Although the young Prince Zagreus had succeeded in reuniting the disparate houses of his family, there were a great deal more stories to be told of the denizens of the Underworld. Perhaps the greatest of all these tales is that of Nyx, the Night Mother.
The ever-living Goddess of Night stood in her remote corner of the east hall, tucked as always just beside the entrance to the Prince's bedchamber.
"Welcome back, my child. I trust it was another success? You seem in high spirits."
"It was! Even father was hardly a stumbling block this time. Before I went out this time, I unlocked the last bit of the Mirror of Night. It felt like you were right there with me, Nyx."
"I am glad to have aided you. But I remind you that the Mirror only helps to reveal more of who you are, Zagreus. It is not merely my influence; you have become a great god in your own right. Your desire to meet your birthmother has brought a level of change to this house that it has not seen since its inception. I am sure even greater feats lie within your fate."
Nyx placed her hand upon the Prince's shoulder, its warmth like a deep summer night against his skin.
"Ah, what's the occasion? Physical displays of affection are not typically in your vocabulary."
"As I said, it is a time of change. Perhaps I should show more affection to those closest to me."
"I would love that, Nyx."
The Prince went about his usual routine at the house, eventually descending again into his father's domain. With him gone, and after a respectful amount of time, Night Incarnate entered his bedroom. She had not looked into the Mirror of Night for quite some time, let alone drawn upon her special connection with it. The Goddess studied her attire, admiring the details she had chosen when last she altered it. The current arrangement had served her well for ages, but in light of her conversation with young Zagreus, Nyx wondered if it was time for something new.
It seemed fitting to select something which would please the Prince, though she was unsure why. Perhaps she was thinking of him because they had just spoken, perhaps it was because he had motivated her to the alteration. Communing with the Mirror, her thoughts of Zagreus guided the transformation of her garments. With every shift, her own intentions became clearer to her.
Nyx still wore a floor length dress of deep purple and shimmering black, but now it had a slit cut to the top of her left hip, revealing her bare feet and a golden bangle resting on her ankle. The rest of her accoutrement had been streamlined. Gone were her pauldrons and stole, and her collar had become a simple golden choker with a single gem of darkness hanging from it. She wore a belt of the concerned skulls which had once adorned her chest, highlighting her hips. The neckline of the dress was asymmetrical, wrapping around her with a golden trim in such a way as to expose more of her ample chest. The complex structure of her jet black hair had come undone, spilling into layers of different lengths. The Goddess of Night had taken on a form best suited to garner the Prince's attention. It was time for their relationship to change as well.
When next Zagreus returned from the world of the living, he did not find Nyx waiting outside his bedchambers, but rather within.
"Welcome home, Prince."
"Oh! Erm...hi, Nyx. I don't know that I've ever seen you in here before."
The godling had noticed the gorgeous outline of Mother Night before, but never seen it so fully as he did now. She sat upon his bed, her exposed leg crossed over the other, her hair flowing as if caught by a perpetual breeze.
"It's a nice outfit you've got on."
"Thank you. It seemed an excellent time to introduce some variety into my appearance. Would you care to sit next to me here?"
The Prince sat without saying a word, trying vainly to hide his surprise at the sudden changes in Nyx's appearance and demeanor. The Goddess delighted to feel his eyes run over her in new ways.
"Child, we spoke recently about companionship. You asked if ever I grow lonely at my post within the house. To speak plainly, I had never considered the possibility until you brought it before me."
Zagreus suddenly came back to his senses, alert at the mention of companionship.
"Yes, I remember. And you've since begun your...correspondence with Lord Ares. Is he, you know, is he treating you alright?"
"I have not come into your bedchambers to speak of Ares, although I have wondered about your attitude toward my relationship with him. At first, I thought you meant to protect me, and I could not fathom why that would be. I am an ancient and powerful being; I require protection from none. You understand this, yes?"
"...Of course."
"As I thought. Child..."
Nyx gently placed her hand on the back of the Prince's head, lightly stroking his hair.
"Do you desire my companionship?"
"I don't-...I think-...yes. I have tried to pretend otherwise, but I think of you always, Nyx. Especially since all this began, and we've grown closer."
"Since the moment you suggested that I need not be alone, my thoughts have often been of you as well. I have existed for a long, long time, but your presence in my life has filled it with excitement. You inspire me to take charge of my fate. I wish for us to grow closer. I wish for you to unleash me."
Beautiful Night drew the Prince into her, and his lips pressed fully against hers. They embraced one another, releasing decades of pent up tension between them. She caressed his muscular back and ran her fingers through his wild hair. His strong hands squeezed her thigh and pulled her tight to him.
