Beginning Of Multiverse Saga-Chapter 536: Care For Hestia

As Hera slept peacefully in his arms, Sharky quietly slipped out of bed. He activated the Divine Stone, feeling the familiar pulse of violet time-energy wrap around him.

In an instant, he vanished from Hera’s chamber, reappearing beside Echidna in another moment of time.

Echidna looked up as Sharky materialized, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Back so soon?" she teased, rising to her feet.

"Yes," Sharky nodded, as he came close to Echidna, and without hesitation he pushed her on the grass.

Echidna gasped in surprise as Sharky pushed her down onto the grass, her back arching as he followed her down. In an instant, their clothes vanished, leaving them bare and pressed against each other.

Sharky’s lips crashed against hers in a fierce, passionate kiss. Echidna responded eagerly, wrapping her legs around his waist and pulling him closer.

Their bodies melded together perfectly, as if they were made for each other. Sharky’s hardness pressed against Echidna’s core, sending shivers of anticipation through her.

"Sharky," she moaned against his mouth, her nails digging into his shoulders. "I need you inside me."

Sharky didn’t hesitate. He positioned himself at Echidna’s entrance and thrust forward, burying himself deep inside her. They both cried out in pleasure as he filled her completely.

Echidna’s legs tightened around him, urging him to move. Sharky obliged, setting a fast and furious pace. He pounded into her relentlessly, each thrust hitting her sweet spot and sending waves of ecstasy crashing over her.

Their lovemaking was intense and primal, a dance of passion and desire. The grass beneath them was soon stained with their sweat and the evidence of their arousal.

Echidna’s cries grew louder and more desperate as she felt her climax approaching. Sharky could feel her walls tightening around him, milking his own orgasm from him.

"Come with me," Echidna gasped, her eyes locked with his. "Fill me with your seed."

With a final thrust, Sharky buried himself deep inside Echidna as they both reached their peak.

As Sharky and Echidna lay entwined in each other’s arms, panting and trembling in the aftermath of their passion, the Divine Stone pulsed with newfound power. The violet aura surrounding it intensified, casting an ethereal glow over their sweat-slicked bodies.

Echidna reached out, plucking the stone from Sharky’s hand. She held it up, admiring the way it seemed to throb in time with her heartbeat.

"It’s grown stronger," she murmured, a hint of awe in her voice. "Our union has charged it with immense power."

Sharky propped himself up on his elbow, gazing down at Echidna with a satisfied smirk. "Yeah."

And then Sharky returned to Olympus once more.

---

After exiting the Hera’s chamber, he walked through a glowing corridor of white flame-painted pillars.

Sharky stepped into the chamber, his eyes widening as he took in the serene atmosphere. The soft golden fire cast a warm glow over everything, and the air felt thick with ancient power.

The walls were engraved with images of families gathering, homes being built, hearths keeping back the darkness.

His gaze was drawn to the low hearth at the center of the room, its eternal flames untouched by chaos. He could feel the purity and discipline radiating from it, a stark contrast to the tumultuous emotions he had experienced recently.

As he stood there, lost in thought, a gentle voice broke through his reverie. "Hello, how did you come here?"

He turned and saw Hestia standing before him, her amber eyes warm and welcoming. She was the embodiment of purity and serenity, her presence gentle yet deeply comforting.

Her beauty was unlike that of Aphrodite’s seductive charm, Athena’s fierce grace, or Hera’s regal majesty. Hestia’s beauty was quiet—pure, peaceful, and timeless.

Her long auburn hair was softly tied behind her, framing her calm face. Warm amber eyes glowed with kindness, carrying the feeling of a hearth’s gentle fire. She wore a simple white chiton, unadorned by jewelry, without weapons or ornamentation, and stood barefoot upon the sacred ring of flame.

In that moment, her presence felt like returning home after a long and unforgiving winter, warm, safe, and filled with quiet comfort.

Hestia asked again, "You... you are Hera’s companion, aren’t you? I saw her walking with you yesterday."

Sharky nodded, a gentle smile spreading across his face. "Yes, I am," he replied softly. "I’m Sharky."

Hestia’s blush deepened at his words, and she looked down shyly. "It’s nice to meet you, Sharky," she murmured. "I’m Hestia."

She hesitated for a moment before continuing, her voice barely above a whisper. "I’ve never seen Hera smile like that before. You make her happy."

Sharky’s heart swelled with affection at Hestia’s words. He reached out, gently taking her hand in his own. "Thank you," he said sincerely. "That means a lot to me."

Hestia’s fingers trembled slightly at his touch, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she gazed up at him with those warm amber eyes, a soft smile playing on her lips.

"I’m glad," she said quietly. "Hera deserves to be happy."

For a moment, they stood there in silence, hands clasped and eyes locked. The chamber seemed to hold its breath around them, the eternal flames burning steadily in the hearth.

Then Sharky gently asked, "Hestia, what is your duty in Olympus?"

Hestia closed her eyes for a moment before replying in a calm, soft voice. "My duty is to protect the hearth, the home, and the peace of Olympus. I maintain the sacred fire that keeps our realm stable, and I bless families, unity, hospitality, and the sanctity of home. While others wage wars or pursue glory, I ensure that Olympus remains whole."

She placed her hand lightly over the sacred flame and continued, "I do not fight, compete, or involve myself in politics or romance. My duty is to preserve eternal peace."

Then she looked at Sharky with gentle curiosity and asked, "But why have you come to my chamber?"

Instead of answering her question, Sharky stepped forward slowly, his movements calm and unhurried.

He spoke softly, "You carry the warmth of a home in your eyes. No wonder this room feels alive."

A faint blush spread across Hestia’s cheeks. She was not accustomed to compliments, nor to visitors entering her quiet sanctuary.

"No one ever says such things," she replied gently. "Most ignore the hearth. Yet without it... Olympus would not stand."

Sharky smiled and nodded. "Then you deserve more appreciation than any of them."

For a brief moment, Hestia felt her heart skip a beat. Her voice grew softer, touched with a hint of vulnerability. "I... feel at ease with you. That is unusual for me. I rarely allow anyone to come close."

Sharky gently placed his hand over hers. She did not pull away. Instead, she leaned slightly closer, her presence calm and comforting. Her warmth was unlike that of any other goddess, gentle, soothing, and pure.

She looked at him then, her warm amber eyes gazing deeply into his.

"You carry a burden," she said softly. "Your aura flickers. Something troubles you deeply."

Sharky turned his face slightly away. He remained silent. He did not speak of his pain, did not mention Astrid, and did not reveal his purpose.

Seeing this, Hestia gently said, "It’s alright. You don’t have to speak until you’re ready."

Her hand lifted and hovered near his cheek, offering quiet comfort without demanding words.

Suddenly, a crack of thunder echoed through the corridor outside.

The chamber doors burst open.

Ares stood at the entrance, fury blazing in his eyes.

"Ares."

"Hestia, I warned you. You are not to shelter strangers. You are not to trust anyone. You are my sister, you will obey—"

Before he could finish, Sharky stepped forward and positioned himself directly between Ares and Hestia.

There was no hesitation. In a cold, steady voice, Sharky said, "If you want to threaten someone, try threatening me."

Ares’ rage surged, yet for the first time, a faint trace of fear flickered in his eyes.

Behind Sharky, Hestia’s breath caught. No one had ever stood up for her before.

In a soft, astonished whisper, she said, "He... protected me..."

Ares snarled, his pride wounded, but he did not advance. Unable to face Sharky, he stepped back, turned away, and left the chamber in silent humiliation.

Hestia stared at Sharky, her eyes wide with disbelief and gratitude. "You... you stood up to Ares for me," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "No one has ever done that before."

Sharky turned to face her, his expression softening as he saw the tears glistening in her eyes. He gently wiped them away with his thumb, his touch tender and comforting.

"It’s alright," he murmured. "You don’t deserve to be treated that way. No one does."

Hestia leaned into his touch, savoring the warmth of his hand against her skin. She felt a surge of emotion welling up inside her - a mix of relief, gratitude, and something deeper that she couldn’t quite name.

"Thank you," she said quietly, her voice barely audible. "Thank you for protecting me."

Sharky smiled softly, his thumb brushing gently across her cheekbone. "You’re welcome," he replied. "And Hestia... I want you to know that you’re not alone anymore."

Hestia touched Sharky’s hand. Her voice trembled. "Thank you... You please... come sit with me by the hearth."

She guided him gently to the warm circle of flame. They sat close, too close, their knees touching, and hands brushing.

The fire reflected in her eyes like twin golden stars. "You make me feel... safe."

Sharky’s heart swelled at Hestia’s words, a warmth spreading through his chest that had nothing to do with the nearby fire. He looked into her golden eyes, seeing the sincerity and vulnerability reflected in their depths.

He reached out, gently taking her hand in his own. "I’m glad," he said softly. "Because you make me feel safe too."

Hestia’s fingers intertwined with his, her touch gentle and comforting. She leaned against him slightly, her head resting on his shoulder as they sat in silence, basking in the warmth of the hearth and each other’s presence.

The chamber seemed to hold its breath around them, the eternal flames burning steadily in the hearth. Sharky felt a sense of peace wash over him, a calmness he hadn’t experienced in a long time.

He knew that he couldn’t stay here forever - that there were still things he needed to do.