It’s difficult to say how my feelings towards Narcissus changed. I don’t think I felt any differently towards him, even after we had slept together. To me, it just seemed a natural progression of the friendship that had formed between us.

“I love you,” Narcissus said to me, quietly, as I lay next to him, staring into the calm waters of the lake.

“Do you ever wonder how much attention the gods pay to us?” I asked, glancing back at him over my shoulder. “Do they have mirrors whereby they can look into this world at us? Or can they see everything that happens all the time?”

“Does it matter?”

I felt the lightest brush of lips against my shoulder and twisted round to look at Narcissus. Smiling, he wound a lock of my hair around his finger and looked deep into my eyes. “Stay with me?”

I wanted to draw back in alarm. This was the first time Narcissus had asked me this and it scared me. “I can’t. I have to stay with my sisters.”

“You wouldn’t have to stay away from them.” Narcissus kissed me. “You could go back to visit.”

I shook my head. “Hera will be angry.”

“Surely she could come and spend time with you here?”

“She’s jealous. She won’t like that I’m with you.”

Narcissus was quiet for several long moments, just looking at me. Finally, he spoke. “Do you love me?”

The question was a gentle one, but still filled me with a sense of panic. “I like being with you.”

“That wasn’t what I asked.”

I had no idea how to answer that. “I don’t know what you want me to say.”

“I want you to be honest with me.”

“I don’t know how I feel.”

Narcissus closed his eyes. “You’re lying.”

“I’m not!” I didn’t have to fake my indignant response. I told stories, yes, but I didn’t lie. Narcissus asked me for truth… and I had to give him that. “Do you need me to rush how I feel? I’m faithful to you. Isn’t that enough?”

Narcissus rolled onto his back, staring up at the sky. “No.”

I stood up, feeling cold inside. “I need to go.”

“Maybe that would be best.” Narcissus didn’t look at me.

Would things have been different if I’d stayed? If I’d realised that the heat I felt when I was with Narcissus could only have been love? It’s impossible to say what might have been, but I now wonder if I could have changed the whole course of our lives if I’d seen the love in my stories echoed in my own life.

But I didn’t stay. I walked away without a backward glance and it was only later, at night, that I realised the mistake I’d made. And then I sneaked out to go back to the lake… to talk to Narcissus.

But he had gone. And it was a long time before I saw him again, but the loss cut deep.

As it turned out, I didn’t get into trouble when I finally returned to the forest. I wish I could say that my storytelling abilities had grown so much, I managed to lie my way out of it. Unfortunately, it was simply that Hera was there and in a bad mood again. Since she’d been charmed by me before, I was put in front of her straight away. Like a plaything. No. I’m not bitter at all.

From then on, my time was divided between three different things: my duties in the forest; Hera; and Narcissus. It was easier than it sounds to balance those three commitments. There was no reason for Narcissus to enter the forest, after all, and my sister nymphs didn’t see a problem with me spending time with Hera. After all, she was the Queen of the gods. If she was unhappy, no one would be safe.

I’ll be honest here. Although many of my sisters took lovers, I never found myself interested in any mortal. I believe I had plenty to occupy my mind with in trying to ensure none of the people I cared about knew about each other. And, yes, Hera was included in the people I cared about list.

But it was a fairly long one.

The change was a gradual one. Narcissus and I grew up and although I knew he was handsome, I still treated him the same way. I don’t think I ever expected things to grow between us.

And then there was one day when I went to the river. I’d reached my majority and hadn’t been there in a while. It was an excuse for a festival, so I wasn’t able to get away for a couple of days. I just had to make sure not to drink as much wine as my sisters.

I was sitting by the river, thinking I really didn’t know what the point of celebrating reaching my majority was. It wasn’t like I looked that different from before. I pulled a face at my reflection and then tossed a stone into the water to get rid of it.

“I didn’t think you were coming.”

I didn’t bother looking up. It wasn’t like I didn’t know who it was. “There was a feast.”

“Did you have fish?” Narcissus sat down beside me.

“No. Just deer. I wouldn’t have been able to come today, but I didn’t drink as much wine as the others.”

“Will you come into the cave with me?”

I frowned. “I don’t want to dry out.”

“Not that far.”

“Why?” I asked, trying to comb my fingers through a knot in my hair.

“This is why.” Narcissus’ hands landed gently on my shoulders and he turned me towards him. I remember looking at his face and not even realising what he planned until his lips pressed against mine.

It’s been centuries and I still remember his kiss. It was cool and sweet; a direct contrast to the heat that followed.

“It’s not going to hurt you.”

Surprised, I looked up as Narcissus spoke. “I know that.” I knew I sounded defensive, but I didn’t want him to think that I’d never seen fire before. Or that I was scared.

Narcissus shrugged. “I just thought you hadn’t seen fire before.”

“We don’t eat our food raw.” I tried smiling at Narcissus, though, and he returned the smile. I then watched as he began skinning and cutting pieces of fish away.

“Have you ever eaten fish before?” Narcissus asked me.

“Only a few times. We nymphs tend to prefer the meat of deer.”

“I’m sure you have plenty to season your meat in the forest.”

“There’s just as much that’s poisonous there,” I answered. “If we’re not careful, we can become sick.”

“Still, you might not find this as tasty as the fare you’re used to.” Narcissus impaled the pieces of fish onto sticks and then placed them in the ground, close enough to begin cooking, but far enough away to ensure they didn’t burn.

After a little while, the smell of cooking fish filled my nostrils. I moved aside as smoke engulfed me, coughing into my sleeve.

I knew I would smell of smoke by the time I returned to my sisters. I was already trying to figure out what kind of story I would tell them when I finally returned. Perhaps I could claim to have lost my way. No one would believe it, but it was unlikely they would challenge me about it.

“Here.”

I blinked, pulling myself out of my thoughts as I realised that Narcissus was holding one of the sticks filled with fish pieces out to me. “Thank you.” I took it from him and raised it to my mouth, biting off some of the fish.

Despite the lack of seasoning, the fish didn’t taste that bad. I leaned back against the cave wall, looking over the water as I ate the fish.

“How long can you stay here for?” Narcissus asked me.

I shrugged. “For a little while longer. I’m sure I can come and visit in the next couple of days, though.”

Narcissus smiled at me. “I’d like that.”

I returned the smile. “It’ll be nice to leave the forest at times.”

Narcissus glanced at his mother and then at me. “It’ll be nice to have some more company.”

I wasn’t sure what to say to that, but just nodded and waited to see what to do with my stick, since I’d finished eating.

Narcissus dropped his own empty stick into the fire and I copied him. He then turned to his mother, gently coaxing her to eat. I watched the fire, not wanting to intrude on his time with his mother and feeling a bit awkward.

After a moment or two, I heard Narcissus sit next to me. I turned to face him. “I should return to the forest.”

“Will I see you tomorrow?”

I stood up. “I’m sure that will be possible.”

I moved back the way we’d come, until the taste of salt had gone from my lips. I thought about sitting on the ground, but decided that I didn’t want to risk sitting in something I shouldn’t. It’s not that I mind getting dirty; just that I didn’t want to sit in something that I didn’t know what it was. Instead, I leaned against the wall, wiping at my lips and wondering if I should quickly go and drink some water before coming back.

I didn’t actually have that long to wait. My eyes had adjusted enough to the dark that I could see Narcissus approaching. A woman was following him and even with my limited experience with other people, I could tell that there was something strange about her. She was pretty, but her eyes were empty and she seemed to see through me.

“Echo, this is my mother,” Narcissus said, smiling at me. He looked at his mother. “This is Echo. She’s a wood nymph and I just met her.”

I curtsied and smiled hesitantly at his mother. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“She doesn’t talk to people very much,” Narcissus said apologetically when she didn’t say anything.

“I suppose this cave is away from most people.”

Narcissus nodded. “You’re the first wood nymph I’ve seen.”

“We like to keep to ourselves.”

“Are you hungry?” Narcissus asked. “I caught some fish. There’s enough for you to eat some as well.”

I thought about that. “Could we eat outside, next to the lake?” My lips still felt a bit dry and I wasn’t used to it.

Narcissus nodded and then seemed to think of something. “You won’t get into trouble for being away for too long, will you?”

“We can still sit near the cave, but no one will come looking for me. And I’ll just tell them I was performing my duties if any of my sisters ask.”

“Would you like me to lead you out?”

“Are there any extra passages?”

Narcissus shook his head. “There’s just one long, winding passageway.”

“Then I can lead the way.” I began walking back through the passageway, trying to imagine what a fish might taste like. I’d seen them in streams, but my sisters tended to hunt animals in the forest for food.

I blinked a few times as I left the cave and the sunlight seemed a bit too bright. I turned away from it just as my eyes began watering, wiping at them as I sat down.

“Are you all right?” Narcissus asked as he led his mother outside.

“It’s just a bit bright.”

Narcissus settled his mother down on the ground and walked over to a pile of wood I hadn’t seen before. He rubbed a stone against one of the twigs and I jumped as a spark appeared and caught light.

I’d seen fire before, but it never ceased to startle me. I wasn’t scared of it, but I couldn’t help feeling nervous as the flames grew.

I followed Narcissus, carefully picking my way across the rocks and shooting many anxious glances towards the river. I had no doubt that, if I fell in, I would be snatched away, no matter how young I was.

Fortunately, we reached the cave without any mishap occurring. Narcissus looked back once at me before ducking inside.

There are many caves in a forest. I was no stranger to dark places. But the smell that wafted towards me from the entrance of this cave was different to what I smelled coming from inside a cave in the forest. There was a strangely bitter taste in the air and I poked my tongue out, wondering what it was.

“That’s the ocean you can taste in the air,” Narcissus explained, glancing back at me. “It’s saltwater and you can reach it going through this cave. My mother likes to be there. I think it makes her feel safer.”

“Why wouldn’t she feel safe?” I asked.

Narcissus shrugged. “I guess she’s worried my father might come and claim me.”

“Do you think he will?”

“He’s a god. He’ll do whatever he wants whenever he wants.”

I heard a slightly bitter note in Narcissus’ voice, but didn’t think it was my place to ask for more details. I wasn’t even sure why I was here with him – except that this boy piqued my curiosity.

Would I have felt the same about any boy I’d met, if I saw one for the first time? I would have been curious, of course, but I’d like to think there were deeper reasons for why I lost my heart to him in particular.

The cave was nearly too dark to see as I followed Narcissus inside. I was able to follow him simply because of the white clothes he wore. Unfortunately, the walls of the cave weren’t as distinct and I kept knocking my arms and shins on protruding bits of the cave.

“Give me your hand,” Narcissus directed, thrusting said body part behind him.

I was reluctant to do so, but couldn’t think of a reason why it was a bad idea. I put my hand in his and he gripped it with long, strong fingers. “Don’t you work?” I asked, noticing the obvious lack of calluses on his hand.

“I have no need to do so.”

I didn’t answer. The taste of salt in the air was growing stronger and my lips were beginning to dry out. I licked them, but that just caused cracks to grow. “I don’t think salt is very good for a forest nymph,” I said, pausing and tugging at my trapped hand.

Narcissus turned back to me. “She’s not usually so far in,” he said apologetically.

“Why don’t you go and find her? I could wait nearer to the entrance.”

Narcissus hesitated, glancing at me. “You won’t leave?”

“I chose to come with you,” I pointed out.

“I suppose that’s true.” Narcissus released my hand and within moments, he was gone.

There were two very important people in my life before everything turned bad. Hera was one of them – and the other was Narcissus.

I know the stories have been changed over the centuries, but really, what sort of person falls so madly in love with a person they’ve never even spoken to that they waste away after that person dies?

It wasn’t love at first sight. I met Narcissus two days after I met Hera; so I was still a child at the time. And I wasn’t really supposed to be at the river. Water gives life to the forest, but as a wood nymph, I was always warned away from large bodies of water. I think it was always because my sisters were worried that we’d be taken by the sprites and other creatures who lived by the water.

But I was never very good at following orders.

I chose a time when a new baby was being born to sneak away from my caretakers. I moved quietly through the forest, slipping between tree trunks as their branches brushed against my hair and skin. I knew that a few leaves had attached themselves to my hair, but I didn’t really care about it.

The river stretched just outside the forest. I couldn’t see where it ended, but I could see how the surface of the water sparkled in the sunlight. I sneaked a look to either side of me and then stepped over to the water, though I remembered enough to be careful. I wasn’t sure anyone would come if I needed to call for help.

But I was really thirsty.

I didn’t realise I wasn’t alone until after I’d crouched down to lower my cupped hands into the water and drink from them. I felt someone watching me and lifted my head, looking across the river.

He was standing on the other side of the bank and didn’t look that much older than me. He was tall and thin with that kind of gangly look that meant he still had a lot of growing to do. His white-blond hair swept down to his shoulders, tied back with a simple piece of rope.

“Haven’t you seen people before?” I asked, wondering why he was watching me.

“You’re not a river nymph.”

“I’m a forest nymph.” I gestured towards the forest behind me. “That’s my home.”

“You don’t look like a forest nymph.”

“What does a forest nymph look like?”

“They have twigs in their hair and wear dresses made out of leaves…”

I looked down at the robe I was wearing and then at him. “Of course not. Leaves wouldn’t be very comfortable. And how would you stitch them together?”

“What’s your name?” the boy asked.

“Echo.”

“I’m Narcissus.”

“Do you live here?” I asked.

“I live in a cave a short distance up the river.” Narcissus pointed in that direction. “My mother’s there now. Would you like to meet her?”

Sometimes I wonder why I said yes.

She didn’t look angry anymore, but rather tired instead. “I’m not Aphrodite, child, though I know you were being honest in what you said.”

“Then who are you?” I asked.

“My name is Hera.”

I didn’t know much about Hera then, only that she was the queen of the gods. I’d never met her or, indeed, any of the other gods before now. I lowered my head respectfully. “I’m honoured to meet you.”

“And you. What is your name?”

“I’m called Echo.”

Hera smiled at me. She’d been beautiful even when she was angry, but her smile made her look truly radiant. At that time, she could be kind just as often as she was cruel. “Where are your friends?”

“They’re hiding.” And I was being honest.

Hera laughed and the storm stopped, though water continued to drip from my eyelashes. I sneezed and Hera removed her cloak, wrapping it around my shoulders. I didn’t know then what I do now. A god never does anything without expecting something in return. Back then, though, all I knew was that I felt warm… and safe.

“Do you need to leave?” I asked, not sure how long I could have to spend with this woman who’d shown more of an interest in me than my own mother.

Hera shook her head. “My husband can wait. I am thirsty, though…”

One of the older nymphs, Ampelos, walked towards Hera, carrying a goblet of wine. She curtsied and passed the wine to the queen. “I offer my apologies for our lack of hospitality, my Lady. Would you like to join us in our feasting and dancing?”

Hera took the wine and sipped, though never took her eyes off me. “I believe I would like to speak to your sister. Tell me, Echo, what gifts do you have?”

“I like to tell stories,” I answered honestly.

Hera smiled. “Then tell me one,” she invited.

I hesitated. I was still young in telling stories and I didn’t believe I would be good enough to entertain a goddess. Besides, I knew all too well what happened to someone who displeased a god…

“There is no need for you to fear me,” Hera said, as if she could read my mind – and perhaps she could.

I had no idea how powerful the gods were.

Holding the goblet in one hand, Hera slid her arm around me and guided me over to a fallen tree log. She sat down and settled me next to her. “I won’t be displeased with any of the stories you tell me.”

“What if it’s a story you already know?” I asked in a small voice.

“There are very few stories that people don’t already know. The true skill lies in making a story engaging enough even if I have heard it before.”

I hesitated, but then opened my mouth. I was desperate to please Hera and so I began to sow the seeds of our friendship – through telling a simple story.

I should start at the beginning.

I was born in Greece. Not the Greece of today, overrun by tourists and all this new technology. No. I was born in what historians now call Ancient Greece. And the day of my birth wasn’t one of celebration. None of us ever had birthdays. There were too many of us for that – and, besides, we lived so long, none wanted to be reminded of our true age.

I remember bits and pieces of my childhood. My father was Pan, ruler of the forest. My mother was human. An Athenian princess. She went riding in the forest and my father was taken by her.

I never knew my mother. I was told that she was very beautiful. I don’t know if it saddened her to give me away. I don’t know if she ever thought of me after taking me to the forest and giving me to the nymphs there.

None of us knew our mothers, but many of us were half-sisters. There were also many foundlings among us; babies who had been abandoned in the woods, either as an offering to the gods or as a sacrifice. Or they were simply abandoned to die.

The other nymphs were my family. My father rarely came to visit. He was always more interested in pursuing his next conquest. I grew up with only the female nymphs around me for company. It was a long time before I saw a man – but not that long before I saw a woman. A goddess.

She came striding through the forest on a day that thunder rolled across the sky. We were hidden, of course, but it seemed as if her eyes could pierce through the shadows and trees to see each of our forms.

She was angry. Not the raging hot fury like that of a volcano, but an ice-cold rage that turned her gaze frosty. She was also very beautiful. More beautiful than any of my sister nymphs. When I saw her, I thought that Aphrodite herself had come to visit us.

And, because I was still a child, I spoke my thought out loud.

Immediately, all of my sisters hushed me. But my words stopped the cold woman where she stood. She turned and must have seen me peeking out at her, because she beckoned me closer.

I knew, even then, that no one disobeyed a summons from one of the gods. I approached and looked up at her, into eyes as blue as the ocean and at a proud face framed by a cloud of black hair. Remembering to be polite, I curtsied to her. “I didn’t mean to cause offence, my Lady.”

She smiled at me, but her smile was tinged with sadness. “You called me Aphrodite.”

I nodded, eager to please. “Yes, my Lady. You must be Aphrodite. You are too beautiful to be anyone else.”

She held a hand out to me and I drew nearer. “Sweet child,” she murmured.

Once upon a time… it was a dark and stormy night.

I used to be better at this. When I told my stories before, people would come from all over Greece to listen to me. But what am I now? A voice. Barely even that. I’m the echo that repeats what you say, but cannot speak my own mind. My body, if I ever had one, has long since rotted away.

I don’t know what’s the worst part about being trapped here. I’m safe from the violence that has ripped through this house, but on the other hand, I couldn’t warn them. All I could do was echo their screams.

I’m not supposed to be here. Everyone thinks that at some time or another, but in my case, it just so happens to be true. At one time, my kind would have been called immortal – but that isn’t true. Even the gods die. Have died. Will die.

What am I, then? I used to be a nymph. A forest nymph, specifically. But it’s been a long time since I ever saw a forest. A long time since I danced among the trees with my sisters. And a long time since I saw… him.

Everything around me now is dark. Black. I exist in the shadows, but I don’t know why I’ve been brought into this old house.

Old. I say it as if the word can be applied to a mere building. A hundred years can pass in the blink of an eye for me. But now, time has slowed. I have no ears, but I can still hear the steady drip, drip, drip. The dripping of water sounds the same as the dripping of blood.

I have no lips, but I can still speak. The words are not my own, of course. That is the curse that has been laid upon me. If my tongue worked, perhaps I would not be here now. I would still be in the forest with my sisters. Or perhaps my soul would have passed into the Underworld. Death makes all equal. Death frees all things.

Something silver glints in the dark, drawing all light towards it as a flame draws a moth towards itself. The hilt of the knife is gripped in a hand; a hand that belongs to the traitor. The betrayer.

I have no eyes, so how can I see his face? And yet, it is as if some magic has returned my senses to me. Am I to bear witness, then, to these murders that have been committed by the man I once loved from afar? Is that to be my final punishment? To see his soul twisted and scarred by hate?

“I know you’re here.”

The words, spoken in the silence, are deafening. If I had legs, I would flee this place… flee the blade he carries in his hand. I mournfully repeat the last of his words. But if I could speak, what would I say?

Narcissus.