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Chapter 91 Chapter 93
“Gods and Goddesses! I demand that Psyche be taken back to the Underworld,” Aphrodite cried. “She is an imposter!”
Eros had been holding his breath as he watched his mother and Psyche. He had obeyed Athena, but had stayed close. With Psyche and his mother’s sudden return, Psyche wobbled and he rushed to catch her.
“This is not what mortals are meant to become!” Aphrodite said, desperately looking around the room. “Artemis! This is against nature! We must not allow it!”
Artemis looked at her brother.
Apollo looked at her.
“This mortal will help us,” Apollo said.
Artemis turned to Aphrodite.
“Let her become a goddess,” Artemis said.
“No!” Aphrodite said. “No!!”
Aphrodite frantically searched the faces of the other gods.
“Ares!” Aphrodite said, meeting his eyes. “She must not be allowed!”
She felt someone next to her and she found herself gazing up at Hephaestus.
“You have great power, my love,” Hephaestus said. “Do not waste it. Let this go.”
Aphrodite looked back at Ares. Should she surrender? Should she let this go?
Ares stood up and looked at Aphrodite, sorrowful.
The God of War knew when the battle was lost.
He hated losing. It was Aphrodite’s fault for rejecting his offer earlier. He had been so close. She had finally looked to him to help her, but it was too late. This could have been avoided. They could have beaten this mortal soundly. They could have worked together on a strategy. She had pushed the mortal into a vision without really understanding her opponent.
Aphrodite had come out of the vision frantic and weak.
There is nothing beautiful about weakness.
Ares nodded to Athena. She had won. He had tried to warn Aphrodite.
Such a pity.
He looked at his brother, already trying to comfort the desperate and clawing Aphrodite.
Hephestaeus could have her.
Ares needed to get back to his work. He gave a small bow to the council and then disappeared.
Aphrodite sagged and leaned absently against Hephaestus.
It was over.
“Are there any other objections?” Athena said.
Gods and goddesses looked at each other, somewhat surprised by everything that had transpired. No one could think of any more objections.
“Father?” Athena said. “I believe the council’s decision is clear.”
Zeus looked at his brothers. Hades nodded. Poseidon lifted his eyebrows and shrugged.
“Gods and Goddesses, Gathered Council,” Zeus said, still somewhat surprised himself. “I present to you, our newest goddess — Psyche, Goddess of the Soul.”
If I Had Words 
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