During the Pythian festival, an Athenian named Hermochares saw Ctesylla dancing in front of the altar of Apollo and fell in love with her.
As soon as the festival was over, Alcidamas forgot his oath and was planning to give Ctesylla in marriage to another man.
Hermochares rushed to the temple of Artemis where Ctesylla was performing the customary sacrifices.
In accord with the goddess' will, Ctesylla fell in love with Hermochares at the first sight and ran off with him to Athens, where they got married.
During the funeral ceremony, a dove flew up from her death-bed, and the body of Ctesylla disappeared.