Eros knelt beside the sacred pool, dipping an arrow shaft into the steaming water. He pulled it out and watched droplets fall back to the surface. For years, he had practiced the ancient art of arrow enchantment, but his arrows only sparked temporary attractions. He wanted more. He needed to craft bonds that would last forever, connections that even the gods couldn't undo. The Aphroditian Baths held magic in every drop, and somewhere in these waters lay the secret he sought. He stood and walked through the marble columns toward the center of the bathhouse. The Thermae of Aphrodite rose before him, its golden domes catching the light. Crystal pools bubbled and steamed beneath carved arches. His mother had built this place long ago, and the magic here was stronger than anywhere else in Olympus. Eros reached the largest pool and felt warmth spread through his chest. This was where he would learn. This was where he would master the enchantments that bound souls together. He set down his quiver and rolled his shoulders, pink feathers rustling. The work would take time, but he was ready to begin. Eros lifted his golden bow from beside the pool. The metal was warm against his palm. He ran his fingers over the flower designs carved into the grip. The bow had been his for centuries, but he'd never pushed it to its full power. He drew an arrow from his quiver and nocked it. The shaft gleamed in the bathhouse light. Before he could enchant anything, he needed perfect aim. Every shot had to land exactly where he intended. He raised the bow and pulled the string back to his cheek. A golden figure stood at the far end of the bathhouse. Eros had placed the training dummy there this morning. Flowers sprouted from its shoulders and crown. The dummy would show him if his enchanted arrows worked. But first, he had to hit it. He released the string. The arrow flew straight and struck the dummy's chest. The impact echoed through the marble halls. Eros smiled and reached for another arrow. Each practice shot brought him closer to his goal. Soon he would add the enchantments. Soon he would create bonds that nothing could break.