Aphrodite, despite her brother's warning, spent much time around James. She didn't care that James was related to a man her father killed. As long as James didn't find out, she knew she'd be alright.
   About a week after Apollo had warned her, Aphrodite had an encounter with James. He walked up to her and said hello. She greeted back. He seemed a bit nervous and Aphrodite asked if something was wrong.

   James responded, "Nothing's wrong. There's just something I would like to ask you, but I don't know exactly how to ask it."

   "In my experience, just coming out and saying exactly what you need to say works best," Aphrodite remarked.

   "Okay," James took a deep breath. "Aphrodite Destler, would you go out with me tonight?"

   "Yes! Aphrodite exclaimed. "I mean, sure that would be wonderful."

   They agreed that they would meet at the bottom of the staircase at seven that night.
   Aphrodite returned to the catacombs, excitement filling her being. Suddenly, she stopped and realized, "Apollo won't like this. If he knows that I'm going out with James, he'll never let me leave. James and I will be parted forever."

   "Where have you been?" Apollo asked with a raised eyebrow, when his twin sister returned to the main room.

   "I was with a friend," Aphrodite replied casually.

   "Really? Who?" Apollo interrogated.

   She had hoped he wouldn't ask that. Could she betray the man who was her own flesh and blood? Could she tell him a lie? Did she have any choice? After all, he did inherit their father's temper. She didn't want to provoke her brother's anger.

   "I was with Alice," she lied.

   Aphrodite had deliberately lied and disobeyed her brother. Was this really who she'd become? A lyer? She felt guilty, but at the same time, she felt that her brother hadn't the right to govern her. She was the older twin, after all.
   That night, she slipped out quietly, escaping her twin brother's notice. She made her way quickly through the many passageways and finally reached her destination. James was there waiting for her.

   "James, dear, it is so lovely to see you," Aphrodite greeted.

   "And you are certainly living up to your name," James complimented.

   "You flatter me. Well, we best be off."

   "Right, you are. Let's make haste."

   The couple spent about an hour at dinner, during which they engaged in lively conversation. James found out many interesting things about Aphrodite. For instance, the girl had a passion for playing piano. Her father had taught her some, but he was mostly focused on tutoring Apollo, who was even more talented than her. That's when she turned to ballet. However, she had never had proper lessons. She was good, yet sometimes wanting in skill. James had, in his past, taken ballet lessons and offered to teach Aphrodite, who immediately accepted.
   The pair enjoyed their dinner and after took a short stroll through the park. They returned to the opera house shortly after their walk, and said their goodbyes.

   "Aphrodite, I think this is the beginning of something very special," James said as he kissed the back of her hand.

   When Aphrodite returned to the main room, she was alarmed to see her brother sitting in a chair, his face buried in his hands. He mumbled something indistinguishable.

   "Apollo, are you quite alright?" Aphrodite asked with concern.

   "Where were you?" Apollo demanded. "I have been worried sick."

   "I was out with a friend."

   "Alice?"

   "Y-yes."

   "Lyer!"

   "What do you-"

   "I just finished talking with Alice. Aphrodite, I know you weren't with her earlier and I know you weren't with her just now. Who were you really with?"

   "Well..." Aphrodite trailed off.

   "Were you with him?" Apollo asked with disgust.

   "Who?"

   "Buquet. James Buquet. Were you with him?"

   Aphrodite sighed. "Yes, I was."

   "Curse you, you little lying Delilah! You deceived me!" Apollo exclaimed.

   "Apollo, I-"

   "I don't want to hear it! I gave you my guidance. I've tried to keep you safe and now, how you've repaid me! You've denied me and betrayed me," Apollo said with a tear in his eye.

   Aphrodite felt anger rise within her. "Well, what right do you have to tell me who I can and cannot be friends with? I would like to point out that I am older. I can make my own decisions. I don't need you," she cried.

   "You will curse the day you did not do all that I have asked of you," Apollo said with a twirl of his cape and disappeared down the hallway.