'Erebus...my son.' A soft, familiar female voice whispered, jolting his body awake.
Ares snapped open his eyes to a blurry, painful world. Panic coursed through his veins, racing his heart and drying his mouth.
"Hell!" He growled, feeling scorching heat burn through his veins.
He burst into a fit of coughs, struggling to catch his breath. Realizing he'd been holding it, he gasped.
As his vision cleared, Ares scanned the room. Familiar surroundings came into focus – his mansion in the woods.
"Eleanor?!" He called out, desperation brimming in his voice.
"Where are you, Little bird?" His eyes burned, hands trembling, entire body shaking.
"Eleanor?" he whispered again, voice heavy with urgency, as he stumbled toward the door.
The door creaked open to reveal Eleanor, her face radiant with relief and excitement.
"Ares!" she exclaimed, rushing into his arms.
