Poseidon stood on the balcony at the edge of the Seriphos temple garden, his eyes narrowing as he gazed toward the entrance. The evening air held the scent of salt and blooming jasmine, but the tranquility of the garden did little to soothe his restless mind. Footsteps echoed down the stone corridor—firm and purposeful. He watched as Artemis and Apollo strode in, their expressions as unreadable as the night sky.

  "Good to see you both," Poseidon greeted, his voice deep and expectant.

  Apollo inclined his head. "And you as well."

  Artemis gave a curt nod, bowing slightly. "Uncle."

  Poseidon wasted no time. "Any news?"

  Apollo replied, his presence strong. "Yes. It seems Medusa has been at Athena's temple in Argos." He paused, letting the revelation sink in. "That alone suggests our dear cousin may be more involved than she lets on."

  Poseidon's lips curled into a grin, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. "I knew it! She feigns ignorance, but her hands are not clean." He clasped his hands together, rubbing his palms. "Anything else?"

  Artemis exchanged a glance with her brother before speaking. "We've uncovered the location of the strangers' stronghold. It sits high on a cliff, overlooking the sea—near Argos, but far from any other village or town."

  Poseidon nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. "Who else is with them?"

  "For certain," Apollo replied. "Chiron, Phineus and a griffin from up north." He hesitated briefly before adding, "And I believe Andromeda is also among them."

  Poseidon's brow furrowed. "Andromeda? What's the princess of Argos doing there?"

  Artemis crossed her arms. "I don't know, but if she is with them, it means we must consider an alliance exists between them and Argos."

  A tense silence followed. Poseidon felt the words.

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  Artemis, ever perceptive, broke the silence. "Phineus's presence is particularly troubling."

  Poseidon turned to her, curiosity flashing across his face. "Why?"

  "He is a man of great wisdom—one of the few who knows the location of Talos."

  The name sent a ripple of unease through the open chamber.

  Apollo arched a brow. "The bronze giant who protected Argos from raiders? Wasn't he destroyed long ago?"

  "Yes," Artemis confirmed, "but if these strangers seek to restore him, they may try to rebuild him."

  Poseidon leaned forward. "But why would they need Talos if they're as powerful as we've been told?"

  "Do you not see their pattern? Medusa, Chiron, Phineus... They are collecting creatures with power—and Talos is one of those they seek," Artemis answered.

  Poseidon's expression grew grave. Talos—if reawakened—could be a formidable force. "So you think they may try to collect the bronze man, or, what's left of him?"

  "I do not think they have him yet." Apollo stated.

  Poseidon's expression grew grave. "I see. If we act now, we can prevent them from reaching him. We can also use that as an opportunity to measure more of their strength."

  Artemis stretched her arms and cracked her knuckles, the air around her growing colder. "I can ensure that."

  Poseidon raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

  A wicked grin spread across Artemis' face. "I will summon giant scorpions to ambush them. Let us see how their mighty machines fare against an overwhelming enemy that cannot be outrun."

  The three fell silent for a moment. The tides of fate were shifting—and soon, blood would stain the earth.

  Poseidon smiled. "Ah, niece, I love the way you think. Why can't all family be as loyal to me as you?"

  Artemis met Poseidon's gaze with a measured look, her silver eyes gleaming like the moon. "Perhaps because loyalty is not born from blood, but from respect. And respect is not something you command—it is something you cultivate."

  Poseidon's smile tightened. "And you believe I have cultivated it?"

  Artemis shrugged. "That depends. Have you sought loyalty through trust or through fear? Through fairness or force?"

  Poseidon let out a low chuckle, though there was an edge to it. "Spoken like a true huntress—always measuring and assessing."

  "I mostly agree with your assessment of these outsiders. We need to test their capabilities and see what they're truly made of. But I don't think much of your methods—or anything else you do, for that matter."

  Poseidon's laughter rumbled like distant thunder. "Good enough. Perhaps that's exactly why I enjoy your company—you don't bend so easily."

  Artemis responded, "Nor will I ever."

  Apollo interjected. "We leave immediately, and will keep you informed."

  Poseidon's eyes blazed with intensity as he stroked his beard. "Make haste, young ones. I must know everything—leave no stone unturned, no secret buried."

  The divine siblings nodded, turned as one and hurried out of the garden.