The thoughts angered Lucius and he ridiculed himself for them, pounding his fist upon the hollow hill.
“Gods! What have you done to me?”
A moment later, all sound was sucked out of the world around him and he felt his breathing slow down. He opened his eyes and felt her hand upon his forehead.
We did not do this to you, Venus said, as she looked down upon Lucius, her hand firmly upon his brow. Be calm…be peaceful…
After a few moments, Lucius felt his anger dissipate. He sat up and turned to look at Love. Then he shook his head. “I can’t do this…”
You are not alone, Love said, her eyes full of sorrow and pity for the man before her. You have never been alone.
“Except when I was being tortured and consumed by fire,” he answered bitterly.
Venus did not speak. Lucius’ own decisions had
