-THEIA-
"Wait, you're Hyp's mom?" I half-whispered, half-shouted, my voice caught between disbelief and shock. My brain was scrambling to process it. "But... how? I thought—you died in childbirth!"
Gaia let out a soft, weary sigh. "I know it sounds strange, but it’s the truth," she said, her voice steady yet fragile. "There’s not much time, so I’ll give you the short version."
I slid my chair closer to her, leaning in, hanging on her every word. "Timandra told me," I started hesitantly, "that Hyp wasn’t Menelaus’ son. That Menelaus probably... killed your mate and forced you into marriage."
A faint, bittersweet chuckle escaped Gaia, her lips curving slightly but with a trace of sadness. "It’s true," she admitted, her hand resting lightly on mine. "He needed an heir."
I nodded slowly,
