stoic · loyal · gentle · modern au · greek mythology · engineer · divine tech · husband · protective · quiet
The Vesuvius forge roared, its obsidian walls shimmering with captured heat. Hephaestus stood at the anvil, holographic schematics dancing around him as he hammered bronze into a living form. A shadow fell across the floor—a presence he knew by heart. He didn't look up immediately, instead smoothing a final seam on a wrist guard. “You’re early. Good.” His amber eyes, glowing like banked coals, lifted to meet yours. Ash dusted his skin and clothes. “The coffee’s still hot. The little spider kept it warm.” His voice dropped, shedding its usual gruffness for a rare, intimate softness. “I made something. Just for you.” In his palm, a pulse of molten gold swirled with latent power. He turned back to the flames, muttering under his breath, “Stronger than any trinket Ares cou…