury, but for my pride had been ruined.

Suddenly, the doors busted open again. My back was facing towards the entrance so I couldn't tell who that was, nor would I care to know.

"Why are you staring at the corner?" It was Perseus. I heard him walking towards the table, oblivious to what just happened here. He poured some tea into the cup and took a long sip.

"What is it?" I felt him walking closer. "Something pissed you off today again?"

Then he appeared in front of me. We were in the darkest corner of the room, and since I only stared the floor, his boot was the only thing of him that came into my vision. I felt him kneeling down.

"Answer me" a soft voice, but I kept my chin concealed. The least thing I wanted was for him to see the bruises. But nothing could hide from this master.

He lifted my chin up to face him. And after just a slight inspection, even when my face was mostly concealed by the shadow, anger still flashed in his eyes.

"Who did this!?" He hissed.

"It doesn't matter" I muttered, smacking his hand away and turned to the other side. I was sick of being obedient. Today was enough humiliation for me. I didn't want to bow down to him and follow him command anymore, nor would anyone ever touch on my pride like this.

"Of course it is Goddess," he grabbed my chin and forced me to face him. "Tell me who fucking did this!?"

"I told you! It doesn't matter!" I yanked his hand off and stood up. "And don't touch me!"

I don't know why my voice broke at that part. His touch reminded me of the moment a few hours ago, when Fingrol used his force on me just like now.

But Perseus did not know the words 'leave me alone'. He stood up with me and had his arms on my shoulders, forcing me to face him again.

"You better tell me now because my blood is boiling up" he spoke to me with a low, and full of intimidation voice. I forgot he had short temper. "WHO DID THIS!?"

"Like why would you care!?" I pushed him away. "Am I not your pet? Why would you even care for a pet like me?"

"Argh!"

In his furry, Perseus smashed the table into pieces with one of his hands.

"I don't have time to play around. Tell me who fucking touched you? I'm gonna kill that bastard for coming here."

"And you are going to get yourself into trouble" I countered.

"Just fucking tell me dammit!" He roared in frustration. It was so loud that even Feyre got summoned.

"WHO FUCKING DID THIS!?"

"It was Fingrol, Milord...." Feyre seeing his anger blurted out from fear. "...Prince Tharnor's...Lieutenant."

Without another word, Perseus stormed out of the door, leaving a trail of shadows and death behind him. The guards that came running in due to his roar straightened their backs as he passed them, their faces were even paler than their normal skin.

"Feyre..." I looked up at her. But she only stared at Perseus's trail.

"He will find out eventually. Better let him know now than later." That was all she said before walking away.

A short moment later, his voice was the first thing I heard before seeing his presence.

"Double the sentries. Close all the Gates. No one is leaving this cave and no one will enter it."

Then he appeared from the doorframe. There was blood, blood everywhere on him, as if he had just bathed in a pool filled with it. The instant I saw the look on his eyes, I knew that was not his blood.

He said nothing, only marched towards me. He hooked his arm around my back and the other around my kneepits as he lifted me up like a bride. My arm felt cold from his blood sodden tunic.

"Milord," Feyre ran out from the backroom and gasped. "Did you just kill..."

"Bring me some water and the Rose Elixir" He ordered and Feyre immediately took off.

Perseus attempted to carry me away, but the chain at my ankle kept on tugging me back. He glared at it and with a storm, the metal chain shattered like ice crystals under his feet. He brought me to the table, which was magically repaired by Feyre. He crouched down and gently set me on a chair, then took his in front of me. Feyre brought out a bowl of water and the Rose Elixir at the same time. She quickly disappeared without a word.

Perseus hand dipped the towel into the water, as I watched anxiously the blood from his hand emerged into the crystal clear liquid, dying it red. But with a snap of his hand, it became clean again. He cleaned the dirt and blood on my face, particularly gentle at the injury at my lips.

"Next time if I ask something, just answer" his eyes still paid attention to wiping out the dried Ichor on my lips. "I didn't have to get angry at you that way"

"Did you..." I caught his hand, squeezing it. His gentle voice now just like a fire that melted the ice in me, like water that shut all the rage. Every time he did this, I just found myself loving him all over again. "Did you get hurt?"

He washed the towel. Then applied some pink droplets of the Rose Elixir on it.

"Do you think those lowly bastard can lay their hands on me?" He continued to gently tapping the medicine soaked towel onto my wound. "They were too busy shitting their pants when I marched into their courtroom, let alone unsheathing their swords"

I caught and stilled his hand.

"Percy...I" I mumbled, concerns filled my heart. "...you will get into trouble for this"

Perseus only smiled and set the towel down. He placed his thumb upon my lips and brushed them gently.

"I have already got enough trouble as it is. A little more wouldn't hurt" the movement of his thumb stopped. He now stared at me with so much intensity that I could not blink. "Beside, how could I forgive someone that dared to damage such a masterful creation?"

And before I could respond, he already leaned forward and connected our lips. My eyes widened in shock, for the kiss felt familiar and strange at the same time. It was familiar for the salty taste that the old Percy's possessed, or the sweet sweet nectar that he sent into my souls through the kiss. It was strange because my consciousness kept reminding me this was a new person, someone with more experience with everything, even with kissing. He held our lips together for a long time, his fingers still kept at my chin, pulling me closer.

The moment he pulled out, the colourful world suddenly ceased to exist and the butterflies in my stomach just disappeared into the void. My eyes still kept wide open,

still stared straight him. But my vision was blank, completely lost in day and time.

I felt a pain at my nose, which somehow pulled me back to reality.

"Ouch!" I snatched his finger away for he kept on pinching it.

"Is it that shocking to receive my first kiss?"  He crooked his head to the side with a smile.

My inside giggled for he was still oblivious the fact that his first kiss was given to me not here and now but in his tent at my camp sometimes in the past.

As if he was not satisfied. He pinched my cheek this time.

"Ouch!" I pushed his hand away. "What was that for!?"

"For getting yourself into trouble" he smirked. But then his smile died down and he turned serious. He held my chin and brought me closer to his face.

"Listen carefully and heed my order now Goddess, for you are my pet and my property. You understand what that means do you? It means you are MINE and mine alone. So from now on, you are not allowed to get hurt for even one bit, especially not in my territory. That is my order, do you understand?"

"Hey!" I smacked his hand away. "It's not like I can avoid it you know. Like I really want to hurt myself."

"Then do your best so it does not happen. Whatever you want to do, you must remember this"

"Or what?" I said and immediately  regretted it.

"Oh you want punishment?" He smirked and scooped me up by surprise. He brought me to the bed and threw me on it. He then climbed on top of me and stared down. His elbows at either sides of my head.

I stared up into his eyes and gulped. It had been a long time since we got to this intimated position. The old Percy was never this forward, but sometimes when our make out sessions went to rough, we would end up like this.

But instead of taking the moment to the next stage, Perseus only brushed my cheek with his for finger.

"Promise me you will never get hurt like this again"

"I already told you it's not-"

"Promise" he pressed his body on mine, pushing me to say it. I had no other choice but to give in.

"Fine" I sighed. "I promise"

"Good" and with a smile, he laid flat on top of me. I now had to bear the entire weight of that wolf. Fortunately I was released from that chain, so my godly strength was recovering. Otherwise my whole body would be smushed  under that body of his.

"Ew Percy! You are covered in blood. You got it all over me!"

"That is your punishment" he mumbled, the sleepiness was catching up to him. "So get on with it."

"But you will taint the bedsheet. Feyre will have to clean for it"

"She has magic" he yawned. "It will take her no time to get it done."

Seeing he was no longer had an interest to answer nor respond to me. I let him go with that. And there we were, with him resting his head on my chest and me playing with his messy hair. Though we were now both soaked by the blood of our enemy. I did not feel uncomfortable by it. Because I knew.

With Percy, everything was going to be alright.

A/N how was it!? ? it is long I know. Consider it as a treat.

Anyway, a new chapter will come out in about 2 to 3 days. I would really appreciate VOTEs and COMMENTS guys.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

A reader just messaged me and suggested a really cool idea. Due to my intention to improve my grammar in my story.

I WILL BE NEEDING A FEW BETA READERS.

YOUR JOB IS BASICALLY CHECK FOR MISTAKES IN THE CHAPTER BEFORE I PUBLISH IT. IF YOU VOLUNTEER TO DO THIS. PLEASE MESSAGE ME VIA WATTPAD. ILL BE IN TOUCH. All the requirements and terms will be discussed there. Remember, this is voluntary work and the offer is limited.

thanks guys ?