The Sun God’s Beloved

Kallydia, head priestess of the Temple of Philotia, is exploited by her mother—forced to seduce the Sun God Helios for gold coins. An enchanted incense leads to a night with him. She flees at dawn, leaving only a silver armband engraved with her name. Helios had grown fond of her—but after a misunderstanding, he believes she's just a social climber who toys with men. Enraged, he cuts all contact. Kallydia discovers she's pregnant. Alone, she guards the faint golden light in her womb through public humiliation and family oppression. The God of War and Goddess of Wisdom arrive, revealing the truth: the gentle maidservant they remember is the "bad woman" Helios spoke of. By the time Helios reaches her, Kallydia has been tortured bloody and cast into a pit of serpents. With her last breath, she begs the gods to protect her child.