Hael returned to Anthanasia's dwelling that evening, but since it was already late, he decided to wait until the morning to greet the huntress.
As he entered his room, he noticed Loki still awake, perched on the windowsill, staring up at the night sky. "Loki," Hael called.
The bird immediately turned, spotting his friend after days of absence. "Hael!" Loki exclaimed, flapping his wings and flying toward him. Hael caught the bird in his arms and gently stroked his head, realizing only then how much he'd missed the creature.
"Where have you been? I've been so worried!" Loki cried.
Hael's expression softened. "Sorry for not returning sooner. I didn't realize how much time had passed."
Loki pulled back, his eyes full of confusion.
"What were you doing all this time? Anthanasia thought you were still with the King?"
Hael's face softened even further, a look that surprised Loki. It was the first time he'd seen such an expression on his friend.
"I was with the King. We talked the entire time," he said.
"The entire time?! Just talking?" Loki exclaimed.
Hael nodded. "We'd take strolls during the day, talking about everything and nothing."
Loki was stunned. Hael had gone out for walks with the tyrant King of Trojas? How could that even be possible?
"A-Are you two friends now? How can you get that close in just three days?"
Hael shrugged. He couldn't explain it either. It felt like they'd connected instantly. He hadn't seen the cruel king that everyone spoke of—just a man he felt comfortable being with.
When Hael said that, Loki's eyes widened in shock, and he staggered back, as if struck by a sudden realization. It can't be… could the King be the one? He shook his head, trying to dismiss the thought. Hael, however, took it as his friend being upset.
"I should have returned sooner. I'm sorry for worrying you… both of you," Hael said.
Loki's head snapped up. "No! It's fine, I'm not angry. I knew you were safe, wherever you were. I'm glad you enjoyed your time at the palace."
Hael's expression grew more complicated, as if he were debating whether to say something. "What's wrong?" Loki asked.
The young man sighed. "Actually, I might have to go back…"
Loki looked confused. "Go back? Why?" Is the King keeping Hael there against his will after all?
"Yes. The King offered me a position in his court. I'll be working as his personal guard."
"His *what*?! Why would he offer you that? You barely know each other! And why would he need a guard? He's a demigod!"
Hael winced as the bird's excited squawks filled the room. He'd expected this reaction. "You're going to refuse, right? You don't plan on staying there forever. How long does he expect you to stay? What about becoming one of the huntsmen?"
"Calm down, Loki," Hael said. "I understand your confusion. I feel the same way, but I've already agreed to it." He sighed.
"What? Why?"
Hael removed his outer robes and sat on the bed, running a hand through his braided hair. He had woven the long strands back to keep them out of his face during his travels, but now that he was home, he took his time unraveling them.
"…I agreed because I want to work for him," he said simply.
Loki flew over and landed beside him on the bed, staring up at the young man, still trying to make sense of his decision.
"I understand that, but why would you want to work with him? Isn't he a terrible man? Why would you want to serve someone like that?"
Hael frowned. "He's not a terrible man. I'm sure he has his reasons for acting the way he does. Besides, I enjoy his company."
Loki blinked, pausing for a moment before letting out a long sigh. "It's clear you've already made up your mind, and I did say you could do as you wish. But that doesn't mean I think this is a good idea."
Hael smiled. "I know. I'm mostly following my instincts. Something tells me I need to stay close to the King for as long as I can."
Loki's heart sank. Hael yawned, overcome with exhaustion.
"We can continue this discussion in the morning. Let's get some rest for now," Hael said.
The bird nodded and flew to his usual spot. As the lights dimmed, Loki lay awake, his mind racing. Just as he'd feared, the King truly seemed to be the person Hael was meant to meet.
"…But why King Ceremus of all people? He's everything Hael is not. Why would the goddess pair the kind-hearted Hael with someone so selfish and focused only on his own needs?" Loki wondered.
So many things could go wrong with this connection, and the more he thought about it, the more concerned he became. He only hoped the goddess knew what she was doing, bringing together two such unlikely individuals.
Far away, in a realm beyond human reach, the goddess watched over the two half-humans she had special plans for. With a soft smile, she grazed her fingers over the reflection of Hael, sound asleep, through her looking glass.
"It seems they've finally met," she whispered to herself. But as she gazed closer, she noticed something amiss.
"Why is the bond between them so weak? They've made contact, so why is their compatibility so low?"
She waved her hand, and an image of Ceremus appeared. He was lying in a hammock, arms crossed behind his head, appearing lost in thought. As she looked deeper, she saw the darkness still clouding his heart, weighed down by doubt. She sighed.
"I see where the issue lies. It's with you, young man. Why is your heart so full of uncertainty? It's no wonder the connection hasn't formed. You won't let it."
It was unfortunate, the goddess thought. Kaleeso was one of the strongest gods in the celestial realm but she didn't have the power to sway the hearts of mortals, no matter how much she longed to. Things would have progressed much more swiftly had she been able to intervene. But this change was not hers to make. Only Hael could mend the sorrow within Ceremus's heart.
As she lingered, contemplating the demigod, one of her helpers called her away. The goddess left the room just as Ceremus closed his eyes, a faint, cold smile appearing on his face.