In Tykhe's Grasp

REVISED Chapter 9: The Golden Lattice Ceremony

by time_to_occur

Tags: #dubious_consent #m/m #m/nb #multiple_partners #ownership_dynamics #scifi #3rd_person #ownership

[NOTE: This is a revised version of Chapter 9. We’ve been planning this chapter for a long time, and it is both lore- and sex-heavy. We hope you enjoy! Also, surprise! There's a Golden Lattice game that you can check out on itch.io here: https://time-to-occur.itch.io/golden-lattice]

The rooftop was silent and calm. A few of the event planners were going about with final preparations, gliding around in the stillness as though they were hummingbirds sipping the nectar in the cups of the flowers in the maze-like greenery, fixing some artfully splayed fairy-lights here, adjusting the positioning of a square bush there. 
 
From above, the arrangement on the rooftop looked strangely familiar to Donovan Fullbright, or Nova, who was watching all of this happen on the security hub in his eye implant, leaning against one of the pillars of an elaborate stone gazebo with a distressed metal lattice roof, designed to look older than it really was. It took him some time to realize that it was a map of the downtown core of New Argent City's slums. 'What the fuck is this, poverty tourism?'
 
The edges of the roof had no guardrail except the occasional ornate marble slab to lean on, which looked unsafe for the amount of inebriated fools that would probably be up here by the end of the night. Looking further into the security checklist for the event, Nova realized that they had had the guardrails removed because they were "unsightly" and had instead installed translucent safety netting on all sides of the building, approximately ten feet below the edge, in case anyone should fall over. It wouldn't stop anyone truly determined, but then again, neither would a guardrail.
 
'All this for some deranged, drunken fuck-party.' Nova mused. The event planners had explained the idea of the party to the security team just before they were brought out. They called it a Golden Lattice ceremony, some archaic way of introducing a pet to society, but it sounded like just another excuse for Coins to revel in their wealth and comfort and fuck each other. Looking around at the model of the slums, it was like they wanted to flaunt their decadence in the face of the ones they trod on. Nova sighed heavily. At least he might get paid to watch some hot people fuck, if this was anything like most Coin parties.
 
Being up here, among the Coins, reminded Nova of his lost friend. Since their meeting with Kaze a few days ago, there had been no further progress in finding out how to get to Autolycus. Knowing that he might have to take time off in the future in service of his friend, Nova had decided to take on some more contract gigs. A plum contract from one of the usual firms that he worked with had fallen into his lap almost immediately for a private party in the Sky District. 
 
Even though they hadn't been able to make any moves towards saving 'Lycus, that didn't mean that things weren't moving down below. Someone had bought up several buildings along the Argent River, and they were now labelled with signs that said: "Coming Soon: A New Development from the SAFE Society", where, according to Nova's search on the HoloNet, SAFE stood for Save the Argent For Everyone. That had made his hackles raise, for some reason. While the sign said "everyone", it was clear from even just the purchase of the buildings that someone very rich had to be responsible, and in Nova's experience, the Coins did not have anyone else's best interests at heart, ever. 
 
Nova heard a noise to his left, and he turned toward it, scanning the camera feeds for that area. What he saw made his breath catch. A trio of stylists was explaining something to a pet who they were fussing over with pots of makeup and a needle and thread, still making last-minute adjustments. The pet stood still, poised and acquiescent, beautiful. It was the pet's placid face that made Nova nearly choke on his own spit. 
 
'Adrien. This Golden Lattice bullshit is for him?! I need to tell Kaze...'
 
But then, Nova stopped. Any messages sent to the outside were being monitored tonight. It wasn't a totally uncommon security feature, but it was usually reserved for important dignitaries and not parties. What should he do? He had to find a way to make sure that Adrien was all right and that his friend knew they had not stopped looking for a way to help him get free. 
 
---
 
Jasper stood as still as he could as one of the stylists that had been working on him for the past three hours brushed a golden powder over his eyelids and lips. He had one arm raised as another literally sewed him into his costume. They had explained that at the end of the night, it would be torn off of him to reveal the tally of the evening's events. 
 
When Rhys had first explained the concept of a Golden Lattice ceremony to him, Jasper had been reluctant. The thought of being taken away from Rhys, even in jest, was distressing. But Rhys wanted it, and Jasper trusted Rhys. He wanted his Owner to be happy, because pleasing Rhys made Jasper happy. 
 
The Golden Lattice ceremony was a playful inversion of norms aimed at promoting social cohesion and helping to integrate a pet into Coin society. The Ceremony was based on the story of the love triangle between Hephaestus, Aphrodite, and Ares. In that legend, Hephaestus, who was ugly but skilled at crafting, had tricked the gods into giving him the beautiful goddess of love, Aphrodite, as his wife. But Aphrodite loved many people, and none more so than Ares, the god of war. Every night, when Hephaestus went to his workshop, Ares and Aphrodite would post a guard at the door and make love from dusk until dawn. But Hephaestus knew Aphrodite was cheating on him, and so he devised a trap: a golden lattice to capture the pair in a net and ridicule them in front of all the gods. 
 
In practice, it was a playful partner-swapping party full of Dionysian pleasures. The rules of the Ceremony were an elaborate game. His beautiful Rhys would take on the role of the ugly Hephaestus, while Jasper would take on the role of Aphrodite. Each invitee would be given a number of small gold tokens that could be slotted into a space underneath one of the tight leather straps of Jasper's outfit for the night, their metal faces pressed to his chest to hide their emblems. This was a way of keeping track of who had managed to gain Aphrodite's favour during the evening. One of those sets of tokens was different: it would have the mark of Ares upon it. Ares could be anyone, Owner or pet. 
 
The secret tally of who had managed to "gain his favour" would be revealed at the end of the night when Jasper was divested and the tokens revealed. That meant that no one would know who Ares was and whether or not they had succeeded until the end unless Ares told them. This was risky, because, while other guests could serve as decoys and helpers, they could also accidentally give away the game. 
 
Aphrodite's favours were usually sexual acts, but different acts were negotiated on a partner-by-partner basis so that Jasper would not have to do anything that he didn't wish to. He wasn't thrilled about the idea at first, but he had agreed for Rhys. By the end of the night, Jasper was expected to be carrying a small fortune in gold.
 
Meanwhile, as Hephaestus, Rhys's task was to prevent his Aphrodite from bestowing favours freely. He would be allowed to do this by means of harmless "traps" and his golden net, the lattice named in the title of the ceremony. If Hephaestus caught a party guest in the act with Aphrodite, they were required to pay a forfeit — because guests usually brought gifts to these parties, their first forfeit was usually just that gift. After that, they owed Hephaestus a favour, and these too were usually sexual acts. While Hephaestus was having sex with a guest who owed them a favour, the convention, though not a hard rule, was for there to be a grace period during which Aphrodite would stay at his side. But that didn't stop anyone else from engaging with each other or plotting to catch Aphrodite. And if Hephaestus happened to get distracted for too long by such activities, that was their problem. 
 
To keep things fair, Owners in the role of Hephaestus were not allowed to give their pets orders to stay in any one location or to not allow themselves to be fucked. Further, guests had the rare privilege of being able to interrupt or cancel Hephaestus's orders. Both Hephaestus and Aphrodite were expected to wander and mingle with guests separately. Lastly, Aphrodite was sworn to give away no secrets and behave discreetly, meaning that they had to be able to move quickly through the space to preserve the secrecy of where they had recently been.
 
For this reason, Rhys and Aristotle had had the rooftop designed according to the specifications of the downtown core of New Argent City's slums. Since Jasper was familiar with the area, he would be able to more quickly make his way through the maze of lush green "streets" arranged throughout the space, with their little hidden alcoves for semi-private assignations and social gathering spaces. 
 
After all their planning, tonight was the night. Jasper shivered, thinking about how many hands might be on his body tonight, and how much it would please Rhys for him to participate fully.     
 
The last few weeks since his first virtual reality training session in Aristotle's suite had been all about two things: Rhys and Aristotle planning this party, with occasional input from Jasper, and Jasper learning how to spend his days as a pet. Jasper had found that being in Rhys's company made him feel safe and wanted. The first night after his training, he had pleaded with Rhys to be allowed to sleep in his Owner's bed, and Rhys had eventually relented. It had been wonderful to sleep ensconced in Rhys's arms. But on subsequent days, Rhys had looked slightly confused at Jasper's insistence and told him that he needed to be able to sleep apart from him, have his own quarters and keep his independence, foster his own interests. 
 
During the day, when Rhys wasn't planning the Golden Lattice Ceremony or maintaining his minimal business concerns, he seemed to be trying his best to make Jasper comfortable. Occasionally, Jasper thought back to the virtual reality simulacrum of Julian, and how he seemed to imply that there was something nefarious about the way Coins treated their pets. But Jasper had seen no compelling evidence of this. A small part of him was still on the lookout, waiting for the other shoe to drop, but mostly, he was settling into his new routine. 
 
Just as he had promised, Rhys had Lemon help Jasper pursue his interests. Lemon had large raised flowerbeds brought in and tastefully arranged on the balcony, along with everything that he would need to get a garden going. Another point of consternation was when they were choosing seeds. Jasper had begun to choose vegetables, and Rhys had raised an eyebrow and commented that he had imagined the balcony full of flowers. With those simple words, Rhys made Jasper feel as though he might be disappointing his Owner. He had no idea how to care for flowers, but he badly wanted to please Rhys. When Jasper started to choose flower seeds instead, Rhys stopped him again, saying that it was Jasper's garden and he shouldn't choose seeds just to please Rhys, though he was touched by the gesture. Again, Rhys seemed confused by Jasper's behaviour but said nothing. 
 
Meanwhile, Rhys took Jasper out almost every other evening to a private box through a private entrance (as Jasper wasn't yet introduced to society) to watch the latest productions at the theatre. He made sure, again through Lemon, that Jasper was well-supplied with news subscriptions on the HoloNet and had any materials that he wanted to read. 
 
Just the other day came the greatest surprise yet. Rhys had come to the breakfast table and presented Jasper with actual physical copies of three sets of deeds. Buildings along the water's edge, right in his old neighbourhood. Rhys was intent on fulfilling his promise about the Argent River. Jasper had carried the warmth of that realization with him through the day. Even now, it made him feel wanted and cared for. 
 
Jasper winced and came out of his reverie as the tailor accidentally pricked him with the needle they were using to adjust his costume. He jerked back and the makeup artist made a small noise of disapproval. "Stay still, please, Aphrodite. You're going to make a mess of things."
 
He murmured an apology and the makeup artist continued, daubing gold on Jasper's eyelids. Meanwhile, the tailor also resumed their work. The costume, for all that it was sensual and revealing, was admittedly very comfortable. It was made up of a cream-coloured sarong skirt, with small golden discs sewn into the fringe. His chest was bare of any fabric but crisscrossed with a series of golden leather belts, making a loose corset that ended just below his pectoral muscles. Draped down across his pecs were arced belts that attached to the thicker leather straps that ran along his shoulders. These were the tally belts, which had precision-cut slots to hold the tokens that the guests would carry and place inside to mark when they successfully "obtained Aphrodite's favour". On his head was a simple golden circlet, and across his throat was a thinly-beaten gold collar, formed to his neck and sealed shut with a series of intricate pins at the back that made it appear seamless. His wrists and ankles were unadorned. 
 
Up so high on the roof, Jasper had expected it to be freezing, but the party planners had installed ornate electrical braziers that looked fashionably ancient, and these were surprisingly effective. Physically, he found himself perfectly comfortable, and therefore with no distractions from his own trepidatious thoughts about the party. Guests would be arriving any time now. 
 
---
 
Rhys listened carefully as the venue manager finished his report on the preparations. The food was on track, the decorations and details were set, security was on-scene, and he and Jasper were almost in costume. "We are ready to receive your guests, Mr. Fairmount. Should we let them in starting now, or should we wait a bit longer, sir?"
 
Rhys had seen how Jasper looked as he was being dressed, and it was definitely worth a closer look while the evening was still calm. He wanted another brief moment with Jasper to check in before anybody arrived. At any rate, that would need to wait until he was fully in costume himself. "Delay any early arrivals for the next fifteen minutes, other than Aristotle Brandywine and his pets. Offer the guests a cocktail in the lobby while they wait. And thank you for your hard work."
 
"Of course, sir," the manager replied before exiting. "We hope you enjoy your evening."
 
Looking down past his tunic and apron of "tools" — cleverly-disguised sexual toys that looked like smithing equipment — he watched as one of the costume designer's assistants finished wrapping and securing his sandals under his calves. They were based heavily on a style common to the ancients. After all, if he was to play a god, he needed to look the part. The designer finally returned to Rhys's side and opened a small box they carried with them. "Here it is. I look forward to finally seeing everything together."
 
The designer pulled out an ivory-coloured mask, accented with shining gold and iron. While it was itself a beautiful work of art, it was made to resemble Hephaestus's classical depiction, which was to say, ugly. Protruding from the top and side of the mask were what appeared to be long, thin comb teeth. 
 
"Please hold still a moment, Mr. Fairmount." The designer slid the mask into place, perfectly covering half of Rhys's face, and sliding the teeth smoothly into his hair. Slipping a smaller set of combs beneath Rhys's hair, the designer fixed the mask into place by interlocking these new combs with those attached to the mask. The effect was seamless, the combs well-hidden. With the mask secured, the designer stepped back and smiled. "Perfection. Your makeup already matches the 'soot' on the mask. You truly look like a god of the forge."
 
"Is it well-secured?" Rhys asked as he took his first steps in the sandals. They were surprisingly soft and comfortable.
 
The designer grinned wider still. "Oh yes. The only way that will come off is if somebody wrenches it from your face. There is just one last thing missing now. Allow me." They stepped to the side and lifted a long piece of metal in both hands with a soft grunt. They carried it back to Rhys and knelt down in front of him theatrically. They lifted the hefty object to Rhys with a playful smile. "Your hammer, my Lord Hephaestus."
 
Rhys reached out and took the stylized cast-iron cane in his right hand, lifting it with ease. This would allow him to control certain mechanisms hidden about the rooftop. Its pitted iron shaft had been lightly polished, allowing it to almost sparkle in the right light. The hammer-like head of the cane was joined to the shaft with a wide band of intricately detailed gold, with three equally spaced red gems that glowed like hot coals. Rhys turned to the full-length mirror on the wall to take in the whole costume. It was perfect. "Once again, my congratulations," the designer said as he stepped out of Hephaestus's way. "I hope you enjoy the ceremony to the fullest."
 
---
 
Nova stood on the outskirts of the central area, keeping himself half-hidden from Autolycus behind the vine-covered pergola that was serving as a dressing room. He kept Autolycus in view for as long as possible, but it was no good. He was continuously being attended by people putting on makeup and adjusting his costume. Nova knew he shouldn't stay around much longer or someone might get suspicious. 
 
'This feels so wrong,' Nova thought. It was clear that Lycus was uncomfortable with everything these people were doing to him, but he seemed willing to go along with it all. Adrien had been the type to roll his eyes at a Coin's extravagance. Anytime that they'd hear about the latest wasteful Coin fads, he'd be one of the first to point out their pretentiousness.
 
Nova could practically hear what Lycus would have said if they'd come across something like this Golden Lattice ceremony together. 'Another thinly veiled excuse for an orgy, and they even felt the need to call it a "ceremony" of all things.' Lycus would have said. 'You think every time one of them cums in a monogrammed handkerchief, they call for a toast and have it framed?' Nova felt a sudden pang of sadness in his chest as he suddenly remembered how much he missed his friend.
 
Putting his memories aside, Nova considered his options. Lycus was likely to be surrounded by others until the party started. If he was lucky, Nova might be able to pull his friend aside when the party was in full swing. He might need a distraction to make that happen because, if Nova understood this type of party correctly, eyes would be on Lycus constantly. Maybe an opportunity would present itself or maybe Nova would be able to make an opening himself. He would have to wait and see.
 
For the moment, Nova decided he would look through the maze-like area to see if there were any good spots to hide and speak with Lycus, given the chance. But, as Nova turned to leave, somebody walked out of the pergola, moving towards Lycus. A very tall, blonde someone, in full costume. This must be the Coin that was throwing this party, Thamyris Fairmount. He held a big smithing hammer with a long handle that served as an ornamented cane, like Hephaestus himself. Purely ornamental, of course. The Coins had little use for substance.
 
Once Thamyris had taken the first few steps into the open, the party staff naturally started to turn to look at him, and by extension, at the pergola that Nova was standing behind. 'Gotta back off for now,' Nova grumbled to himself as he slipped back into the maze of greenery. He would just have to satisfy himself with the security hub's aerial view until he could find, or make, another chance.
 
---
 
In Aristotle Brandywine's opinion, there was nothing finer than seeing one's planning and hard work come to fruition. It made arriving early to a social engagement just to make sure everything was perfectly in place almost worth it, he reflected, as he rode the lift to Rhys's Golden Lattice party. Having helped to design Rhys and Jasper's outfits, he was eager to see how the final pieces had turned out. He himself had taken inspiration from Apollo, who presided over young minds, healing, music, poetry...The very things that Aristotle himself helped foster for the students at his schools. His chiton was embroidered with laurels and he wore a torque in the shape of a hunting bow.  
 
His two chosen companions for the evening were simply adorned. Everyone knew that by the end of the first hour, few pets would still be wearing their clothes. Chalcedony, his Lavender Prince, stood at his Owner's side with dignity and grace, while Merit, his Counterfeit Coin, hung off his arm, giddy with excitement. Aristotle reflected that given Merit's half-Coin half-pet heritage, he just might have some relatives present there tonight — not that any were likely to acknowledge him as kin. 
 
The two pets teased each other as the lift made its way to their destination. Well, that was to say, Chalcedony teased Merit, who seemed worried that he might not get his usual attention if everyone was focused on Jasper. 
 
"No, but seriously, everyone is going to be looking at Jasper. There won't be much interest in playing with the other pets," Merit sulked. He brushed strands of his red hair away from his eye, tucking them under the polished copper circlet he wore. "It's not as much fun if I'm not the one being chased."
 
"Hmm," said Chalcedony thoughtfully, pausing to count something off on his fingers. "Well, the last time that I checked, Jasper has just two holes, two hands, and one knob, so there are limits to even what the mighty Aphrodite will be able to do. There'll probably be twenty or thirty people here tonight, if I'm not mistaken, meaning that if you are very good and very charming, Orion and I might leave you a playmate or two."
 
Merit scoffed, placing a hand over his heart. "You wound me! As if I couldn't attract some—" his eyes grew wide as he realized what Chal had said. "Orion's going to be here?" Merit said, holding back his sudden excitement.
 
Chal gave a laugh at Merit's distractibility and excitement. "Yes, Ginger-Bred. So you'd better be especially sweet to our Kyrios if you want to keep getting bred."
 
Aristotle smiled at Chal's use of his title. "I certainly did not bring the two of you just to feed you amuse-bouches, darlings. Your mouths will have plenty to keep them busy." 
 
As the triad stepped off the lift, Aristotle immediately went toward the event manager's base of operations to check in, leaving Chalcedony and Merit to wait in the reception area with a subtle hand signal. 
 
---

The figure of Hephaestus was walking toward Jasper, his glowing hammer in hand, and, even knowing that it was his Rhys, he felt he had been transported to a fantastical world like the ones of the plays he had seen these last few weeks.. He could feel his heartbeat in his ears, his tongue thick in his mouth with nervous energy at the thought of what he would be expected to do that night. 
 
Despite that, he felt, bone-deep, that Rhys would take good care of him. He smiled cheekily and crossed his arms across his torso. "Lord Hephaestus, why have you made your Aphrodite wait so long while you were at your forge? I grow hungry for the touch of another."
 
Rhys smiled, perfectly willing to play along. "Why, I was at my forge making you gifts, my sweet," he responded, brushing the back of his hand gently across Jasper's gilded cheek. "But now that I am with you again there is no need to look to another. I will satisfy you myself, dearest Aphrodite."
 
Stepping closer, Rhys placed an arm around Jasper pulling him close. He kissed the pet tenderly on the forehead. "Tell me, now that we are finally here, and everything is prepared," he waved his hammer toward the open central area, "Are you feeling ready for this?" 
 
Jasper closed his eyes, melting into the kiss. Surrounded by Rhys's arms, he felt warm and safe, cocooned away from the world. When he opened them again and looked up, he saw the concern in Rhys's face. "I don't know. I'll do my best for you, Rhys." 
 
Rhys nodded calmly. "I know you will. Just remember to come to me if there is anything you need. And that Aphrodite's favour can be something as simple as a kiss or a sign of affection." 
 
Jasper nodded back. They had discussed this before, but it was reassuring to be reminded that he was in control of his body. 
 
Rhys raised his gaze just as Aristotle stepped into the pergola. "I've just spotted Aris over there. It seems as though he's looking for us." With a hand at the small of Jasper's back, he guided his pet toward the structure. As he did so, the doors to the rooftop opened, and out walked Orion Marten, dressed in winged boots and a short chiton that ended somewhere around his upper thigh. They were trailed by a taller man who was neatly but practically dressed, with no special attention to the theme. 
 
"Orion..." said Jasper, sounding awed at the sight of them. 
 
"Orion," repeated Rhys, smiling. He was glad that the pet had accepted his invitation, not only because it was prestigious to host him, but also because they seemed to put Jasper at ease. Rhys was momentarily annoyed that the staff had allowed them up against his explicit instructions to only let Aristotle through, but the thought was there and quickly gone. "Shall we go say hi?" 
 
---
 
Having just charmed his way past the event planners, Oree stood next to his bodyguard, Aegis, in the lift. He was tugging at Aegis's sleeve playfully. "I know that I pay you to worry about me, Aegis, but you needn't look so dour. You know that people usually behave and that I've got access to the panic button in my implant if anything goes amiss. I trust you to run to my side should anything happen."
 
Aegis gave a grunt. "I just don't understand why you need me to hang back."
 
"You'll give away the game! Tonight is all about subterfuge and cleverness, and though I've got both in spades, even I can't disguise those heavy footfalls and that great big blocky form of yours," Orion teased. 
 
Aegis gave a long-suffering sigh. "I'll liaise with security to ensure I have access to the security footage from the drones and cameras."
 
"You just want to watch me go at it," said Orion with a wink. His mind was already on the Golden Lattice ceremony. It was Oree's first — nobody threw Golden Lattice parties anymore, which made it charmingly outré. He was also keen on meeting Thamyris Fairmount's new pet and seeing Thamyris himself again. 
 
The rumour mill ran rampant in Orion's head. Rhys Fairmount was known for his restraint at parties. He hadn't had a pet in many years, ever since Marin. Orion liked Marin. They were a little quiet and withdrawn at times, but Orion didn't mind that. They had heard tell that Rhys had caused them to have a breakdown almost a decade ago and had sent them away to live with one of the most famous fashion designers on the continent, Anthix Sweetmeadow. Nobody knew the truth of what had happened between them. Other than Rhys and Marin, Orion supposed. He wondered if either Anthix or Marin would be there tonight. 
 
Now, Anthix Sweetmeadow was another interesting case. They were a twin, which was basically unheard-of among Coins. Their birth was rumoured to be unplanned, a mistake. Coins didn't like making mistakes. Rumour had it that both Anthix and their brother, Calix, had been ostracized in their youth, only to then become two of the most powerful Coins in the district, driven by spite...It was all so endlessly fascinating! 
 
As much as he enjoyed keeping up with the gossip, though, what Orion liked most was people. He loved how wonderfully strange they could be. He loved making them feel appreciated and understood. There was an energy to being someone's temporary companion, focused entirely on making them feel good, that gave an unequaled high as far as Orion was concerned.
 
"Orion! Welcome!" Rhys called as he approached, smiling wide. "We are so glad you could make it. And your costume is, well, divine."
 
"Oh, please!" Orion said, stepping forward to embrace his host. "When an old friend finally gets himself a new pet after a decade, I'm going to make a point to attend the party."
 
Only being able to hug Oree back with one arm because of his hammer, Rhys was surprised that the embrace was warm and tender, with a sincerity that made him truly feel like an old friend. "With you here, a good time is guaranteed." 
 
Rhys noted the bodyguard standing behind Orion. Aegis always trailed behind Orion. Even though he was not subtly dressed, it was impressive how he still faded unobtrusively into the background just as easily as Lemon would have. Rhys appreciated discretion of that sort in a servant. 
 
Pulling back, Rhys smiled broadly at the much-beloved superstar pet. "And speaking of..." he placed a hand on Jasper's lower back, guiding him closer to their guests. "Orion Marten, I  would like you to meet Jasper. The one for whom I finally took a leap of faith."
 
Orion thought that Jasper's blushing beneath the gold dust on his cheeks was quite charming. His eyes widened in recognition as Jasper came forward and offered a tentative hand. "Ah — we saw each other at the restaurant a few weeks ago! You looked so surprised to see me there." Orion's sunny grin broadened again. "May I hug you too, Jasper?"
 
Jasper inhaled, unsurprised to find that the virtual reality programmers had even managed to get Orion's scent right in full dive. "Please, go ahead."
 
Orion closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms around Jasper, pressing up against him cheek to cheek. "You're going to love it — being a pet. And if you ever have any questions or worries, don't hesitate to ask me."
 
Jasper wondered if it was weird to talk about his experiences with Orion's AI copy, but he couldn't stop himself from blurting. "That's what you told me the first time we met in the bathhouse."
 
Orion drew back a little but kept their hands on Jasper's shoulders. "Oh? So I see you've met my replica! Do I compare favourably?"
 
Jasper's blush deepened, which made Orion smile wider. "Oh yes, Oree." 
 
"Honestly, I love that it does some of the work for me! Now it's like we're already friends, and you're mine to discover!" said Orion to try and help smooth over some of the awkwardness. Jasper's slightly stiff smile relaxed a little, and Orion knew that he had said the right thing. 
Virtual Reality AI Construct Oree was just as insatiable as he was, so he knew that he probably wasn't too far wrong in thinking that he and Jasper had done more together than just make conversation.  
 
"If you are clever about it," Rhys offered, "You might discover a great deal about Jasper tonight. Sadly, our duties as hosts take us elsewhere for the moment." He motioned to the open central area. "Please feel free to sit wherever you like, and perhaps ask the staff to bring you a snack. You'll need to keep your energy up, after all."
 
Orion held Jasper's hand in both of his. "It seems like your Owner wishes to keep us apart even though Ares hasn't been chosen yet." They slowly stepped away from Jasper, putting one closed hand on their heart theatrically and letting the other hand trail over Jasper's as he backed away as though pulled. "I go, sweet Aphrodite, and wait with bated breath for our next meeting." 
 
Jasper bowed, equally theatrical. "Dear Hermes, may your tricks and missives bring you near to me again with all haste this night." 
 
Rhys smiled as Orion left, trailed by his bodyguard. Jasper seemed to be getting into the spirit of his role. "He's quite the charmer, no? And so are you, it seems, Aphrodite," he said as he hooked his arm around Jasper's. "Come. Let's catch up to Aris." 
 
Aristotle stepped out of the pergola and looked around, clearly searching for Rhys. When he spotted him, he gave a little wave and started to walk over. "Rhys! Everything seems to be in order. Shall we give the word to open the doors and let the guests up?" He stopped a few feet away from them, taking in their appearances. "The two of you are simply breathtaking, my darlings."
 
Rhys gave a coquettish smile. "Yes, but what of our costumes?" Eager to get the guests up so that the party could start, Rhys used his ocular implant to send a brief message to all the staff at once, as well as Aris.
 
Stepping closer, Rhys opened his arms wide, moving to embrace his friend. "Again, I know you say that this is your element, but I can't thank you enough for all your help and advice." Rhys looked over his friend's costume. "After all, it isn't every day that Apollo himself lends his wisdom on floral arrangements and finger foods. Ah, I see that the guests are already arriving. Let's go greet them."
 
---
 
Calix Sweetmeadow was doing his best not to develop a headache. Cadmus and Diogenes brayed laughter off to one side of the main space while Briseis was already fingering her needy pet in a dark corner. For his part, Calix was trying to pretend to pay attention to Damokles, who was offering to do some type of psychic reading for him. What he was really doing was watching Rhys and his new pet from the corner of his eye. 
 
Rhys seemed well enough, underneath all the artful grime of his Hephaestus costume. The pet was just as attentive as you would expect from a newbie, but there was something else in the way that he carried himself that Calix couldn't put a finger on. 
 
Nobody had been more shocked than Calix to receive Rhys's invitation. Fairmount had even had the courtesy to only invite one twin, so they wouldn't have to deal with the awkwardness of deciding who between he and Anthix would attend. That was the siblings' one rule: no attending the same orgies. He guessed that Rhys wanted to mend bridges or whatever the fuck. He assumed that he had received the invitation because Rhys perceived Marin as being closer to Anthix, since they lived together. 
 
Calix wasn't sure that he wanted to be here, but he decided that it wouldn't be him who fucked up whatever weird peace offering this was. He didn't hate Rhys, but it was awkward. He had hurt their friend, Marin, and then, when the dust had cleared, pretended as though he and Anthix didn't exist anymore. Anthix said that it was probably because Rhys was grieving his mistakes, but not once in ten years had Rhys been in touch after the necessities were finished with Marin. Not once, until three weeks ago, when Calix had received an invitation to the Golden Lattice party. It was just enough time to give Calix a polite out, if he wanted it, to beg off because he had other plans. 
 
Calix felt vaguely hopeful that things might turn out all right. That he might gain back the old friend that he had been missing these past ten years. He cared about Rhys, and it had been painful to see him turn away because he couldn't face what he had done to Marin. 
 
But Calix also had had to grow a very thick skin long ago, with what people said about him and Anthix. His care and hope didn't look like other people's. He had been called abrasive and he thought that was probably true. That didn't mean he didn't want this, Rhys's olive branch, very badly.   
 
One last pair — Daedalus and Cirrus, if Calix was remembering correctly — stepped through the doors from the lift, bringing their number to twenty-eight. That was when Rhys finally brought his decorative cane down on the floor in three firm knocks to catch everyone's attention.
 
"Good evening, friends," Rhys began. "I am honoured that you have all come to help my pet, Jasper, feel welcome." He motioned to the smaller man at his side.
 
A brief cacophony of clapping, welcomes, and congratulations filled the air as Jasper waved. "I'm looking forward to becoming better acquainted with you as your god of Love and Beauty tonight," Jasper said with a broad wink.
 
Rhys raised a hand to signal for quiet. "As you all know, it has been a long time since I have been able to commit to the responsibility of Ownership. With a friend's constant prodding..." Rhys made a decidedly unsubtle glance in Aristotle's direction. "...I finally found the right opportunity. This came as a surprise to both of us. Since Jasper lacks familiarity with our customs, I wanted to expose him to our way of life with the help of friends who I trust. 
 
"And what better way to learn than with a time-honoured, joyous event like the Golden Lattice Ceremony!" Rhys lifted the hammer and brought it down onto a concealed hole in the ground, the iron completing a simple circuit. There came a whirr from the fine gold netting decorating the canopy above them, and twenty-six small satchels descended from the ceiling on thin filaments. "Please take one satchel each, and do not look inside yet."
 
Calix took a pouch, wondering who among them would play the role of Ares tonight. He looked around, catching the eye of Pausias, who motioned for him to hold his satchel up for a volumetric photo. He tried not to look too pained as he briefly posed — he was doing his best to be good-natured. 
 
When the last person had taken their satchel, Rhys continued. "Though I am sure you all read your invitations in full, I will briefly remind you of the rules of engagement, so that my dear, delicate Aphrodite will be fairly treated by you concupiscent Coins and your passionate pets..."
 
Knowing the rules already, Calix tuned out a little bit and watched Jasper. The new pet was attentive and deferent to his Owner, almost to the point of fawning, but interspersed with that was a natural confidence and defiance that seemed etched into his very posture, his way of carrying himself in the world. It was a strange contrast, the way that Jasper seemed both eager to please and charming while simultaneously maintaining a look of almost contempt for his lavish surroundings. The effect was enigmatic. 
 
"Right, it is time to let our Ares discover their identity. Now hold your satchel in one hand, shielding the bottom from the sides. Carefully pull away the bottom flap, and take a look at the symbol marked there. This symbol will also be on the tokens in the satchel. If yours is the shield and spear, you have the honour of being our Ares tonight. If Ares succeeds at winning Aphrodite's favour, they not only win the right to humiliate me, Lord Hephaestus, but also a very nice gift, chosen personally by Aphrodite and myself. This gift will be given at the end of the night alongside the tally of who has enjoyed Aphrodite's favour."
 
With that, Rhys brought Hephaestus's hammer down three more times, and the lights dimmed pleasantly. "It has begun. Please enjoy yourselves, and try not to get caught under my net." 
 
---
 
'So far, so good.' Nova considered as he watched over Autolycus. 
 
It hadn't taken long for the party to really pick up. Within a few moments of Thamyris's welcome, people were already trying to sneak off with Lycus. "Hephaestus" had caught them quickly with the golden nets set up around the place, leaving Lycus time to slip away. He had spent the last twenty minutes or so moving around the maze. No one had even seen him. That made sense. This was what Lycus did for a living, after all. Fairmount was starting to look a little worried, which Nova found satisfying. 'You can do this, Adrien. Don't give them a damned thing.'
 
Nova had been able to use the overhead camera view to see everything he needed. So far, he had kept out of the way and was still hoping that he'd be able to get his friend alone, if only for a few seconds.
 
Rounding the corner to make his move, Nova found himself walking beside Orion Marten's big personal bodyguard. Internally, Nova cursed — Lycus was right there. But, rather than patrol in complete silence, Nova tried to be personable out of professional courtesy. You never knew when you'd need an ally. "So... Orion, eh? They must keep things interesting for you."
 
Aegis grunted in acknowledgement. "If you're looking for lurid details, you're talking to the wrong guy. I was just coming to find one of you to grant me access to the cameras so that I can respect the guests' privacy."
 
Meanwhile, Jasper had just slipped into another alcove out of sight, and suddenly Orion was there following. Orion leaned over and spoke to him, but as much as Nova wanted to watch what went down, he had to help Aegis. "Yeah, sure. Let me get you the login credentials and encryptions..."
 
---
 
Orion laughed as they listened to the party guests ask each other about where Aphrodite had gone and who they thought Ares was. Nobody had seen Rhys's sweet new pet in some time. Up until then, Orion had been making the rounds, making sure he greeted all his special friends. Now he decided to get serious about the game if only to keep the other guests happy. They decided to find Aphrodite themself. 
 
Orion engaged all his senses, listening to the sound of flesh hitting flesh, of hushed moans and soft laughter, smelling the scent of sweat and nectar carried on the breeze, feeling the vibrations in the structures around him as the guests indulged themselves. 
 
Periodically, the revelry grew louder, more intense. Heads dove between thighs. Holes parted before cocks, fingers, and tongues. Desperate pleas for more rang out. Orgasmic cries filled the air along with the now-raucous sounds of people without a care in the world.
 
Paris seemed to have tackled Pausias to the ground in the open and was vigorously sucking his cock. Orion knew Pausias was having a good time since he had pulled out his holo camera to take artful stills of his lover. Paris was mugging for the camera, of course. Orion knelt down and playfully photobombed them, crossing his eyes and sticking out his tongue, then went on.
 
Finally, he came to an area that seemed oddly quiet. He heard the soft jingle of metal discs, saw the trailing end of a sarong disappear into another enclosed space, the greenery muffling the sound of slightly nervous breathing. Orion's eyes widened in delight before they entered the alcove themself and discovered what they had come for. 
 
"O, beautiful, clever Aphrodite...Your Hermes is here with a message, as befits my role among the gods as their go-between," they intoned theatrically, then laughed. "You're very good at hiding, you know, but unless I've misunderstood, I think you're supposed to be hiding from Hephaestus in order to play with the rest of us."
 
Jasper inhaled sharply in surprise when Orion popped into view. Jasper knew that this Orion wasn't the one that he had spent so many hours training alongside, but their appearance still put him at ease. And even now, they were trying to help teach him so that things would run smoothly. "I...I wanted to be worth the chase."
 
Orion sat down on the bench and offered Jasper the seat next to him. When Jasper sat, placing his hands on his thighs, Orion placed their own hand over top of one of Jasper's. "Of course you're worth the chase. That's why your Owner has gone through all this trouble. But...you've already proven that they're no match for your cleverness. You should consider letting yourself get carried away by the spirit of the thing. This is your chance to be at the center of things, to find out what it's like to be sought after by so many, and to decide whether you like how that feels."
 
Jasper nodded. That was how Rhys had explained the evening, too. He had gotten completely caught up in the thrill of outwitting all of these fucking Coins and their soft pets. "You're right. Well...you're the first one who has managed to sneak off with Aphrodite, faithful Hermes. What favour do you ask of me?"
 
"Oh, me? It's enough that you enjoy yourself at the party," said Orion. "But I will certainly do my duty and place a token for the tally. Maybe...sealed in with a kiss?" 
 
With that, Orion leaned forward toward Jasper, their hand trailing up to the belts across his pectorals where they would slot in their token next to his skin. 
 
"Yes," said Jasper, closing the distance and pressing his mouth to Orion's soft, warm lips. 
 
He felt Orion deftly push the metal disc into its slot on the right-most side, rubbing at the muscle beneath ever so gently. Then, it was as though Jasper could feel the heat of Orion's full attention when it turned on him. The kiss deepened. Orion pressed forward more firmly, their tongue requesting entry into Jasper's mouth. Jasper parted his lips and pushed his own tongue past Orion's lips. Their tongues rubbed up against each other, soft and moist, and then Orion did a delightful thing where they licked the roof of Jasper's mouth. The pleasure of it almost tickled, and Jasper gave a moan of surprise. Orion pressed forward one last time before drawing back slowly, ending the kiss languidly. 
 
"Mmm," said Orion with a pleased smile. "Until we meet again, sweet Aphrodite."
 
Jasper leaned back on the bench, breathless and wishing that Orion had stayed to claim a larger favour. "Until we meet again." 
 
--- 
 
When Nova checked in on the cameras again, he saw Orion leaving Adrien's side. To his shock, Autolycus now seemed to be moving toward the other party guests, as though he was going to let himself get caught. Just what had Aegis's charge said to his friend?!
 
---
 
It didn't take long for Jasper to realize that his stealth would let him determine the outcome of the game if he wanted. Though he didn't yet know who Ares was, he could choose his partners by allowing them to catch him. Trying to get comfortable with the idea of fucking all these strangers, he decided to go for someone familiar first. Not too far from where he stood, he heard Aristotle's distinct, rhythmic speaking, and Chalcedony's honey-toned response. He placed himself in their path, and soon, Aristotle, Chalcedony and Merit came into view. Chalcedony spotted him first, followed by Aristotle and then Merit. 
 
Aristotle gave a smug smirk. "Well, I'll just go distract Lord Hephaestus while the two of you enjoy Aphrodite's favours, then."
 
Jasper supposed that meant that Aristotle wasn't Ares, but that made sense since he was essentially assisting Rhys in the role of host. "Aphrodite" inclined his head to one side, meeting Chalcedony's gaze, then Merit's. "What favours would you ask of Aphrodite, mortals?"
 
Merit and Chalcedony looked to each other with impish smiles, then turned back to their Aphrodite. Stepping forward in unison, they guided him toward a nearby alcove,  their hands on his lower back. 
 
Chal whispered to him as they moved. "O great Aphrodite, we come to serve you. To show you our devotion with our actions, if you'll but give us the opportunity."
 
Once inside the alcove, Aristotle's pets laid him down on the raised, padded platform. Chalcedony moved to Jasper's legs and opened the sarong, exposing an already erect cock. 
 
"I've been looking forward to playing with you since we first met," Chalcedony said as he lowered his mouth around his new plaything.
 
Merit knelt down by Jasper's head and whispered in his ear, "Aris told me all about what Rhys did to you, right there under the table at brunch. I want to see if we can make you shoot even farther." 
 
Jasper shivered with anticipation at the hot breath in his ear and Chalcedony's mouth on his dick. "Mmm...Aphrodite w-will grant you these favours...!"
 
Then, Merit lowered his face and kissed Jasper upside down. The vibration of Jasper's moans on Merit's lips tickled almost as much as it pleasured him. Merit dragged his tongue along Jasper's lips, and continued past towards his ear, leaving a messy trail of saliva behind. He was almost disappointed to see that the makeup didn't let him leave his mark.
 
Chalcedony let himself get lost in his task. He started with just the head. Every time he took Jasper deeper inside his mouth, he could feel it twitch in pleasure. Once he'd slowly worked his way down Jasper's shaft, he pressed his tongue firmly onto the underside of it, and drew back. Jasper didn't disappoint, and a godly amount of precum was forced out of his dick and onto Chalcedony's tongue.
 
"Haa—ah...!" groaned Jasper. 
 
Feeling a tug at his sleeve, Merit looked over to Chal. His friend beckoned him forward, pointing to his mouth. "Hmmm, looks like I get to see if all that pre you leave everywhere is as tasty as it looks." Merit shifted over and kissed Chal, letting him push Jasper's delicious juices into his mouth. Together, they revelled in the shared taste.
 
The sight of the two pets sharing his precum made a bolt of pleasure run up Jasper's spine, and he arched his back to let it travel through him. He had chosen this for himself. It felt good to be in control. And what's more, he was still doing what Rhys had asked of him while enjoying this freedom to choose. He wanted to keep walking that line as long as he could. He raised himself up on his elbows, the sarong tinkling gently. He cleared his throat, and beckoned to Chalcedony and Merit. 
 
"Your shared beauty pleases me, but my body grows cold without companionship," Jasper said theatrically.
 
Chalcedony pulled away from the kiss, leaving Merit with his eyes closed while he licked his lips. "As you command, great Aphrodite," Chal said, moving between Jasper's legs. Chalcedony tucked the hem of his chiton up into his rope belt, freeing his dick. "Allow me to please you through my labours." 
 
With his lips now clean, Merit brought his attention back to the present moment. Seeing what Chalcedony was doing, he grinned. 'I've never spitroasted a god before,' Merit thought.
 
While Jasper was distracted by Chal, Merit moved up to Jasper's head, stripping as he went. He stepped closer and let his cock cast a shadow over Jasper's eyes, making him look up. "This is for you. Lay back and relax," Merit said, caressing Jasper's cheek.
 
But Jasper didn't want to lay back and relax. He wanted to feel as powerful as Aphrodite, making choices about who and what he wanted. He was starting to understand that this was what tonight was all about. So, raising himself up on his elbows, he gently grasped Merit's chin. "You dare presume to tell Aphrodite what to do? On your knees on the table, mortal."
 
He winked at Chalcedony. "As for you, let's forge the beginnings of a chain of love worthy of Hephaestus."
 
Merit stepped back in surprise, but began turning around without even realizing it.
 
Watching Jasper take control like this was completely unexpected. Chalcedony could only grin as Merit appeared to go on autopilot, and just assumed the position. 'Now this is definitely something to tell Aristotle about.' As Jasper turned around to take Merit's hole, Chal let a gentle hand drag along Jasper's back and ass. "Your supplicants shall do as you ask, of course."
 
Jasper arched his back, pressing his ass back into Chal's hand as he lifted Merit's short chiton and rubbed his hands across the pet's cheeks in time with Chal's touches. "As it should be."
 
There was a doubling in his thoughts, a sort of loop that kept his brain entirely focused on seeking out what felt honestly good to him. Doing what Rhys wanted made him a good pet, and Rhys wanted him to participate wholeheartedly in his role as Aphrodite. Aphrodite was powerful in beauty, but also in her own right as a god. Adrien's personality as a cocky, take-charge rogue was far closer to Aphrodite than how he had been behaving of late, needy and simpering, weak-willed and seeking only to please, without opinions of his own...it seemed to have happened without his notice. Of course, he would do whatever Rhys told him to, but Rhys had been intrigued by Adrien being himself...So, by being himself, he was being pleasing to Rhys...right? 
 
Jasper's hole had been well-prepared that night, not knowing how quickly people would need to come and go, so to speak. So, he focused on teasing Merit's ass open. He had also clearly been expecting to be well and properly fucked that night. Reaching below the padded platform, he brought out some of the lubricant that Rhys had made sure to inform him was stashed everywhere. "Merit, do you, too, wish for Aphrodite's favour? Will you accept me inside of you?"
 
Merit was still shaking off his surprise, but his ever-needy hole needed filling. "Y-yes..." He felt a finger gently rubbing a cool gel around his entrance and shivered. "Oh gods, yes."
 
Not knowing how much time they had, Jasper still tried not to rush. He could feel Merit expertly pushing back against his intruding fingers to accept him.It wasn't long at all before he was able to push the head of his cock into the other pet. 
 
Jasper's eyelids fluttered. It had been almost two months since he had topped anyone, since before he had even known that such a person as Thamyris Fairmount existed. Sure, he'd been sucked off, had more than his share of handjobs...but there was something different about fucking a warm hole. "Ahh— fuck yes...!"
 
And then he felt Chalcedony. 
 
Wasting no time, Chalcedony moved behind Jasper, and in the interest of time, used the soft skin of the tip of his cock to apply the lube. He gently and eagerly pressed himself against Jasper's hole, which opened just as eagerly. Chal leaned close to Jasper's ear and whispered, "Might I be granted the chance to earn the great Aphrodite's favour as well?"
 
"Fuck yes," grunted Jasper eagerly, pushing back against Chalcedony as he prepared to thrust back into Merit. They settled into a rhythm with Chalcedony pushing Jasper's hips into Merit before bottoming out in his ass. Jasper felt himself letting go of the tension he had been holding and melting between the two warm bodies that he was pressed between. It was better than he could have imagined. 
 
---
 
Leaving his pets to their fun, Aristotle walked toward a slightly distraught-looking Hephaestus. He wanted to give them the time to play — and perhaps even discover something more about Jasper's past, if he let his guard down. Not that he was worried any longer — Jasper had seemed utterly devoted to Rhys these past few weeks. Almost annoyingly so, if Aristotle was being honest. He would fix that the next time he had Jasper in his chair. "Still haven't seen Aphrodite yet, O Hephaestus? Your pet is doing you proud right now. The last I heard, nobody had managed to find him yet."
 
Rhys turned, surprised at suddenly hearing Aris speak from behind him. "Oh, hello again." His friend's words did not overly assure him. If Jasper was hiding, was he just having fun, or was he scared? Jasper knew he was supposed to have as much fun as he wanted tonight, and he had seemed excited to do so, if a little nervous. That he had made himself scarce did not sit well with Rhys. "Are you certain? I did not really think his nature was suited to playing very hard to get. Perhaps I should check in with security to make sure he is safe..."
 
"Now, now, don't be a spoilsport. If it will make you feel better, I can check in with security on your behalf and let you know, but otherwise, it really isn't in the spirit of things for Hephaestus to peek, now is it? For all either of us know, he's beneath someone right now," said Aristotle, smiling. "And he's just especially discreet. Why, if that's the case, he could teach me a thing or two, and I pride myself on my discretion."
 
"I'm sure you are right," Rhys exhaled a breath he had not realized he was holding. "His previous... lifestyle did lend itself to that sort of skullduggery. Though, even Orion could teach you about discretion when it comes to your sexual exploits."
 
"Oh, you think so, do you?" said Aristotle as they continued to banter. He could tell that this was having exactly the calming effect that he had been hoping for. They kept chatting until a sudden cry came from off in the maze.
 
"OH! OH! APHRODITE!"
 
Aristotle knew Merit's voice immediately but said nothing. He and Rhys exchanged looks and rushed off together toward the noise. 
 
---
 
Merit howled his orgasm at the top of his lungs. Jasper had to catch him as he almost fell to the ground. Jasper felt Chalcedony's arms wrap around his torso and hug him tightly as Chal leaned over and whispered in his ear. "That'll draw your Hephaestus out. Should have given him something to fill that mouth."
 
Chal pulled out and adjusted his chiton. "We should move. Quickly," he said, a broad, playful grin on his face. "The hunt is afoot." He took a token from his belt and moved back to Jasper, lifting one of the straps without looking underneath and slotting his token into place. He was disappointed he didn't get to see Jasper shoot, but he consoled himself with the knowledge that he'd managed to learn some more about Jasper's dominant side and got to be the first to gain his favour while he was at it. 
 
"Come, Merit," Chal urged him, but his fellow pet still seemed to be recovering. "Or actually, you already came and you very well might have given us away. Give Jasper one of your tokens and stay here as penance."
 
"You can buy us time," suggested Jasper, getting into the idea of managing to pull one over on Rhys, if only because Rhys had asked him to try. "Distract Hephaestus for us."
 
Merit considered his options and nodded. He pulled a token from his belt and passed it to Jasper before he disappeared behind the padded platform to put the lubricant back. He popped back up with a small towel. "You're right. Run. I've got this." 
 
Merit dove to the ground and quickly wiped up his cum as the other two fled the area. Then, he tossed the towel over a nearby bush and hopped onto the cushioned platform again. He tried to look as provocative as possible and waited.
 
---
 
In a nearby alcove, Orion leaned back into his chair and licked his hand clean. "Delicious," he said. "Did you enjoy yourself as much as I did, Paris?"
 
Still panting, Paris smiled and glanced down at his moistened cock, which was only now beginning to soften. "By the gods, yes," he answered. Paris reached for his wine. "That's one down..."

"Sorry, what was that?" Orion asked.
 
"Oh, I'm aiming to collect the whole set," Paris said with a grin. "You, Jasper and Thamyris. Now I just need to beg for Aphrodite's favour, and get Hephaestus to hammer me. If I knew who Ares was, I'd get on his sword, too." He took a long drink. "What are your plans for the evening?"
 
"I'll see where the night takes me – and who takes me in the night," said Orion with another of his theatrical winks. They looked past Paris for a moment, their eyes focusing on a Coin with distinctive short hair. "Please excuse me – and good luck on your quest, noble Paris." 
 
Orion walked toward the Coin. "Calix! We haven't had the chance to talk yet. Where have you been hiding yourself? Who have you been hiding with?"
 
Calix smiled readily at his friend. Orion was always a welcome sight. As expected, Aegis was nearby — not so near as to be obtrusive, but close enough to intervene if necessary. Calix was doing his best to get into the spirit of the party, but he had yet to speak with Rhys, and his anxiety about that moment was fierce. "Oh, I haven't been hiding at all," he answered, motioning to the empty chair next to him. Calix hoped the anxiety didn't show, not realizing how visibly tense he was. "You've just been preoccupied under people's tables." 
 
Orion smirked back. "Hermes goes where he is called, delivering messages of joy and pleasure from the gods themselves..." He folded Calix's bigger hand into his own. "Tell me, what's it like to be at a party hosted by Thamyris Fairmount after all these years, friend?"
 
Calix's eyes widened but he forced himself to keep his gaze and voice steady. "It's a little uncomfortable, to be honest," he admitted. "I was hoping to get a moment alone to speak with Rhys. To thank him for the invitation, and to wish him well with the new pet. You know, to extend the olive branch."
 
Orion nodded sympathetically and placed a careful hand on Calix's shoulder. "That makes perfect sense. Try to remember that his invitation was an olive branch of its own and that your acceptance of it means something as well. Right?"
 
"You're right, of course." Calix said. "Besides, it will be hard to get Rhys alone during the game, so maybe I should just..." His voice trailed off. "I should really get into the spirit of the ceremony. Wouldn't that be the best way to show acceptance and comfort? Especially if I can get Aphrodite alone."
 
"That would definitely show acceptance of Rhys's choice to bring a new pet into his household," said Orion, rubbing at Calix's shoulder soothingly. "I think it's a lovely idea. And honestly, I think you'll like Jasper! I know I do."
 
Calix stood, picked up his Krasomelo, and drained it. "I'm sure you're right," Calix said. "You often are. I suppose I shouldn't waste any time. You never know when he'll be free again." Calix moved towards the green maze, giving Oree's shoulder a gentle squeeze as he went. "Thank you, my friend."
 
Before taking more than a handful of steps, Calix stopped dead when he heard something carrying across the rooftop.
 
"OH! OH! APHRODITE!"
 
It sounded like Jasper was busy. Calix sighed. "Damn." 
 
Orion watched Calix pause and called out after him playfully. "Hermes is just as generous as Aphrodite if you have need of the nectar of a god, mortal." 
 
Calix turned his body toward Orion and gave a satisfied little smirk. "I am awfully thirsty."
 
---
 
Rhys burst into the room, Aris in tow. He glanced around the seemingly empty alcove, and stopped in place, blinking. "Where's Aphrodite?"
 
Merit was lounging comfortably when Rhys and Aristotle arrived, facing the exit of the small space. "I knew you would show, Hephaestus."
 
Laughing, Merit stretched out on his back, leaving a knee bent to accentuate his bulge. "That's a very good question," Merit answered. "I looked and looked, but couldn't find him. I can't search all night though, so I decided to make a god come to me. You know, so that I might offer myself as a sacrifice to his might."
 
Aristotle hid a smile at that, knowing what Merit and Chalcedony had been up to when he left them. 
 
Rhys stepped forward, about ready to give Merit what he had asked for, the impudent rascal, but then understanding dawned on him. "This is a trick! You're trying to delay me so that Ares can have more time with Aphrodite! Come on, Aristotle! Let's keep going!"
 
---
 
Calix rubbed a broad hand over Orion's reddened ass cheek. His height was abnormal even for a Coin, so he found himself leaning a little lower to feel up the pet beneath him. "Mmm...silky smooth. Do you want me to keep going?"
 
Orion nodded yes, letting out a moan of assent. "Yes, more, please, Calix...!" 
 
Not needing any further prompting, Calix brought his hands back down on Orion's ass. Hey kept a slightly faster rhythm this time. Left, right, left, right, left... Every impact brought out another moan or grunt. Calix cupped his hands to make the sound louder, but he almost instantly started to regret that.
 
"Go get 'em, Calix!" Someone shouted from across the way, in the shadow of the pergola. "Thanks for softening him up for me!" called another. Calix tried to ignore them. He didn't mind being watched, or even some commentary every now and again, but the continual calls from the peanut gallery rankled him.
 
Orion's cock started to twitch now, and a thin line of precum whipped around a bit before falling away. 'Then again,' Calix thought, 'Oree does seem to be liking it, so maybe it's okay this time.'
 
Orion loved knowing that people were getting off on watching them and that they were looking forward to getting their chance at his ass later. It made him feel as though he were fulfilling his purpose, to be seen and desired. He arched his ass into Calix's spanks, pressing the globes into his palms. He was aware that his cockhead was drooling messily onto the covers below, and reached down to gather some of the mess for a taste. He let out a moan and scooped up even more. "Mmm..."
 
Seeing Oree reach down to play with himself, Calix playfully smacked his hand away on Orion's third attempt. "That belongs to me right now, you little sneak-thief." Rolling Orion's firm cock and balls around in one large hand, Calix began to stroke the shaft as he ran his other hand firmly down Oree's ass cheeks, punctuating the caresses with the occasional spank. 
 
Being forcibly stopped and having that intimate part of him claimed like that made Orion's heart beat even faster. Orion felt Calix's deft hands playing with him, using his pre like it was lube. He didn't try to hold back. The pleasure built quickly. It was a hot, near-painful pressure, and he craved its release.
 
Calix knew his pet-of-the-moment was getting close when his moans went up in pitch, so after one final resounding slap, he sped up his movements and leaned in close to Oree's ear, whispering, "Show them how much you love being watched. Let them know you are here for the taking."
 
"Oh, oh— ahh! Haaaa!" That had done it. Calix's sweet whispers made him finally cum. Orion could feel his ass tensing and squeezing. Most of his cum didn't make it past Calix's now rapidly pumping hand.
 
Calix released Oree's cum-covered cock, stepped around to meet his face. "You did so well for me, Orion," he said. "Now, clean my fingers for me, understand?"
 
Still in a partial daze, Orion nodded and took each finger into their mouth, bathing it with his tongue and revelling in the taste. Finally, he licked Calix's palm clean and kissed it tenderly before looking up at the Coin. Calix caressed Orion's face lovingly with his newly-clean hand.
 
When Orion reached toward Calix's sizable prick to return the favour, Calix shook his head. He was tired of listening to the colour commentary around them. "I'd better continue my hunt for Aphrodite." 
 
The pout that wanted to manifest on Orion's face was gone before it began as he looked around at all of his potential next play partners. "All right then, Calix. Thank you for the orgasm and good luck in your search." He turned to the room and raised his voice. "Now, who wants to help me clean off?"
 
---
 
The thrill of fleeing with Chalcedony made laughter bubble up through Jasper's breaths. He had started to have fun, just as Rhys had promised — just as Rhys had wanted. When they reached a quiet part of the maze and felt certain they were no longer being actively pursued, Chalcedony leaned over and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. 
 
"Welcome, Jasper. Keep on enjoying your party, dear heart. I'll see you later on," Chal said, his face lit up with a sincere smile. And with a last little wave, he left Jasper alone in the quiet nook.
 
Around him, now that he was alone again and listening to the sounds of the night, Jasper could hear quiet laughter and moans through the soft music. He wanted to be found, so he took off into the rows again. Finding a likely enough central spot, he posed himself near a small water feature, looking up at the night sky and breathing in the delicious sensation of being totally present in the moment, unafraid for the future.   
 
"Well, now, what divine creature do I see before me?" said a deep, warm voice with the slight lilt of an accent that Jasper could almost place. He turned toward the voice. The speaker was a large, copper-headed Coin with two long braids that started on his temples and followed the curve of his ears down past his shoulders, a tall shock of hair on top tied at the back of his head leading into a long trailing tail. His body was thick and strong-looking. 
 
Jasper tried to remember his name. He was an award-winning scientist who worked in one of Aristotle's labs designing implants and prosthetics. Daede? Daedalus? 
 
"The patron of beauty and love greets you, Daedalus," said Jasper, hoping he had gotten the name right.
 
As he approached, Daedalus paused and gave a deep bow. "And the great Aphrodite lives up to the legends. I beseech you, divine one," It was evident on his face that Daedalus found the speech mannerisms of the Golden Lattice Ceremony a bit silly, but he was still game to play on. "Please, speak with me for a moment, so I may bask in your glory. After all, one should always honour the gods when one finds them."
 
Jasper covered his mouth and gave a soft laugh. Daedalus felt more down-to-earth than most of the playmates that he had so far that evening. "You're an inventor, like your namesake, right?"
 
"Well, I like to say I'm a multi-talented scientist," the burly Coin answered. "I invent, I research, tinker with the creations of others, and whatever else catches my interest." Daedalus shrugged, "They tell me I'm pretty good at it. I work at Brandywine University. I understand that you know Aristotle quite well, right?"
 
Jasper wasn't sure why talking about Aristotle still unsettled him, but he did his best to hide it. "Oh, yes. He's a good friend to my Owner. He is trying his best to make sure I adjust well, for my Owner's sake, I think." Eager to get off the topic, Jasper glanced meaningfully at the entrances to the square-ish nook. "But...we may not have the time for much conversation. What favour would you ask of Aphrodite, my good mortal?"
 
Daedalus smiled. "I know you are a busy god, with more suitors than I can imagine. I suppose we shouldn't waste too much time." He reached out and gently caressed the side of Jasper's neck. "I seek a favour of the flesh if you would be so gracious as to give it."
 
"You shall have what you seek," said Jasper, placing his hand over top of Daedalus's and holding to his neck, nuzzling into it a little with his chin and lips. "But you'll need to be more specific."
 
Jasper looked so sweet and sexy, nuzzling him like that. Daedalus wished he had more time to really appreciate Jasper. They would need to be brief, but he wouldn't sacrifice the fun of it. "I think it would be better if we went somewhere more secluded first, no?"
 
"That seems wise. Truly, you must be beloved of Athena." Jasper said. He wondered if Daedalus was Ares tonight. He didn't think that either Chal or Merit was. 
 
Daedalus stepped forward and out with his other hand, sliding a hand behind Jasper's thighs and pressing it meaningfully into his cleft. In one swift motion, Daedalus swept Jasper off of his feet, carrying the pet in his arms like he was as light as a feather. "Let me bring you to a beautiful little spot just down the way, so that I can impress upon you my skill with my hammer." 
 
Jasper's body surprised him. He found himself fully hard and anticipating having Daedalus inside him. "I would like that very much."
 
Daedalus stopped at a hidden spot that Jasper had to admit was as beautiful as promised. It was a sculpture garden full of nude bodies pleasuring each other. In the dim light, Daedalus and Jasper might pass as sculptures themselves. Knowing that the rooftop floor plan was based on the city map of the slums below them, Jasper mentally overlaid that map onto what he was seeing. The corresponding spot would have been right near Seth's place. Jasper put the thought of his good friend out of his mind as Daedalus lifted Aphrodite's sarong without putting him down. 
 
Briefly shifting Jasper into one arm, Daedalus took a small bottle from his pocket, then loosened his own belt and dropped his skirt to the floor around his feet. In another deft movement, Daedalus moved Jasper up and turned him over so his legs were around his waist. Jasper instinctively wrapped his legs around Daedalus, pulling himself tightly against him.
 
Jasper was completely enveloped in his arms, Daedalus cradled Jasper's weight by slipping a hand under his ass, and held him steady by keeping another arm around his back. With Daedalus's arms around him, with his chest pressed onto Daedalus's, Jasper felt encased and surrounded on all sides by Daedalus's warm bulk. It was incredible. 
 
Jasper's erection pressed upward against his own belt-corseted stomach, kept at that angle by what he now realized was Daedalus's Heraklean erection, which pointed directly upwards. With their dicks side by side like this, Jasper's erection looked undersized. Knowing exactly where that cock was going, Jasper felt a frisson of fear and fascination. 
 
Now that Jasper had his legs supporting him around Daedalus's waist, Daedalus brought his hand out from under Jasper's ass and held out a small bottle he had wedged between his fingers. "Here, pour some of that into my hand," he said. "We won't need much."
 
Wide-eyed, Jasper squeezed some lubricant out, knowing just how effective it was from his experience with Rhys. He looked into Daedalus's kind eyes. "I've never been with anyone like you before."
 
Daedalus smiled. "Oh, I don't know about that," he said. "I've experienced Thamyris too, and we aren't so different." Daedalus used two thick fingers to gently apply the lube to Jasper's hole. "He's definitely got a few inches on me, I'm just thicker around. Don't worry, I'll be gentle," Daedalus said as he used the rest of the slippery gel on his cock head. "Just let me know if something is wrong."
 
Jasper hadn't only meant Daedalus's cock, but it felt too complicated to explain. Daedalus was bulky and fuzzy whereas most Coins were slender and smooth. Daedalus seemed like he didn't much care for the intrigue that most Coins seemed to revel in. Daedalus just seemed...different. "Thank you, I will."
 
"Good," Daedalus answered. He tilted his shaft back up, gently pressing himself against Jasper's entrance. "Now, here it comes," he said warmly before he let the pet's weight press down onto his cockhead.
 
Jasper exhaled, pushing back against Daedalus to relax his outer ring of muscle. Getting fucked by Chalcedony was nothing like taking Daedalus. As the cockhead began to push in, it spread his hole, pushing it wider and wider until it slid tightly into the soft lining beyond the entrance. It was as though Jasper's hole was expanding in every direction at once, the cock straining against the edges on all sides. The sensation bloomed through Jasper's nerve endings. 
 
Daedalus was thrusting only a few inches deep at first. Jasper was doing a wonderful job at relaxing his whole body. "You already seem a bit... loosened," Daedalus whispered. "I'm very curious, am I fucking someone's cum deeper into you? Who already earned your favour?"
 
Aphrodite's avatar was more grateful than ever that he had accepted Rhys's suggestion to get  the injections that modified the elasticity of his throat and ass in time for them to take effect by tonight. Thank goodness for modern science and Chalcedony warming him up earlier.
 
Jasper gave Daedalus a playful shot in the arm. "You should be grateful that Aphrodite had the forethought to prepare the way for you. And if I told you who has earned which favours, I would be giving up the game, wouldn't I?"
 
God or not, the burly Coin couldn't quite let that little quip go without some kind of 'punishment'. Lowering Jasper even further onto his wide organ seemed the most appropriate disciplinary action. 
 
Daedalus chose that moment to fuck Jasper deeper, and Jasper's eyes rolled back into his head with the intensity of it. "Ahh, feels so full...!" 
 
"I know."
 
Jasper began to lose his ability to speak coherently, his precum running down his shaft and between his thighs. "F-fuck...split me open! I need it!" 
 
"Judging from all that precum that's running all over your cock and balls, I agree," Daedalus chuckled. He began to increase the pace, plunging a little deeper. He knew he shouldn't go all the way, since he wasn't sure if Jasper had been engineered or modified for taking his size. Still, Jasper's occasional, rhythmic twitches tightened his hole so firmly around Daedalus's dick that he wasn't sure he'd be able to pull out without hurting him. Daedalus supposed he'd just have to push the pet over the edge.
 
Rhys's new pet looked focused enough that it was almost trancelike. "I know that look. You're blueballed, aren't you? Someone left Aphrodite wanting. Now that is just unacceptable," Daedalus said in mock outrage. "I'll just have to fix this for you." 
 
He slowed for a moment, shifting Jasper's position so he could properly concentrate on the pet's prostate. Daedalus looked down at Jasper's cock, fully erect and bouncing with every movement. "I beg of you, bless this mortal by sharing your seed with me."
 
Jasper had quickly been sinking down into that place of pure need and submission that Orion had called "subspace" in his training. He would have gone to great lengths to please Daedalus in that moment, but instead, Daedalus was working to please him. Jasper's hands found his own carefully-sculpted hair and buried themselves in it, trying to get a handle on the sensations inside of him. 
 
Daedalus was right on target. Jasper had no words left. A guttural cry, deep and throaty, issued from his throat as he lost control over his body, his spine arching back, his load shooting in little spurts that gathered on his frenulum and Daedalus's abdomen as his cock rubbed against it before slowly sliding down his shaft and balls, finally coating Daedalus's dick in his spend. 
 
The spasms inside Jasper quickly pulled Daedalus's cock deeper in. Daedalus would have been worried if it weren't for what it did to him. Watching Jasper cum as his own cock was sucked in and squeezed pushed him over the edge. Daedalus set his feet for balance as he felt it happening. He painted Jasper's guts with his thick Coin cum, his own breath coming in appreciative little pants.
 
Once both of them had caught their breath, Daedalus used one finger to wipe some of the cum off of his apron. "Is this the ambrosia I've heard so much about?" Daedalus asked before licking it off of his finger. "It certainly is divine."
 
Oxytocin. Jasper had been searching his addled brains for the word for the last minute or so. He began to see the Golden Lattice Ceremony in a different light. It was about social bonding...but bonds sealed with cum had a very real impact on the brain. His orgasm, the first of the night, had flooded his system with oxytocin, making him feel close to Daedalus. Making him want to stay close, to be cradled in the large man's arms and...He wasn't sure what, after that. He let Daedalus take charge.
 
Daedalus kneeled and lowered Jasper onto the ground. "Try not to let too much run out. I enjoy the thought of you running around full of my cum." He slowly started to pull his softening cock free, though Jasper's hole did not want to let it go at first.
 
Jasper nodded, clenching his hole around the load, which was so deep in his guts that Jasper doubted he would be seeing it again for some time. Daedalus helped him clean up and dress.  Then, pulling out one of his tokens, the large man held it between two fingers, which he ran up Jasper's chest until he reached the leather band across it that held all the other tokens. Pushing it into an open slot beneath the belt, he bowed to Aphrodite before turning away and disappearing among the greenery. 
 
--- 
 
The party had no real need of security, and Nova could easily have kept an eye on the few concerns needing his attention with both eyes closed and one hand tied behind his back. Nova decided to use this unexpected time to try and get more to report back to Autolycus's other friends and would-be rescuers. Unable to stick close to Adrien without being incredibly conspicuous, Nova eventually decided to trail Rhys Fairmount and see what kind of Coin he was. Kaze would want to know. So far, Lycus's behaviours could have been the moves of a survivor playing a rich mark or the moves of a brainwashed pet, eager to please. Maybe he would find out which it was by following Adrien's "Owner". 
 
Fairmount had been on a search for Adrien since the start. He had only come close a few times — he was shockingly inept. After his even richer Coin friend slipped away, Fairmount had just been running around, socializing and playing host, occasionally asking a few guests if they'd seen Aphrodite. Nova listened in when he could, and it was pretty clear that a lot of people were straight-up lying to him. Still, Fairmount seemed content and unconcerned. He barely seemed to care that someone like Daedalus was out there stuffing his pet with an obscenely thick prick. Hell, he had invited the giant. It was like he didn't give a shit about his "Aphrodite" at all.
 
Nova kept careful watch, all the same, trying to get a read on Fairmount's character. So, he didn't seem concerned about where his pet was, but was that part of the game or was he a neglectful bastard? Was he abusive? Other than abducting and forcibly turning another human being into his plaything, that was. How dire was Autolycus's situation, and how long could they afford to wait before they might not get him back at all? 
 
---
 
Things seemed to be going swimmingly so far. Nobody seemed to know who Ares was, yet, or  at least, Rhys hadn't heard about it. Meanwhile, Rhys knew his Aphrodite was out there somewhere, likely giving out all the favours he could handle if what the guests were saying was true. This was Jasper's chance to really reach out and get comfortable with his new lifestyle and community. So far it seemed to be working! 
 
In Rhys's eyes, this was still training. A field test, as it were. There was more of a chance of things going wrong, but Jasper could just be himself and enjoy all the attention. He did not need to be careful of nausea from virtual reality or guests being cruel like that nasty Julian program. Rhys and Aristotle had chosen the guest list based on who would be most welcoming to a new pet, along with a few people that Rhys did not wish to offend. Aristotle had insisted that Rhys extend the invitation to one of the Sweetmeadows. 
 
From everything Rhys was hearing, Jasper was being charming and self-assured, playing the role of Aphrodite to the hilt. Rhys felt a little unease at not being able to watch his new pet directly, but he trusted his friends, and he trusted his security. If his pet was in any danger, they would let him know.
 
Rhys was walking through a lush vine-covered trellis when he started to hear voices. He could tell that Jasper was not among them, but that did not matter. There were still plenty of guests he did not get to speak with yet. He moved toward the voices, letting his hammer-cane tap the ground audibly with every stride.
 
He came upon Andromache and her pet Onyx sitting down next to a miniature pomegranate tree grove. Onyx, who had a doctorate degree in neuroscience and worked with Aristotle, but who was also an incredibly primal submissive, was giving her a shoulder rub. 
 
"Oh good, I was hoping to bump into you two," Rhys said. "How are you enjoying the party?"
 
---
 
Nova stationed himself unobtrusively beside a trellis near one of the ostentatious gen-engineered fruit tree displays, the vines covering his hiding spot. It wasn't unusual for security to do such things, so he planted his feet and crossed one hand over the other wrist in front of him, as though he were ready to spring into action whenever needed. 
 
He listened to every word, his eyes fixed on Fairmount's face. 
 
"Very well, thank you, Rhys. I was hoping to run into you, too. Everyone is talking about your sweet little Aphrodite. Tell me, is it true that you scooped him up from the slums like they say?"
 
"Yes, actually," Rhys answered. "We met at one of my concerts. He seemed to be there for some other reason, and so was not vying for my attention. That intrigued me." He shrugged. "Soon after he was fully committed to becoming my pet."
 
Nova almost scoffed. Now that was an understatement. 
 
"Such powers of persuasion!" said Andromache in mock surprise. "So tell me, what's slum boypussy like, Hephaestus?"
 
"It has been... a rather unique experience. Unlike most pets I have ever met, when you push Jasper to the edge, you should hear the mouth on him!" Rhys said enthusiastically.
 
Nova had to hide his frown. 'What an asshole. Is he riling Autolycus up just to punish him?'
 
Andromache gave a knowing laugh, raising an arm and running a hand through Onyx's hair. "They don't teach them that in those fancy pet training schools. He give you any trouble yet?"
 
"Nothing I could not handle," Rhys said, waving the thought away. "Though training has been very interesting. It is too bad that I have to fill him up to the gills with scopolamine for the VR to work with him."
 
Fists clenched, Nova had to take a deep breath not to come out of hiding and put his hands around Rhys's neck. Scopolamine could render a person delirious or unconscious, cause hallucinations...What the fuck was this Coin playing at? He barely registered what Andromache said next. 
 
"That bad, huh? I sometimes give Onyx a little when she has to fly. Poor creature's stomach just can't handle it," said Andromache sympathetically. 
 
Rhys shrugged. "I suppose that, being from the slums, he would not have had much exposure to VR gear." He grinned at Andromache. "But now he can get all that he needs and then some. VR really is useful for accelerating a pet's training and acceptance of their role."
 
There it was. Proof that they were fucking with Adrien's mind to make him behave this way. He was probably drugged and confused from intense virtual reality mind control sessions. Nova seethed, taking careful note of everything that was being said. His recording functions were disabled so long as he was in this building, but his memory would serve well enough, and he might be able to hack into the surveillance system to download the video streams.
 
Then, Rhys was off again, and Nova was following. Eventually, the Coin would say something he could use to help Autolycus. 
 
---
 
Jasper thrust into Damokles's ass as the self-styled poet Coin babbled little rhyming verses at him, clenching around Jasper's cock. After he had finished tonguing and sucking Damokles's balls, Damokles had offered his hole. The Coin wanted to make sure he finished Jasper off before they were caught by Hephaestus.
 
Jasper was enjoying himself and though Damokles was a bit loud, Jasper didn't feel like rushing things. Damokles's poetry was actually pretty funny with his flowery descriptions of "Aphrodite", and all that he wanted the god to do to him. It was charming, and the subject kept Jasper hard as a marble column.
 
Looking down at Damokles's beautifully sculpted face, Jasper noticed his eyes starting to flutter. Since it was obvious how much Damocles liked to get fucked in the ass, Jasper increased his tempo. He stopped talking and started to moan a little every time a thrust made his dick bounce off of his abdomen. The relative silence gave Jasper time alone with his thoughts. 
 
"Aphrodite" had surprised himself that night — he had found the energy to keep up his performance for a few hours now, granting favours to easily a dozen guests or more. Not every favour was a cock in his hole, of course, because that would have left him raw, especially given the average size of the guests, but everyone seemed appreciative of what he did with them. 
 
He had given massages, stroked people off, fucked and been fucked, sucked and sucked off others, kissed tenderly, made out fiercely, been spanked, been worked over with a riding crop, cuddled, been used as a footrest for a time (until they heard Hephaestus on the prowl), served drinks and snacks on his body, and many other acts. He could barely sort out what he had done with who, at this point, with a few notable distinctions. 
 
He had run into Daedalus again and got a second token from him. This time, he had taken Daedalus's oversized cock in his mouth to the best of his ability. The big burly Coin was warm and sweet, in both personality and in the qualities of his pre-cum. Jasper found himself blushing at the thought of him and realized that he might be developing a little crush. 
 
Briseis, leather-encased goddess that she was, had worked over his ass and back with her riding crop and hands. The impacts had left no marks, but they had stung and sensitized his skin while she was doing it. Violet, Briseis's shy pet, had made out with him, seeming to enjoy the vicarious thrill of feeling Jasper shudder under the impacts while his tongue was in her mouth. Then, Briseis had pegged him with a very realistic-feeling strap-on that was connected to her implants and seemed to transmit sensations through a set of sensors. She was really into it. Jasper thought Briseis had slipped in an extra token when they had finished, but he didn't mind. It was all in good fun. 
 
And now, he was here, with Damokles. He could already see the Coin's purse tightening up. Damokles's eyes were fluttering. He cried out in a strained voice, "Gods, you're like Odysseus getting your spear through all of my rings!" 
 
Jasper was flattered that Damokles considered his shaft worthy of the title of spear, even if he was misremembering Odysseus's arrow. He could tell that Damokles really wanted him to take control, that there was something about the Coin that relished being dominated by someone who he probably considered beneath him. The poet was trying to slum it, even if he had come to this fancy party to do it. 
 
Well, that was just fine by Jasper. He gave a little growl in Damokles's ear and decided to play the thug. "Fuck Odysseus. The only spear you need concern yourself with is the one between my legs." He thrust a little harder to emphasize his point. "Your pretty words make me want to stuff your mouth, but this sweet ass of yours won't let me leave." 
 
Aphrodite had barely started talking when Damokles's eyes shot open wide, and his breath started to hitch. Jasper could see the Coin's defined abs tensing. White cum sprayed out of his bouncing cockhead in long ropes. He had coated the real, made-from-dead-trees paper notebook that he had brought along to write his thoughts down in his own spend.
 
"Good," Jasper said, gripping Damokles's hips. "Now you can really focus on my pleasure. You're not done until you receive Aphrodite's special favour."
 
Using his new handholds, Aphrodite used longer, harder thrusts to push himself deeper and deeper. Jasper could be the low-bred, dangerous thug that Damokles needed for now. Before Damokles completely regained his senses, Jasper continued, "You need this, don't you? Want to see how we do it where I'm from?"
 
The Coin's wavy, perfect blonde hair almost sparkled in the dim light as his head rolled slightly with each wet slap of semi-hard dick on cum-covered abdomen. "Yes... P-please, pretend I'm one of your slum whores!"
 
Jasper could feel himself getting close, which was good because they might get interrupted.  He decided that now would be better than never. Jasper put a hand on Damokles's chest, pinning him down. With the other hand, he hooked one of Damokles's legs. He lifted the leg to adjust the angle and started to pull himself all the way out and in with each stroke.
 
It didn't take long to push himself over the edge. Deciding to take a chance, he moved his hand from the Coin's chest to his throat, getting a firm hold without blocking his airway. "You're my cocksleeve now, golden boy." He barely got the words out before he had to stifle his own moans. It took everything he had to not collapse onto Damokles, who appeared to have melted into the dais where he lay. After a few breaths, he made sure that Damokles saw him snake his pouch of tokens, take one and slot it into its spot on his chest belt, and then toss the rest of the tokens over the side of the rooftop, clearing the safety nets. "Maybe they'll find your tokens down there. About time you paid the good people of New Argent City for all the fantasies you're having about them."
 
Damokles shuddered with humiliation and delight, and Jasper knew that he had done exactly right. High on the power given to him by the Coin's fantasies about what a lowborn thug he must be, Jasper cleaned his damp cock on Damokles' long golden tresses and left.
 
---
 
Leaning back over the edge of the building, knowing that there were safety nets below, Jasper arched his back and pressed his crotch into his partner's mouth. Paris, he thought the Coin's name was. He was an enthusiastic cocksucker and hadn't even asked for anything else. He had said something that Jasper didn't understand about being number two in a collection of some sort, and then knelt in front of him, pushing him back against the marble seat that hung right at the edge of the rooftop. 
 
Paris felt a warm sense of accomplishment as he dexterously ran his tongue over the cock in his mouth. 'Maybe if I take my time, Thamyris will catch us, and I can fuck him too. It'd be a sure-fire way to complete the set.'
 
If anything, his personal challenge seemed too easy. Paris considered if he should add a fourth target, if could figure out who Ares was. Leaning back, Paris pulled Jasper's cock out of his mouth, curled his hands around his wet shaft and began to pump. "Aphrodite, do you know who Ares is, by chance?"
 
Jasper shook his head. "No, he hasn't revealed himself to me. For all I know, I'm carrying their load right now," he said, thinking of Daedalus. 
 
Right at that moment, Jasper heard the thud of a heavy cane hitting the floor in (mock) anger. 
 
"Well, well. What do we have here?" Rhys said theatrically. With a sweep of his arm, Hephaestus tossed a ball of golden netting at the lovers. It sprang open and draped itself over both of them harmlessly. "I do believe I have caught someone taking advantage of my sweet Aphrodite's loving nature."
 
Paris grinned. "Oh great Hephaestus, please forgive your guest his transgression. Their beauty was too much for a mere mortal such as myself." He ducked down and crawled through Jasper's legs, out from under the golden net, and towards Rhys, stopping at his feet. "What can I do to atone for my failures?" Paris pointedly looked at Rhys's crotch and licked his lips.
 
Rhys rubbed his chin in thought. "That will depend on how courteously you've treated my Aphrodite." Rhys turned to Jasper. "Are you all right? Are you having fun so far?"
 
Extricating himself from the net, Jasper gave Rhys an easy grin. "I'm well, and I've been busy while you've been away, Hephaestus. Both the Greeks and the gods have showered me with offerings, and I have bestowed many favours."
 
"In that case," Hephaestus went on in an exaggerated imperious tone, "I demand an offering of wealth and an act of devotion in penance."
 
Still grinning, Paris pulled out a small flat box from his loose chiton and handed it to Rhys. "Here you are, great Hephaestus. Now, what deed can I do as penance?" he said hurriedly, already reaching for the hem of Rhys's skirt.
 
Jasper waited until Paris had given Rhys the gift he had brought along — a hideously ostentatious golden cock ring — and had begun to suck Rhys's cock. Then, as much as he wanted to stay by Rhys's side, he slipped away, as was his role as Aphrodite.  
 
---
 
As Calix moved around the rooftop, he tried to stay as quiet and as hidden as he could. He had quickly given up on trying to find Jasper directly. The pet had already proven himself to be too subtle to be easily caught. Instead, he had listened for Rhys's voice. Calix knew that once Hephaestus finally caught up to Aphrodite while he was with someone else, Aphrodite would have to leave while Hephaestus was distracted. 
 
After creeping around like he was blessed by Erebus for what felt like an eternity, his plan finally paid off. It looked like Rhys had caught his Aphrodite with Paris. As Jasper ran off, Paris immediately seduced Rhys. No surprises there. Calix smiled. This would give him even more time to meet up with Jasper. He would show Rhys that he was interested in mending bridges by really getting into the spirit of the Golden Lattice Ceremony and making sure he welcomed the new pet, regardless of his origins. Nobody would be able to say that Calix had snubbed Rhys after all these years.  
 
Jasper was wandering as though he hadn't a care in the world, so Calix took a moment to watch him before moving toward him. Thamyris had certainly found an attractive pet. Seeing his toned muscles moving gracefully in the moonlight, his skin shining with sweat from the night's escapades, Calix thought that Jasper was probably more attractive than most Coins he knew. Besides that, he had a playful eagerness to him. It was no wonder that the other guests seemed to gravitate towards him so quickly. That was good. For all his mistakes, Calix did like to see his old friend doing well, and the right companion would contribute to that. 
 
---
 
Jasper was pleasantly tired now, his muscles thrumming with the vigorous activities of the night. He hadn't seen every guest yet, but he thought that maybe Aphrodite's favours might need to be a little more modest for a while, to give his aching hole and dick a break. Even his neck was starting to feel a little sore. The strap of leather that held the tokens felt heavy against his body, and he found himself wanting to count how many there were. He wondered if any of them belonged to Ares. He thought he might like to try and discover who Ares was, before the end of the night. It seemed like it would be good fun to track them down. 
 
Letting his feet take him wherever they wanted, he found himself walking a familiar worn path — at least, familiar in the slums that the layout of this place imitated. He found himself walking toward the place where he and Seth had so often watched the sunset on the Argent River. It happened to correspond with the edge of the roof — a different edge from the one that he and Paris had just been dangling their bits over. 
 
Thinking of Seth, Jasper's heart ached, and he found himself looking down, trying to distinguish any of the features of the city below. Then, he found himself looking up again, imagining that he was still on the ground, the great floating islands of the Coins above him. He gave a little sigh, and crossed his arms, feeling cold now that he was out here at the edge, where the braziers could not fully heat. 
 
Suddenly, without really understanding how he knew, Jasper felt as though he was being watched. His hackles raised and he put his fists at his sides, tensing.  
 
---
 
It was almost too perfect. Jasper had his back to Calix, and he was standing right near the entrance to a secluded spot they could spend their time in. Calix crept closer, careful not to be seen by anyone around. Finally, he smoothly wrapped Jasper's arm and torso up with one arm, and put his other hand over Jasper's mouth, meaning to quickly pick him up and carry him out of sight.
 
Calix hadn't taken two steps before he felt something was wrong. Jasper was thrashing wildly. As Calix began to loosen his grip, sharp stabbing pain shot through his hand. With a pained hiss, he dropped Jasper and stepped back. Grasping his hand, Calix opened his mouth to ask what was happening —
 
---
 
When the unseen assailant grabbed him, Jasper's body went into survival mode. Whoever they were, they were huge and strong and his brain thought they meant to kill him. Biting and squirming, Jasper managed to get his limbs free. He had one chance. Opening the distance, his heart beating in his ears, Jasper pivoted his foot and threw his hips, his arm arcing into a hook punch. 
 
For a second, he stared in wild-eyed shock at the guest that he had just punched in the mouth. Then his hand bloomed with fire and he let out a cry of shock and pain. 
 
'Calix,' his brain helpfully supplied. 'His name is Calix.' 
 
---
 
Thamyris's head whipped around at the pained cry. 'Jasper?' Without a word, he gently shoved Paris backward and sprinted to where the sound had come from.
 
When he rounded the corner, Rhys saw Jasper grasping his hand in pain, and a surprised Calix recovering from a stumble. Rhys shot forward between the two, and straight-armed Calix back and away from his pet. He then turned to be at Jasper's side, gently placing a hand on his shoulder, and the other under his pained hand, gently grasping his pet's wrist. "Are you all right?"
 
"What the fuck?! You punched me! Rhys, he—" 
 
Thamyris quickly raised a warning hand out toward Calix, silencing him for the moment. Then, he turned his gaze back to Jasper. 
 
Jasper was flushed, sweat on his brow from the pain. "He– I-I think I broke my hand...He–I didn't know he was behind me!"
 
"Your mongrel slum pet can't control himself," said Calix, rubbing at the edge of his split lip and the reddened flesh around it.
 
Rhys had already started notifying security to bring a medkit, but froze when he heard Calix insult Jasper. He had to force himself to ignore Calix and redirected his attention back to Jasper's care. Calix was a Coin. He was literally made of sterner stuff. He would be fine in an hour. "There's already someone on the way with medical supplies," Rhys said softly and reassuringly. "Try not to worry. Can you tell me where it hurts?"
 
Jasper winced as Rhys examined his hand, not really able to focus on Calix through the pain. There was a grating feeling in the fingers and knuckles that radiated up into his arm. "It's hard to p-pinpoint."
 
Rhys nodded sympathetically to Jasper, then turned to look around for someone coming with the medkit. He took the opportunity to give Calix a condescending smile. "A massive man, a stranger, sneaks up on a new pet that you know is from difficult circumstances and you don't expect any retaliation? What's wrong with you?"
 
"If I wasn't a Coin, your 'pet' would have broken my jaw," complained Calix, clearly annoyed at how dismissive Rhys was being. But Rhys had already turned away, as one of the security guards arrived with the kit. 
 
---
 
Nova, worried about Adrien, arrived with the expensive medical kit that Fairmount had requested. It had to be kept chilled and it cost more than Nova made in a month. The sole contents were some disinfectant wipes, an injector, and a vial of thick gel to insert into the injector. The gel was a medium that contained nanites, which could be used to repair a small injury. Given the cost, only Coins could really afford to keep them on-hand, but even then, they weren't the sort of thing you used if you skinned your knee or cut yourself shaving. 
 
He handed the kit to Fairmount, hoping to catch Adrien's eye, but he was too far gone with pain, not paying any attention to anything outside of the radius of his Owner's arms. Fairmount took the kit without comment.
 
Rhys opened the case and used the wipes to disinfect his hands, the vial, the injector, and a spot on the back of Jasper's hand. He slipped the vial into the injector and turned back to Jasper. "Hold still. This is going to sting, but only for a moment." Rhys gingerly placed the injector on the sanitized spot and pressed it down.
 
Jasper closed his eyes and winced at the pressure, but a sort of spreading, cool numbing sensation began to saturate his hand. He looked down, and could practically see his hand reversing course, the swelling already lessening.  
 
The vial drained, Rhys dropped it into the open case along with the disinfecting wipe. Without looking up, the Coin closed the case over and held it out to Nova. "Thank you. That will be all."
 
Nova wanted to protest, wanted to stay near Adrien, but he couldn't do so without arousing further suspicion. Instead, he nodded and carried the case away. 
 
Meanwhile, Calix was still looking at Rhys expectantly, arms crossed. When Rhys turned to look at him again, Calix's former friend gave a slightly exasperated sigh. 
 
Rhys stood and took a step towards the angry Coin. "You are right, Calix," Rhys said. "He might have broken your jaw if you were not a Coin. But it didn't break. You weren't noticeably injured, and since you can rest assured that we won't bother telling anyone else about this, your pride will heal in no time. If you’ll excuse me, I need to tend to someone who is actually hurt."
 
Rhys returned to sit beside his pet. He put an arm around Jasper, pulling him in closer to speak softly into his ear.
 
Calix gave a soft harrumph of annoyance at Rhys's dismissal, then left, walking off to try and find Orion or some other sympathetic ear. Try though they might, neither Rhys nor his new pet would chase him off. Rhys had opened this door, and Calix wouldn't be the one to slam it shut. Not this time. 
 
---
 
Most of the people at the party hadn't even noticed what had happened. Things continued on much as they had before, except that Hephaestus now kept Aphrodite at his side. The big reveal and accounting of the tokens would be happening soon. 
 
Calix tried not to be bitter about it. He recognized that on some level, Rhys had been right, but it was his handling of the situation that pissed Calix right off. Rhys had basically ignored him and made light of his concerns. Calix could have handled a fight, could have handled yelling it out and settling it. Instead, Rhys had been dismissive, as if Calix didn't matter to him at all. 
 
Orion listened to Calix sympathetically, Calix's cock disappearing down that well-practiced throat as he bobbed on it and nodded. 
 
"It was like I wasn't even worth arguing with!"
 
Orion paused and pulled off for a moment. "Well, it's a good thing that he cares so much about Jasper, right? That he was his first priority, that he wouldn't leave his side, shows he's taking better care than with Marin, doesn't it?"
 
Calix snorted, but, bull-headed though he was when his blood was up, inclined his head in begrudging agreement. "...maybe you're right..." 
 
Orion gave a sympathetic smile, then took Calix to the hilt again. "Mmm-hmm!"
 
"Say, who do you think Ares is? Think he got to Jasper before I ruined things?"
 
---
 
Jasper had grown chilled after he stopped exerting himself. He stayed at Rhys's side, partially hidden under Hephaestus's cloak. He looked up at Rhys, gently flexing his hand. It was still a little tender, but it seemed like whatever that stuff had been, it had done its job. "...Sorry...I didn't mean to punch him. I just...he grabbed me and I reacted."
 
"That's all right," Rhys answered. "Calix is a physically resilient person, if argumentative and temperamental. He will calm down in time." At least, Rhys hoped he would. Eager to make Jasper feel better, Rhys then tried to redirect the conversation a little. "I am surprised. With the size and sturdiness of a Coin like him, that your punch knocked him on his heels is pretty impressive." Rhys pulled Jasper in a bit closer. "I did not realize you knew how to throw such a good punch."
 
Jasper grinned faintly, feeling just a little proud. "Actually, I surprised myself tonight. I don't mean with Calix. It took me some time to get into the spirit of the ceremony — Orion helped. But then, I really enjoyed myself. You might have gotten more than you bargained for — I topped more Coins than you would think tonight."
 
Rhys’s eyebrows raised in a look of pleasant surprise. He had known Jasper was handing out favours like he was wine for the tasting, but he had no idea that Jasper was topping other Coins. No wonder Jasper was so exhausted. "Well," Rhys said, "In that case, I expect a full report later tonight. I want every juicy detail while I wash and take care of you tonight."
 
Those words gave the former thief a shiver of delight. The thought of Rhys washing him, caressing his tender muscles, and rubbing him down was comforting and arousing. "Yes, Rhys. I would like that very much."
 
Aristotle poked his head in from around one of the pergolas, clearly seeking them. "Such sweet darlings you are. You look like you've had a good night, Jasper. You're certainly the god of the hour — you've turned and raised a lot of heads tonight." 
 
Jasper smiled up at Aristotle, still snuggled into Rhys's costume cloak. "Thank you, Sir."
 
Aristotle seemed pleased at the honorific. "You're coming along so well in your lessons, too. Well, I hate to interrupt this lovely moment, but it is just about time for the big reveal. Shall I host the closing ceremonies, Rhys?" 
 
"Oh yes," Rhys answered quickly. "Please do. We are only missing a few people so this would be a good time to call everyone back for the reveal." He started to stand, guiding Jasper to his feet. "Come, Aphrodite. We should gather with the others."
 
Aristotle smiled, clasped his hands together, and led them toward the main area, where a short dais, just a foot and a half or so off the ground, had been raised. There were three seats. One was decorated with images from the forge — fire and anvils, tongs and hammers. Next to it was the one clearly meant for Aphrodite, illustrated with precious, beautiful objects — roses and seashells, cut gems and the like. The third chair, to the left of Aphrodite's, was made up like a chariot of war, with tall spears forming its backrest. The meaning was clear. Ares would sit there. 
 
They took their seats on the dais, with Aristotle standing in front of them, just off the platform, holding a present wrapped in gilt paper. This was the reward that Rhys and Jasper had chosen together for Ares. The guests were already looking on eagerly. Nerves fluttering slightly, Rhys still felt he had to ask. He leaned over and whispered in Jasper's ear. "So have you figured out who Ares is yet? I have no idea."
 
Jasper shook his head. "Nobody owned up to it. Just a lot of talk." 
 
Just then, Aristotle raised the gift to shoulder height and addressed the crowd. "My friends, it is time to reveal the secrets of what has passed between all of us and our dear Aphrodite tonight. Now we'll see whether Ares managed to claim Aphrodite's favour for themself, and just how many others Aphrodite has graced with a favour this fine night. I think we're all wondering who our Ares is — they've managed to be the very picture of discretion through their absence, quite unlike a god of war."
 
Aristotle half-turned toward Rhys and Jasper, gesturing a hand toward the pet. "Sweet Aphrodite, will you join me, please?"
 
Jasper gave Rhys's hand a squeeze and rose, walking to Aristotle's side as elegantly as he could manage. "Aphrodite greets you," he said, with a slightly awkward curtsy. 
 
"Isn't he just charming?" said Aristotle to the crowd. The assembled Coins and pets laughed and cooed. Then, Aristotle turned back to Jasper. "So, Aphrodite...I think we've all come to know you quite well this evening. Did you enjoy yourself?"
 
There were a few hoots and whistles, and Jasper blushed. He saw Merit and Chalcedony cheering from their seats. "I was here to grant my favours, but I received more than my share in return." 
 
Rhys was beaming. "You have made me very proud tonight, pet."
 
"These two," said Aristotle, rolling his eyes playfully. "Turning my vinegary heart back to wine! But we're not here for you to profess your love. We want to find out whether Hephaestus wears the cuckold horns. Don't we?"
 
The crowd cheered and clapped, and Aristotle, holding the gift under one arm, gestured toward Jasper's body. "Underneath those chest straps are all the tokens that you've exchanged with Aphrodite. If Ares has been with Aphrodite this night, then Hephaestus wears the horns. Ares will have the right to humiliate him however they choose and have won this hand-picked gift." 
 
Aristotle gestured to Rhys theatrically, bidding him to rise. Rhys got partially to his feet, brandishing his hammer, but then Aris threw up his hand. "Ah! Stop there, Hephaestus. Now, normally, I would call you up here, and you would rip those straps from Aphrodite, showing us all what a wanton creature he is. But, after hearing what this pet got up to tonight, I think that he deserves to proudly show us all his conquests instead. Don't you?"
 
"Clap if Aphrodite topped your ass tonight!" shouted Damokles from the front row. The crowd dissolved into laughter. A fair few people also clapped as directed, Merit most enthusiastically of all. 
 
"Jasper, if you would, please?" said Aristotle, gesturing toward the leather straps across his chest. 
 
Jasper nodded. He had lost track of everything that had happened tonight, so he was just as eager to see how many tokens he had managed to gather and whether Ares had been with him that night. He gripped the edge of the belts and tore them away, the tokens shining, firmly stuck in their slots. Out of the thirty-some slots, a little under half were filled. 
 
"Well, well, looks like Aphrodite bestowed a baker's dozen of favours," said Aristotle, holding up the other ends of the straps. "Now then, let's take a closer look and see..."
 
Jasper spotted it easily. It was in the first place he looked as he scanned through the tokens. It was on the right edge of the top-most belt, in one of the first slots: the shield and spear that represented Ares. He smiled, wondering who had placed the token there. Most people went center-mass and tried to stick their tokens between his pectorals first, before finding other empty slots to the sides. 
 
"Well! Would you look at that? Congratulations, Ares, whoever you are. Hephaestus, I'm so sorry!" Aristotle plucked the shield-and-spear coin from its slot and held it up for the crowd to see.
 
The guests chuckled. Rhys put his hands to his face in mock horror. "Aphrodite!" 
 
Aristotle turned to the crowd. "Ares, it is time to come claim your throne and bestow the cuckold horns upon Hephaestus, if you so choose. Your time in the shadows is at an end, my clever friend! You've kept us all guessing."
 
Almost immediately, Diogenes rose from his seat, looking very proud of himself. Jasper frowned. He didn't remember being with Diogenes. 
 
Diogenes made his way toward Ares’s throne. "Yes, dear friends, you see, my earlier minor frustrations were all an act. In reality..." The smirking Coin pulled a token from his satchel and flicked it to Aristotle, who caught it one-handed and looked at Diogenes in confusion. Diogenes then proceeded to lower his ass toward the seat...and then kept walking right past it. "It was major frustration because I couldn’t find the little minx anywhere." 
 
A chorus of laughs followed him back to his seat.
 
"Charming," said Aristotle flatly, then cleared his throat. "Ares, if you would please join us?"
 
"Well, I think I’ve kept you all waiting long enough," said a voice from Calix’s lap, toward the back of the small crowd. 
 
"I’m not all that into edging anyway," Orion continued. He looked up to the surprised Coin whose thighs he was warming. "That is, unless you are, dears. Then I’m all about it." Orion hopped nimbly to his feet and pulled out a token of his own, handing it off to Aristotle as he passed by. "I may not have asked for as salacious a favour as I might have, but I’m not worried." He smiled self-assuredly at Jasper. "I’m sure we’ll be good friends through the many orgasms to come." 
 
Orion plopped onto Ares’s throne and winked at the happy new couple.
 
For a good twenty seconds, there was stunned silence. Then, Calix let out a whoop and started clapping, and the rest of the crowd followed suit. Aristotle also got over his surprise and handed Orion the golden package and a pair of dark ram's horns. 
 
"Expertly done, Orion. We all know you bring that dedication to your many roles! Thank you for being our Ares tonight!" 
 
Jasper was reflecting on the kiss that he had shared with Orion. Orion had made it all feel so natural and right — Jasper had never suspected that he could be that calculating, but then again, with his skill at reading and pleasing people, maybe he shouldn't have been that surprised. Still, it didn't feel malicious or anything like that. Jasper didn't think Orion had a mean bone in his body. 
 
Orion, leaving the golden present still wrapped on his chair, rose up and gently deposited the ram's horns on Rhys's head, then climbed into his lap and gave him a kiss on the cheek, saying just loudly enough for Rhys and Jasper to hear. "Aww, horny little Hephaestus. I hope you had a good time, too." 
 
Rhys readjusted the horns and just smiled, a delicate pink blush that Jasper had never seen before colouring his cheeks. 
 
---
 
The party began to wind down quickly after that, which was as-designed by its hosts. The other Coins and pets seemed to love that Orion had been their Ares. Those who had not yet given their gifts as a forfeit during the game left them on a table near the entrance. People said their goodbyes, telling Rhys how charmed they were by his new pet, and what a lovely time they had had. Calix watched them go. He turned over what happened with Jasper in his mind again and again, as well as his conversation with Orion. He still wasn’t completely sure of how he felt about all this, but Calix couldn’t deny how good Rhys and Jasper looked together. How happy.
 
When the last of the other guests started to filter out, Calix sought out his old friend. Chalcedony and Merit were off helping Jasper out of his costume, and Aristotle was busying himself handing out the remaining gold tokens to the staff, keeping Jasper’s belts separate. Thamyris had taken a seat close to the edge of the roof and finally seemed to be alone.
 
The view of the city at night, framed by the ocean, was a calming sight for Rhys. With an empty glass of wine in his hand, he wondered just how much his life would change in the next year — in the next month even. His musings were interrupted by a firm, familiar voice: "Hey."
 
Calix leaned against the roof’s edge and stared solemnly at him. "I wanted to thank you for inviting me." He paused. "I talked it over with Orion and...you seem committed and attentive to Jasper. That's...not a bad thing."
 
Rhys was quiet for a moment. "...He’s the type to stand strong. It is something I like about him, but those traits need to be tempered compared to... what he is used to." He took a breath, and a pained expression crept onto his face. "I am sorry about your lip."
 
"Thank you. That's all I really wanted to hear back there," said Calix. "And...I found someone to kiss it better. You sure know how to throw a party. Or was that mostly Aristotle?"
 
"Oh, you know Aris," Rhys chuckled, "I had an idea, and then he worked with me to make it so much more." He motioned to the rest of the rooftop behind him. "I am glad you came. It means a lot to me."
 
Calix finally smiled at that. "I am pretty awesome." He paused again, debating, then made a decision. "I'll...tell Anthix you say hello?" 
 
Rhys perked up at that. "Yes, definitely. And — if you both think it is appropriate — please tell Marin that..." Rhys paused, looking conflicted. "Tell them I hope they are doing well."
 
---
 
Nova rolled a solid gold token between his thumb and forefinger as the silent, automated aerial cab brought him down toward New Argent City. He was uploading the pirated video surveillance footage from the party to a secure server. He wanted to be there when Seth saw it, but his first priority was to back it up before it was deleted. Meanwhile, he was composing a message to Julian. 'Julian. I don't know what you're doing, but I need to speak to you right now. Where are you?'

Please leave me a comment and let me know what you thought! 

 
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