I had convinced myself that Aphrodite was the key to that feeling I craved so hard. But she wasn’t. Her love was temporary, and weak and false. Aphrodite didn’t want to make me better, or stronger. But Bella... A realization crashed into me, as clear as crystal. I would take the thrill of fighting the Hydra with Bella over a night in Aphrodite’s bed without hesitation. Bella made me better. She reveled in the moment, thrived on the adrenaline, gloried in victory. When she was strong, I was strong. And she wanted the people around her to have strength; she wasn’t cruel or greedy.
Ares finally realizes he loves Bella, not Aphrodite
