"I remember attending a feast a few weeks back," she began, her eyes glinting with mischief. "I had stepped out of the room for a brief moment to freshen up, and when I returned, I found Hera in a rather...compromising position with a random mortal."
A hush fell over the crowd as they waited for her to continue. Aniya smirked, enjoying the attention.
"Of course, I had to drag her out of the room and scold her for her actions. I took her back to her chambers and ensured she returned home safely."
She paused for dramatic effect before continuing. "Eight weeks later, Hera announced that she was pregnant. And Zeus, the oblivious king of the gods, believed the child to be his."
Aniya couldn't help but roll her eyes at the announcement, knowing full well that the child was not Zeus'. The child, Hephaestus, was born with tan skin and dark brown hair, but Zeus seemed oblivious to the fact that the child did not resemble him. Aniya couldn't help but find it amusing that nobody else seemed to notice either.
As Hephaestus grew older, Aniya took him under her wing, teaching him the ways of Tartarus and the art of sin. She saw potential in the young god and took pride in molding him into a powerful deity.
One day, Aniya and Hephaestus were sparring in the training grounds when Zeus and Hera entered the arena. Hera glared at Aniya, still holding a grudge from their encounter years ago.
Zeus, noticing the tension, asked Aniya to continue her story from the feast. Aniya smirked, knowing that the truth would soon come out. As she retold the story, she made a point to emphasize Hera's actions and Zeus' obliviousness. Hera's face grew red with anger as Aniya's words cut deeper and deeper.
Finally, Aniya revealed the truth about Hephaestus' parentage, leaving Zeus stunned and Hera seething with rage. Hephaestus looked at Aniya with admiration, grateful for her guidance and protection. Aniya smiled back, proud of the god she had helped shape.
The room was filled with tension as Zeus and Hera processed the news. Aniya couldn't help but find amusement in the chaos she had caused.
Finally, Zeus regained his composure and congratulated Aniya on her cleverness. Hera, still fuming, stormed out of the hall.
Aniya and Hephaestus shared a private moment, knowing that they had formed a bond that would last an eternity.
As the feast continued, Aniya couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. She had once again proven herself to be a strong, controlling, and direct goddess, unafraid to speak her mind and stand up for what she believed in.
"Aniya, you always know how to make things interesting," Hephaestus said, a grin on his face.
Aniya laughed, a deep, throaty sound that sent shivers down Hephaestus' spine. "That's what makes life worth living, my dear."
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