《GOD'S LIAR》


 PROLOUGUE

    The mortals had paid their respects to the gods since the fall of the Titans. They were paying and praying for their interventions. And when the worthy got noticed, the Gods were storming from the skies to show their signs of respect to them. And sometimes, some gods replied with a ceremonial connection between them and the mortals.


    But then, there came the chaos from a ceremony like this one. Chaos replied with an apple. Gods replied to the challenge and asked a mortal his opinion. But not a mere mortal. A prince. A foolish prince.


    Three goddesses showed him the apple and said that he had to choose which one. The prince asked what they had to offer.


    Fame, riches, the mind of a strategic warrior¡­


    A woman as beautiful as any other who was in a land far from his, in a kingdom stronger than his to the arms of a man whose brother wanted the prince¡¯s kingdom on his own.


    The prince once again, was foolish.


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    With divine intervention, the prince won the woman but with it a war stormed.


    After prayers, payments, and tears of thousands of sacrifices, the gods decided to intervene. And each one of them chose a side.


    Fighting among the mortals, chaos emerged in the lands, conflict of brothers and lovers, conflict of even the gods themselves.


    In the end, the war ended. The prince¡¯s city had fallen with a wooden horse in front of the walls. The chaos did not stop for years and years. The chaos was emerging from the fallen blood from the cries. The Chaos had come as it was too late to realize who it was.


    One God saw the goddess Eris laughing at the fallen kingdom as her hands were carving a golden apple.


    The god managed to trap her so she could get judged by Justice herself.


    In front of justice, Chaos was punished in Tartarus for all the years to come. But before her banishment, the goddess of Chaos asked Themis, the goddess of justice.


    I brought the first push of destruction. But who continued it? And who failed? Tell me all of you Olympians. Is your intervention so important to the mortals? Or for you?

 ONE

    LYSSANDRA


    I became a prophet so I could become a god.


    ¡®¡¯Oracle Lyssandra¡¯¡¯ Myrto whispered as I was bathing in my chamber. She always called me like that. Oracle Lyssandra. As if she did not know the truth. Or unlike the others, she tried to believe the lie.


    ¡®¡¯What is it?¡¯¡¯ I asked her with a drool as I was half asleep in the tub.


    There was her chirpy voice.¡®¡¯One of the farmers is coming to you for answers¡¯¡¯


    I looked at her.¡¯¡¯Did he see you?¡¯¡¯I asked, getting out of the water. Her olive face turned immediately dark red as she studied my body..¡¯¡¯No, Oracle Lyssandra,¡¯¡¯


    I rolled my eyes, took my white maiden''s clothing, and moved near my pillar for Myrto to fix my hair.


    ¡®¡¯What do we know about him?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯He has ten cows, healthy ones, faithful to Zeus¡¯¡¯ She explained in her chirpy voice with her hands caressing my dark curls. I kept nodding and turned on the table which had a bowl of daphne leaves. I took them slowly before swallowing them at once. Oracles are actually using them to have more contact with Apollo. I do it because it almost wakes me up.


    I shut my eyes before opening them wide with my left eye itching.


    ¡®¡¯The rest?¡¯¡¯I turned on her and noticed the glint of her hazel eyes.


    ¡®¡¯Rough father and husband Lyssandra. Three children one daughter¡¯¡¯


    I nodded.


    ¡®¡¯What about the cows?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®Five of them will be sacrificed for the next summer solstice. For Zeus.¡¯¡¯


    There was a rough headache approaching after I heard about the event. For the past years, the people of the village asked me to approach the ceremony of the summer solstice. Each year I agreed as I was showering the pyre with leaves and chattering for Demeter and Persephone and then I was sitting on a pillar far away from the rest of the men and slaves as they were drinking wine and I had to smile gently at them. But also the village¡¯s main believing god was Zeus. Everyone was paying ten times the price as they were sacrificing half their profit for him to make the year harvest more. And once again, I had to pray from my ¡®god¡¯ to interfere in their god¡¯s decisions.


    ¡®¡¯Who else does it know?¡¯¡¯ I asked her.


    There was a smile on her face. A slightly wicked one. Myrto was always the one to listen to things first from the others.


    ¡®¡¯None¡¯¡¯


    I smiled at her as she had now fixed my hair up. Standing up to her she looked so small unlike me.


    ¡®¡¯Alright.¡¯¡¯ I clapped my hands. Let¡¯s do it then.


    The temple looked like any other but far more old. Bright with columns and a statue of Apollo to remind us mortals who we were. And in the shadows was the room where I was telling the truth.  And one of the truths was that the all-so-bright statue of Apollo was stolen from a different temple. Five years ago this temple was also abandoned before I and the rest of my ¡®followers ¡® took it. A battle there was said it happened almost a century before when the followers of Zeus found a place in the village. Terrorizing other temples in the name of their god and now they had taken place in another temple on the other side of the village.


    We were far from any kingdom to a small village near Mychene but far from Delphi. It was just a small village far from anyone. Far from gods.


    ¡®¡¯I took the seat on my pillar as I found the bronze plate of water down on my table.


    I looked like I always did. Like an oracle should. Almost terrifying with a scar around my hooked nose and my bronze skin almost clean from every filth. Blessed from the gods. My curly raven hair well tamed behind my ears dressed with white ribbons.When I had to go out for the ceremonies I had a vale to cover my face as might others think of me as something monstrous with the wound on my face and the blind eye on my left. Then again, I had no reason for people to not be afraid of me. I was holding their fates in tact.


    Admantious one of my closest people was right behind the shadows of the fabrics. I did not have to look. I knew that he was. He was always there, looking for me.


    ¡®¡¯You look chirpy today¡¯¡¯He complimented . I didn¡¯t realize that I was still smiling and covered my face with one more fabric.


    ¡®¡¯Just learnt something good.¡¯¡¯ I winced.


    ¡®¡¯Really?¡¯¡¯He moved closer to me.¡¯¡¯Like your customer''s name?¡¯¡¯He whispered.


    No. No I did not but it was too late. Names are important in prophecies. Are strong. But at that moment the pathetic man was right in front of me.


    ¡®¡¯Oh, Oracle Lyssandra¡¯¡¯The old man who looked like a branch of an olive tree moved to my side and got on his knees.


    ¡®¡¯My name is¡¯¡¯


    I halted him¡¯¡¯I know very well who you are¡¯¡¯I lied between my teeth as smoke from all around appeared. Smoke which Myrto and Alexios were making thanks to burnt daphne leaves.


    ¡®¡¯With the gift of god Apollo tell me what you want me to see.¡¯¡¯


    He placed his hand on the floor and I could see his entire body. His flesh was soft almost as if he had never picked any work in his entire life. How could he be a farmer? Not without help. Myrto did not speak of slaves. So there would be only one reason.


    ¡®¡¯My cows will be sacrificed to the next solstice.¡¯¡¯He said shakily. ¡®¡¯I need to know the aspects of them. What will be Zeus¡¯ response¡¯¡¯


    None. Gods do not exist. Gods wouldn¡¯t care about someone like him or me.


    ¡®¡¯Five cows will be sacrificed¡¯¡¯I mouthed dry as I swallowed a daphne leaf and looked at my plate. I took down from my pillar a piece of weed and a coal and lit up a smoke.


    ¡®¡¯Four and one are being sacrificed each day¡¯¡¯I sighed oh so heavily.


    His eyes looked up to me with fear.


    ¡®¡¯I do not understand.¡¯¡¯ He shook with his beard, having drops of heavy sweat.


    ¡®¡¯If they will still be sacrificed¡¯¡¯I riddled again. No cattle shall be left for Zeus to gain.¡¯¡¯


    And I let my hands down with the smoke vanishing from the wind.


    The farmer stood up and looked me in the eyes. I replied with a calm gaze, the one that didn¡¯t make me look like I wanted him to punch him.


    ¡®¡¯Thank you¡¯¡¯He said and showed up from his pocket a sack of drachmas. He let out one more bow but instead of giving them to me the Oracle, he moved to the statue of Apollo. Most of the people there were close-minded to believe in what every superior would say. That is why I picked this place for first. But something was pinching me enough. He did not exist. I did. I knew what he was doing. I could just only glare at the statue as if he could actually see me.


    ¡®¡¯Thank you for your message Oracle¡¯¡¯He said and walked away.


    When the farmer was gone I leaned my back against the pillar and Adamantious got out exposing his charming harsh  face.¡¯¡¯Nice act, try next time to not sound angry.¡¯¡¯


    I rolled my eyes and stood up, tidying my clothes and I revealed myself from the veil to him.


    I lifted my head up to him with a gentle smile.¡®¡¯ What¡¯s next ?¡¯¡¯ Alexios got out from his hidden place while Myrto was staking out the fire.


    I stood up with Adamnatios on my side  and looked up at Alexios, Myrto Thais, and¡­¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Where is Leon?¡¯¡¯I asked.


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    ¡®¡¯Praying ¡®¡¯Thais frowned, letting her chestnut hair flow in her back.


    I nodded and looked at Admantious. His heavy dark brown made millions of answers and thoughts come to life


    ¡®¡¯I told you we shouldn¡¯t have him here.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯He is a kid¡¯¡¯I encouraged him.


    ¡®¡¯Ten is not kid¡¯¡¯


    I frowned and walked down.¡¯¡¯I am going to his room.¡¯¡¯


    Looking back I saw the rest once more and turned to Myrto. ¡®¡¯Go see if the farmer does anything after the warning.¡¯¡¯


    She nodded quickly with a smile and ran off, her dress moving like a daffodil flower.


    I moved back to one of the hidden rooms where we had our clothes, weapons, poisons, and most importantly, food. There seemed to be today¡¯s maza as  I could still smell the flourishing scent of it. Taking a better look it was around ten small carvels. I took two and moved towards Leon¡¯s room.


    As we were trying to find a place to make our scheme we went to Sparta and found a begging kid with the name Leon. He was praying to the gods to help him.


    Parents gone, siblings gone. I couldn¡¯t leave him alone. But he still kept praying when I told him the truth.


    You are an oracle? He asked me with eyes filled with hope.


    I smiled at him. Oh no. I am pretending.


    What? He cried.


    Yes, I have an entire plan for me and. I looked back at the others. We will be as rich as the kings. Powerful like the gods. Will you come with me?


    His room had carved statues of gods such as Ares and Athena. But one of them he seemed to make more frequently was Apollo. Probably because of the statue.


    He kept mumbling for someone to forgive us.


    I smiled back before I tapped his dark hair, messing with him.


    ¡®¡¯I brought you lunch¡¯¡¯ I tossed a carvel of bread to him and he let out one of the purest puts I had ever seen. He is not a kid, Adamantious said. But we were both not a decade far from him.


    ¡®¡¯Did you steal it?¡¯¡¯He asked shakily.


    ¡®¡¯No,  Adamantious went to take it¡¯¡¯I explained.


    ¡®¡¯With stolen money¡¯¡¯ His pale face blushed with shame.


    I cleared my throat and turned to his window to see the village that was a few minutes away from us. A memory of a bright fire came to my mind.


    ¡®¡¯You did not come today¡¯¡¯I said, sitting on his bed.


    He nodded as he was muffling the bread and I looked at the small statue.


    ¡®¡¯I was devoted to him¡¯¡¯I admitted with a grin. ¡®¡¯I wanted to be on Delphi.¡¯¡¯


    Leon opened his mouth wide. ¡®¡¯What happened?¡¯¡¯


    I looked at him trying to bury the pain away.


    ¡®¡¯He never answered. None did. ¡®¡¯ I stood up and moved to show him the statue.


    ¡®¡¯They do not respond with prayers, sacrifices with tears and screams. Not to us¡¯¡¯


    Leon sniffle.


    ¡®¡¯But I do. With a prize¡¯¡¯I corrected myself.¡¯¡¯But I do.¡¯¡¯


    He wiped off his tears and took one more bite.¡¯¡¯What if you upset the gods.¡¯¡¯


    I could say that the gods do not exist. I could say that they do not care about us because they are not real. But I could see every carved statue that he made.


    I let out a deep breath and replied with a childish tone.¡¯¡¯Well, I am doing them a favor, fewer jobs for them and more ways to celebrate on Olympus¡¯¡¯


    There was the bright smile of his again and kept eating, nodding a yes.


    I walked out of the room and saw Admantious looking at me strictly with his dark blue eyes.


    ¡®¡¯He will keep us down¡¯¡¯He explained.


    I arched my brow.¡¯¡¯Oh, I didn''t know that you can see visions too¡¯¡¯I flattered and let out a kiss on his rough cheek, making him look at me with a pleasured gaze.


    ¡®¡¯All I am saying¡¯¡¯He moved his arms up, giving up.


    ¡®¡¯We need people.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯We need close people¡¯¡¯He said after.¡¯¡¯What if we make you have followers?¡¯¡¯


    He suggested?¡¯¡¯To protect you¡¯¡¯


    I looked at him almost dense as I started walking ¡®¡¯Protect me from what?¡¯¡¯


    Adamantious looked at me with a sweet smile.¡¯¡¯King Perseus is coming¡¯¡¯


    Everything stopped. Time stopped and my lungs kept hushing.


    ¡®¡¯Adamantious¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Rumors are spread that he will come this night for a rest from his travels.¡¯¡¯


    I locked my gaze back to the statues as I found one single far from the others. Zeus.


    People were always whispering that Perseus was the son of his. Defeating monsters, saving damsels in distress, and then killing his grandfather by ¡®accident¡¯. Then becoming a king.


    A supposed son of the king of gods was coming to the village.


    ¡®¡¯What other rumors have you heard?¡¯¡¯


    There was a stiff look. Almost all concerned.¡®¡¯He will pray at his father¡¯s temple. And to his other son.¡¯¡¯


    My shoulders rose.


    ¡®¡¯You will meet him¡¯¡¯ There was almost a command of him. Raised to be a great warrior, ended up being a con artist with me. He had the physique, he had the strength. Sometimes I wondered if he regretted it. I never asked though.


    ¡®¡¯I am a follower of Apollo¡¯¡¯I said mockingly.


    ¡®¡¯But the king of Argos will come. People will tell him to come and see you.¡¯¡¯


    Will tell?


    ¡®¡¯You were on the market and you suggested it¡¯¡¯ I figured.


    He nodded slightly.¡¯¡¯It is an idea isn¡¯t it?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯And you didn¡¯t consult me y this¡¯¡¯


    He laughed bitterly before standing on his great height. Even if I was almost as tall as him he looked far more intimidating when he was taking a soldier¡¯s pace.¡¯¡¯Myrto can see what is happening in the shadows but not in the market. She cannot speak any Thais and certainly not Alexious because he cannot speak at all''¡¯He moved closer to me. ¡®¡¯And you-¡¯¡¯


    I arched my brow.¡¯¡¯I did not ask to come with you I ask for consulting.¡¯¡¯


    His hand tightened to a fist. He was cute for a brute.


    So keeping him close was important. I could feel my scar burning slowly from the pain.


    Sure taking the king of Argos'' favor seemed valuable. Protection, prophit. I looked up to the temple which had now grown spider webs and the roof was almost ready to shamble.  The columns still had scars of battles as for the temple of Zeus it was probably something bright and strong. Rich, and heavy on followers with people praying constantly.


    We didn¡¯t need just people to give us money. We needed followers.


    But what if it went against us? The favor or he would realize we were lying? That I was lying?


    ¡®¡¯Fine¡¯¡¯I sighed. and touched his hand and lifted up to kiss his knuckles. His eyes opened wide like storm clouds before he kissed me on the chick then on the lips, letting his harsh beard stroke my entire face. His lips were warm as he almost smelled like a heavy ocean aroma on his skin.


    There was a knock on a pillar.


    ¡®¡¯The oracle supposed to be pure¡¯¡¯Thais commented with Alexious nodding and smirking like an idiot.


    I sighed and pushed Andamantious away as


    ¡®¡¯Myrto returned¡¯¡¯ Thais informed with her arms crossed and a wince coming from her dark eyes.¡¯¡¯Saying that the farmer did not believe you¡¯¡¯


    Alexius jerked his hands and curled both his hands into two tight fists before bumping each other.


    ¡®¡¯Well, we were already planning to kill the cows¡¯¡¯I explained with a smile.


    Adamantious disagreed.¡¯¡¯Perseus is coming tonight.¡¯¡¯He informed me again.¡¯¡¯


    Right. A king would come tonight until he could see the farmer¡¯s cows being chopped for a sacrifice for his father¡¯. He would now probably give me his favor as coins and walk away.


    But the family would still be in pain. Because my ¡®prophecy¡¯ would be a lie.


    I looked up and saw Myrto hiding behind the pillars with tears in her face.


    My fingers touched my chin and then found my scar.


    Families in pain, conflict, kings, gods.


    I was no king or god. But I could bring justice.


    ¡®¡¯We kill them tonight¡¯¡¯I announced.


    Alexios smiled. Thais nodded. Adamantious growls.


    ¡®¡¯One cow¡¯¡¯I pointed my finger at him.¡¯¡¯Just one before the king arrives.¡¯¡¯ A smile curved my face.¡¯¡¯No more damage than a small live stock¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯What if-¡¯¡¯ He tried to interfere.


    ¡®¡¯Do not worry¡¯¡¯I patted my hands.¡¯¡¯We have destroyed things before¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Not with a time limit.¡¯¡¯


    That was true. Then again, I could not let it slide. Looking at them once more I could see the same look in their eyes when I first met them. Thirst, greed, anger. It was decided.

 TWO

    APOLLO


    I still dream of that day. The music was heavy on the air, echoing from the ground to Olympus and even to the Underworld itself. The chorus of the screams was the gentle touch of the song, bringing the world shaken on its knees.


    And there was this puny woman on her knees at my statue.


    ¡®¡¯I am sorry¡¯¡¯ She wept. ¡®¡¯I am sorry.¡­just please, come back.¡¯¡¯


    I never left the battlefield as much as I wanted to. But I could not save the outcome.


    ¡®¡¯Come with me¡¯¡¯I told her in a whisper. The redhead woman stood on her feet and followed my command as she walked towards the balcony. Fire and chaos had emerged even in the sky. Her voice was shaking like the music of the leaves of wind, as she could not even hold her fat tears. Why is she crying? It was her fault for disrespecting me. After everything I did for her.


    ¡®¡¯They will take you¡¯¡¯I explained to her with a grin on my face. ¡®¡¯They will take you and be forgotten. Or you can find other ways to repay your defiance.¡¯¡¯


    The woman gulped and finally turned on my side with her eyes now pulled out from her face. As if someone did it with so much force with blood dripping from her face. She then touched with her hands the pillars.


    I could listen to the steps of the soldiers approaching. Heavy with cheers of celebration.


    ¡®¡¯Final choice.¡¯¡¯I rasped to her with her face now supposed to be looking at me.


    ¡®¡¯I am mortal, I can escape my fate, one way¡¯¡¯She took a step back.¡¯¡¯Or another but you?¡¯¡¯


    My shoulders rose. How dare she defy me again?


    ¡®¡¯God of the sun, killer of mortals and children of other gods, the one who betrayed the ones who gave everything to you. How will you escape your fate?¡¯¡¯


    I gritted my teeth.¡¯¡¯Careful now.¡¯¡¯ I warned her.


    There was a grin coming from her lips.¡¯¡¯You won¡¯t escape what your future holds for you.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Liar-¡¯¡¯I said biting my tongue.


    And then, the woman started laughing. And laughing and laughing.


    The shadows of the soldiers became heavier as I could hear them screaming.


    ¡®¡¯Get her¡¯¡¯Agamemnon laughed.


    But it was too late as she took a final step as she fell.


    She was nothing more than a pulp to the ground, making her blood feist the ground. She was pathetic like the one before. She would be now forgotten like any other in that place. A story of centuries. And I would be¡­


    ***


    There was a sound of an arrow hitting close to my antlers.


    Artemis.


    I looked down from the summer tree that I was sleeping upon with my lyre only to see my sister and my so-called brother looking at me as if I was their next target.


    ¡®¡¯No,¡¯¡¯I said, turning my back on them.


    ¡®¡¯You do not know what we are going to say.¡¯¡¯Artemis probably pouted. I took a glimpse of both of them with their arrows. Artemis¡¯s silver moonlight one and Ares''s heavy bow as his arrows were made from dark steel.


    ¡®¡¯Go kill a bird or something.¡¯¡¯


    Ares shared a glance with Artemis. Almost hundreds of years passed after the banishment started and now every day they both decided to spar in their own free time. And other times they wanted me as a target.


    Someone moved on my side of the tree. Looking back I saw her silver antlers beaming in the sunlight with her moonlight skin almost shining like her arrow.


    Her purple eyes were looking wry enough as she touched my sunfire-wavy hair.


    ¡®¡¯I know that you want to go back;¡¯¡¯She said, combing my hair.¡¯¡¯But it is other two hundred years¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯We shouldn¡¯t be here in the forest without anyone¡¯¡¯I spat at her, trying to get away from her.


    There were four who chose to fight for the Trojans. And four that had to trap Eris in Tartarus


    The gods that supported the fallen shall be banished from Olympus for three hundred years.  Themis had stated. Three hundred years away from Olympus,three hundred years banished from divine intervention to mortals. Three hundred years without contact with the mortals.


    ¡®¡¯We are Gods, Olympians¡¯¡¯I said with anger.¡¯¡¯I have people to guide.¡¯¡¯


    Artemis arched her brow and touched a few locks of her raven hair.


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    ¡®¡¯What?¡¯¡¯I asked as I heard a loud hissing from behind.


    ¡®¡¯He misses someone¡¯s touch¡¯¡¯A giant dark snake hissed.


    I stepped back.¡¯¡¯It is not that¡¯¡¯I lied as I tried to explain to Ares.


    A dove flipped its wings to one of the branches with a golden necklace being wrapped around the pale white neck.


    I pouted. How could I not miss someone for one hundred years?


    Without any contact with mortals, other gods or nymphs.


    ¡®¡¯Do not tell me you all don¡¯t miss it too¡¯¡¯ I turned on my twin sister.


    She did not react.


    ¡®¡¯Fine, you do not miss it¡¯¡¯ I jumped down for all three of them looking at me.


    ¡®¡¯So what did you want me to do?¡¯¡¯I asked, crossing my hands behind my back.


    Artemis jumped as Ares followed, taking his crimson form back. Most of the time in Olympus he had his helmet on, hiding his charming face. Well, charming if it was considered a long thick beard and also long dark hair to cover his blue eyes.


    ¡®¡¯We thought about an archery competition¡¯¡¯ Artemis explained clipping her hooves.¡¯¡¯The one that loses will have to do what the other wants for the next fifty years.¡¯¡¯


    Well, that would be interesting. I took another look at both of them. After the war, Artemis seemed to be more close to her deer form than her previous form. That could make her fast but also louder form before. Her white deer feet seemed wilder with her ears flipping over and over with the wind.


    Then Ares¡¯ athletic form has been lowered than before. He even became thinner almost the last few years. His crimson skin even had now tints of blue.


    Everyone had an aftermath from the banishment. Even Aphrodite that now could not transform back as she stayed to her dove form.


    And I¡­I cannot play music like I did before.  I looked at my slight yellow fingers who were holding the lyre.


    When was the last time I played an actual music tone?


    ¡®¡¯Fine¡¯¡¯I sighed giving up. If we couldn¡¯t be Olympians for more than two hundred years then I should at least make them feel better on their behalf.


    Both of them set their positions. Artemis drew her bow with silver moonlight thread forming around it like an arrow. Ares drew his black arrow brutally.


    Maybe I was a goner.


    I took a step back and felt my body shifting to a roe deer and started running back to the forest, far from them.


    It had been a while since the last time I transformed. I could sense the wind differently as two arrows were after me. I could feel everything different. I could listen to Ares mocking Artemis, telling her that he would make her rub his feet when he won.


    I rolled my eyes as I found an open sight to take another form. Now with fingers moving on my side I flipped up looking higher and higher at the sky. The sun was burning on my wings like even if my own light wanted me to fall to the ground, die like a mortal. Maybe I could play music like I once could.


    The sound of a harsh arrow was approaching near me and I moved all so slightly to the opposite side of Ares¡¯ arrow so he wouldn''t hit me. Instead there was a gentle attack near my left wing. A peaceful, silent arrow for me to make me fall to the ground.


    And I closed my eyes as I was falling all so slowly while I could listen to Artemis laughing in celebration. Ares replied with a heavy grunt.


    I finally hit the heavy grass and I let myself rest until one of them could find me.


    But instead of my sister¡¯s familiar hooves, there was a sound of harsh human feet.


    ¡®¡¯Don¡¯t go any further¡¯¡¯A rough voice echoed to the one who was approaching.


    ¡®¡¯It will be a moment¡¯¡¯


    Her voice.


    There was a plucking sound like someone took a plant out of the entire root. Then more steps.


    I shifted now to a snake as she kept approaching. I looked up as I felt her chirping shadow covering me.


    I shut my eyes as I imagined she could even step on me or be frightened of my eyes.


    ¡®¡¯Oh¡¯¡¯She sighed all so gently as I could hear her getting on her knees.


    ¡®¡¯Hello little one,¡¯¡¯She gestured.


    Her voice.


    ¡®¡¯You seem to be asleep¡¯¡¯She sighed and stood up.


    Her voice. Oh her voice.


    I could feel her studying my golden skin and coils which were shimmering with the sun. I could listen to Artemis approaching fast. I wanted to move but I couldn¡¯t. Not with her gaze spying on me. But then I could feel the clouds becoming darker, covering the sun. And thunder breaking from the sky.


    But the woman did not seem to care.


    ¡®¡¯Wait, you are hurt¡¯¡¯ She said after and moved her hands close to my tail, trying to pluck Artemis'' arrow out.


    ¡®¡¯Ah¡¯¡¯She shouted.¡¯¡¯What is¡­¡¯¡¯


    I decided that it was now my time to move and I swarmed back to the trees.


    I waited for a few minutes until I could feel she was gone. I opened my eyes vividly and saw Artemis in front of me with a grin.


    ¡®¡¯Thank you for the easy win¡¯¡¯She said, pulling her arrow out of my tail. As soon as it stayed in her hands, the arrow with the golden blood vanished in the sunlight.


    My body shifted back to normal and my gaze turned on my arm which was almost healed.


    ¡®¡¯That¡¯s why I am here for¡¯¡¯I scoffed but my smile banished when I looked down to the forest.


    I got down to my feet and started to remember that woman¡¯s voice. Walking around trying to describe the melody of her shout, the echo of her harsh whisper. But her voice, oh her voice was something indescribable.


    ¡®¡¯What happened?¡¯¡¯Artemis asked me while still sitting on the tree.


    I let my yellow hand touch my face as I felt the only thing I could do was laugh.


    After a hundred years of listening to the same voices, now I could not describe someone else¡¯s sound.


    ¡®¡¯I think I am going insane.¡¯¡¯


    Kept looking around I saw that near a rotten tree, there was a hemlock growing heavily. And some of it had been pulled out.


    Which foolish mortal could possibly pick up a hemlock?

 THREE

    LYSSANADRA


    ¡®¡¯Atatatata¡¯¡¯I winced as Thais kept caressing my wounded hand with beeswax.


    ¡®¡¯For someone who created an entire con¡¯¡¯She said, pressuring her thumb on my wound.¡¯¡¯You sure are stupid.¡¯¡¯


    I could feel the pain from that strange arrow still burning my skin even with Thais still pressuring and pressuring the wax on the burnt wound.


    I just replied with a grin.


    Thais rolled her eyes and then put a piece of fabric around the wound, tight enough for it to not slip up. Then, she smacked my head with her finger.¡¯¡¯We need you whole for today¡¯¡¯She rasped.


    I nodded letting out a small whine and then returned to the valley that we were all in. Well, almost everyone as Adamantious had returned to the village to pick up food.


    There are so many herbs in the valley. Even as hot as the day was for summer, the valley had a chill breeze with plants and flowers blossoming that season. The perfect season for me to collect with my face now revealed to everyone as there was no one else to see me.


    I could not stop smiling as I kept taking the roots and leaves of each one with my sickle, thinking, imagining what I could do with each one of those roots and plants. Medicine, anesthesiacs, poisons¡­


    ¡®¡¯Really the high prophet of Apollo?¡¯¡¯Thais mocked with a grin.¡¯¡¯Picking flowers?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯It is research¡¯¡¯I corrected.¡¯¡¯To help us on our great cause ¡®¡¯


    Next to her was Myrto reading a paper to Alexios, a tale of the Trojan War.


    She cut her words and turned on me who was now picking a strange looking fungus. Another grin from me as I kept imagining what the side effects might be. For the plans to succeed potions and herbs, it needed to be a specialty of mine.


    ¡®¡¯Lyssandra?¡¯¡¯ Myrto asked scared.


    I turned back to reality as Thais was also looking at me as if she had seen an actual monster.


    ¡®¡¯Your family was from Troy wasn¡¯t it?¡¯¡¯


    I shrugged. I did not think of my old family often. I do not remember if I ever had siblings or even if I ever met my mother and father. But I do remember that I  had a grandmother who was talking about the kingdom of Troy like it was an ancient memory.¡¯¡¯I think so, that is what my grandmother used to say.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Has she ever told you how was it?¡¯¡¯ I could see from the look on her eyes she was curious.


    I took a deep breath.


    She was an infant when the war started. She was a kid when the city fell. But she was not in the city. She was inside a small boat with the rest of her family already far away.


    ¡®¡¯Why were they far away?¡¯¡¯Asked Thais with her finger picking the daisy petals.


    I lifted my arms.¡¯¡¯I do not know. But the only thing she told me was that she can remember music.¡¯¡¯


    Alexios moved his hand up questioning me.


    ¡®¡¯That was all she was saying¡¯¡¯My eyes looked down and then I grimaced, reminding of an old lady.


    ¡®¡¯Oh my dear Lyssa¡­the music, music that could make you sing and dance in chaos.¡¯¡¯


    There was a laugh coming from Alexios, a gasp from Myrto, and an eyes roll of Thais.¡¯¡¯Your grandmother was insane.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Yes, she was¡¯¡¯I replied and then there was the sound of four horses to our side.


    ¡®¡¯How do you think King Perseus looks like?¡¯¡¯ Thais asked, still picking the daisies.


    ¡®¡¯I heard ¡®¡¯Myrto laughed.¡¯¡¯That he is charming enough to destroy a beast with one single glance. ¡®¡¯There was one more giggle.¡¯¡¯And that he has Medusa¡¯s head.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Medusa?¡¯¡¯I asked.¡¯¡¯The beast of the legend?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I heard a story¡¯¡¯Thais said.¡¯¡¯That Medusa was not a beast at first but a gorgon cursed by Poseidon.¡¯¡¯


    I narrowed.¡¯¡¯But why would he move her head with him?¡¯¡¯I asked. ¡®¡¯Wouldn¡¯t be just a skeleton¡­¡¯¡¯


    As I was speaking, I noticed that all three of them looked at me with a dense look.


    ¡®¡¯What?¡¯¡¯


    Alexios moved his hands.


    ¡®¡¯You say that the Gods do not exist but you believe in Medusa?¡¯¡¯


    I took a deep breath. ¡®¡¯Beasts and monsters can be described in many different ways. The Lion of Nemea, an animal, was the strongest one of all and it was considered something like a monster or a beast. Chimera, cyclops too. Even gorgons.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯But,¡¯¡¯Thais tried to speak.


    ¡®¡¯Creatures that live since the beginning of time and watch us for prayers seem something only that kings would make for the mere humans to fear.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯What are you talking about?¡¯¡¯ Asked Alexios.


    I raised my finger up.¡¯¡¯Think of it. Every story you have heard when was someone mortal with no royal blood or ¡®golden blood¡¯ playing a big part on?¡¯¡¯


    Everyone did not say a thing and Thais kept pulling the flowers.


    And if someone like us were mentioned it was only as an example of defiance.


    We were not heroes of stories, I knew that for certain. All of us did.


    ¡®¡¯So what you think of Perseus?¡¯¡¯ Thais asked me with her strategic gaze.


    Adamantious probably told his sister first before me. Just like Myrto, she tried to find every secret someone was hiding. But unlike her, Thais were not so secretive.


    I moved closer to her while I put the rest of the herbs and mushrooms inside her basket with her petals.


    ¡®¡¯Like any other king. Now growing old, I want to make another battle of victory,¡¯¡¯ I replied.


    Thais laughed, exposing her small knife.¡¯¡¯He sounds fun. Maybe he will cause something interesting.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I heard that his next conquest will be towards Macedonia¡¯¡¯Myrto explained.¡¯¡¯Or that is what the people here say.¡¯¡¯


    And then, there was the sound of loud gallops coming near our side of the valley. Near the light, I found one horse with a rider who had been shadowed by the shimmering light. But his white horse had around a symbol as familiar as I could describe. A silver platter with the symbol of an eagle.


    Panic slightly grew but I did not have the time to show it as I turned to the rest.¡®¡¯Hide your things¡¯¡¯I whispered, covering my face with the veil.


    Myrto, Thais, and Alexios hid their thing in the baskets fast. I let out my flask and poured a speck of dust into the water as I was now trying to hide it slowly. I moved my sickle on my bag and for that instant moment, I regretted it. But it was too late.


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    Sixteen legs. Four horses. Four riders.


    The light was snow-covered by the pale white horses and there was a sneer of one of the riders.


    ¡®¡¯Prophet Lyssandra.¡¯¡¯said Dion, the arch-priest of the temple of Zeus.¡¯¡¯What brings you here this late hot hour?¡¯¡¯


    He got down from his pale horse and looked up to him. He was as much an arrogant idiot as much as he was charming. Probably looked far too royal to be a priest in a small village. White as snow, long hair in the shade of actual gold with a soft beard around his face, and light eyes that could almost search your soul. His clothing was finer than mine too. Richer with his fabric being pale as snow and with a golden belt around his waist. Then he had golden necklaces on each hand and ankles as well as a golden necklace with the shape of an eagle at the center of it. Well, almost everyone preferred to move to the temple of Zeus, rather than his son¡¯s. Every prayer, every wish, every vision came with a price, and it went to them. And the followers were plenty to be another small village. But not every day the priests were getting out of the temples with long silver swords on their side.


    ¡®¡¯Picking flowers for your¡­god?¡¯¡¯ He asked, taking a look at the grip of his covered sword.


    And yet he could even think he saw between my lies.


    I stood up and smiled at him with all of my strength. I looked up to the rest of the riders who were looking like idiots just like their supposed leader.


    ¡®¡¯Hello to you priest Dion, it is a pleasure to see you today. We were just taking our leave.¡¯¡¯And I tried to walk away but the man caught my hand fast, tight.


    ¡®¡¯Now dear Prophet¡¯¡¯He whispered close to my ear and I could smell the wine on his breath.


    ¡®¡¯There are some whispers that you will attend to King Perseus''s appearance tonight.¡¯¡¯


    Whispers¡­right.


    ¡®¡¯Do you desire to meet him?¡¯¡¯ He asked me almost gently.


    I pushed myself away from him as I kept clinging to the flask, making his eyes to look at it.¡¯¡¯Of course, he is a king and son of your God¡¯¡¯I replied with a grin.¡¯¡¯It would be an honor for me to see him. Actually any of us.¡¯¡¯


    There was a face of disappointment coming from him but his eyes moved up now.


    ¡®¡¯What do you have there?¡¯¡¯Dion asked.


    I tried to hide that flask behind my back but it was too late as he grabbed it from my hand. Looking around, I saw the rest of his followers surrounding mine with a sneaky look. Alexius stood up fast but one of the men pushed him back to the ground, almost drawing his sword out.


    ¡®¡¯What is it?¡¯¡¯Laughed Dion.¡¯¡¯Tea?¡¯¡¯


    He then gulped it slowly and after a few seconds¡­he began to choke.


    ¡®¡¯What¡­¡¯¡¯He tried to inhale¡¯¡¯Is¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Just pollen¡¯¡¯I replied by sticking my tongue out.¡¯¡¯My such childish reaction from someone as powerful as..¡¯¡¯


    I stopped talking as the man¡¯s height and weight fell on me with his hands now wrapped all around my neck.


    What¡­ What is he doing?


    ¡®¡¯You filthy peasant¡¯¡¯He said, coughing more and more.


    My throat began to close up, unable to breathe. I moved my gaze away and saw that the rest of his men had surrounded Thais and Myrto with their long swords, something that even Thais could not fight against as one of them was behind them by stepping slowly on Alexios¡¯ stomach.


    ¡®¡¯Leave-¡¯¡¯I tried to speak.


    After the war of Troy, people have gone mad, seeking for another war. The war had now started with priests, terrorizing the temples of different gods and it mostly happened to the temples of the gods that were supposed to not answer anymore such as Apollo, Ares, and even Aphrodite. None dared to touch the Artemis¡¯ temples and yet the conflict did not stop. Burning temples and people inside for their God so they can take the believers of their city or village on their side.


    Now the village with a temple of Zeus had a prophet of Apollo on the other side of the countryside, making people choose who to believe in. And the conflict here started five years ago. Now with the son of Zeus arriving it did not make it any easier.


    Dion now could see my face perfectly, as he was studying it with disgust.¡¯¡¯Monstrous¡¯¡¯He spat.


    ¡®¡¯You believe that your act will fool the king?¡¯¡¯


    I started kicking my feet, baring my hands on his with my eyes looking at the sack where I left my sickle. Foolish, stupid, stupid. I thought, still trying to get out of scratching his hands. Nothing. I was nothing against him. As if he suddenly managed to gain a hundred times the strength that he could have. His fingers were harshly against my sweaty flesh, pressuring the veins as if he could imagine the sound of them popping. My hands dragged the dirt off the grass, finally managing to hit it on his face.


    Dion let out a gasp as he pulled away with disgust. Fresh air filled my lungs before the coughing began and I tried to stand up.


    ¡®¡¯Filthy lying¡¯¡¯He tried to find the right words to say with his head seeming heavy and heavy.


    ¡®¡¯One¡¯¡¯I whispered.


    ¡®¡¯You will die, you know that correct?¡¯¡¯


    Of course, I do. Everyone dies.


    ¡®¡¯Two¡¯¡¯I said, taking a step back.


    ¡®¡¯You..¡¯¡¯His steps became messier. ¡®¡¯Will..¡¯¡¯ And messier with his saliva drooling down.


    ¡®¡¯Pay..¡¯¡¯And he fell with his head to the ground.


    I let out one more breath.¡¯¡¯Three.¡¯¡¯


    One of his men turned to me by pushing me fast.¡¯¡¯Filthy Anatolian¡¯¡¯ The man cursed.¡¯¡¯What did you do to him?¡¯


    Seemed that the valerian pollen worked perfectly.


    ¡®Nothing¡¯¡¯I shrugged.¡¯¡¯My God replied with a favor.¡¯¡¯


    His brow began twitching harshly on it as he now drew his sword on my side.


    Then, there was a heavy dark blade on his throat, making him flinch like a rabbit.


    ¡®¡¯Please¡¯¡¯Adamantious smiled.¡¯¡¯Leave my prophet alone. You all seem to have to make your priest ready for the king to arrive.¡¯¡¯


    Turning my gaze back, I saw that Thais and Myrto had managed to knock out the other two fast with Alexios sitting on both of them like they were a big boulder and he was smiling in history.


    The man backed away, letting his weapons down.  and he fled with Dion on his side and started riding his horse as the others managed to follow him. But I could see Dion opening his eyes vividly, staring at me with wrath. As if he had something planned for the future.


    But I had no interest in paying attention as I let out one more deep breath and turned on the rest.


    ¡®¡®Is everyone alright?¡¯¡¯I asked.


    Everyone nodded with Thais looking at her knife and Myrto trying to help Alexios to get up. But none spoke about Myrto¡¯s red mark on her face. there was a moment od


    Then I returned to Adamantious whose face was a deep red color. Furious with rage, he cut my wounded hand, pressuring his fingers to the wound. He didn¡¯t even try to seem concerned about it.¡¯¡¯I told you¡¯¡¯He raised his voice.¡¯¡¯To be careful.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I am fine¡¯¡¯I said, touching my neck as I could feel Dion¡¯s fingers.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Why are you like this?¡¯¡¯He asked.¡¯¡¯Causing trouble for everyone? With the king on the way.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯They started it,¡¯¡¯I pointed out.


    ¡®¡¯It doesn''t matter¡¯¡¯Adamantious voice became even louder.¡¯¡¯They have already the upper hand, you do not need to make it worse¡¯¡¯


    My heart sank as I looked back on Myrto who was now taking treatment by Thais and one of the chamomile wax I had.


    I hated that he was right. But what if I did not do anything? Almost every day they were doing worse things like this to us, trying to destroy the temple, and making rumors about me and the rest.


    Adamantious stayed silent before taking back his soft gaze. His hand rests on my shoulder.


    ¡®¡¯Are you hurt anywhere else?¡¯¡¯


    I shook my head and covered myself and my neck with the veil. I did not want to make him worse.


    ¡®¡¯Maybe¡¯¡¯He suggested. And for a certain reason when he was suggesting something it sounded like a command.¡¯¡¯We won¡¯t do the ¡®thing¡¯ today.¡¯¡¯


    I looked at him and narrowed my gaze.


    Then, Thais moved back, letting her hand rest on my other shoulder.¡¯¡¯No, we will do it.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯What?¡¯¡¯ He gasped.


    ¡®¡¯Well, our priestess has a prophecy to fulfill doesn¡¯t she?¡¯¡¯She grinned.


    Myrto and Alexios nodded. Adamantious remained silent.


    ¡®¡¯A king would need a prophet that can see the future.¡¯¡¯


    Her brother narrowed and faced me.


    I just smiled in victory.


    He slowly gave up and relaxed his posture and walked away.¡¯¡¯Do not be late.¡¯¡¯


    We were finally packing our things once more to our brackets but my hand touched my neck, feeling the swollen flesh. How weak I was at that moment. What would happen if he did not appear, what would happen if the tea did not work¡­


    Thais patted my head and moved to my side.


    ¡®¡¯My brother is a brute but he cares¡¯¡¯She said.¡¯¡¯And he is true that you were foolish today¡¯¡¯She made a long pause with the wind brushing her hair behind, exposing her face.


    ¡®¡¯I know¡¯¡¯I replied.


    ¡®¡¯But if we mere mortals won¡¯t do anything valuable''¡¯He looked at her small knife.¡¯¡¯We will be nothing more than examples won''t we?¡¯¡¯ There was one more smile from her. The one that was calling chaos.


    I copied her grin and laughed.

 FOUR

    APOLLO


    Ares crossed his arms as he faced the backgammon table with me on the opposite side.


    ¡®¡¯Any moment now¡¯¡¯I said impatiently as the sun was slowly getting down.


    There was a grunt.


    ¡®¡¯Persians¡¯¡¯He grunted once more.


    ¡®¡¯Yes, it is a Persian game, Hermes gave it to me fifty years ago¡¯¡¯I explained.


    ¡®¡¯And why did you decide to play with me now?¡¯¡¯He asked.


    I smiled wickedly.¡¯¡¯Just to see you lose. Now¡¯¡¯I showed once more the table which had all white stones at Ares¡¯ side and only two blacks at mine. Only two for me to take and I would win.


    But Ares replied by flipping the table upside down.


    ¡®¡¯Really?¡¯¡¯Artemis replied by the river next to us as Aphridte was flying close to her husband.¡¯¡¯The god of war failing at a simple game.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I do not like child games.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Oh, that was it then?¡¯¡¯I asked.¡¯¡¯Losing at a child game? And in the morning was also a child game?¡¯¡¯I asked, making him stand up on his feet. His hand spread open with his fingers wide as if he tried to reach something that wasn¡¯t there until shadows were cast for a black steel sword to come into his grip. It was almost the same height and width as him and he began grinning.


    I moved my hands up and laughed.¡¯¡¯Alright you win, how scary¡¯¡¯


    Flickering my fingers, a golden bow appeared on my hands, and stood in an archer position.


    Artemis snored.¡¯¡¯Make sure you won¡¯t ruin a mountain again.¡¯¡¯And she fell asleep near the river.


    Both me and Ares laughed as we were ready to fight. I drew my fingers around the bow with no strings as an arrow slowly appeared between me and it. Ares lifted his enormous sword up and.


    ¡®¡¯Hello¡¯¡¯Hermes clapped his hands as he appeared between us.


    We both stopped and looked at him confused. His silver skin was shimmering against the sunset, making Artemis wake up instantly.


    ¡®¡¯What are you doing here?¡¯¡¯She asked him with a spit.


    Hermes took out his bronze hat, showing his covered eyes.¡¯¡¯Oh, I am paying a simple visit¡¯¡¯He said with a cruel smile.¡¯¡¯Then again,¡¯¡¯


    He made a long pause as his silver body was now filled with countless eyes. ¡®¡¯I always could see my siblings¡¯ fate.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯That doesn¡¯t answer the question.¡¯¡¯Ares moved to him.


    Hermes'' short figure took a flip, flying now beyond Ares'' body.¡¯¡¯Now, that is true.¡¯¡¯The eyes disappeared and he turned on the white dove. He waved a hello and blew up a kiss, making Ares grit. Aphrodite flew back to Ares, resting on his shoulder and moving her head in his hair.


    Hermes frowned his mouth.¡¯¡¯How pathetic you all..¡¯¡¯


    My fingers slipped from the arrow as I had now aimed for his head. But he instantly caught it with his two fingers.


    ¡®¡¯Careful now,brother¡¯¡¯He smirked.


    I frowned as I could see Artemis aiming at him from one of the trees she was standing. And it seemed that he could see it too. The wind moved his dark short curls as his shoes were flying at a steady pace.


    ¡®¡¯I am just here¡¯¡¯He finally said, giving up.¡¯¡¯To send an invitation¡¯¡¯His fingers snapped, letting out a pamphlet from the thin air.


    The silver paper moved to our side as Artemis followed us and we could now read it.


    A hundred years passed and now Father wants us to...


    ¡®¡¯Celebrate?¡¯¡¯ Artemis asked dry.


    ¡®¡¯Not any god had managed to obey a manishement for that long¡¯¡¯Hermes laughed.


    ¡®¡¯Not every god managed to trap Eris to Tartrus before¡¯¡¯Ares reminded him. ¡®¡¯And if we did not obey¡¯¡¯


    Hermes flapped his hands.¡¯¡¯Yes, yes, she will break out, chaos will erupt from the earth, the world will end as we all know it, but now it is a celebration.¡¯¡¯He walked down.¡¯¡¯A night for you back home. Now, what do you say?¡¯¡¯


    We all shared a glare. I looked back to Hermes who was now resting in a tree. I haven¡¯t seen him for over a hundred years and he did not stop being an obnoxious pain. His dark hair was still short but he seemed to have grown a slight beard. And he seemed tired. Then again, he always loved messing with people.


    ¡®¡¯How pathetic¡¯¡¯ He said. I never thought he would be angry if he ever saw us again.


    A celebration. He said. I looked back to the pamphlet and I saw a silver eagle down to the letters. And a feather of a peacock.


    ¡®¡¯Mother wants to see us?¡¯¡¯Ares asked Hermes, almost afraid.


    ¡®¡¯Well, yes.¡¯¡¯Hermes nodded, revealing a silver coin. ¡®¡¯Now shall we or I return empty-handed.¡¯¡¯He made a long pause.¡¯¡¯Wait, I might join you to the banishment¡¯¡¯ His mouth widened.


    ¡®¡¯Fine¡¯¡¯Me , Artemis, and Ares synced as Aphrodite chirped.


    ¡®¡¯We will come¡¯¡¯ Artemis announced.


    Hermes laughed once more before his coin flipped from his hand.


    We were inside a room filled with paper and stolen things. I looked around to see any familiarity except the scent of crocus.


    Looking once again, I saw that the nearest library was Hermes, searching for something.


    ¡®¡¯Where are we?¡¯¡¯I asked.


    ¡®¡¯In my room¡¯¡¯He replied, turning his head on us.¡¯¡¯You are in no condition to look at the rest like¡¯¡¯He moved his hand in a circle pointing at us and then he gasped as his other hand found what he was looking out for.


    A colorful loaf of bread was shimmering like a new sun in front of us. The sweet scent made me feel as if I had forgotten all about it.


    ¡®¡¯Ambrosia¡¯¡¯Artemis sighed, taking a piece from it and swallowing it harshly. I looked down to her hooves which were slowly becoming more human. Ares took a part of it and broke it in two, giving the bigger piece to Aphrodite.


    As she ate it she fell down to the ground with feathers popping all over the room.


    Hermes weighed and tried to look away.


    ¡®¡¯Fi¡­¡¯¡¯ She tried to speak with her soothing voice. ¡®¡¯Finally¡¯¡¯She gasped. Her light foam hair was floating around like a cloud as she was trying to stand tall and her sapphire body was being undressed from the feathers. Then, her rose eyes opened wide with the first thing to look at was Ares. Her perky lips grew to a smile and looked at her body as I realized she was still wearing the armor from all long ago.


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    Ares¡¯ now red crimson form wrapped itself all around her as she was trying to hug him tight but instead, she stopped after realizing her hands were still wings.


    ¡®¡¯hey¡¯¡¯Ares barked at Hermes.


    ¡®¡¯You are still banished remember?¡¯¡¯ He said with a loud laugh and turned on me.


    I narrowed and looked at the ambrosia. I thought that I would never see it again. I took the smallest bite to taste it and Hermes now snatched it away from us, sticking his tongue out. A wave of energy pushed to my lungs, my bones, and skin.


    ¡®¡¯So?¡¯¡¯I asked Artemis.


    She let out a hum and turned on one side as she found a mirror.


    My antlers were gone as my hair was now lit like an actual sun. My ears were still fluffy as I touched the left side slightly and the other one moved on its own. I looked at them and saw that everyone was waiting for a reaction from me. I just smiled.


    ¡®¡¯Alright¡¯¡¯Hermes clapped his hands. ¡®¡¯Now get dressed properly we are late¡¯¡¯


    Olympus was just like any mortal kingdom But we were ruling and living in the skies. The stars are made from clouds with gold wrapped around them. The ceilings of each home are dressed in celestial dust with minor gods and nymphs traveling most of the time for business or¡­


    I found one dryad sneaking away from the main house at the top of the stairs.


    ¡®¡¯Well, something did not change¡¯¡¯I said, sniffing the air around, smelling cattle. The chicken. After that sheep. Looking next to me I saw smoke erupting from the sacrifices that people were making on my name. Probably the rest kept receiving sacrifices too as we could now smell them. At least Aphrodite did as Ares covered her nose from disgust at the scent.


    Then, the prayers just like letters were going to the god the prayers we were getting offered.


    ¡®¡¯So, who runs our part?¡¯¡¯Ares asked after a sneak attack by an owl.


    The silver owl moved in front of us who slowly took the form of a tall gray women''s dress in fine armor and heavy paper on her hands.


    I could not see her face under her helmet but I did not have to as Artemis hugged Athena tight, making the papers fall to the ground. Athena replied with a smile and one more hug.


    ¡®¡¯It¡¯s so good to see you¡¯¡¯Artemis She laughed and then her posture and face became stiff when she looked at Ares and Aphrodite.


    ¡®¡¯Aphrodite. Ares¡¯¡¯She said dry.


    ¡®¡¯Athena¡¯¡¯They said both in sync with a cold gaze.


    Athena replied with a hum and turned her entire neck back to my side.¡¯¡¯Apollo, brother ¡®¡¯Her mood shifted as Artemis moved finally away from her and now my tall, way-tall sister hugged me tighter than I expected from her.


    ¡®¡¯You ¡­¡¯¡¯I gasped.¡¯¡¯Will kill me¡¯¡¯


    Her hands patted my back. Actually, her hands slapped my back.


    ¡®¡¯Good,¡¯¡¯ she said, still smiling, backing away. ¡®¡¯But yes, I am being charge of your position;¡¯¡¯ She explained to Ares.¡¯¡¯Eros took Aphrodite¡¯s Seline took Artemis¡¯, and Helios for Apollo''s¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Helios that piece of-¡¯¡¯


    Artemis covered my mouth.¡¯¡¯He means to say thank you.¡¯¡¯


    Athena nodded.¡¯¡¯Yes, but unfortunately we cannot manage to reach your followers.¡¯¡¯


    What?


    Athena seemed ready to explain but Hermes made a gesture for us to move.


    After Artemis and I helped her take her paperwork back we all moved straight ahead as we also watched minor gods and nymphs whispering all around us, even laughing.Even with clear celestial fabric, even with Ambrosia, we still looked weak. We were still banished.


    ¡®¡¯In the first year we did not understand why the followers of yours did not make sacrifices for you anymore¡¯¡¯She said.¡¯¡¯Until we realized that we could not see it because they are not our followers. We cannot feel their sacrifices, we cannot listen we cannot reply.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You are telling us¡¯¡¯Ares broke out.¡¯¡¯That my followers, our priests¡­think that we forgot them?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Well,¡¯¡¯ Athena flexed her fingers as we could see the main door with eagle and feather peacocks in front of us.


    ¡®¡¯Yes?¡¯¡¯She said smiling.


    I raised my shoulders and smiled.¡¯¡¯It can¡¯t be that terrible.


    Athena seemed as if she was trying to say something but it was too late as Hermes knocked on the door and it immediately opened with a great tall woman with silver hair and iridescent green skin emerging from the bright room.


    She still looked the same as old and great with a sneaky laugh. Her dark horns were shining like two dark pearls and her green dress seemed rich with her hands being exposed, revealing scars from fighting and burning acid. And yet I could feel the need to bow to her to worship her to beg for her mercy. My legs were shaking just by being near her.


    At first, she looked at me and Artemis with a glare of disappointment but her attitude changed when she found Ares next to us.


    ¡®¡¯My son¡¯¡¯She almost cried.


    Ares moved slowly to her but she hugged him fast and tight.


    ¡®¡¯You look well¡¯¡¯She whispered in pain and turned on Aphrodite.¡¯¡¯And you¡­you gained a bit of weight haven¡¯t you¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯It is good to see you too, Mother¡¯¡¯APhridte replied with a smirk.


    Hera¡¯s brow twitched and turned on Hermes and Athena as she moved away to get access at her home.


    The feast and celebration were what I could imagine. A complete lie. Sure it had musicians, endless food, and dancers all over. It was in the main room where we almost had every celebration with celestial fabrics addressing it stardust falling from the open ceiling and flowers decorating the crystal columns. But that was every supposed celebration. Artemis sitting next to Hestia and Athena, Aphrodite sitting between Ares and Hephaestus I found Poseidon and Hades sitting closest to the two thrones and Demeter was closer to Hades while she was asking her daughter if everything was alright. But her daughter did not seem to reply. And she did not seem to dare look at her husband.


    And I was sitting between chattering Hermes and drunk Dionysus.


    My eyes looked up to Hera as next to her was sitting cheerful ¡®father¡¯ whose beard had grown like a giant storm. He was just the same as he always had been. Tall, wide with great horns, his left one had a giant scar until his forehead. None dared to look him in the eyes. But I did. And I knew I could feel that he would notice.


    Each celebration was the same. As if nothing had happened. But something happened. We were gone for a century, banished, we could not interfere with our followers wondered who was now even paying respect to me. What was happening in Delphi? My gaze returned to Artemis whose eyes had heavy sadness in them. She just shook her head as if she knew what I was thinking. We are powerless. I am powerless. And I could not listen. I could not listen to the music. I could see the muses playing, I could see their lips moving. But I could not listen. I had nothing.


    ¡®Father¡¯, lifted his cup up and everyone went silent. The dancers stopped singing and dancing. Everything was being held by him.


    ¡®¡¯To my children¡¯¡¯He saluted without even looking at us.¡¯¡¯For the center of your troubles, I am throwing you a night of freedom.¡¯¡¯After that everyone cheered as he swallowed his golden Nektar down his throat , watching some liquid falling to his beard.


    I wanted to speak, to say anything but all I could do was take a sip from the mortal wine as we were not allowed to drink nectar as punishment.


    For a slightly foolish moment, I started seeing the prayers, and the sacrifices again. I wondered if someone was actually calling me and telling me to show up. Praying that I would be an Olympian again.


    But it started going worse as ¡®father¡¯ said one more toast that even made Hera¡¯s face turn ten times more furious.


    ¡®¡¯And for my new son, Perseus who will ride a new conquest for me.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯What?¡¯¡¯ Both me and Ares shouted. My hands were on the table. Rage filled my entire being.


    Hera scratched her brow and turned on her husband irritated.¡¯¡¯I told you to not say a thing.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You broke the oath.¡¯¡¯I stood up.


    ¡®Father¡¯ shrugged As he also took a minor part of Troy¡¯s side, Themis judged him by giving him the punishment of no children from a mortal parent for the next three hundred years.


    ¡®¡¯The oath is nothing against me.¡¯¡¯I took a step closer as I could hear Artemis whispering how stupid I was.


    ¡®¡¯You are telling us we are over a century banished and you give us a supposed one night freedom¡¯¡¯I took a deep breath.¡¯¡¯And you could not at least be loyal for half of-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Enough¡¯¡¯ He barked with a storm moving on my side. I could not speak. I could not move. I could not exist. I could not look at him. I could not look at anyone.


    That is right. I forgot my place. Even as an Olympian, I could not rebel against him.


    ¡®¡¯Perseus has proven himself time and time for his short years. And I will celebrate him.¡¯¡¯


    I opened my mouth before just simply taking my bow and smiled.¡¯¡¯Of course.¡¯¡¯


    We all had to play part on the table. One of the family and ours was to obey. To be the part of the gods. Nothing changed. We all just had to celebrate our immortality and our power. That was the part.

 FIVE

    LYSSANDRA


    I was back to the temple as I finally got out of the veil and kept touching my neck. The rest had gone to their rooms but Adamantious moved next to me. His eyes looked down on my neck and he just started with a look filled with shame. His hand tried to reach slowly on my skin but I walked away.


    ¡®¡¯You know that you were in the wrong, correct?¡¯¡¯He asked.


    I stopped walking.


    ¡®¡¯Gods might not exist, but you cannot think that you have the power to change the course of power.¡¯¡¯ His tone was steady and clear like giving a lecture again.


    ¡®¡¯Deceiving is fine¡¯¡¯A step closer to me.¡¯¡¯Gaining profit from it, people admiring you is also good but¡­¡¯¡¯ A deep shaky breath.¡¯¡¯You cannot change that the rest will always have the power.¡¯¡¯


    I stayed silent as he kept talking and talking.


    ¡®¡¯This is why we need the king¡¯s favor. He will help us gain more profit but we cannot do it if you keep making arrogant decisions.¡¯¡¯


    I could just slap him. That would be the final blow. But for a moment he was right. We needed money. And if I had Perseus¡¯ favor that would help the situation. And yet¡­


    I smiled at him and touched his hand slowly.¡¯¡¯I know.¡¯¡¯I lied between my teeth as I bit my lower lip harshly.¡¯¡¯I am sorry.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯¡¯The fire kept burning bright even with the rain. The screams were now gone. None left to scream after all. I was on my knees looking at the flickering light playing in the temple, the colors of the statues getting destroyed by the bandits inside. Only one remained, the one I was holding. A small statue made by an old oak tree that had almost curly hair and a lyre crafted on it.


    ¡®¡¯Why didn¡¯t he stop it?¡¯¡¯I asked the bandit who was standing behind me.


    ¡®¡¯We are unimportant to them¡¯¡¯He replied.¡¯¡¯You are unimportant to him.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You are lying¡¯¡¯ I wept down on my knees.


    The bandit remained silent as he released his knife.


    I turned back and saw his covered face. Not fully cover thou as the fabric was ready to get loose to see the eyes of shame.


    ¡®¡¯Your priests, your family sacrificed enough for our god¡¯¡¯He got on his knees, offering his hand.


    ¡®¡¯Come with me,¡¯¡¯


    Opening my eyes I could see the sun ready to fall. Threads of sunlight were letting my face stay warm in the summer. I lifted my hand up and I imagined as if I could play with them. Make the light move in my command.


    But I could not. The only thing I could cast were shadows and lies.


    It took me a while to remember where I had fallen asleep. Right above me there it was. His sculpted curly hair was pale as the white clay and its eyes seemed blank. No thoughts, completely empty with the lyre in his hand. And yet that empty statue made me feel for a moment he was looking at me.


    Then there were footsteps approaching my side. Fast steps. I stood up and fixed my posture and veil as I turned on the one who was coming to me.


    It was a young girl, not older than seven with messy brown hair and a dirty dress. Her fingers were dark as if she dug deep into coal. Eyes empty lips dry.


    ¡®¡¯What is it, my child?¡¯¡¯I said calmly, looking down at her.


    She immediately fell on her knees, shaking.


    ¡®¡¯Where is your father or brother?¡¯¡¯I asked, trying to search for anyone around. But the girl was alone.


    ¡®¡¯Heal¡¯¡¯She whispered.¡¯¡¯Please will my mother get healed?¡¯¡¯


    What? My eyes darted. Seemed that the girl had no father or brothers for her to come here.


    ¡®¡¯What symptoms does she have?¡¯¡¯


    Her eyes looked up to me.


    I blinked and started stuttering.¡¯¡¯I mean, my god will need information so the healing will work¡¯¡¯I clapped my hands with a smile still untouched on my face.


    The girl sniffled.¡¯¡¯Dry cough, dizzy eyes..¡¯¡¯


    So a pretty normal cold. But it was summer.


    ¡®¡¯Then after the cough she bleeds¡¯¡¯She kept crying.


    My eyes grew wide.


    ¡®¡¯I see¡¯¡¯I nodded over and over again.


    ¡®¡¯Please make Apollo listen to me.¡¯¡¯She cried.¡¯¡¯I do not have money but¡­¡¯¡¯


    Of course, you don¡¯t.


    ¡®¡¯But I already went to Zeus¡¯ temple and the priest doesn¡¯t even try to listen to me and¡¯¡¯


    I went on my knees as I cupped her crying face.


    ¡®¡¯For you my girl my god won¡¯t ask for money¡¯¡¯I whispered.¡¯¡¯ My god will save your mother. All you need is to remember me in a favor¡¯¡¯


    The girl nodded with a smile on her face and I hushed her to stay there for a while, revealing a small piece of bread from my dress.


    Returning to my room I could see every herb and plant I had been collecting over the years.


    Dry cough, eyes, blood after the cough¡­


    I  moved to each of my vases and wooden boxes. Chamomile leaves for tea¡­hemlock and¡­


    ¡®¡¯Alas¡¯¡¯I gasped when I returned to the girl with a yarrow in my hands.¡¯¡¯He showed me a sign of this flower¡¯¡¯I explained once more as I showed it to her.


    ¡®¡¯He said that you have to give it to your mother twice a day. Either Eat it or make it into a tea. Her round eyes looked up at me with now light shimmering to her.


    ¡®¡¯Thank you¡¯¡¯She laughed, hugging me tight.¡¯¡¯Oh thank you so much¡¯¡¯


    Huh?


    My eyes flinched with her still hugging me tight.


    I gave her the yarrow tight and told her to go but in a reminder, she owed me a favor.


    With her walking away, I found Thais getting out of the shadows.


    ¡®¡¯Giving prophecies for free now?¡¯¡¯Her brow arched.


    ¡®¡¯It was just a little girl.¡¯¡¯ I said with a smile.¡¯¡¯Besides, prophets must do the ¡®greater good.¡¯¡¯¡¯ There was a mocking tone in my voice that made her laugh.


    ¡®¡¯Sure¡¯¡¯ She scoffed as if she was defying me.¡¯¡¯And we now must take down an animal for the greater good.¡¯¡¯ She kept following me on my side slowly.


    ¡®¡¯My brother said that he talked to you?¡¯¡¯She made her statement a question at the end.


    I replied with a nod.


    ¡®¡¯You know, he might be stronger and older than us but he is an idiot.¡¯¡¯


    I looked at her confused.


    ¡®¡¯What do you mean?¡¯¡¯


    She stopped walking and turned on my side with a grin¡®¡¯Power shifts.¡¯¡¯


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    Walking back to the room, I found on my table the hemlock I had taken earlier. I took a seat on my pillar, stretched my arms, and with one vase of water and a candlelight I began my plan. But my mind returned to that snake I found. It was such a beautiful creature, the coils so peculiar shining with the sun like gold.


    Wonder how the poison would taste. Or was it not deadly? What if I had taken it and skinned it?


    I put my plan into a flask and I started my exit by dressing myself up and putting a dark cloak on top of me.


    Walking out of the room I saw Adamantious waiting for me as he was dressed for the same occasion.


    Thais and Myrto followed while Alexious pointed at Leon¡¯s room.


    Adamntious walked on my side and let a hidden smile escape his face.


    ¡®¡¯Just one cattle right?¡¯¡¯


    I smiled back.


    The house of the farmer was close enough with the sight of trees to hide us in the dark. Myrto walked fast and quietly first, moving around the dark to see what the farmer was doing.


    A few minutes passed before her eyes kept being down. She nodded that the coast was clear.


    Adamantious walked heavily ahead and Thais followed but I turned on Myrto.


    ¡®¡¯You do not have to do this you know¡¯¡¯I said.¡¯¡¯You can go back to the temple.


    She shook her head.¡¯¡¯He shouldn¡¯t live¡¯¡¯


    That I knew. But we needed to be quiet.


    For the past years, I made prophecies from the information Myrto gave me from the customers. When they were leaving I would make a plan for the prophecies to be right. If I told someone that they would become richer than their rival, I would steal from their rival. If I said to someone their crop will grow ten times, I would make the right herbs for the crop to grow.


    And if I saw sickness.


    As dark as the night it was now, we were right in the farm with the house fire being gone.


    The cattle were all around a wooden statue of Zeus right on the field with a marble altar right in front of it. Sleeping ll so peacefully. The white pure cattle looked already prepared to be sacrificed.


    Now outside of the fence, I looked at the rest with Admantious tapping his fingers nervously.


    I showed them two hemlock branches and started making signs with my hands.


    Thais shook her head and made a gesture that I did not understand without any sunlight. Then I made another gesture. She still made one more.


    I slammed my hand and I showed the hemlock and then one of the cows. Then, I reached out of my cloak and showed my dagger.


    None of them replied. But I took it as a yes.


    We all jumped quietly through the fence and moved to one of the youngest-looking cows.


    Hemlock was poisonous enough to be given as punishment for prisoners so they could be weaker and weaker.


    As the cattle was sleeping all so peacefully I caressed its head for his dark eyes to open vividly. The wide mouth opened slightly, enough for the hemlock to get inside it. I moved the hemlock inside and the cow started chewing automatically. One, two, three, four ¡­ten.


    The cow passed to the ground.


    After that, I looked back to the nearest well that seemed to be for the cattle. If I could just pour the poison into the water, the cows would start getting sick and sick.


    ¡®¡¯Not so fast, ¡®prophet¡¯¡¯¡¯


    The voice.


    I looked back and saw the farmer holding a torch in one hand and a knife in the other, aiming for my own throat.


    ¡®¡¯Lyssa-¡¯¡¯Adamantious barked and took one step before I halted him. Yet, the dagger was now even closer to my throat.


    He let out a laugh.¡¯¡¯The priest of Zeus¡¯ temple was right.¡¯¡¯He hissed.¡¯¡¯Someone would try to take them away from me. But I never thought you¡¯¡¯


    Dion¡¯s eyes returned to my head as if it was a reminder.


    You will die.


    Panic.


    ¡®¡¯Let her go¡¯¡¯Myrto cried.


    ¡®¡¯Oh, but I will¡¯¡¯He move his blade, pinching my skin, making me follow like a cattle to the altar of his ¡®god¡¯


    ¡®¡¯A fake prophet of the god of light¡¯¡¯He gasped.¡¯¡¯Playing pretend, cursing everyone.¡¯¡¯


    He pushed me to the altar, laying me down. I tried to move once more but his knife was now near my heart.


    I could feel it racing. I could see his eyes with rage and desire. Hatred, anger. I could see from above, a man made of wood, poorly carved, that was holding a lightning bolt.


    ¡®¡¯Zeus would be pleased with my sacrifice, and he will forgive me.¡¯¡¯


    There was then a big breaking of a storm coming near us. How could it be possible? A few hours ago it had a clear warm sky.


    The farmer laughed. ¡®¡¯He is on my side tonight.¡¯¡¯ He said, licking his lips. ¡®¡¯Now, looking at you¡¯¡¯He moved his face closer to me.¡¯¡¯You are something else, aren¡¯t you? No. ¡®¡¯He corrected himself as I could smell the wine from his breath. Heavy deep red wine.¡¯¡¯You are common. Peasant.¡¯¡¯ A chuckle.¡¯¡¯You might look like an animal yourself. He won¡¯t see any difference¡¯¡¯


    He then backed and shrugged as he began to chatter a prayer for Zeus to listen.


    Dying like an animal. Dying like a peasant. Another example, written for a story of the gods.


    I narrowed and turned to the rest who had such a horrific expression.


    What will happen to them? They could not move as the man had trapped me. Afraid of what will happen to me.


    ¡®¡¯Run¡¯¡¯I commanded them.


    Myrto shook her head. Thais stayed silent but only he looked at me with certainty. His eyes were with sorrow before taking one more step away.


    My hands reached down my cloak.


    ¡®¡¯Now¡¯¡¯The farmer laughed, aiming for my heart.


    No, I will not die like this.  I opened my flask with the hemlock and poured it slowly into his face. He moved away, letting the dagger far from me.


    Panic grew on me now forcing the flask deep into his mouth.


    ¡®¡¯Drink up¡¯¡¯I whispered close to him, watching how foolish he was swallowing.


    I took his torch and saw that the rest had stayed, watching still in horror.


    Then, someone came out.


    ¡®¡¯Father?¡¯¡¯ Another familiar voice whispered.


    The girl. The girl from before. The girl whose mother was sick. The girl had now bruises on her face.


    I looked at her and then at her choking father.


    I grabbed the torch from him and gave it to Myrto.


    ¡®¡¯Take her far¡¯¡¯I said.


    She nodded and took the girl¡¯s hand. As she was running from my side, the girl¡¯s eyes still had the same light as when she was thanking me.


    The farmer kept coughing as dogs all around started barking.


    ¡®¡¯We need to go.¡¯¡¯Adamantious grabbed my shoulder.


    Go? Go where? And why should we go?


    I have no power?


    Nonsense.


    Power shifts.


    No one can save you. Not you god or mine. Only you can swift the fates.


    I caressed my neck, feeling slowly how easily I could lose my voice. I could lose power. And how easily I could make someone lose it.


    ¡®¡¯Hold him down¡¯¡¯I mouthed to Thais, jerking my head to the altar.


    ¡®¡¯Lyssandra what are you.¡¯¡¯ Adamantious tried to stop me as the storm was coming closer and closer with lightning breaking the sky.


    ¡®¡¯I said¡¯¡¯I spoke once more to him. Thais was the only one to respond as she made the man get on the altar so easily.


    ¡®¡¯Lyssandra-¡¯¡¯Adamantius said again.


    ¡®¡¯What¡¯¡¯The man barked. ¡®¡¯What will you do?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Sacrificing me to your god?¡¯¡¯I asked him with pity.¡¯¡¯Because you wanted forgiveness for your crimes? Pathetic¡¯¡¯I moved closer, found the knife from the ground, and now moved it to his side.


    ¡®¡¯No,¡¯¡¯He said, imagining he was looking up at the wooden .¡¯¡¯Please save me¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I AM HOLDING YOUR LIFE¡¯¡¯I shouted at him.¡¯¡¯Beg me, cry to me¡¯¡¯


    His eyes looked back on my side. but he did not even try to beg.


    I let out a laugh.


    One cattle. One animal to sacrifice to the gods.


    ¡®¡¯Alright then have it your way.¡¯¡¯I lifted my hand up letting the dagger shimmer in the moonlight.


    The farmer coughed and started whimpering.


    ¡®¡¯Behold the judgment of my god.¡¯¡¯I announced.¡¯¡¯The sacrifice from his follower, his prophet for him. ¡®¡¯I closed my eyes.


    ¡®¡¯I sacrifice this animal to the God of sun and light, music and healing.¡¯¡¯


    And the man begged once more, spitting harshly.¡®¡¯ no, please, Dias spare me.¡¯¡¯


    The blood was cold now all over my dress and skin.


    I let out a heavy breath my hands shaking still with thunder breaking now so close to us. So close that fell on the man¡¯s house.


    Fire erupted but no rain came after the lightning. I could see the flames dancing, the people screaming inside, trying to get out. But then, the voice grew more. Became even louder as if it was a cheering choir. But it was not coming from the house.


    I snapped out fast as Adamantnious grabbed my hand and me and Thais followed his running.


    ¡®¡¯We need to go¡¯¡¯He said with panic but I could do nothing. I could still feel the blood against my fingers as I had the knife untouched in my fingers. But I could now listen to the echoes.


    Hail king of Argos.

 SIX

    APOLLO


    The celebration cut off fast as a scent of poison hit my nostrils. Heavy dark poison as if some god had put the entire hatred on them inside it so I could¡­


    No, it could not. The pain kept going on my entire body as I looked around to see Artemis Ares and Aphrodite looking at me worried. But the rest did not look at me. They were looking at ¡®Father¡¯.


    I held my breath as his stormy eyes were darting continuously. His white beard and hair were becoming darker with thunder forming all around his giant body. Hera held her hand to his but he slapped it away.


    ¡®¡¯How dare ¡®¡¯He barked, standing on his two heavy feet. His eyes kept looking at me with anger as his hands had been lifted higher.


    ¡®¡¯No¡¯¡¯Hera warned him.¡¯¡¯It might be a mistake.¡¯¡¯


    There was a sudden panic in her voice with her blue deep eyes narrowing at him.


    ¡®¡¯A mistake?¡¯¡¯ He asked furiously.


    I gulped confused and turned on Hermes whose entire body was filled with eyes.


    ¡®¡¯You need to go¡¯¡¯He whispered.


    What?


    ¡®¡¯Apollo¡¯¡¯ ¡®Father turned on me.¡¯¡¯Are you declaring war against me?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯What? No, Father¡¯¡¯I said, trying to stand up as a sudden liquid formed on my forehead. Something inside my chest was making my heart go faster and now my eyes were opening wider as the thunder was forming wider with clouds covering the starlight sky.


    ¡®¡¯Then tell me¡¯¡¯He growled.¡¯¡¯Why is one of your prophets mocking me when my son arrives at her side?¡¯¡¯


    What?


    I tried to ask but the light flickered, making the thunder now rumbling the room. Nymphs and muses began to run away as the rest were trying to calm down Zeus.


    Artemis was the first one to catch my hand as she looked at me with a worried gaze.


    ¡®¡¯I don¡¯t-¡¯¡¯I tried to speak as I could see the thunder ready to fall right in front of my body.


    ¡®¡¯No¡¯¡¯ said Hermes with arrogance as I saw him flipping a coin.


    Everything became pale white.I was not dead. That was for certain. ¡®Father¡¯ would not think of killing me. Not with his powers. He could make me forgotten by the world. From their memories, from their stories. None would believe in me. I would be a myth. And I would die slowly.


    So when everything began clearing up I could see that we were back in Hermes'' room. And when I say we I mean Artemis,Ares, Aphrodite, and even¡­


    ¡®¡¯We should have told them¡¯¡¯Athena whispered to Hermes.


    ¡®¡¯I know¡¯¡¯ He nodded in agreement as I felt the weight of the paper covering me.


    I moved up slowly as Athena was sighing.


    ¡®¡¯You should have told them¡¯¡¯She corrected him.


    ¡®¡¯Hey now.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯What¡¯¡¯Artemis asked from above a self with more paper. Ares and Aphrodite appeared from a side of a different room.¡¯¡¯What happened?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Why were we on your bed?¡¯¡¯Aphrodite asked Hermes dryly.


    He replied with a whistle and Athena took a deep breath.¡¯¡¯There is something we have to tell you something¡¯¡¯She said , trying to not look anxious.


    But Hermes interrupted with full panic.¡¯¡¯You are dying.¡¯¡¯


    Silence. Deep silence.


    Dying? Us? How could it be possible?


    I could still feel everything that happened in the celebration. I could still smell the poison.I could still feel myself weak.


    And Hermes laughed maniacally before he coughed dry. ¡®¡¯Well for the past hundred years all of you haven¡¯t ¡­interviewed for your followers.¡¯¡¯He explained.¡¯¡¯Making people lose faith in you.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯And some other followers of other gods¡¯¡¯Athena continued.¡¯¡¯Decided to take advantage of your absence¡¯¡¯She crossed her arms and continued.


    Killing people in the temples, destroying them, taking their profit. Our profit,my power¡­


    ¡®¡¯Thankfully¡¯¡¯Athena let out a heavy breath and turned on Artemis.¡¯¡¯They haven¡¯t destroyed a lot of your temples however¡­¡¯¡¯She turned on me.¡¯¡¯Seems that a lot of ¡®Father¡¯s¡¯ followers managed to destroy many of yours.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯What?¡¯¡¯I stood up and moved at her side.¡¯¡¯And you let him?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯We are sending signs to ours to stop it¡¯¡¯She explained, still calmly.¡¯¡¯Most of them understand but¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯What about ¡®Father?¡¯¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯He cannot interfere after what he did with Perseus¡¯¡¯Hermes explained and looked away.


    ¡®¡¯He doesn¡¯t..¡¯¡¯I bit my words. He doesn¡¯t want to. If he wanted, he would. He just did not care.


    ¡®¡¯We are trying to find another way¡¯¡¯Athena commented.¡¯¡¯We are buying time and if my plan succeeds.¡¯¡¯


    Ares let out a deep breath and nodded as Aphrodite looked down ashamed.


    I did not speak as I could still sense the poison all around the air.


    ¡®¡¯What happened back there?¡¯¡¯I asked again, looking at Hermes.¡¯¡¯What Prophet of mine declared war?¡¯¡¯


    All of his eyes blink before he made them vanish.¡¯¡¯Come with me.¡¯¡¯ His fingers flipped his silver coin one more time.


    Now, I was inside a room where I had forgotten. And it felt forgotten with stardust getting filled to the furniture. My weapons, my instruments. Near the window where I was usually watching the sunset, there was a hyacinth flower, still undead. As if it was waiting for my return.


    I moved on the side of it and touched its petals softly before laying out a kiss. A deep pain in my chest grew once more before moving to the small oasis near a small garden I had created with daphnes and more purple flowers. In the middle of the garden, there was a small lake, making me reflect on the cold clear water.


    ¡®¡¯He won¡¯t find you here¡¯¡¯Hermes said, strolling around.


    ¡®¡¯None of my prophets would dare do that,¡¯¡¯I explained to him.


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    ¡®¡¯You have been gone brother¡¯¡¯he said as I could see from the lake that he was trying to reach me with his hand. But he never did as he backed away.


    ¡®¡¯I swear, they would not.¡¯¡¯I said once again and moved my hand around the water, making a poodle. I chose my prophets well, I gave them the foresight perfectly and made sure whom I would choose to give the power to earn the gift of that sight. And a hundred years passed which could mean that it would be a mistake. The gift of Delphi was given from prophet to apprentice. I made sure. So it could not be them because I taught them. I did it.


    ¡®¡¯Why does he care about his new son so much? ¡®¡¯I asked irritated.¡¯¡¯He will die soon.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Because he brings glory¡¯¡¯He explained.¡¯¡¯Killer of monsters, savior of kingdoms and he is giving everything back to his father, thanking him.¡¯¡¯


    Oh. That explains it.


    ¡®¡¯Where is he now?¡¯¡¯I asked.


    ¡®¡¯In a small village far from Argos¡¯¡¯He said with his fingers moving now the water.¡¯¡¯In that village, Zeus¡¯ followers destroyed your temple long ago, creating a new shelter for them. Five years ago, a prophet of yours appeared telling everyone that they had the gift of sight.¡¯¡¯He took a step closer to me.¡¯¡¯That made the village choose who to follow rather than pledge their loyalty to one god.¡¯¡¯


    A village split in too. Wondered how all of it ended but Hermes kept moving the water slowly and gently. Even far away, he could move the water, my water better than me. He made a halt with his hand and I could see a shadow of a man dressed in gold with an army on its side.


    Every one of the villagers was cheering for him as heavy rain filled it.


    ¡®¡¯What about my prophet?¡¯¡¯I asked and now I snapped my fingers. The room changed as the water from the lake had been lifted up, moving all around me. To see everything in my world, in my people, this was the way. The one thing that ¡®Father¡¯ could not use, the one thing that it could only belong to me.


    It was now night and still raining with the venomous scent lurking all around me. I looked to the left that there was a burnt home. Then to the right, there was an almost burnt statue of ¡®Father¡¯. Down from the altar, it was a puny man, burnt in crisp, looking rather pathetic to the sky.


    ¡®¡¯Who is¡­¡¯¡¯I tried to find the right words.¡¯¡¯Why would my prophet.¡¯¡¯


    The scenery changed again as I found three people running away in deep rain. There was a man, tall and wide, next to him accompanied by a very tall woman. The man had a giant sword in one of his hands and on the other he was holding the hand of someone who had a white veil covering them. A Prophet, A prophet dressed in white and had crimson pain on his hands.


    ¡®¡¯No¡¯¡¯I gasped.¡¯¡¯No, he wouldn¡¯t¡¯¡¯I turned.¡¯¡¯My prophet would not.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You are right¡¯¡¯Hermes said.¡¯¡¯Your prophet would not.¡¯¡¯


    I let out a heavy breath and smiled.¡¯¡¯Because it is not a prophet.¡¯¡¯


    What?


    If he wasn''t a prophet of mine¡­


    The room changed once more as I was an old crooked temple. Well, calling it a temple was a slide as if it was on the brink of ruin because of how poor and ruined it looked.


    ¡®¡¯Five years ago, someone came to that village and lied to them, pretending to be a prophet of yours¡¯¡¯Hermes said later.¡¯¡¯Conning people and then trying to make the prophecies come true by stealing or¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯He killed them?¡¯¡¯I gasped.¡¯¡¯Who is he? Is he your child?¡¯¡¯I turned on him.


    He lifted his hands. ¡®¡¯I swear it is not my child, even if I am impressed by her.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Her?¡¯¡¯ I asked with an arched brow.


    Hermes nodded.¡¯¡¯Yes, her. Lyssandra is your prophet¡¯¡¯He made a long pause before he corrected himself.¡¯¡¯Well, fake prophet¡¯¡¯Another laugh.


    Lyssandra? How easily he say her name?


    My eyes narrowed fast.¡¯¡¯How long have you known?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯She is entertaining ¡®¡¯He said laughing.¡¯¡¯But four years¡¯¡¯


    FOUR?


    ¡®¡¯Alright¡¯¡¯I took one deep breath, trying to restrain my anger towards him. ¡®¡¯So what is she? A priestess? A runaway princess? A grandchild of yours.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯She does not have my blood¡¯¡¯He said once again. ¡®¡¯And no she is¡­mere.¡¯¡¯


    That made it look like a terrible joke. A mere mortal? A mere mortal made this awful poison on my body? On me?


    ¡®¡¯There is no way,¡¯¡¯I said laughing.


    ¡®¡¯Believe it or not, she killed a man devoted to ¡®Father¡¯¡¯¡¯He explained.¡¯¡¯And all of his cows for you.¡¯¡¯ He flew all around the valley.¡¯¡¯And on the same night and time when Perseus arrived. ¡®Father was watching everything and thinks that you declared war against him because of the timing and your bad temper.


    I blinked. A con artist, a mere mortal woman murdered animals and people of my father¡­to me? And all the profit from the lies she was making as she was still using my name were going to her?


    There was rage feeling everything in me. One hundred years and people forgot about me, mocking me, using my name so lightly. And when destruction would be formed by ¡®father¡¯ he would punish me and my people and everyone would blame it on me. All because of that girl? I would be weakened, I would be forgotten, I would die because of her?


    ¡®¡¯I will punish her¡¯¡¯I rasp. ¡®¡¯I will destroy everything she loves, she dreams and¡¯¡¯Hermes halted his hand at me and laughed.¡¯¡¯Don¡¯t you forget the small banishment of yours?¡¯¡¯


    I tried to speak but before that, Hermes¡¯ eyes appeared once again, His cheerful smile instantly faded and then appeared once more with his fingers flickering as a flask appeared.


    ¡®¡¯Good news brother¡¯¡¯He clapped his hands.¡¯¡¯Athena talked to ¡®father.¡¯ He is giving you a window¡¯¡¯


    My eyes lit up.¡¯¡¯What?¡¯¡¯ I tried to hold my grin.


    ¡®¡¯Six months. Six months to interfere and prevail over what it can happen to Perseus six months to find a way of punishment of the fake prophet without you looking accountable.¡¯¡¯


    Six months seemed a lot. But how could I punish her and prevent chaos for his other son without looking¡­


    Hermes showed me the flask again.¡¯¡¯ Typhon¡¯s blood.¡¯¡¯


    I looked at it with a darting gaze.


    ¡®¡¯Are you trying to poison me?¡¯¡¯I asked.


    He waved his hands and laughed.¡¯¡¯Nonsense brother, I would never.¡¯¡¯He gasped dramatically.¡¯¡¯Few drops each week and you will be weakened enough to look like a mere god. Themis won¡¯t even notice it will be you.¡¯¡¯


    That sounded reasonable. For the last few years, I could feel that annoying woman spying on me with her scale moving differently. As if she was expecting me to fail.


    Six months. Seemed to be a lot for it but then again with such small power.


    ¡®¡¯In return,¡¯¡¯Hermes continued. ¡®¡¯ Father will make sure he will make his followers stop attacking yours.Fail, and nothing will change How does it sound?¡¯¡¯


    Another Smile on my face. Just a slight price to pay. I tried to reach for the flask but Hermes flew far from me.


    ¡®¡¯Atatata¡¯¡¯He said.


    ¡®¡¯Hey¡¯¡¯I replied with a bark.


    ¡®¡¯Now, before taking the deal¡­how about you see your opponent first¡¯¡¯


    I scoffed and rolled my eyes.¡¯¡¯A mere mortal? I can push her from a cliff, I can make her people ravish her, turn her to a flower, why would I be¡­¡¯¡¯


    But instead, Hermes moved the scenery as if this place belonged to him. How could Typhon¡¯s blood make me weaker than this?


    We were inside a room with herbs and flowers swarming all over it. Entering inside there she was. A panting covered woman who was still shaking. Probably the first person she had killed. She was looking rather frail by the shower she had been blessed by ¡®father¡¯. And then, she revealed herself from the veil.


    I held a breath.


    ¡®¡¯Has ¡®Father¡¯ seen her?¡¯¡¯I whispered to Hermes.


    ¡®¡¯Not yet¡¯¡¯He replied with a chuckle.


    ¡®¡¯Good.¡¯¡¯


    The mortals were stupid to believe that she was a prophet. This woman was looking like a warrior. She had a height tall like the soldiers which I faced in Troy with a width and firm blessed by celestial dust. Bronze complexion as if her flesh was an armor itself with her hooked long lone almost making her look like a great bird. Her hair was wild, fierce with her curls dripping in the rain.


    Her face did not belong to someone frail either as she had a deep scar on her nose and a missing eye even with her bruised neck as if she was used to getting into fights a lot. But her eye, her gaze, looking down on her bleeding hands. It was steady.


    She was something unrecognizable. And then, her red lips opened, letting out a few shaking words.


    ¡®¡¯What¡­was that?¡¯¡¯


    That voice. I have heard that before.


    I could notice that Hermes was smirking at me.


    ¡®¡¯So?¡¯¡¯He asked.


    I replied with a wide wicked grin. I knew what I had to do.


    ¡¯¡¯I have a special punishment for her.¡¯¡¯

 SEVEN

    APOLLO


    The scar in her palm, her indescribable voice. It was that woman from before no doubt.


    And she was the fake prophet who made everything worse. A filthy mere mortal.


    Her hands were shaking like a pathetic little mortal. No matter how beautiful or how fierce she looked she was still-


    ¡®¡¯Hahahahaha¡¯¡¯The woman started laughing hysterically.¡¯¡¯I can¡¯t believe that I am alive.¡¯¡¯


    My eyes opened wide as I turned on Hermes who was chuckling like an idiot.


    ¡®¡¯She is entertaining isn¡¯t she?¡¯¡¯He asked and pointed his finger at me.¡¯¡¯Now, I will be watching you, making sure everything is in place. ¡®¡¯


    He took out his hat then the ribbon covering his eyes, revealing the countless tiny eyes he was hiding from it.


    After our visit to my room, Hermes flipped the coin and now me, Artemis Aphrodite and Ares returned on our banishment with our old trapped forms. Hermes was on our side laughing and chuckling.


    ¡®¡¯Well, good luck brother¡¯¡¯Hermes laughed and he vanished with a flip of his coin.


    I narrowed as I still had a grin on my face.


    Artemis galloped close to me with a concerned look as her eyes went down to the flask.¡¯¡¯Is that what I think it is?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Is he trying to kill you?¡¯¡¯Ares growled with Aphrodite flying on his side.


    But I could not stop laughing at what I had learned.


    After we all sat down I told them everything. About why ¡®Father¡¯ was furious about the girl and about what Athena offered to ¡®Father¡¯.


    And about that woman.


    I moved the fingers of my free hand, making the all-so-slight light around me even greater. But I could not believe that this was almost making me tired. Back when I was¡­not banished I could make the entire valley in the image of what I wanted them to see. But now that was only that as I showed from a light orb that woman.


    ¡®¡¯That¡¯s her?¡¯¡¯Artemis almost scoffed as I did.


    Aphrodite, now stinging on Ares¡¯ helmet was moving her head to the left, trying to study the woman.


    ¡®¡¯Yes,¡¯¡¯I said, clapping my hands and I let out a laugh. ¡®¡¯And I know just the way to make her pay.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Come now¡¯¡¯Artemis scoffed.¡¯¡¯I know that she defied you but punishment?¡¯¡¯


    My joy faded as I heard those words coming from her. My own sister, a god of her own, thought the punishment would be cruel. As if she hadn¡¯t done the same over and over again.


    She did not feel the pain. She did not feel that quick poison lurking in my body trying to remind me I was banished.


    Her eyes blinked as she realized what she said.¡¯¡¯I am just saying that you need to be careful of the punishment you choose.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯What if you just kill her?¡¯¡¯Ares suggested.¡¯¡¯A quick death none will find you as guilty.¡¯¡¯


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    I agreed at first. But it seemed that some people believed in her lies and in me in that village. Taking that away would be a quiet problem like me dying even faster.


    ¡®¡¯We can try and help you¡¯¡¯Artemis now suggested, standing in her own two hooves and her hand trying to reach for the flask. ¡®¡¯I can call out a herd to after her and make her leave the village or Ares can make people hate her or Aphrodite can¡¯¡¯


    Her fingers were so close to it but I backed away. ¡®¡¯No, this is my job, and I will do it of my own.¡¯¡¯


    I took one more glimpse of the woman who was destroying me. I could only see her on that orb but it was not enough. I wouldn¡¯t just watch her from that light no.


    I opened the flask and pressed it on my lips.


    ¡®¡¯Apollo wait¡¯¡¯Artemis tried to warn me but it was too late.


    Before our banishment, Themis gave us a few drops of it to make sure we wouldn¡¯t be as powerful as we were once. Typhon¡¯s blood, the titan who almost destroyed ¡®Father¡¯. Now his blood is our punishment.


    Bitter and painful. Thick like slime as it fell on my throat, burning it slowly, making the air vanish. I never needed to breathe but now, I could only wish I could. I feel my body getting attacked with a million swords. Just like I could remember. Unfortunately, the pain was worse as I was now weaker than before.


    I almost felt myself vanishing to oblivion.


    Artemis and Ares held my body down as I tried to not look at them. I did not want their pity. My eyes looked back at the light. To that woman.


    After the pain vanished I could finally gasp for air. My fingers flickered making the light vanish and stood up, pushing Artemis and Ares away. I checked my fingers which had lost the bright color I once had, making it almost look paler.


    ¡®¡¯I will be back¡¯¡¯I whispered with a rasp and walked away.


    I managed to find the temple easily. It was like I saw it before on the lake. A reck. As it was I could see nothing but an empty place. None would even see me. I kept walking and walking till I found the room that I was after. My feet were echoing to the steps as I watched the spiderwebs forming in the corners of the temple. The suddenbreeze brought chills down my spine. Wait, chills? Me?


    ''''The poison will kill me.''''I gasped.


    Heavy with plants and flowers in her room, the woman seemed to be asleep.


    Heavy asleep as if nothing happened tonight. The moonlight threads were falling to her face as the clouds vanished from my ''Father''s'' rage. Even up close,the woman was wildly beautiful. She could have been a soldier covered in a dress. She could have been a nymph disguised as a mortal but no. She was a thief dressed in lies. She is the first mortal I have seen since...


    My lips curved with anger as I could see how peaceful she was.


    Kill her, they suggested, Make her walk out of this play they suggested. No, it was not the right punishment for her.


    ¡®¡¯How pathetic¡¯¡¯I whispered and got on my knees close to her and my fingers played with her curls.


    As much as I hated her she was a mortal. The first mortal I was so close to was a hundred years ago. The last one before her was that filthy priestess who blinded herself for the sake of her land. She defied me and I punished her as it was destined to. Now.


    There was a mumble from her, and her hand found my face with a harsh slap.


    ¡®¡¯Not now¡¯¡¯She hushed.


    I moved her hand back to her side and I moved my fingers on her bruised neck.


    Kill her, they suggest.


    ¡®¡¯You are no condition to be a foe of mine.¡¯¡¯I said, closing my eyes and giving a tiny wave of strength of mine to her.


    When I opened my eyes I felt my head all so light as her neck was now completely healed.


    ¡®¡¯A priestess of mine shouldn¡¯t be looking like that,¡¯¡¯ I said laughing, and then moved for her wounded hand.


    Beeswax. Seemed she knew her herbs. But the wound of my sister¡¯s bows would not heal from mortal flesh. Not without the help of another god.


    I flickered my fingers and the wound had now healed completely.


    ¡®¡¯I will make you a symbol¡¯¡¯I said, standing on my two feet.¡¯¡¯And when the time''s right your lies will be revealed. All your glory will be your end, your despair. ¡®¡¯I grinned as she was now sleeping so carefully while a god was standing right in front of her.


    ¡®¡¯And I am going to enjoy every part of your end.¡¯¡¯

 EIGHT

    LYSSANDRA


    We kept silent until we returned to the temple. Alexios and Myrto rushed to my side, telling me things that I could not listen to. My eyes were on my crimson hands, shaking.


    They kept letting their hands rest on my shoulders. I could read their lips, telling me, asking me what happened there. But I could think of how cold I was from the rain.


    Immediately I rushed back to my room.


    It wasn''t the first time I was killed. That was the truth. But never humans. Wrong. Never with a knife before. Not when I could see the light of their eyes fading, their mouth gasping for air, the cold red blood being dropped to the flowers down to the altar.


    For a moment I thought of myself in that position. Wondered if he would burn me to a crisp and feed me to people as a sacrifice.


    But I was not dead. I was still alive. I broke into a laugh of relief again and again with my hands now moving on my neck.


    ¡®¡¯I can¡¯t believe it¡¯¡¯I said.


    A shadow covered the room and turned to see Adamantious with a terrifying look on his face.


    ¡®¡¯We need to leave¡¯¡¯He ordered.¡¯¡¯We can still run and¡­¡¯¡¯His hand tried to reach me.


    He already put me in the position to meet him. People were expecting me to meet the king. And now he wanted to give it up?


    ¡®¡¯What? No,¡¯¡¯ I moved back.¡¯¡¯I will see the king tomorrow and¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Lyssandra you killed a man.¡¯¡¯He said.¡¯¡¯You¡­¡¯¡¯His body stiffen.¡¯¡¯Killed¡­¡¯¡¯


    I arched my brow but then I understood what he meant.¡¯¡¯I am not him.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I know that you are not¡¯¡¯Adamantious tried to smile. ¡®¡¯But it doesn¡¯t change the fact that¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯A storm came in with thunder¡¯¡¯I explained the excuse. ¡®¡¯A lightning bolt fell on his house and caught fire. No survivors.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯What about the girl?¡¯¡¯He asked, moving his head up.


    I saw her earlier, watching me from an angle as her eyes looked tired. The light of hers was gone with her bruise now being treated by one of my waxes.


    ¡®¡¯I will take care of it¡¯¡¯I explained.


    ¡®¡¯Lyssandra¡¯¡¯He slowly rasped.


    ¡®¡¯I won¡¯t kill her¡¯¡¯I laughed, moving my hands up. His light eyes turned on my wounded palm and I swear I could see him almost cry.


    Adamantious and I grew up in the same house after the fire of the temple I once was. He and his sister tried to be nice to me as I was petrified of their leader¡¯s actions.


    A temple of Ares it was. Except for offering and praying, the people there were being trained like actual soldiers. And other times they would destroy temples like it was nothing.


    I never asked the archpriest why he took me in. But he never made me fight. Not like Thais and Adamantious. I was not disappointed considering how deadly the training was. The archpriest managed to take every scroll of every temple of Apollo he had destroyed and gathered it in one room. To make it feel like home. He said to me,


    I never managed to read any of the scrolls back in the temple but this gave me a glimpse of hope. Reading the stories of Apollo, about information of temples and botanology. Not just that. Poisons, herbs, anatomy. Everything.


    I grew close to Thais and her brother. She was longing for a conquest like she was a king, an adventurer. She was craving adventure like a hero. Adamantious was stiff, and cold at first as he was trying to ignore his sister¡¯s talking as she was swinging a wooden sword.


    But he had a charming smile, something that could win anyone. He was balanced, he knew the way of the world better than me.


    One day after his heavy training he entered my room with blood on his hands and shoulders. I rushed to him and prepared every herb that the cold temple had and fabric so I could help him.


    He was breathing slowly as he was explaining what happened.


    ¡®¡¯The arch hiereus said.. ¡®¡¯He gasped speaking once more formally about his superior.¡¯¡¯We are low on food and water.¡¯¡¯


    I took a deep breath as I was holding a sharp needle against his skin.


    ¡®¡¯The sacrifices of animals seem to be not enough for Ares so he decided that for the next attack we¡­¡¯¡¯


    I pinched the needle on his skin and held his shouting.


    My cheeks flushed.¡¯¡¯I am sorry¡¯¡¯I cried but I could not believe those words.


    At that moment I could see the scenery again the fire the smoke the voices and the way the statues were burning.


    ¡®¡¯Lyssandra¡¯¡¯ Adamantious woke me up from a dark memory. His face was drawn with concern and pain. With almost doubt.


    I looked up to him and forced a smile.¡¯¡¯We are close now, so close to taking everything from them¡¯¡¯


    I will reveal the truth. I will reveal the gods do not exist. That the kings and priests were taking everything by using fear. I do not care what consequences they will have on me. If I go down I will take them with me.


    I walked on his side closer.¡¯¡¯We cannot run away now.¡¯¡¯ I rested my head on his chest.¡¯¡¯I cannot run on it.¡¯¡¯


    I could listen to his heartbeat becoming faster. But his arms now wrapped all around me.


    ¡®¡¯I love you¡¯¡¯He whispered, kissing the top of my head so lightly. I could smell the harsh scent of rain showers exploding from him.¡¯¡¯And I will follow but please promise me something¡¯¡¯Once again, his words had the sound of a command.


    ¡®¡¯Do not do something like this ever again.¡¯¡¯


    What could have I done differently? But I understood. Or I wish I could understand. I was not him. I did not want to be him.


    But still, I could feel the blood on my hands, the thread of line that I could hold. So much power at my fingertips and he was at my mercy. And yet he never even recognizes me.


    ¡®¡¯I promise¡¯¡¯I said with a tight pain in my chest and let my hands rest around him.


    The dreams were not pleasant. I could see the fire growing all over me with a strange voice whispering in my ear. The fire''s screams could return until the flames began to take the form of a tall great crimson snake. Have I seen the snake before?


    ¡®¡¯You are all mine, prophet¡¯¡¯ The snake echoed before it swallowed me up to the flames.


    Waking up from the nightmare I let out a giant scream. But none was there. None was to see me like it. My head was rushing from the memories with tears falling on my face. I held my whines as I knew it was pointless. Why was I sad?


    After a moment of finally stopping crying,I looked up to my wounded wrist only to find absolutely nothing. There was no wound as the beeswax and fabric had been gone. I touched my neck and found no pain on it. No swollen as I tried to hum. My voice was not ruined. I could not help but laugh. It was all nothing.


    As if everything I felt was a bad dream. But looking at my pillar I found one of my dresses shed in red.


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    I gulped. It was not a dream. It was a nightmare coming to life.


    It did not matter. My wounds were gone and I did not look as bad as before. I did not look completely broken.


    Looking now to the window I could see the clear sky with the sun almost ready to shine.


    But I could not stay there. I picked one of my plain green dresses. I dressed myself without even fixing my hair, letting it go free. I took a bag with scrolls and tried to walk away in silence by jumping from the window.


    I kept walking and walking until I found myself in the forest on one of the valleys that had a big lake. A lake that was gifted with apples tried all around it. Always alone, I was coming to see this view before the sunrise. I slowly undressed myself, revealing every inch of mine to nature and animals, the only ones that could see me like this


    For that time I was no prophet, I was no priestess, I was not a murderer was not a thief. It was just me, a woman who had nothing and craved everything.


    My skin tingled against the cold water but that was enough as I kept swimming to the lake more and more with the cold hitting my wounds and scars on my face. I could not help but smile at the sun falling on my skin as it was the sudden warmth of a kiss on my cheeks.


    Near me now a white dove was flying and resting on the water. Pale like snow, clean as it was plump and with a heart-shaped mark on its chest.


    ¡®¡¯Hello¡¯¡¯I said laughing and swimming on its side. Surprisingly, the dove came closer to me. Taking a look at it I almost could imagine its eyes had a shade of rose on them. Like petals.


    ¡®¡¯Are you lost?¡¯¡¯I asked. The dove kept looking at me, tilting its head to the right. Then it moved even closer to me, resting near my neck, chirping joyfully.


    ¡®¡¯Ha¡¯¡¯I gasped as I could feel a sudden warmth from it. My lashes started trembling as my wet hand tried to reach for it, to pet it. But then, the dove flew away, moving to the place where I had my bag and dress as it vanished between the trees. And then I could see something that I had not seen it before because of the darkness. Or I could not remember they were never there. The entire valley was filled with hemlock flowers.


    I got out fast and dressed myself while still soaking as I was but it did not matter. I started taking out the hemlock with a wide smile on my face and giggles coming out from my lips.


    ¡®¡¯They are so beautiful¡¯¡¯I said out loud as they were so pale and blossoming all so slightly. As if spring came in today to cherish them all by blossoming.


    After it, I sat down near the hemlock and I tried to pick as much as I could open one of the scrolls. If I had to impress the king I had to be well educated.


    I started reading out loud.


    ¡®¡¯The first father, the ancestral was the ruler of the sky¡¯¡¯I said with a deep breath.¡¯¡¯He married his mother and they created creatures such as Titans.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Then, the father of the titans¡¯¡¯A voice interrupted me. I gulped but it kept continued.¡¯¡¯Found a prophecy that it would destroy him.¡¯¡¯


    I moved my eyes to the scroll, realizing that was the exact same words it had.


    I laughed and kept reading where the interesting voice had left. ¡®¡¯The ruler of the skies mastered to trap his children into Tartarus.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯But one managed to escape, making the prophecy of his father come true¡¯¡¯The voice sounded soothing and cheerful. As if the one who was talking was almost enjoying himself. It belonged to a man near the same age as me possibly. It had a clear tone with a heavy accent as if it was from.


    ¡®¡¯Did you miss a sentence?¡¯¡¯The voice woke me up from my imagination.


    I blinked and scoffed.¡¯¡¯I thought that I was alone.¡¯¡¯ I admitted with confidence. Truly I was afraid at the thought that it might be one of Dion¡¯s men. Finding me here all vulnerable with no weapon. But if it was that case, I wouldn¡¯t be alive so long. Or untouched.


    ¡®¡¯So?¡¯¡¯The man asked.


    I nodded as if he could see me. The sound was coming from above the trees.


    ¡®¡¯His son became the ruler of the world and he married his sister. The first child of them was born, a woman made of amber¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Then, a dream came to the son who was now ¡®Father¡¯. The same dream his father had long before him.¡¯¡¯ The man sounded now as if he was mocking the story.


    ¡®¡¯He swallowed the first girl. And when the next one arrived he ate it too. And the next and the next and the next¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Until his sister and now ¡®Mother¡¯ were with the last one. A pearly white babe.¡¯¡¯


    And with a sudden sync we both said the last words of that scroll.


    ¡®¡¯And the sky and earth met up once more the thunder connecting them to a line.¡¯¡¯


    I laughed and tried to look up to see the sun ready to fully rise in the valley.


    ¡®¡¯Seems you know your studies¡¯¡¯I admitted.


    ¡®¡¯Seems that you do not. For a prophet that is¡­¡¯¡¯


    My heart sank. I didn''t even try to look. How did he¡­


    ¡®¡¯Where are your followers? They must be worried about you.¡¯¡¯


    It was not from Dion. It could not be from him. If it was, I would be¡­


    I closed my legs tight and moved my fingers near the hemlock but I kept smiling. I kept acting. I returned as a liar.


    ¡®¡¯As I expected,¡¯¡¯I said with a grin. ¡®¡¯You are here.¡¯¡¯


    There was a quick laugh from him, making the world spin faster.¡¯¡¯I knew that you won¡¯t be in any danger so I came alone.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I am not..¡­¡¯¡¯He chuckled.¡¯¡¯Now I have a question for you, only a priestess could probably know.¡¯¡¯


    Was he testing me? Was one of the king''s men? No, his words were not formal and with the accent he had. Every pitchy tone he had at the end of the sentence as if¡­


    ¡®¡¯Have you ever seen your God?¡¯¡¯


    Was it a test?


    ¡®¡¯He often visits me¡¯¡¯I lied.¡¯¡¯In my prophecies as a gentle bird. The only thing I have close to him is a statue but it is not even the real design of him.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Oh,¡¯¡¯The man pouted.¡¯¡¯How so?¡¯¡¯


    I could remember the scroll I found to Ares'' temple, a stolen one from one of the Athena¡¯s who was holding the knowledge of the true form of the Gods.


    ¡®¡¯Gaia and Uranus were born from celestial rain. Their children were made by it too as for the Gods, the celestial rain gave them the form of gemstones.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Ha¡¯¡¯The man chuckled.


    ¡®¡¯The King of the Gods is made from Fulgurite, the Queen from smaragds¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Hmm¡­aren''t some of their children made from a type of metal? Hermes is being formed from mercury, and Athena from silver¡­¡¯¡¯


    Seems that he knew stories like that himself.


    ¡®¡¯What about Apollo?¡¯¡¯ I asked with a smile.


    There was a drop of two pairs of feet. I stood up away from the tree, still holding the hemlock tight.


    ¡®¡¯Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡¯¡¯


    I turned back to see none else but an endless forest. Turning back on the river then I saw him with the sun bathing his body.


    He was as tall as me with a warrior¡¯s physique. Not a swordsman like Adamantious though no he did not seem to carry a sword like that. He had golden long curls while the end of them had a reddish tone. with a skin of light bronze, his face seemed sharp as if it was sculpted by an actual artist. His eyes painted in the shade of amber looking at me with such an interest, watching me, studying every detail of mine. He was not a priest or a prophet. He had the aura and gaze of someone who had everything and wanted more. Someone who will charm you with one breath and make you his.


    ¡®¡¯Critine¡¯¡¯He said then with a smile.


    I kept looking at his eyes and then looked down to see that he was holding a crimson apple.


    ¡®¡¯You can put the poison away now my dear prophet.¡¯¡¯He chuckled.¡¯¡¯I am not here to cause harm.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯So you know who I am¡¯¡¯I laughed.


    ¡®¡¯I have been in this village for a few days¡¯¡¯He explained with a smile.¡¯¡¯A prophet of Apollo. I just wanted to see it with my own eyes.¡¯¡¯ There was that smile of his.


    He kept offering me the apple. If he wanted me dead he would. I took it slowly and thanked him.


    ¡®¡¯You know about herbs,¡¯¡¯ I said, walking away with my things from him as he kept following me calmly with his yellow tunic shifting to the grass.


    ¡®¡¯I was a healer back in my village. I quite enjoyed it.¡¯¡¯He admitted. ¡®¡¯I like reading too sometimes, stories, legends to keep me awake.¡¯¡¯


    I looked at the apple he offered me once more before taking a slow bite. I could feel my cheeks getting warmer.


    ¡®¡¯It¡¯s so good'''' I held my moan from the sour sweet taste of it. Hard like ice against my teeth as it also had a cold feel around my tongue.


    ¡®¡¯Seems that I know how to pick apples too?¡¯¡¯The man kept moving closer to me.


    ¡®¡¯Yes¡¯¡¯ I stopped walking and turned on him.¡¯¡¯And see, I had a vision now¡¯¡¯


    His brow arched as he kept smiling showing his dimples.¡¯¡¯Oh? ¡®¡¯He sighed.¡¯¡¯Tell me.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You were about to tell me your name.¡¯¡¯


    His grin grew wider with a sudden bright light coming from his eyes.


    As he opened his lips a familiar voice echoed near us.


    ¡®¡¯Lyssandra¡¯¡¯Adamantnious shouted, rushing to my side. As was carrying his sword, he pulled me away from that strange man. I could see his light eyes growing tired now as he was aiming with his blade at the man right in front of us who was grinning flirtatiously.


    ¡®¡¯Is this one of your followers?¡¯¡¯He asked, looking at him from the top of his head at the bottom of his sandals.¡¯¡¯Seems worried for you.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Lyss¡­Prophet¡¯¡¯He corrected himself.¡¯¡¯Who is this?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯A friend¡¯¡¯I admitted. Both of them seemed to look like stuntmen. The man replied with a laugh.


    ¡®¡¯A friend?¡¯¡¯Adamantoise brow twitched ¡®¡¯but¡¯¡¯He cleared his throat.¡¯¡¯Who are you.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Of course¡¯¡¯The man clapped his hands and moved left hand near his chest.¡¯¡¯My name is Paris.¡¯¡¯

 NINE

    LYSSANDRA


    Paris. The strange man had the name of an old foolish prince. I knew that the man had a accent familiar. I could remember at least my grandmother¡¯s way of talking, the way she was speaking and behaving.


    And now the man was right in front of me with a dashing smile.


    ¡®¡¯Nice to meet you¡¯¡¯I smiled fast and moved back to Adamantious.¡¯¡¯Why are you here again?¡¯¡¯


    He blinked and moved his shoulders up.¡¯¡¯Yes,your¡­prophecy became true.¡¯¡¯


    I looked at him with a dense look.


    ¡®¡¯That king Perseus will arrive in your temple today¡¯¡¯He said narrowly as he was looking back to Paris.


    ¡®¡¯What? Now?¡¯¡¯I panicked with a whisper and looked at myself. I was still wet from the river as the dress was common, wet like a river.


    ¡®¡¯Yes, and¡¯¡¯Adamantious made a long pause and looked at me and then Paris. Then at me and my dress.


    ¡®¡¯Why are you like that?¡¯¡¯He asked with a worried smile.


    I couldn¡¯t say where I was. He would be furious and I did not want that now. I fidgeted my fingers nervously trying to find a lie fast but Paris spoke first.


    ¡®¡¯Oh, it was a stupid man¡¯¡¯He said with a clap of his hands.¡¯¡¯A priest of Zeus maybe?¡¯¡¯He walked on my side.¡¯¡¯Trying to push her inside the water, poor prophet, luckily I was near her.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯And¡­ why were you¡­¡¯¡¯He moved his gaze from him to me.


    ¡®¡¯Does it matter now? Perseus is coming I said, trying to walk back to the temple with a wind bringing a cold breeze against my skin.


    ¡®¡¯Wait¡¯¡¯Paris whispered behind me, showing a sudden dark cloak he was hiding behind his back and letting it rest around my body.


    ¡®¡¯Oh, thank you.¡¯¡¯ I gasped.


    ¡®¡¯Do not worry.¡¯¡¯


    Adamantious moved now on my side with a tight grip on his sword. ¡®¡¯Let¡¯s go Prophet¡¯¡¯ with his hand wrapped around me and we both moved away from Paris who seemed like he kept¡­ following.


    Adamantious noticed it and turned to the other side.


    ¡®¡¯Why are you still here?¡¯¡¯ He asked.


    ¡®¡¯May I come with you?¡¯¡¯ asked Paris with an interest, letting his fingers cup his sharp jaw.¡¯¡¯I wish to see the king of Argos in person. I heard quite the stories.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Sure¡¯¡¯I replied fast before Adamantious would disagree.


    ¡®¡¯Lys...¡¯¡¯ He whispered but it seemed that Paris already looked excited.


    We kept walking with Paris following us while Adamantnious kept grunting.


    ¡®¡¯What¡¯s the matter?¡¯¡¯ I asked him.


    ¡®¡¯How can you trust him?¡¯¡¯He replied with a question.¡¯¡¯Who is he?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Just a traveler, that I met earlier.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯And you trust him to follow us? What if he is one of Dion¡¯s men?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯If it was¡­¡¯¡¯I tried to respond but I stopped as I had the previous thought rush in my mind. If it was one of Dion¡¯s men Dion¡¯s himself or one of the survivors of the house. I held my breath and turned to the chirpy Paris.


    ¡®¡¯He doesn¡¯t seem dangerous.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯What if he is someone else then?¡¯¡¯Admantoius moved his head closer to mine. I pushed myself gently away from him as we were now all so close to the temple. On the left side, I could see a few horses from the village storming our way. We needed to hurry.


    ¡®¡¯Someone like who?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Like a son of Perseus? An advisor of his?¡¯¡¯


    I let out a chuckle.¡¯¡¯A man of the King? Watching me picking flowers?¡¯¡¯


    Looking at his light eyes he had once more a serious look and I turned on where I was holding the hemlock and the apple. I offered the apple to him and he let out a sweet smile before taking it from my hand and having a bite from the same place as me letting his lips and teeth feist upon it. But his eyes opened wide before he spat it.


    ¡®¡¯Oh, that¡¯s¡­¡¯¡¯He coughed.¡¯¡¯How can you eat it?¡¯¡¯


    I raised my brow before him tossing the apple back to me. One more bite and I looked at him confused.¡¯¡¯ It¡¯s delicious.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯It¡¯s bitter.¡¯¡¯Bitter?


    I raised my shoulders and kept walking to the temple.


    I did not have the time to introduce Paris to the rest as Myrto found me and caught me fast to bring me to her own room.


    She immediately began to panic as she was saying that Dion would come to see me too. Probably wondered if I was still alive.


    She put my hair behind, dressed tight in golden ribbon as she washed my face. She gave me the official white tunic that I usually wear on celebrations and gave me the cloak.


    Her sweaty face turned on me and took a good look before almost passing out. ¡®¡¯You are beautiful¡¯¡¯She whined and moved down to my lap.


    ¡®¡¯Come on now¡¯¡¯I laughed and told her exactly what she would have to do. If Dion arrived then he wouldn¡¯t be without his men.


    There was still a crying look on her face. Looking back her fingers were trembling when she was fixing my hair.


    I held her hands tight to stop it.


    ¡®¡¯It was not your fault¡¯¡¯I said.


    ¡®¡¯I saw him falling asleep,¡¯¡¯ Myrto whispered. ¡®¡¯I saw everyone being in bed and¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯It was not your fault,¡¯¡¯ I repeated.


    ¡®¡¯You could have died.¡¯¡¯Her big eyes opened with tears. ¡®¡¯We¡­could have died and now¡­¡¯¡¯


    Crying was not the time. I moved my fingers now on her chin, lifting it to look at me.


    She could see everything, meaning that she could not forget.


    ¡®¡¯Do you remember what I said when I found you?¡¯¡¯


    She nodded.¡¯¡¯The work won¡¯t be decent,¡¯¡¯ She said, telling my words.¡¯¡¯The work will have you may be beaten or killed. But I won¡¯t force you to stay or do anything that you don¡¯t want to.¡¯¡¯


    I nodded.¡¯¡¯So?¡¯¡¯


    Myrto wiped her tears and stood on her feet.¡¯¡¯I will begin¡¯¡¯


    When I walked out of the room I saw the others waiting for me. Except for Alexios who seemed to be taking both the little girl and Leon my hirs arms and moving them to his side of the room. Paris remained there, looking at the statue of the temple.


    There was a sudden cold expression from him but it quickly changed when he looked at me as if he was trying to charm me.


    Oh, that was his plan.


    Perhaps he was on Dion¡¯s side. I found Thais near me and leaned to her ear.


    ¡®¡¯You see him?¡¯¡¯ I whispered.


    She turned to him and her cheeks flushed as he moved to me with a fallen look.


    ¡®¡¯Who is he?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Keep an eye on him please.¡¯¡¯I pleaded.


    She did not seem to be mad about it as she kept looking at him with a wicked smile.


    Me, Adamantious, and Thais walked outside with the sun heating my cloak as four pale horses and one dark one at the front were riding right at our side


    As the dark horse was moving closer I could see it dressed in gold chains but unlike the other horses, it did not have an eagle but a woman. A woman with carved snakes for hair as she was screaming in agony.


    The rider of it had silver hair with small dark stripes remaining on the top of his head while down to his forehead, there was a golden crown. His eyes were holding the bright sky, locking up the color of them. His olive face did not seem to have any scar, unlike his arms which were half covered with a blue cape. His tunic was painted in red and on the top of his left shoulders was a badge of lightning. His sandals were painted in yellow, his wrists and ankles chained with his ring finger having one golden ring with the word Andromeda carved on it.


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    He was old but he was not common. Every second he was coming closer it almost felt like a storm was accompanying him, ready to bring thunder in the temple.


    But then, a smile appeared between his white beard and his horse stopping near the stairs of the temple.


    Everyone got on their knees, even Adamantnious while Paris seemed to hide behind one of the pillars/


    I was about to bow but he did it first. A king lowered his head to me.


    ¡®¡¯Oracle Lyssandra.¡¯¡¯His heavy voice was peaceful even if he commanded respect.


    I forgot how to breathe but the angle of my eyes found Dion and his men smirking behind him.


    I managed to take a deep breath before bowing to him.


    ¡®¡¯King Perseus,¡¯¡¯ I said, looking down with a gentle smile. Lifting my eyes I turned to Dion.¡¯¡¯Archpriest Dion.¡¯¡¯I held my fake enthusiasm while I started pinching my fingertips.


    ¡®¡¯What an unexpected surprise to see you here.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯We have the order to help the king to the village. Guide him to the crucial times.¡¯¡¯


    He kept looking at me, trying to see any missing detail. His smile faded when he noticed that I was unharmed.


    ¡®¡¯Of course¡¯¡¯I said, keeping a smile and turning to the king.¡¯¡¯Seemed that your father said the sign of your entrance last night. As a follower of his son, I must say we are grateful.¡¯¡¯


    Perseus'' eyes snapped and let out a heavy chuckle that almost seemed charming.


    ¡®¡¯Perhaps but¡­¡¯¡¯The grin faded.¡¯¡¯I heard about an accident on my arrival. Seemed my father was rather upset. Four people passed because of me¡­¡¯¡¯


    Taking the guilt of a thunderstorm? Was he trying to play the act of the son of Zeus so well that he would rather take the blame? Or did he believe it? Or did Dion say something to him about me?


    ¡®¡¯Gods are showing their love in such strange ways King Perseus,¡¯¡¯I said, bowing once more.


    There was laughter coming from him as he petted his horse. A heavy honest laugh.


    ¡®¡¯My oracle was right to come here¡¯¡¯He said.


    I arched my brow.¡¯¡¯Your oracle?¡¯¡¯I asked.


    ¡®¡¯Yes, she said about this place being haunted by monsters you see¡­¡¯¡¯


    That was half true. There was a story that there was a monster being hidden in one of the caves near the forest. Once in a while, it was getting out, destroying houses, and..


    No.


    ¡®¡¯Does your oracle believe that it had something to do with last night¡¯s incident?¡¯¡¯


    Dion chuckled.¡¯¡¯Earlier it was a gift, now it is an incident?¡¯¡¯


    I gulped as I watched everyone bowing on their knees, not having the strength to talk.


    Then, someone moved closer to me. ¡®¡¯An incident can also be a gift¡¯¡¯Paris said, moving closer to me. ¡®¡¯Maybe your father King Perseus.¡¯¡¯ He turned on the king as he did not even bow. But Perseus did not seem to care  or be worried about it.¡¯¡¯Wanted to show you the dangers of this village. In a cruel way.


    ¡®¡¯And you are..¡¯¡¯Dion narrowed on his appearance.


    ¡®¡¯I am one of the temples¡¯ followers¡¯¡¯He announced.¡¯¡¯I am devoted to the God of light¡¯¡¯He said, finally moving his head down.


    There was a twitch of Dion¡¯s smile as Perseus nodded in agreement and turned to me. ¡®¡¯Correct, and my oracle did suggest that I delay my new conquest until the winter solstice.¡¯¡¯


    What?


    Six moons?


    There was a whispering laughter coming from Paris as he was now moving away slowly.


    ¡®¡¯You will fight the monster?¡¯¡¯I asked with interest. If he stayed for so long, I could not do anything with the king on the watch. With Dion¡¯s people and soldiers moving around.


    ¡®¡¯Oh¡¯¡¯He scoffed.¡¯¡¯I am not the man that I used to be Oracle. As much as I wish I was I believe that this monster needs someone on the side of your God¡¯¡¯


    He made a long pause as I felt the wind turning stronger.


    ¡®¡¯It seems to be a serpent you see, Apollo¡¯s sacred animal.¡¯¡¯


    I nodded like I knew it already but I saw Dion and his men laughing.


    Is Apollo seeking revenge? The people would say, we might ask the priestess for forgiveness or we have to go to the temple of Zeus.


    The king was expecting me to solve it. But I could not speak to him and that meant.


    I turned to Dion. Surely he expected it.


    ¡®¡¯You care about the common people here King Perseus?¡¯¡¯ I asked.


    ¡®¡¯The common people are the ones who suffer the most, Oracle,¡¯¡¯ He explained.¡¯¡¯Every prayer is a gift to my father and me and in return they want protection. Don¡¯t they need at least that?¡¯¡¯


    It was the opposite of what I was expecting a king to be. Or, it was another act. Then again, I needed his blessing, his order. I needed to succeed.


    ¡®¡¯The arch priest¡¯¡¯He finally showed that Dion exists around him.¡¯¡¯Suggested that he will handle him but however.¡¯¡¯


    I shook my head. I saw Adamantious looking down, petrified as if he was regretting what he decided for me. Thais seemed excited for adventure, for a hero''s journey. I looked up slowly to Paris who was surprisingly grinning.


    The time has begun. I will take everything.


    ¡®¡¯I accept your order, my king.¡¯¡¯I grinned at him.


    The king had now left with Dion¡¯s men but he stayed still glaring at me, surprised.


    ¡®¡¯You are alive¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Of course I am.¡¯¡¯I replied shocked of telling such a thing.¡¯¡¯Why shouldn¡¯t I?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯We both know the reason,¡¯¡¯ Said cruelly. There was a grin curling around his face.¡¯¡¯Now, tell me, where are the other two?  The shy whore and the mute?¡¯¡¯


    Admantious stood up and was ready to attack but I halted him instantly. I turned to Thais whose blade had been shown right close to her body. She was ready to fight. But not today.


    ¡®¡¯You can go inside¡¯¡¯I told them. Thais nodded and disappointed with a grunt she left but Adamantious hesitated with his eyes watching me.


    I moved my lips with no voice coming out from it, telling him¡¯¡¯I will be alright.¡¯¡¯


    In the end, he moved back to the temple too. I looked at Paris who was now moving a few steps back too. Why was he still here? He said that he was a follower of Apollo.


    ¡®¡¯So interested in my pupils arch priest?¡¯¡¯I returned to Dion with a grin.¡¯¡¯I did not expect you were that kind of man¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Are they hiding the daughter and the mother?¡¯¡¯ His eyes were drunk with rage.


    Mother? I looked down. The mother died. She definitely died. She was inside.


    Four people died.


    The mother was alive? I could make the kid lie but a mother? And she was sick. If she was still alive.


    ¡®¡¯Oh?¡¯¡¯ Dion laughed as I heard footsteps coming from behind me, noticing one of his men with a face of disappointment.


    ¡®¡¯Nothing¡¯¡¯He admitted to his superior, looking down. Of course, he wouldn¡¯t find anything. Myrto hid everything before they even arrived. Including the girl.


    The man rushed away from the temple as his face was painted in a color of shame.


    But Dion did not have it as he jumped off his horse and rushed to me. Instead of doing the smart thing and backing away, I took a step closer to him.


    ¡®¡¯You think you can pull the act out now? ¡®¡¯He leaned to my ear as he whispered with a hiss.


    ¡®¡¯The monster will devour you slowly. Or...¡¯¡¯He took one breath before he started sniffing me.


    ¡®¡¯Maybe your poison will kill him first now won¡¯t it?¡¯¡¯


    My eyes darted. Did the scent of the flowers stay?


    ¡®¡¯Maybe the monster won¡¯t eat you. Maybe if you get down on your knees and beg for my mercy¡¯¡¯ I looked up to him and now I knew that it was no time for flattery.


    Dion laughed.¡¯¡¯There she is¡­pathetic com[


    Paris started coughing as he pushed Dion far from me, making him fall to the stairs.


    Dion panicked as his eyes turned on him.


    ¡®¡¯You little filth.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Are you trying to anger the God of light more?¡¯¡¯He asked Dion.¡¯¡¯Perhaps you should go to find the snake¡¯¡¯He suggested with a simple smile on his voice but his voice could say otherwise. His voice had venom. Charming beautiful venom.


    ¡®¡¯I am sure he would be pleased with someone like you¡¯¡¯He sighed dramatically.¡¯¡¯Hurting his own people like that.¡¯¡¯


    Dion gritted as he now stood on his feet. ¡®¡¯It will not be my choice to show your fate is it now?¡¯¡¯ His gaze back on me with a face heavy on shame and anger.


    He took his horse and rushed away. Now it left only me and Paris who leaned closer to me with his flirty look.


    ¡®¡¯Are you alright?¡¯¡¯ asked Paris with a genuine tone.


    Chill down my spine as I walk a few paces away from him. He was far too bright and cheerful with his twisting personality.


    ¡®¡¯Of course I am¡¯¡¯I lied. I was terrified. Killing a monster? Me?


    Looking at him he had a skeptical gaze on his face.


    ¡®¡¯Can you tell me something?¡¯¡¯I asked waking him up from his thoughts.


    ¡®¡¯Of course¡¯¡¯He laughed.


    ¡®¡¯Are you a spy?¡¯¡¯


    Paris stood stunned before he started giggling.


    ¡®¡¯One of his men?¡¯¡¯I asked again.¡¯¡¯As you saw you won¡¯t find anything so you can drop your act.¡¯¡¯ I tried to move away but his fingers found the tips of mine.


    ¡®¡¯Will it be a lie if I told you that I am interested in your gifts?¡¯¡¯His voice whispered into my ear, making me shiver with disgust. Why was he so close?


    ¡®¡¯Clearly¡¯¡¯I arched my brow.¡¯¡¯If you were a believer you wouldn¡¯t be so casual with me¡¯¡¯


    He was trying to make me fall for him. He had features that even magical beings would be jealous of. Maybe if Aphrodite was real she would be envious.


    After that thought, a flying dove passed with surprising speed from my side and got down to Paris¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡®¡¯What are you doing here?¡¯¡¯He asked the dove before his finger started petting its head.


    ¡®¡¯That is¡­¡¯¡¯I took another look at it and I remembered the mark on its chest.


    ¡®¡¯Is yours?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯A friend of mine,¡¯¡¯He sighed as the dove flew away. A friend? Was he just insane or he was trying to make fun of me? Paris turned back on me, moving even closer now. I could smell the scent of spring flowers coming from him as if he was bathed with them. So rich that it could make your mind dizzy. And I could still remember the warm skin of his tracing to mine. ¡®¡¯So, where were we?¡¯¡¯


    I smiled at him before taking one more step away from him.¡¯¡¯If you ever want to see me, the temple is open to listen to your struggles.¡¯¡¯


    And to make money. He did not seem to have anything important around him so that would mean he won¡¯t return. not without any other reason but spying.


    ¡®¡¯Oh?¡¯¡¯ He tilted his head to the right, making his long curls fall close to his clothes.


    I took one more deep breath before letting myself free from his soft grasp and lowering my head, looking at his dark shadow. For a moment I imagined that his shadow had a smile and looking directly at me.


    ¡®¡¯Then again, thank you for today but I must get going.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Will you be there tomorrow?¡¯¡¯He asked me but I had already walked far away from him to respond.

 TEN

    APOLLO


    ¡®¡¯I thought that you couldn¡¯t interact with mortals¡¯¡¯I said, crossing my arms while Aphrodite rested on my head. She did not reply.


    ¡®¡¯You were back to the lake too,¡¯¡¯I frowned with my eyes looking up.¡¯¡¯I never expected you would fall for someone mortal.¡¯


    She went before me. I did manage to make the lake dressed in hemlocks fast for her to lay her eyes on such a gift but I did not manage to see¡­why am I thinking like this? I could feel my body rising from heat just by the thought of¡­


    Aphrodite began to chirp now sitting on my shoulder.


    ¡®¡¯She is just a mere mortal.¡¯¡¯


    She chirped again and I thought that she was frowning.


    ¡®¡¯A mere mortal who is killing me.¡¯¡¯


    She kept looking at me and¡­was the bird¡­smiling?


    I gritted my teeth as I raised my shoulders


    and she flew away once more.


    I narrowed at the sky as I was sitting back in the forest, waiting for the sun to fall. Still in my disguise, still looking mortal. Taking the name of a fallen prince seemed right at that moment. He was a friend once, and so did the¡­


    I shut my head from that thought as I tried to remember that foolish woman¡¯s face.


    I am an Olympian. I have people sacrificing their animals and their own blood for me and I take everything from them in return. I look after them. I started and finished wars, I saved people and I punished the people who defied me, and she¡­


    She had a way with words, crafting them, using them against their opponent. She even almost succeeded in charming a king.


    Was he a brother of mine? He looked nothing like ¡®Father¡¯. He was not terrified to be adored by him or a brute or¡­


    I sat down on the grass and faced the green, getting a sweet dance by the wind.


    ¡®¡¯What am I doing wrong?¡¯¡¯I whispered and returned to the woman. Six months. The winter solstice. Was it what ¡®Father¡¯ actually wanted me to observe? What will his foolish mortal son do to my ¡®prophet?¡¯ At first she had a kind face at my side. It all felt so easy. I could manipulate her, I could be on her side, taking that tall brute¡¯s place. I was so close I could see it so clearly. And then when I was once more she looked at me with a face of disgust. She backed away. I took the form to charm her to make sure I could be close to her,


    There was a friend of hers with a dagger earlier. Being on my side, asking me questions, and starting to talk. I just simply smiled at her and her cheeks flushed. And the woman backed away with disgust.


    I pulled my hair back.¡¯¡¯That bitch¡¯¡¯I hissed and moved my head back before a blade appeared in my throat.


    I kept a calm expression as the knife now moved with that man from before smiling at me wickedly. I was close to the mortals for less than a day after a century. And he was the worst. Disrespecting everything I had built, my temple, my existence. He was probably as bad as her.


    ¡®¡¯What do you want?¡¯¡¯I asked with a frown.


    The man pulled the blade away from me and took on his great height,¡¯¡¯ Who are you, stranger?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Is it important to you?¡¯¡¯I asked with a wry smile.


    The man laughed, and as he was moving a tingling sound of coins was coming near his belt.


    ¡®¡¯I saw you how close you were with the prophet¡¯¡¯He said with a mock on his lips. Now that I had a better look at him, he was an attractive man. That brute with the woman too was not an unpleasant sight seen. Oh, why is every person ruining my life attractive?


    ¡®¡¯Are you jealous?¡¯¡¯I asked with a grin curving my lips. His brow twitched with surprise.


    ¡®¡¯What?¡¯¡¯ He gasped and I stood up, moving to his side.


    ¡®¡¯Well, I understand everyone would like to be close to an Oracle of Apollo.¡¯¡¯My hand rested on his shoulder before moving to his chin, lifting his gaze to me.


    ¡®¡¯Or maybe¡­you were envious of her¡¯¡¯I gasped dramatically. ¡®¡¯Of being close to me¡¯¡¯My eyes snapped.


    ¡®¡¯What are you talking about?¡¯¡¯His brow kept twitching his face turning deep red with his eyes moving slowly down.


    I knew it.


    ¡®¡¯Oh do not be shy, now¡¯¡¯I grinned.¡¯¡¯Where I am from love is no sin¡¯¡¯


    But the man did back away, still all flustered. Even he was caught by it and yet¡­


    ¡®¡¯What about ¡®that bitch¡¯¡¯ Of yours?¡¯¡¯ The priest asked with a grin.


    I frowned. So he did listen.


    ¡®¡¯So close to her and you call her like that?¡¯¡¯


    What did my father want now?


    ¡®¡¯Maybe we can help each other out¡¯¡¯He suggested.


    Oh?


    He moved now from his belt a sack with drachmas. He tossed it to me and I caught it fast.


    I opened it and looked at them.


    A smile curled to my face.¡¯¡¯What do you want me to do to her?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Whatever you please.¡¯¡¯


    My eyes snapped at that thought.


    ¡®¡¯Oh, do not be mad now¡¯¡¯The man walked around me.¡¯¡¯Just like you, she is lying about being a follower of ¡®¡¯He scoffed.¡¯¡¯ Apollo.¡¯¡¯ His hand moved with his sleazy hands touching my shoulders. His mortal hands touched me.


    ¡®¡¯You can kill her, make her fall to the monster¡¯s stomach.¡¯¡¯


    Monster? The snake was mine, my son. Python was my son. I wanted to speak but the man now whispered so close to my ear, an idea that made me even more furious.


    ¡®¡¯Prove in another way that she is no priest-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Don¡¯t you dare¡¯¡¯Anger crossed my entire body as I looked at his pathetic mortal face.¡¯¡¯Touch me filth¡¯¡¯


    His eyes darted. How dare someone like him try to make me do something? Give me money? Do I look so pathetic? I threw his bag back on his face and he fell down with a shout of pain.


    ¡®¡¯You¡¯¡¯He tried to speak but my hand found his face, grabbing it tight.


    ¡®¡¯My prophet might desire to kill you but me¡¯¡¯


    I let out a scoff, watching the fear on his face growing more and more. How much I wondered what he could be thinking?¡¯Oh, I have so much worse things planned for you.¡¯¡¯


    I returned to the temple but none was inside as I was holding a heavy sack. I kept walking around and around until I spotted a room with a door almost open.


    There she was. On her knees, looking on the other side of a pathetic little girl. She looked worse with her bruises while the woman was treating her.


    ¡®¡¯What happened yesterday?¡¯¡¯She asked the woman.¡¯¡¯Is my mo-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Your mother is on a trip¡¯¡¯The woman said to her. Clearly a lie. Was it that girl that the priest mentioned before? The one from that burning house?


    ¡®¡¯Did she leave me?¡¯¡¯The girl began weeping.


    ¡®¡¯Yes¡¯¡¯The woman made a long pause and began to stutter as the girl kept crying more and more.


    ¡®¡¯But¡¯¡¯She stammered.¡¯¡¯She will come back, I promise. Apollo told me so.¡¯¡¯


    My eyes kept close enough to her as she said those words.


    The little girl sniffled.¡¯¡¯He did?¡¯¡¯


    She replied with a nod as her hand cupped the little girl¡¯s cheek. ¡®¡¯But until then, you need to promise me something really important.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯What?¡¯¡¯ The little girl asked her.


    ¡®¡¯You must tell none what happened last night or let anyone else outside the temple see you alright?¡¯¡¯


    The girl nodded with a smile but she then turned to me, pointing at me with her shaking little finger.


    The woman narrowed before turning to my side and her face losing its playful color. I raised my hand calmly and smiled.¡¯¡¯I just arrived¡¯¡¯I lied to her and entered the room as she was standing up.


    ¡®¡¯Paris what are you-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I came here to see you oracle¡¯¡¯I said gently. The woman took a deep breath and turned back on the girl, telling her to stay inside before she walked on my side and shut the door fast.


    ¡®¡¯You should not be here.¡¯¡¯She rasped.


    Should the missing girl be then?


    ¡®¡¯But I need your vision oracle. I am begging you.¡¯¡¯I went down on my knees dramatically, wishing that Aphrodite had not seen that moment.


    The woman rolled her eyes.¡¯¡¯Get out¡¯¡¯She demanded.¡¯¡¯My god doesn¡¯t want fake followers.¡¯¡¯


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    I smiled as I stood up and watched her leave.


    ¡®¡¯Does your god need profit?¡¯¡¯I asked with my hand reaching for the bag with coins and I shook it up to make a sound. That caught her attention fast and she turned her head immediately to my side. One more deep breath before walking to me and taking the bag of drachmas.


    She lifted her head up and looked into my eyes.


    ¡®¡¯I see your life will have a beautiful future¡¯¡¯She lied with a face of disgust.¡¯¡¯And it will start when you leave the temple. Tell your master that¡¯¡¯ And she walked away with the money.


    ¡®¡¯You really believe.¡¯¡¯I scoffed and took one more step only to see the sun was an hour away from falling down.


    ¡®¡¯I am not here to spy on you oracle¡¯¡¯I admitted. That was the only truth I could tell her.


    She turned once more, covering her veil even tighter as she moved once more to my side. And with her wounded face, she looked once more in my eyes. Was she trying to think of another lie?


    ¡®¡¯You will not find what you want¡¯¡¯Her words seemed to move without any thought.¡¯¡¯It is not here what you seek¡¯¡¯She said once more.


    What? I needed to ask what she meant. Is that another lie? Or was it something actual that she knew about me? But she bowed to me and walked away.


    ¡®¡¯Wait please¡¯¡¯I begged her but once again she was far from me. But this time, she stopped and turned on me with a smile. A devious venomous smile. What kind of woman was she?


    Someone like her I would just deal with it like I usually did. Make my sister hunt her, turn her into a plant or animal, or even¡­A thought came to my mind but I could not even finish it as she moved to my side.


    I could make her fall for me, couldn¡¯t I?


    ¡®¡¯Listen I do not care if you believe in me¡¯¡¯She rushed back at me, poking me with her finger. ¡®¡¯But do not try to make my life harder as it is. Dion does it already.¡¯¡¯


    What was this? How dare she? How could she talk to me like¡­


    Why did she start crying?


    Tears fled from her good eyes as her cheeks had now a heavy shade of red.


    ¡®¡¯I am sorry¡¯¡¯She said.


    Sorry?


    ¡®¡¯Uh¡¯¡¯I said like I couldn''t say anything. Why was she crying? Why didn¡¯t she stop crying?


    ¡®¡¯I am just interested in your talents¡¯¡¯I said my lie once more but this time with no smile on my face. Why was she crying? She did destroy my life. She should be crying only for my mercy.


    ¡®¡¯I was looking for a temple to serve¡¯¡¯I kept with my lie again.¡¯¡¯And I heard about you¡­that you help people¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Zeus Temple does it too¡¯¡¯She wept her tears but still had red on her face.


    ¡®¡¯Yes¡¯¡¯I narrowed and tried to look away.¡¯¡¯But I never liked him as a God. King or not, I preferred this one¡¯¡¯ A smile appeared on my face.


    The woman¡®s brow arched. ¡®¡¯I see¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯And you do not believe me¡¯¡¯I let out a laugh and turned back to the sun. How fast it was going down. My hands began shaking.


    ¡®¡¯How about this?¡¯¡¯I clapped my hands together.¡¯¡¯You will-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Who is that?¡¯¡¯A voice squeaked from behind me. Turning back I saw a little boy staring at me with all light on his eyes.


    ¡®¡¯Leon, why are you out?¡¯¡¯The woman¡¯s expression turned more heated as the boy kept staring at me.


    ¡®¡¯Is this the homeless guy that Myrto talked about?¡¯¡¯The boy with the name Leon pointed at me. Why is everyone here pointing?


    The woman rushed to him and was ready to speak but I caught her.


    ¡®¡¯Homeless?¡¯¡¯ I gasped with a smile as I was hiding my shame. I thought I picked the bright colors right, making me look rich.


    Leon nodded.¡¯¡¯Yes, Lyssandra told Myrto that there was a homeless charming man stalking her and..¡¯¡¯


    The woman covered his mouth fast.¡¯¡¯I never said that¡¯¡¯She laughed and turned on me as I kept smiling.


    ¡®¡¯Charming? My, oracle, we just met.¡¯¡¯ She stood up as she was still holding Leon''s mouth. Was it her kid? No, impossible. Even if she was a liar I do not think that she would make something to blow her cover. The woman was smarter than she looked.


    ¡®¡¯You did not speak about the homeless part?¡¯¡¯She grinned at me.


    I wanted to say that I have a home and I would like her to visit it. Maybe send her to Olympus and have ¡®Father¡¯ punish her as he pleases¡­.No, I should do it myself. Punish as I please.


    So I stayed silent. Leon managed to get out of the woman¡¯s hand and smiled at me.¡¯¡¯Can he stay here?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯No¡¯¡¯The woman synced with another voice coming from the other opposite side once more. Turning back I saw that charming brute moving to us with anger on his face. Anger made him look even more charming.


    ¡®¡¯Why are you here?¡¯¡¯The man asked.


    I smiled at him and studied his body.¡¯¡¯I just wanted to ask about my fate¡¯¡¯I admitted and turned to the woman.¡¯¡¯ Isn¡¯t that right Oracle¡¯¡¯


    Her face became stiff as she stood on her height. ¡®¡¯You should leave¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Can¡¯t he stay?¡¯¡¯Another flirty voice echoed.


    ¡®¡¯Isn¡¯t he hungry?¡¯¡¯One more but it was almost silent like a whisper.¡¯¡¯Stay with us for dinner.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Will you help her fight the snake?¡¯¡¯LKeon spoke again. And then I saw one more expression coming from the woman. Terror. So that was the reason she was crying? Fear.


    That expression that she will meet one of my own children¡­


    It will be so delightful.


    ¡®¡¯I will¡¯¡¯I admitted with a smile at her. She blinked and I could see a restrained smile.


    Her eyes snapped wide as the brute of a man grabbed my shoulder tight.¡¯¡¯Get out of here.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Is this how you treat someone who is willing to help?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯How you can actually help?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You will surprised what I can do.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯We won¡¯t need an extra weight¡¯¡¯His sword but the woman stopped him by just calling his name. Adamantious was it then. He seemed to be an actual soldier and had no way with words. He was trying to speak formally to the woman when I was around but he was forcing himself to do it. Not because he knew the truth. But because he did not want her to be like that.


    ¡®¡¯If he wants to help he will prove it tomorrow,¡¯¡¯ The woman announced with a cold look.¡¯¡¯Now, he could leave¡¯¡¯She lowered her head once more and walked away with that man following her.


    I kept smiling as the kid Leon rushed away from me, waving goodbye. I heard the dagger woman groan from disappointment while the shy one was still asking why couldn¡¯t I stay. But I was already gone with one glimpse at my statue. My sculpted eyes were watching me, as if I was an actual mortal.


    The sun had now set and my form returned to my original. When I was in Troy I had taken the disguise of a warrior for years before that woman found the truth/ Now, I could only remain as Paris until the sun fell.


    I was back in the forest with Artemis rushing to me worried.


    I hugged her tight as she rested herself on me.


    ¡®¡¯Oh, you are fine¡¯¡¯She gasped with relief. Why wouldn¡¯t I be? Why are mortals treating me like equal or lower? Why is my own blood treating me like a fragile creature?


    I pushed her away as her eyes were looking at me with fear.


    ¡®¡¯What happened? Is the woman¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯She is just a mortal¡¯¡¯I said rushing to the others.¡¯¡¯A mere arrogant stupid mortal¡¯¡¯ I shouted for the entire valley to here.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Apollo¡¯¡¯Artemis sighed but I backed away from her once more. I looked to the left and saw Ares crossing his arms while Aphrodite was sleeping on his shoulders.


    ¡®¡¯Tell her¡¯¡¯Rage filled my body as I pointed at him¡¯¡¯To stay away from my business.¡¯¡¯


    His brow arched.¡¯¡¯I will tell her nothing.¡¯¡¯He stated.


    ¡®¡¯Wait¡¯¡¯Artemis galloped to our side.¡¯¡¯She can be near mortals?¡¯¡¯


    Ares crossed his arms and tried to avoid our gaze with a put but then, he let out a breath, giving up.


    ¡®¡¯She is a dove¡¯¡¯Ares replied.¡¯¡¯She can¡¯t harm anyone so yes.¡¯¡¯


    My brow twitch.¡¯¡¯ Doesn¡¯t matter she must stay away from my business.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Does she?¡¯¡¯ Ares stood up softly so he wouldn''t wake her. Now as he was standing at me for a slight moment I could feel my body ready to break. Is this how minor gods were feeling when an Olympian was standing in front of them? Threatening them? But Ares was also banished, weakened so¡­


    ¡®¡¯Forget it¡¯¡¯I spat at him and kept walking away.


    ¡®¡¯Apollo what happ¡¯¡¯Artemis tried to reach me.


    How could I tell them how weak I was feeling? How mere everyone was treating me? How she was¡­


    No, I should punish her now. Slowly tormenting her would be a waste. Then, I shall watch over the son that Father cares now more than.


    ¡®¡¯Paris?¡¯¡¯ A voice echoed from the nearby valley. The woman. I knew that for sure.


    I held my word with everyone looking at me. I jumped to one of the trees while the rest transformed. Ares to a snake and Artemis into a silver deer. I kept myself in the darkness while the woman kept her pace in the forest.


    She was covered with the veil with none else on her side. I could do it, couldn''t I? Kill her now. No, No, kill her. I would do something far worse.


    ¡®¡¯Oracle¡¯¡¯I gasped with a dramatic tone, still trying to charm her.¡¯¡¯What brings you here this hour?¡¯¡¯


    Her head seemed to try to find where I was, looking left and right and then at the trees. but she then looked down.


    ¡®¡¯I brought your cloak back,¡¯¡¯ She said.


    My cloak? Right, I gave a piece of fabric. She let it down with something that looked like a basket.


    ¡®¡¯You can come closer ¡®¡¯I suggested to her with a smile as my fingers took a small branch of the tree and formed it into a daffodil. Drug her. Drug her and take her to my child to feast upon. When she opens her eyes, she will see me and only me, and I will enjoy every expression of despair she will make. Maybe someone would sculpt the image of her in stone to see it in the centuries they would come. But she is not important to be remembered, is she? Her expression will stay with me and only me.


    I licked my lips as she was actually coming closer.


    ¡®¡¯If you want¡¯¡¯She stopped and looked at the tree.¡¯¡¯If..¡¯¡¯She corrected herself.¡¯¡¯You actually can help us out on it, you can come to the temple¡¯¡¯


    My eyes snapped.


    ¡®¡¯Come and live in that¡­¡¯¡¯In that ditch?


    ¡®¡¯Unfortunately, you will have to sleep with the other two boys but it won¡¯t be that bad¡¯¡¯She said after.¡¯¡¯But you won¡¯t be homeless.¡¯¡¯


    I let out a bitter laugh.


    ¡®¡¯What is funny?¡¯¡¯She asked, confused.


    I stepped down from the tree but I was still dressed in darkness. Next to me was my sister, facing me with her ears flipping up and down, trying to tell me something.


    ¡®¡¯You are a strange oracle¡¯¡¯I gasped.¡¯¡¯You give someone like me a home?¡¯¡¯


    The woman frowned.¡¯¡¯Well, you said you would help me, didn¡¯t you? Or you were lying just like your name?¡¯¡¯


    My eyes snapped wide and saw that Artemis had also moved away. So she knew that I was lying? Could she¡­


    ¡®¡¯How did you find out?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I didn¡¯t¡¯¡¯I replied with a quick grin under her veil.¡¯¡¯You just told me.¡¯¡¯


    She lied? She¡­


    I broke out laughing, which shocked everyone. Even her. She did have a way with words after all. She knew how to manipulate everyone, even a god, and yet.


    ¡®¡¯I will think about it¡¯¡¯I replied, restraining my laughter.


    The woman nodded as she walked away once more till she became one with the forest.


    I got out of my hiding and took out the cloak that I gave her earlier that day. I could feel my lips still holding the grin.


    I hated to admit that Hermes was right. She was entertaining. The way she was speaking to me, referring to me so lowly¡­it was actually refreshing. I looked at the daffodil in my hand and I made it vanish.


    Artemis¡¯ hooves echoed from behind me.¡¯¡¯Would you like at least my advice?¡¯¡¯She asked me dryly.


    I turned to her but this time no smile. Arss now moved back to this form while Aphrodite was flying in his direction.


    ¡®¡¯Whatever you plan, do not torment her. Do it quickly.¡¯¡¯


    I chuckled.¡¯¡¯Did you catch feelings for her so quickly?¡¯¡¯I asked. ¡®¡¯Caring about her pain?¡¯¡¯


    There was no return of humor from none of them. As if they knew something more than me.


    ¡®¡¯I care about your pain¡¯¡¯

 ELEVEN

    LYSSANDRA


    I could not sleep that night. I was walking left and right muttering out loud of what possible thing I could do to a giant snake. Down from my bed, I Pulled out a few scrolls and started reading them with a candlelight keeping me company,


    ¡®¡¯You can read?¡¯¡¯ Thais asked me once back to Ares temple with a whisper as I was holding one of the tablets.


    ¡®¡¯I thought that it was forbidden¡¯¡¯She kept moving close to my side.


    I nodded as I kept reading slowly. Probably the arch-priest did not think that I could read. Maybe he was mocking me, torturing me in another way. But I did learn on my own, I learned by the way the sound and words can form.


    ¡®¡¯Ah¡¯¡¯She gasped with admiration.¡¯¡¯Can you teach me?¡¯¡¯ She leaned closer to me but I shook a no. I cannot teach what I could not understand. She seemed to be disappointed by my answer but she still stayed, suggesting that I at least get a lesson from her.


    The fighting was never my best strength even with hers and Adamantnous lessons.


    But knowledge of poisons, herbs, reading, plotting.


    I smacked both of my cheeks and started reading once again.


    Python is a sign of Apollo¡¯s victory. With the strength and poison that could defeat even gods. But Apollo managed to kill it as he bathed with the snake¡¯s poison after he ate his flesh.


    I let out a chuckle as I kept reading another tablet.


    Python was Apollo¡¯s child. His child became thirsty for blood and he had to kill it.


    ¡®¡¯Tough love¡¯¡¯I mocked and took one more tablet.


    Apollo managed to trap his son instead of killing him. With his poison. Trapping him inside a cave near¡­


    My eyes shut now I took a deep breath. It could not be Python, it just couldn¡¯t. The snake that could spit fire, poison that had no antidote, and the size of¡­


    I couldn¡¯t even make a crime look like an accident. How did I miss the girl¡¯s mother? I asked Myrto to try and find her but when she returned she was all crying and whining, telling me how sorry she was. I hugged her tight and told her that everything would be fine.


    The door opened and Adamantiou showed up with a flirty smile. I smiled back but before I even tried to speak his lips found mine. His hands traced every inch of my body while I was trying to touch him.


    ¡®¡¯What¡¯s¡¯¡¯I broke out from the kiss and looked at him with a pout. ¡®¡¯What¡¯s the matter?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Nothing, can¡¯t I just kiss you now?¡¯¡¯Adamantious grinned. I looked back at the tablets and tried to think of anything that it could be but¡­


    I was so tired as he kept kissing my mouth, my cheek, my neck with his fingers moving to my clothes and under them. I grabbed his hands.


    ¡®¡¯No¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You can¡¯t be serious¡¯¡¯He laughed.


    I narrowed before I kissed him back. I did not touch him like he touched me. I could not let him touch me as he wanted and as much as I wanted to. If anything went wrong I had to make sure I had other ways of evidence.


    Adamantious nodded as I kept kissing me now but I could listen to his grunt. The way his movements were now he almost felt that I belonged to him. I belonged to him and only him.


    ¡®¡¯I need¡¯¡¯ I broke up with him once more and returned to the tablet. ¡®¡¯I just need to solve it.¡¯¡¯


    I could feel that he was looking at me, almost angry.


    ¡®¡¯Is this the only reason why you are backing away?¡¯¡¯He asked me dryly.


    I looked at him confused.


    ¡®¡¯Myrto told me that earlier you walked away.¡¯¡¯


    Dammit.


    ¡®¡¯I just wanted to give his cloak back¡¯¡¯I replied with honesty. The man was bad news. I could feel it. Every gaze of his only made me feel that I shouldn¡¯t talk to him. And yet¡­why was he laughing when I revealed that Paris was not his name? If it was one of Dion¡¯s men he would make sure I would not return alive or¡­Maybe he was one of the king¡¯s men. Matter it seemed that he was trying to win everyone over with his charm. Alexious earlier told me that he found him pretty too. Someone who could charm everyone¡­Maybe he was the king¡¯s secret consort? I wouldn¡¯t blame Perseus or him.


    ¡®¡¯Are you jealous?¡¯¡¯I asked with a smile, returning back to him, wrapping his arms around his shoulders.


    He flushed.


    ¡®¡¯I¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Well, you will win tomorrow for me, won¡¯t you?¡¯¡¯I flattered my lash before I leaned to him for a kiss.


    He gassed as he muttered a yes. And I finally pulled myself away from him with a victory smile.


    ¡®¡¯Great now let me work.¡¯¡¯


    Adamantious laughed as he let out a cruel laugh.¡¯¡¯You are the worst.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯That¡¯s why you love me don¡¯t you?¡¯¡¯ I asked, looking at him but his smile faded. His eyes became cold.


    Right. We were friends, we could be lovers. But we were not in love. I wanted him for protection and he wanted me for other ways. For affection, for telling him how special he is, for touch. But we were not in love. No matter how much I wanted to be true. For someone to love me for me, not for what I am supposed to be or do.


    ¡®¡¯Goodnight Prophet¡¯¡¯He whispered as he walked away while my eyes were glued on the tablet.


    His poison. Apollo drugged his own son with the poison. But it seemed that it could escape. If the poison can be a narcotic for it then¡­


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    A flipping sound made me wake up from the spell as I found right to my window a silver hawk staring at me.


    I smiled at it, thinking how often I had seen that bird in the past few months.


    ¡®¡¯Do you want some seeds tonight?¡¯¡¯ I asked but the silver hawk just kept looking at me.


    I scoffed and I lay down on the bed as I tried to speak to the bird like it would listen to me.


    ¡®¡¯It can¡¯t be Python right?¡¯¡¯I asked.


    It surprisingly chirped. I laughed at it. ¡®¡¯Come on now, Python would be an unkillable creature. I can¡¯t do it.¡¯¡¯


    The hawk chirped as if it was now a booing. I pouted and turned to it.¡¯¡¯Listen to you¡­¡¯¡¯


    I tried to speak but my head became heavy all so suddenly. My eyes were deep as they were closing and my body¡­I fell to the bed fast.


    The next day I did not even realize when I woke up that I was standing outside the temple in the backside with the rest as Paris was getting out of the forest while he was holding yellow flowers. Not any normal kind of yellow flowers. Daffodils. His smile was beaming like the sun as his tunic had a purple shade while it was covering only the right side of his torso. Thais whistled as she looked at him with a smile while Alexious nodded. Myrto walked back while Adamantious was polishing his blade with a dark stone.


    ¡®¡¯Good morning Oracle¡¯¡¯Paris jumped to my side, showing the poisonous flowers.


    I replied with a face of disgust but his smile grew wider while Adamantious laughed as he won the first match.


    Paris kept shining like the actual sun and showed me the flowers once more. ¡®¡¯Those are for you, my Oracle.¡¯¡¯


    My oracle?


    I blinked and took once again at the flowers and tried to restrain my grin. But I failed as I grasped them and started laughing inside my mouth as I kept moving away, slowly dancing with my feet. Paris kept smiling as he turned to Adamantious and secretly pulled his tongue out to him.


    Adamantous grunted and stood up with his blade aiming at Paris.


    As much as I wanted to stop it I knew it would be pointless.


    ¡®¡¯You really believe that you can help a pretty boy?¡¯¡¯Adamantious grunted.


    Paris looked at him with his eyes studying every inch of his and stopped surprisingly looking down at his belt. He just smiled once again.


    ¡®¡¯I have many talents.¡¯¡¯ He shifted his fingers around.¡¯¡¯Mostly I am an archer you see but I lost my bow¡¯¡¯There was a disappointing frown


    ¡®¡¯Where are you from?¡¯¡¯He raised.


    ¡®¡¯From a land far away, you surely haven¡¯t heard of¡¯¡¯


    Morning summer wind started blazing around the temple as I was smelling the sweet poison coming from the flowers. My head jerked to Thais and Alexious, trying to send a signal. Both of them drew their blades.


    Paris noticed it and arched his brow cockingly. ¡®¡¯Now, why do followers of Apollo have such interesting weapons?¡¯¡¯Asked with a grin.


    I replied by covering my face better with the veil while Myrto arrived back with my bag that had plenty of herbs so I could treat the future wounded Paris.


    ¡®¡¯Well, we have to find his son.¡¯¡¯


    His eyes seemed to open wide and turned on me. There was no smile as Admantoius took the chance and with the back of his sword, he hit Paris on his face, pushing him down. I could see it from the start, the man was athletic but not for sparing. His legs were weak and his reflexes were far slower.


    ¡®¡¯Now, Oracle, that is not fair¡¯¡¯He chuckled as three people with blades now surrounded him.


    ¡®¡¯Your future is uncertain¡¯¡¯I sighed, pretending to see a vision. ¡®¡¯If you win, you might have a place here.¡¯¡¯


    Paris chuckled.¡¯¡¯And if I don¡¯t?¡¯¡¯


    Well, I hadn¡¯t thought that far. Either you will run away or maybe I will have to hide one more body.


    Paris sighed with a nod stood up and took the first glance and Alexious. The boy attacked first and with one blow of Paris¡¯ hand, he fell to the ground, gasping for air.


    What? I gasped and turned to Myrto nervous. I couldn¡¯t have someone like him here.


    Paris took the blade from Alexious hand and turned to Thais with a wink. Her cheeks turned red but her fighting did not change. She was quick, one with the wind as her dagger was like a part of her. But Paris managed to hold against her by dodging every move. Not attacking her but dodging.


    I did say that it would be nice to have him stay, didn''t I? Did he want so much to be...


    My oracle.


    Why did he say it so seductively?


    My mind became a blur before even realized that Thais was on the ground, with her knees scratched.


    ¡®¡¯How dare¡¯¡¯It was Andamantious turn but Paris just laughed as he was holding two weapons.


    Could he win? Could he actually win? Admantious was ready to swing his blade and I could see the bloodthirst of his.


    I shared a glance with Myrto who seemed unsure of all of what was happening.


    I looked at Paris whose eyes were now dark, no light, no charm on them. He faced me and stared at me as if he was trying to read my covered expressions.


    And then, his hands let the weapons free.


    ¡®¡¯I give up¡¯¡¯ Paris spat with a glare, finding Adamantious.


    But he did not have any say in this as he was now swinging the sword. He showed the power of an actual soldier as he was attacked with no remorse. As if Adamantious was at war and Paris was his pure enemy. Paris started dodging them without any weapons. His long hair moves with the wind like has no command. Like he was just the fallen leaves of trees. And yet, Adamantious did not scratch any part of him.


    He wasn¡¯t defending, he wasn¡¯t giving up. He was playing with him.


    Was his plan to humiliate him? That would make him angrier. Should I stop it?


    Then again, it did seem entertaining.


    Looking back at Thais and Alexious who were standing up, it hit me. We all survived by just mere luck. What if Perseus finds my secret? What will happen when the soldiers try to attack us?


    Was this Paris¡¯ plan? To show us how weak we are?


    ¡®¡¯Enough¡¯¡¯I shouted and saw that Paris was laughing.


    That bastard.


    And then, Adamantious attacked him with a fist down his stomach. making his mouth spit thick slava with his body breaking in two.


    ¡®¡¯You ¡®¡¯Paris gasped and there was something of. Only I noticed that, like his mask, something inside him faded. There was something cruel.


    Adamantious turned on me and rushed into my arms but he stopped immediately as he saw my expression.


    ¡®¡¯Come now¡¯¡¯He whispered. ¡®¡¯You told me to-¡¯¡¯


    I kept my narrow mind and took one deep breath.


    He was something strange. I turned back to Paris whose gaze was now almost monstrous. One second after he returned to his calm charming self as he stood up on his own two feet. Adamantious was ready to speak but I did first.


    ¡®¡¯Will you tell me what you actually want?¡¯¡¯Paris turned to my side with a smile.


    He leaned closer, right to my ear, once again disrespecting everything that I could mean. , making everyone gasp, Myrto and Alexious were holding Adamantious by his arms.


    ¡®¡¯Calm down, man¡¯¡¯Myrto shouted.


    ¡®¡¯I want you¡­¡¯¡¯A long pause from his whisper, made my heart beat faster with chills being brought down my spine.


    ¡®¡¯To be acknowledged¡¯¡¯He said, moving away from me as he clapped his hands.¡¯¡¯Is this so terrible for you to believe?¡¯¡¯


    I looked at him, at his gaze that was now beaming with light. He could do whatever he pleased and yet


    Suddenly the conversation halted as a cry echoed from the other side.

 TWELVE

    LYSSANDRA


    There was a man not older than fifty down the stairs of the temple entrance. His body had given up after the scream as he was now passed out. His arms were painted in red blood with his eyes looking above the sky.


    I held the panic as I got down on my knees near his side. His fingertips were bathed in dirt, teeth too. He seemed to have a heavy body, and yet someone who could carry rocks easily. Near his belt, he had a sickle. He had fields for sure but the sheep fur around his shoes could make him look like a shepherd.


    His clothes had a scent of grass and for his feet had a shade of purple on the end.


    Looking at his eyes I could see them turning slowly yellow.


    I wanted to stay longer watching him, inspecting him but Adamantious pulled me away from him.


    ¡®¡¯Stay back¡¯¡¯He ordered.¡¯¡¯He might be dangerous¡¯¡¯


    He was not dangerous. He was dying. I tried to walk back to him but Thais seemed quicker as he lifted his body and moved it on his shoulders, calmly carrying him while his legs seemed to shake.


    ¡®¡¯I can treat him¡¯¡¯I whispered to Adamantious and escaped his grip and turned it into Myrto.


    ¡®¡¯Go search if there is anyone watching ¡®¡¯I said to her calmly as Paris was now inside the temple.¡¯¡¯Trace his tracks until you find anything suspicious.¡¯¡¯


    If it was any of Dion¡¯s plan or Perseus to trap me I would need to know before treating him.


    Inside my room, I found Alexious putting my back on the floor with the man lying on the bed. I smiled at him but then he moved his hands.


    I have seen him in the village, he sells fur in the winter. He is¡­ His hands started shaking. His frown was deep like he was holding a deep secret.


    Please save him.


    My eyes snapped and nodded a yes as I rushed to the bed and took out my medicine.


    Poison in both arms and legs. I cleared the blood to see how he got attacked. Two sharp holes in each limp. Snake. I checked his pulse. Slow. His breathing? Harsh. Eyes yellow¡­


    Snake poison. A big snake attacked him¡­


    I rushed back to my desk and found some old fabrics. As I was rushing, I stepped my accident to an old cracked floor which opened, showing my red dress.


    I held my breath as I tried to open it and close it. That¡¯s where she hid it huh?


    ¡®¡¯Oracle?¡¯¡¯Paris asked behind me. ¡®¡¯Who is he?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Fur trader,¡¯¡¯ I replied and opened the bag and I stopped after a hint of realization.


    He was watching me. Watching me do¡­No, it was no time to panic not with someone on the line.


    ¡®¡¯Why are you trying to save him?¡¯¡¯There was a mock in his tone.¡¯¡¯A fur trader? The village will probably have more.¡¯¡¯


    I ignored him as I tightened the fabrics around the limbs so the poison would not find his heart.


    Poison. poison of a snake how could¡­


    ¡®¡¯I need an antidote¡¯¡¯I whispered out loud and Paris jumped to my side.¡¯¡¯What do you see in his future?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I see that you walked away¡¯¡¯I replied coldly and that made him swoon down to the bed, next to the dying man. Slowly, it made me find out something more about him as he was smiling at me. The way he was smiling, every time I was staring at him, I was pushing him away, or pretending I was rejecting him and he was still smiling like he was entertained.


    ¡®¡¯Paris¡¯¡¯I sighed.¡¯¡¯Are you¡­¡¯¡¯


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    His eyes opened wide and I could see two sunsets staring deep in my soul.


    ¡®¡¯A masochist?¡¯¡¯


    He blinked confused. And then, laughed loudly with his cheeks turning red.


    Great. Another pervert.


    I ignored him once more and  I tried to look at my bag and jars. I had herbs for sickness, for wounds, for rashes but poison? Snake poison¡­


    A few hours passed with Myrto showing no sign of existence while Paris had now fallen asleep. She was never that late. I thought worried. Where could she be? Smacking my face with my hands, I changed my thoughts, trying to believe that she was fine. And I turned on Paris. I tried to take a good look at him. He was sure charming in every way even if he was now drooling down to his dress.


    Should I wake him up or¡­


    A thought came to my mind that made me grin.


    I took out a jar of pepper and slightly moved it on his nostrils. I waited for a few seconds before he opened his eyes wide and started sneezing and sneezing.


    ¡®¡¯What?¡¯¡¯ He asked and turned to me with a pout while I held my grin proud. He tried to speak but he kept sneezing.


    ¡®¡¯For an Oracle¡¯¡¯He sighed , wiping the drool from his face.¡¯¡¯¡¯You sure don¡¯t act like it.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Now,¡¯¡¯ I Rested my head near the bed. ¡®¡¯I cannot always act like a wise woman¡¯¡¯I replied, not revealing the entire truth. Even though I could see the possibility that he might have known.


    ¡®¡¯Tiring isn¡¯t it?¡¯¡¯He sighed with a smile.¡¯¡¯Trying to be perfect all the time and..¡¯¡¯


    His voice became different, his tone, everything. I stared at him as he now snapped back and smiled.¡¯¡¯Well, you know, two of us, alone here¡¯¡¯ There was his flirty grin.


    ¡®¡¯Not interested.¡¯¡¯I replied.


    ¡®¡¯Does your brute follower know that I am here?¡¯¡¯He asked.


    ¡®¡¯You have your head so no¡¯¡¯I said.


    There was an arch of a brow. ¡®¡¯Sure.¡¯¡¯


    Did he actually believe that he could win? Then, again when he was fighting..


    Suddenly, the man gasped out loud. His gas was harsh like he inhaled smoke but he was awake. He was mumbling and mumbling.


    I jumped to his side and Paris moved away almost disgusted as the man was getting out red saliva.


    ¡®¡¯You are safe¡¯¡¯I tried to calm him down. ¡®¡¯I am the prophet of Apol-¡¯¡¯


    The man grabbed my grip tight.


    ¡®¡¯Save the boy¡¯¡¯His eyes were darting. ¡®¡¯Save him.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯What?¡¯¡¯I gasped.


    And the man coughed. ¡®¡¯Near Python¡¯s cave¡¯¡¯He rasped slowly.¡¯¡¯I let my sheep eat and¡­there were screams inside the cave¡­a boy¡¯s screams¡­¡¯¡¯


    I tried to stay calm while my entire mind was in panic. Python? Seems that someone overheard Perseus¡¯ words and rumors began to spread. Rumors that everyone believed that it was the truth.


    ¡®¡¯I went inside¡¯¡¯He gasped, his eyes dry.¡¯¡¯I could not¡­Python, Python¡¯¡¯He mumbled with his eyes almost closing.


    I grabbed his face and pulled him close to me.¡¯¡¯No, you won¡¯t fall asleep now¡¯¡¯I commanded him.¡¯¡¯Are you sure you heard someone inside?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Help me, father¡¯¡¯He gasped.¡¯¡¯I do not want to die inside¡­¡¯¡¯He muttered with his grip getting loose.


    ¡®¡¯Prophet, please make your God listen, please¡­¡¯¡¯


    No, no no no. Cold sweat showered my brow as the man passed out, eyes closed.


    No.


    I could listen to his pulse. It was steady. Was he just resting?


    There was a sound of clapping hands and Paris sighed.¡¯¡¯Well, at least he is alive, now you shall go do your duties as an¡¯¡¯


    Myrto hasn¡¯t come back.


    Trace his tracks.


    She was not here. She was not¡­


    Panic. Not her. Not her.


    I stood up on my own two feet and moved away from him.


    Away from the man, away from Paris, away from everyone. Away from the temple.Even when Alexious tried to ask me what would happen if I saved the man. What could I possibly say? Right at the exit, I found a glimpse of God Apollo¡¯s statues. As if he was once again, staring at me back.


    He did not listen. But I did.


    ¡®¡¯Myrto hasn¡¯t come back¡¯¡¯I said out loud for Thais to hear. I could see from her shadow that she was right behind a column.


    ¡®¡¯So what¡¯s your plan?¡¯¡¯


    What was my plan? My plan¡­


    The sun was still in place, hours away from falling. I still had time.


    ¡®¡¯I will find her, I will go to the cave.¡¯¡¯

 THIRTEEN

    APOLLO


    ¡®¡¯Absolutely not¡¯¡¯ The brute man shouted in the temple as the woman made a choice.


    ¡®¡¯Myrto might be dying the moment we speak¡¯¡¯She stated


    Hiding now to one of the pillars made me listen to the argument better than the woman¡¯s room And none could see me or notice as everyone was talking about the girl with the name Myrto. Who was that one again?


    A glimpse of a memory hit my bair as a shy girl, younger than sixteen, was trying to lurk around in the walls. Her eyes were curious as she watched every move I made by fighting the rest. It almost felt like Themis when she was watching me back then. Her knife on my throat, her judgment falling on me.


    Coward traitor of Troy. How does your loyalty fall when someone mortall defies you?


    Those were her words. Words that made my eyes bleed gold, making my words pointless.


    But now they are shy girls¡­Such care of the shy mortal? Is that useful for her? I saw her for a moment but she did not seem that of importance.


    ¡®¡¯Myrto, will return sooner or later. If¡¯¡¯The man took a long silence. Was he trying to think what he would say next?


    ¡®¡¯She actually went to the cave, of course, she would be late.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯But¡¯¡¯ The fast woman tried to speak but the man cut her.


    ¡®¡¯No, we do not need to be more suspicious¡¯¡¯He explained.


    Oh? A man of the rules. The first one to die probably or to run away.


    ¡®¡¯What about¡­¡¯¡¯The woman now had a normal calm tone. A skeptic one.¡¯¡¯We ask the king for help?¡¯¡¯


    My head snapped as I heard that. An oracle, asking for help? My Oracle asking for help from a son of ¡®Father¡¯?


    The brute man seemed to gulp.¡¯¡¯Are you stupid?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You can find him and tell him that I saw a vision.¡¯¡¯ explained the woman.¡¯¡¯Twenty soldiers shall go to the cave where the son of Apollo lives.¡¯¡¯A long pause. ¡®¡¯There shall find a girl and a boy.¡¯¡¯


    Huh, that did not seem a bad idea. If the brute man did not want her to get there then she would use others to¡­


    Wait, why am I complimenting her? No, she was just the mortal who I had to punish.


    The brute man agreed at the end and walked off.


    It was pointless. I walked away from my hiding spot in the column before anyone would even notice my existence.


    I had other things to take care of.


    I hated that I had to walk towards the village. I could not fly, I could not run like the light, I could just¡­walk. My feet began to hurt.


    The village was as small as I imagined. The people seemed to have few profits to sell and less seemed the money they were giving. The market had few people now, talking about the king being in the area while soldiers, dressed in blue capes and silver armor, were scouting all over the place.


    They did not seem to need any secrecy, especially the main tall house that looked like it had more soldiers than the others. At the top of the marble building, there was an eagle, dressed in gold.


    Of course, it would be the house the king would stay in.


    Six moons¡­winter solstice¡­


    Someone from the market started talking now about my child.


    The monster had devoured more animals than in the past few years as they were even far from the cave. Sheep, cows, and a lot of curious kids started to go missing near the cave.


    I grinned as I kept walking painfully and I found a glimpse of the brute man, moving inside the house while two soldiers accompanied him.


    He would really ask a favor of him? Loyal man. Ares would definitely like him. He was as stupid as him.


    But not as stupid as the soldiers who did not guard one window.


    Jumping inside the house, I found statues of ¡®Father¡¯ sculpted all over the room. Watching me, studying me as if he was near.


    A memory returned when the panic of Troy was getting higher and higher. Thunder erupted from the sky as if it was now all open. The pain around my body grew like someone struck me with all of their strength.


    ¡®¡¯What did you do?¡¯¡¯ He growled inside my head.


    I fell on my knees near the balcony where Cassandra fell.


    ¡®¡¯I¡¯¡¯I tried to breathe.¡¯¡¯I did what I had to.¡¯¡¯¡¯My voice broke.


    He was always cruel to me. Even if it wasn¡¯t my fault to be born, if it wasn¡¯t my fault he stayed unloyal, he hated me with passion. Perhaps it was mostly because I looked like him. More than the rest.


    ¡®¡¯You sacrificed your side for your pride.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I did what I had to do¡¯¡¯I said once again, staring at the sky with my eyes burning from the pain and letting my hands take an archer position. Aiming at the sky. The sun began to burn, and the light of the city grew more with the chaos going stronger. But I did not care. I had to make the pain stop.


    ¡®¡¯I am doing my best¡¯¡¯I gasped out loud, now back to the room, looking at the statue. How strange it was for the mortals to sculpt us in their image? Don¡¯t they have fantasy? Or are they trying to pretend that we are equal to them?


    I kept now moving slowly and carefully with the soldiers around the hall trying to watch for any intruder. Hiding like a rat. If I was at my full potential I could make the sun bright enough to make this entire house burn.


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    I could make everyone burn.


    I finally found the room where my brother was sitting, dining with soldiers all around him, followers of my father, and right in front of him was the brute, getting down on his knees.


    Perseus stopped eating his pig and looked at the brute intrigued.


    ¡®¡¯Is this what your Oracle saw?¡¯¡¯He asked. ¡®¡¯Twenty of my men, fighting Python and winning, finding two people?¡¯¡¯


    The brute nodded.


    One of the followers of ¡®Father¡¯ rushed to his side. ¡®¡¯Speak to the king.¡¯¡¯He spat.


    Perseus halted the man and smirked.¡¯¡¯I am not his king, I understand that he might not have the gratitude of-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯No, my king¡¯¡¯The brute finally spoke. ¡®¡¯He is right.¡¯¡¯


    Perseus¡¯ eyes opened wider, surprised by what he was seeing. Hasn¡¯t he seen a mere mortal like him? First time getting out to see people after fighting monsters?


    ¡®¡¯Is it true then?¡¯¡¯He asked formally.


    ¡®¡¯Yes, my king¡¯¡¯He rasped.


    Perseus hummed for a few seconds before smiling gently.¡¯¡¯Very well, twenty of my men it is¡¯¡¯


    Both me and the brute stared at the king, shocked. He just gave them to him? Perseus pointed his two clean fingers and told him to send his best men to the cave.


    Brute stood up and nodded, thanking him over and over.


    ¡®¡¯It was Apollo¡¯s wish wasn¡¯t it?¡¯¡¯Perseus laughed while the man was now escorted.


    He was now dining once more in total silence before he spoke again.


    ¡®¡¯Would you like to eat with me, stranger?¡¯¡¯He asked, taking a bite from one of the legs.


    My eyes snapped as I walked out. No need to hold behind the pillars now. Everyone¡¯s sword at my side.


    ¡®¡¯Drop your weapons¡¯¡¯Perseus commanded.


    Taking once again a look at him, he was someone that has earned his people''s respect. Even the way he was eating was calm and delicate. Ws ¡®father¡¯ sure that this was his son?


    I did not bow as I could now walk freely towards the man. Everyone¡¯s eyes watching, studying me, searching for every secret I was hiding. I turned to one of the soldiers and smiled gently, making his cheeks flush behind his heavy helmet.


    Now, standing in front of him, it almost felt unreal. But he was there.


    ¡®¡¯Would you like some of it?¡¯¡¯He asked., showing the dead animal.


    ¡®¡¯No, thank you¡¯¡¯I said and noticed that one of the followers of Zeus was looking at me with a piercing gaze.


    ¡®¡¯Shame, it is good¡¯¡¯Perseus pouted. ¡®¡¯But I believe that I had a better pig in one island that I traveled to years ago¡¯¡¯He muttered now as he was trying to remember.¡¯¡¯There was no sign of people and yet so many pigs, it could make two armies of them you know.¡¯¡¯


    Wait island¡­Oh.


    I chuckled as I heard a good joke.


    ¡®¡¯Now, will you tell me why you tried to sneak into my guest home?¡¯¡¯He asked me and fixed his beard.¡¯¡¯I remember you from the temple of Apollo.¡¯¡¯


    I arched my brow. Did I get his attention?


    ¡®¡¯Oh, I am here to see if my oracle¡¯s vision will come true.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Lies your grace¡¯¡¯The follower of ¡®father¡¯ hissed. ¡®¡¯He is trouble, he will try to kill you.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯He is unarmed¡¯¡¯stated Perseus with an almost childish pout.


    ¡®¡¯I saw what he did to our Priest,¡¯¡¯ He explained. ¡®¡¯He¡­¡¯¡¯


    I frowned.


    ¡®¡¯I might have scared him a little,¡¯¡¯I explained.


    ¡®¡¯You threatened him¡¯¡¯Hissed once again the follower.¡¯¡¯Is this what your oracle wants?¡¯¡¯


    I narrowed and was ready to speak.


    ¡®¡¯Now, will you leave us all alone?¡¯¡¯Perseus asked, looking at the follower and one of his guards. They all replied with a nodding head and as they all left I found a glimpse of the follower, his lips curving a long grin.


    What was that about?


    Perseus hummed as he poured just by himself a cup of wine.


    ¡®¡¯Does your oracle know you are here?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯No sir, she doesn¡¯t but if she even did¡­¡¯¡¯I tried to play that I actually believed her lies, her false prophecies.¡¯¡¯She did not seem to have stopped me¡¯¡¯


    There was a slight smile coming from his beard.


    ¡®¡¯What do you know about me, boy?¡¯¡¯He asked me with a cold deadly gaze. Just like the one ¡®Father¡¯ has.


    ¡®¡¯I know that you were a mighty warrior, killer of beasts, monster, great fighter and now a great king¡¯¡¯I admitted. Nothing that I did not learn from Hermes.


    His brow arched now, growing more curious. ¡®¡¯I see¡¯¡¯


    Huh?


    ¡®¡¯So who are you, young boy?¡¯¡¯His voice became deeper.


    I gulped. ¡®¡¯My name is Paris, I am a follower of Apollo.¡¯¡¯


    He laughed the moment I introduced myself. ¡®¡¯A follower of Apollo, son of Zeus¡¯¡¯He kept laughing.¡¯¡¯And you don''t believe that I am also one of his?¡¯¡¯


    Oh.


    I looked down, trying to be intimidated.¡¯¡¯Forgive me, I spoke lies.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯A follower of Apollo can lie?¡¯¡¯ He almost laughed this time. Didn¡¯t he believe me? Or was it something else? Didn¡¯t he believe the woman¡¯s words?


    ¡®¡¯May I ask a question, my king?¡¯¡¯I tried to look above him without any thought of punching his face.¡¯¡¯Why are you here? Helping mere mortals? Staying like a common noble?¡¯¡¯


    No response for a while.


    ¡®¡¯Are you suggesting that I should not help?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You are a king. A son of¡­of Zeus¡¯¡¯I tried to take a deep breath.¡¯¡¯Someone with your status should not be here. Someone with your blood¡­.¡¯¡¯


    The image of the mortal woman once more. Liar and deceiver, Greedy mere mortal who was looking at me so common. Such an interesting girl but still mere. Clever but yet someone¡¯s attention like a half god¡¯s or someone Olympian shouldn¡¯t be drawn to her.


    He stayed silent again, this time longer. Had he fallen asleep?


    ¡®¡¯I¡¯¡¯His loud voice snapped me out and looked at him. Why did it snap me out? Why?


    ¡®¡¯I was once to my lowest, imprisoned in a kingdom, trying to save someone dear to me¡­¡¯¡¯Another long pause.¡¯¡¯When you are the lowest of your life, you will try and see the mere.¡¯¡¯He arched his brow. ¡®¡¯The common things differently.¡¯¡¯


    Mortal lives are simple numbers. ¡®Father always told. Their existence is to bow their heads to us like sheep. But you will appreciate the sheep that wears gold. Because their words will matter most for our existence. And the rest of the cattle will always follow the most bright.


    ¡®¡¯Why?¡¯¡¯I parted my mouth. Perseus looked at me curious.


    But instead of talking again, I walked away.


    He was nothing like ¡®Father¡¯. He had his eyes, the eyes that spoke pride but his words, his presence were kind. Were pure even of what he wanted conquest. Every word he was speaking the truth? He cared for the mere, for the common. And ¡®Father¡¯ loved him, making a feast for him while his Olympian children were suffering the punishment. To humiliate us while we broke no oath and he broke his.


    Why him? Why not me?

 FOURTEEN

    APOLLO


    Walking back to the temple with the sun at the beginning of fall was the only thought I had in mind. As it was calling me back. My temple was calling me to go there.


    I could not stop thinking of what that man said. How foolish mortals could be?


    I was at my lowest. Cursed, banished, unable to do my duties to do what I pleased and the only thing I wanted to do was to¡­


    The image of the woman returned to me. Her wounded face as it was covered by the veil, her silk wild curls, her grinning lips. I wanted her punished. On her knees, crying, begging for my mercy.


    That is what I wanted.


    My eyes aimed for the temple only to find a dark shadow coming out from one of the windows. Now the figure was running far from the temple.


    Who could that be?


    I decided to follow the figure as it moved to the forest, dressed in a dark cloak.


    Walking a few paces away from them, taking careful steps so I won¡¯t draw any attention to them. But they were fast, like the wind as they got one with the trees. At that moment, I lost their sign of existence, looking left and right.


    I narrowed, trying to take every guard I could to this stupid body.


    I Turned my head back to see a sickle, aiming at my throat. I grabbed the hand of the holder tight, making them move back and fall to the ground, with my weight conquering them.


    ¡®¡¯Now little mort-¡¯¡¯I tried to speak but I saw the revealing face under the cloak.


    ¡®¡¯Oracle¡¯¡¯ I gasped.


    Her face grimaced and then a smile.


    ¡®¡¯Surprise?¡¯¡¯ She asked with a laugh and looked at me with her sharp eyes.


    Her hair was down to the grass, letting it be on with the earth, her body open for any attack or wound. Her hand with the sickle far from it. If I wanted her dead¡­If I was someone else who got her¡­


    ¡®¡¯Why are you out?¡¯¡¯I asked her, still my weight, trapping her. She did not even struggle.


    ¡®¡¯Why are you following me?¡¯¡¯She asked breathlessly. Looking down now on her clothes I could see how messy they were. In a hurry.


    I stood up, letting her free, and tried to avoid her gaze as I started explaining myself.


    ¡®¡¯I saw a dark figure jumping from the window and I thought it might have been an enemy.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Enemy?¡¯¡¯ She muttered confusedly. Didn¡¯t she have enemies or was she trapping them in a secret house?


    ¡®¡¯Now tell me¡¯¡¯I moved back to her and found the bag around her arm, slightly opened for me to notice the hemlock and daffodils. The ones that I gave her and created. Then, to her sickle.


    ¡®¡¯Tell me¡¯¡¯I sighed, pushing my brow with my fingers.¡¯¡¯You won¡¯t try to fight Python alone? With simple poisonous flowers.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Alright.¡¯¡¯She replied calmly, fixing herself up.¡¯¡¯I am not going to fight Python alone.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Good¡¯¡¯I nodded with a smile of relief.


    ¡®¡¯Cause you will come with me¡¯¡¯She said with a grin and kept walking away from me, continuing down the path of the cave.


    ¡®¡¯What?¡¯¡¯ I turned to her and grabbed her free wrist.


    ¡®¡¯Come on now, the sun is still up,¡¯¡¯She ordered me and got out of my grasp.


    My face twitched as she kept moving unbothered and swinging the sickle as if it was her toy. She stopped walking as she realized I did not follow her.


    ¡®¡¯Perhaps¡¯¡¯She sighed and looked at me back with a devious grin.¡¯¡¯Are you scared? A devoted of Apollo afraid of a big snake?¡¯¡¯


    I tilted my head to the left and grinned at her as I restrained myself from shouting at her.


    ¡®¡¯Not at all, my oracle,¡¯¡¯ I replied and started walking with her.


    A few minutes passed as we were walking in silence and she was now holding a tablet, muttering a few words.


    ¡®¡¯Poison, snake, poison snake¡­¡¯¡¯


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    ¡®¡¯Hey¡¯¡¯I asked her. She woke up from her reading and put the tablet back in her bag.


    ¡®¡¯So, you can read¡­¡¯¡¯I tried to make conversation.


    She nodded.¡¯¡¯I know, it is forbidden, but I had to.¡¯¡¯


    My eyes arched as she said that. She took one deep breath.


    ¡®¡¯When I was a kid, in one of the temples of Apollo, one other boy tried to make a fool out of me by giving me a tablet, telling me it was a message from Apollo.¡¯¡¯She explained slowly.¡¯¡¯I was all so excited and I went to the archpriest of the temple with a grin on my face of joy when I was giving the tablet to him.¡¯¡¯


    I could see the wounded eyes narrow.¡¯¡¯It was not a message was it?¡¯¡¯I asked her.


    She nodded.¡¯¡¯It was just written that the arch prophet is a liar and a deceiver.¡¯¡¯She explained.¡¯¡¯I took a lot of beating that day¡¯¡¯Her arms moved up, trying to arch her back.¡¯¡¯So, I promise to not myself that I am going to learn how to read. And I did¡¯¡¯She laughed back.


    I nodded as I realized everything that she said now was the complete and honest truth. She was from a temple of mine?


    ¡®¡¯May I ask one more thing?¡¯¡¯I said dryly. Her entire face turned on me as we kept walking with the air becoming slowly chillier. And yet as we were all alone, I felt that someone was watching us. No mortal, but someone, something else.


    ¡®¡¯Why are we going there? Perseus did agree to send people there.¡¯¡¯


    Her eyes grew wider as she nodded.¡¯¡¯Correct but¡­I just do not feel standing inside.¡¯¡¯


    Ah¡­


    ¡®¡¯Myrto is a follower of mi¡­of Apollo¡¯¡¯She corrected herself. ¡®¡¯She is at my temple, devoted. I just need to find her.¡¯¡¯


    She kept walking, trying to be calm. All this for a mere mortal? No, it was not.


    ¡®¡¯You love her.¡¯¡¯


    She kept walking as she did not reply with a yes or a slap. But it was in her eyes. I knew that it looked good.


    ¡®¡¯I just feel that twenty men won¡¯t be enough.¡¯¡¯She sighed .¡¯¡¯And¡¯¡¯ She moved her hands to my arms, squeezing them tight as her face now was bright with her smile all excited.


    ¡®¡¯I need to take the snake¡¯s poison.¡¯¡¯


    I blinked confused as she was still smiling from the amusement.


    ¡®¡¯If I take it, I might find an antidote of snake poison.¡¯¡¯


    Antidote¡­


    I let out a chuckle. My, she was interesting.


    She replied with a blink and cleared her throat. ¡®¡¯I mean, that''s what my God told me.¡¯¡¯


    Really?


    I kept walking as the woman found her attention drawn to a pink hyacinth that was growing near a tree, the flowers perfectly bloomed, making the woman mesmerized by the beauty. She stopped and moved to the flowers, getting on her knees and plucking it out gently as it was now on her fingertips.


    She replied her gaze getting softer.


    ¡®¡¯Does your God really want to attack his child?¡¯¡¯I asked as she moved the flower close to her node, her dark lips. Like as if it was kissing it. I felt my cheeks turn for a moment a bit hot like someone threw fire at me.


    ¡®¡¯I see you also have read the stories¡¯¡¯She laughed.¡¯¡¯I am not going to attack him¡­¡¯¡¯She explained looking away from me.¡¯¡¯I will just make it fall asleep, rescue Myrto and the boy and take a few drops from his fangs¡¯¡¯Her eyes looked at the afternoon sky. ¡®¡¯I am no fighter, but Poison¡¯¡¯She grinned.¡¯¡¯I¡­can make sure people will..¡¯¡¯She cut off her words as she let her lips and nose touch the flower again. As if she was in love with it.


    I could not stop feeling my cheeks getting hotter and hotter, my chest-hurting eyes widened up, and then without even realizing it, I moved closer to her side, grabbing her hand that was holding the flower and pulling my lips closer to the petals. I could smell the sweet scent coming from the buds, pollen inhaling my nostrils. The heat stayed but the pain on my chest had now gone away. Looking at her gaze, I could see her cheeks had now been painted with a slight shade of red. Yet, her lips were blooming in disgust.


    I could not help but smile at that expression. It was so different from the ones I usually got. So intriguing.


    ¡®¡¯Now,¡¯¡¯ she backed away, giving the flower to me as she tried to catch a breath.


    ¡®¡¯Will you answer me a question?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Of course, my oracle¡¯¡¯I replied with a smile while we kept going. For a moment, I saw the woman''s brow twitching.


    ¡®¡¯What did you listen yesterday?¡¯¡¯


    I listened to everything and I know everything. That was the truth. But I could not tell her.


    ¡®¡¯The girl lost her home, didn¡¯t she?¡¯¡¯I asked her.


    She nodded.¡¯¡¯Few days ago, I gave her father a prophecy.¡¯¡¯She explained.¡¯¡¯My God showed to me that he was a cruel man. My God warned him.¡¯¡¯


    I stopped walking as she kept explaining herself.¡¯¡¯My God warned him but he did not change. And he paid the price¡¯¡¯Her words became harsh, cruel.


    She killed someone today. Someone cruel. Did she take the judgment in her hands?


    What will I have done? That was my question. But I wasn¡¯t there, I did not listen, I could not listen. But she did and¡­Was she playing God for justice and not just money?


    ¡®¡¯Incredible¡¯¡¯I gasped out loud. She turned to me, her face wide, confused. She was¡­far more interesting than Hermes told me.


    I kept moving at her side, and the eyes around us grew more. And it seemed by the way she was grabbing the sickle. My eyes searched around. Three on the left, three on the right, and one¡­.


    I turned my head back with my hand now grabbing someone¡¯s throat. A man dressed in white and golden bracelets. His pulse was twitching in my grasp and a mere power at that moment made me smile.


    ¡®¡¯Drop him¡¯¡¯Another voice rasped as men with bows and arrows were aiming at both of us. And one of them aimed directly at the woman¡¯s heart.


    Aiming me with a bow and arrow like an animal. How humiliating.


    I dropped the man and he started coughing down on his knees. But he was still grinning as the rest of the men told us to follow them.

 FIFTEEN

    LYSSANDRA


    Of course, they were followers of Zeus, aiming at us, unarming us as one of them took my bag and kept laughing like he won a prize. I kept narrowing as he commanded me to follow them.


    I did not speak for the entire walk while Paris seemed to have a colder gaze now. His eyes steady, losing every part of the light that his eyes once had. But when he turned on me, his smile appeared again, the sun attacking me with his teeth.


    I replied with a nervous brow and as we finally stopped walking we were in front of a dark cave. Away from it, there were a few more followers of Zeus with Dion in charge and next to him, there was a girl, tied up tight to ropes. Long chestnut hair, down to her olive-skinned shoulders was now beaten up. Her eyes were staring at me as they were red from tears and her dress ruined while her mouth was covered with one more rope. Myrto.


    ¡®¡¯You finally made it.¡¯¡¯Dion smirked as he looked at me.¡¯¡¯I knew that you could not resist.¡¯¡¯He grabbed Myrto¡¯s face and kept facing me.¡¯¡¯I know how much you care about your accomplices and¡­why do you have that face?¡¯¡¯He raised his voice at the end while I had a disappointed glare at him.


    She wasn¡¯t trapped by a venomous mythical snake who was supposed to not die and no cure could heal the poison but¡­Them? All this for them?


    ¡®¡¯Really?¡¯¡¯I arched my brow looking at her and she started apologizing again and again.


    I let out a sigh.¡¯¡¯It is not your fault, they always like to pick the ones they think they are weak.¡¯¡¯


    Dion chuckled.¡¯¡¯You are saying that your follower is weak? My in front of her face too¡­¡¯¡¯He pulled her closer.


    ¡®¡¯No, I said that you thought.¡¯¡¯I corrected myself and looked at her and kept having a disappointed brow around my face. Seriously could there have been at least another poisonous snake? Or a chimera, echidna, gorgon¡­


    Paris noticed it.¡¯¡¯You really wanted to see Python?¡¯¡¯He whispered with the sun falling slowly.


    ¡®¡¯Maybe¡¯¡¯I tried to avoid his eyes as a smile fell on my face.¡¯¡¯It is just disappointing¡¯¡¯I said again, looking at Dion as his face twitched. ¡®¡¯Now, can you please let her go? The soldiers are already inside the cave and they must get out in a few minutes¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Oh, they will¡­¡¯¡¯Dion raised his shoulders and pointed his sword at us.¡¯¡¯But you will also go down there¡­ so the monster will feast upon- why are you so happy?¡¯¡¯He yelled at me while I could feel my cheeks turn red from the thought of seeing a dangerous snake. A snake of stories and legends. An actual killing snake. I could hear Paris chuckling as he covered his mouth with a fist.


    Dion rasped.¡¯¡¯You are insane.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You are threatening my followers¡¯¡¯I said, looking back at Myrto. She was heavily injured. I looked around and saw thirty men surrounding us with swords and arrows.


    ¡®¡¯I was sure¡¯¡¯He pulled away from Myrto and walked closer to me and his eyes turned to Paris. ¡®¡¯But your follower threatened me first.¡¯


    My followers? I turned to look at him and he had a childish pout.¡¯¡¯I might¡­¡¯¡¯His lips pressed to a thin line. ¡®¡¯Did try to threaten him last day¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Why?¡¯¡¯I almost hissed.


    ¡®¡¯He gave me money to prove that you are impure.¡¯¡¯


    How could he possibly prove¡­wait.


    ¡®¡¯Oh.¡¯¡¯My brow arched and looked at Dion while I pointed at him.¡¯¡¯This was your best plan?¡¯¡¯I asked Dion and then another follower walked closer to us and looked at Paris.


    ¡®¡¯Do you know that he was sneaking today into King Perseus¡¯ house?¡¯¡¯Questioned the man with a smile on his face.


    I did not speak because I knew what they were trying to do. Make us argue, show us how weak we are¡­ Paris noticed it too and remained silent. And yet why did he do that? Why did he sneak into Perseus'' house? How did he do that?


    I shook my head, realizing I did not care about it and Dion looked even more furious as he now grabbed Myrto¡¯s throat.


    ¡®¡¯Alright, let¡¯s make a deal now '' ¡®Oracle¡¯¡¯¡¯ He mocked and I could see Myrto starting to shake.


    Keep calm, keep calm, and do not show any emotions.


    But it seemed that my body was quicker than my thoughts as I started running to her side.


    One arrow crossed right at my arm, passing right from my dress.


    I gritted my teeth as I could see Dion¡¯s smile growing wider.


    ¡®¡¯Would you attack a follower of Apollo?¡¯¡¯Paris asked behind me but I could only listen to his tone, his rasp. How much he was controlling his anger. Even if he was trying to act rational, he was furious. I checked my dress, noticing the scratch on my sleeve. My favorite dress.


    Dion chuckled. ¡®¡¯I do not know where you are from strangers¡¯¡¯He said to Paris. ¡®¡¯But in this world, there are no Gods. Only one God and the one is Zeus. The king of all. The rest of them are false, liars and deceivers, just like this one.¡¯¡¯He glared at me. ¡®¡¯But I suppose you can be useful.¡¯¡¯One more pressure on the neck of Myrto¡¯s. I swallowed harshly as Dion now had all the power.


    ¡®¡¯Sure¡¯¡¯Paris rasped. ¡®¡¯Then again, follower or not, she is a mere mortal. What would Zeus even care about someone like her? Or any other god or..an oracle of them.¡¯¡¯


    What was he trying to say? He leaned to me and whispered close to my ear.


    ¡®¡¯If you show weakness now, they will all win.¡¯¡¯He squeezed my arm tight as if he was trying to break it. ¡®¡¯How about you walk out of it, pretend that God Apollo told you one more prophecy.¡¯¡¯ His words cut like venom.


    He¡­


    I turned to him and my eyes glared at his face. I could not imagine the expression that I made but it left him speechless.


    He knows. What is he planning?


    ¡®¡¯Tell me prophet,¡¯¡¯Dion¡¯s voice made me return to them. what will happen if both of you get to the cave?¡¯¡¯He asked me.¡¯¡¯Will I let her free? I think that it will be the right thing to do¡­¡¯¡¯


    In the cave inside the snake, eating all of us. Then again, soldiers were down there weren¡¯t they? I could listen to the echoing steps of them as one kid was whispering down there. Please save me. I miss my mother. My mother¡­


    ¡®¡¯But what will happen if you don''t?¡¯¡¯Asked once again, leaning closer to her with everyone around laughing in victory.


    We had no weapons, I had no herbs or poison around me and he had her. I could not¡­I could not¡­ Her eyes stopped shedding tears but I knew¡­


    You love her. Asked Paris. If it was that simple.


    ¡®¡¯When we took our first step inside¡¯¡¯I spoke clearly with a formal tone, the one I was using for prophecies. ¡®¡¯Let her go. Or else¡­¡¯¡¯I looked up to the trees and noticed a silver bird staring at all of us as it was flying around. And it hit me. I took one more deep breath before I replied coldly.


    ¡®¡¯You will all perish.¡¯¡¯I said grinning. Dion¡¯s face twitched as he remained silent while watching me walking near the cave and looked at Myrto. She would not get hurt. I promised her that she wouldn¡¯t get hurt by my mistakes.


    How dark it was with no light appearing from it. How quiet¡­Why was it quiet? Twenty soldiers had been sent inside. Where were the soldiers? I turned back to see Paris staying frozen in his place.


    ¡®¡¯My rocale¡¯¡¯He whispered with the falling sun, making his skin shimmer. His eyes burning in anger and shock.¡¯¡¯My Oracle, step back.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Are you a coward now?¡¯¡¯Dion mocked.


    I could not understand why he wanted me to stop but then, screams erupted from the cave. Screams that kept going and going until the scream became only one. A soldier got out, running fast with tears in his eyes and blood all over his armor.


    Getting on his knees near the entrance he started panting and fast enough, vomiting.


    ¡®¡¯Help..¡¯¡¯He gasped out of his saliva and I tried to rush to him but this time, an arrow scratched my arm.


    I held my pain by gritting my teeth and kept walking to him. I don''t care if they hurt me. I did not care if I would die at that moment.


    ¡®¡¯What happened?¡¯¡¯I asked, cupping his bare face to see the blood dripping from his forehead and his eyes with rage.


    ¡®¡¯Liar¡­LIAR¡¯¡¯He screamed, echoing the voice to the woods. ¡®¡¯None of them¡­none..¡¯¡¯


    I tried to calm him down but that moment was too late as something crawled fast out. Someone pulled me back and now a dark long snake swallowed the soldier like it was a grape.


    I fell to the ground next to the person who I found by looking back that it was Paris. I did not care at that moment because the snake was Python.


    Tall like a house, long with dark scales and purple ooze dripping from his mouth. Eyes golden, looking at me, looking at all the people in the woods. Everyone¡¯s attention was on the son of Apollo.


    Dion twitched as he released Myrto and pushed her close to it.


    ¡®¡¯Run¡¯¡¯He commanded and everyone, like a coward, tried to flee. But Python replied by crawling fast to the ground and attacking everyone, biting them, lifting them, and swallowing them. Someone shot an arrow at it but nothing passed at it. Like it was made from armor.


    Everyone was panicking with others managing to flee and yet Myrto was still tied up, still in Python¡¯s eyes. He noticed her.


    ¡®¡¯No¡¯¡¯I screamed and rushed to her.


    I met her near Athens a few years ago. Me, Admantious, and Thais were walking for days with one horse to carry two people. We usually got turns so it was my time to walk.


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    ¡®¡¯I am hungry¡¯¡¯I complained to Adamantiou as I was dragging my feet to the ground. ¡®You just ate the last bread¡¯¡¯He judged me while Thais was sleeping.


    ¡®¡¯And I am still hungry.¡¯¡¯I let out a whine and turned my head towards the valley which had a figure escaping the forest with people in horses after them. Adamantious stopped the horse and got down, letting Thais fall to the ground.


    ¡®¡¯Hey¡¯¡¯She shouted as she woke up and looked where the figure was running. She stood up and drew her knife and Admantious his long sword.


    The fire stumbled as she was surprisingly faster than the horses and she moved to our sides.


    She was younger than me with her brown hair tight behind as they were forcefully covered in a red veil. Her wrists were dressed in gold bracelets her face painted heavily in crimson. Yet, tears made her charming face look ruined by the paint.


    ¡®¡¯Help¡­¡¯¡¯ She panted with an arrow getting shot next to her, making our horse start to panic. I tried to calm down but more of the horses came and we could see that the riders were also wearing rich clothes with heavy shacks around their belt.


    ¡®¡¯Ah¡¯¡¯One older man with a dark beard sighed heavily as he got down from the horse and tried to reach for the girl.¡¯¡¯Apologize for her, she has cold feet.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Who is she?¡¯¡¯I asked. He did not reply like he did not even notice me. Then again, his eyes were only looking for Adamantious.


    He sighed.¡¯¡¯The oracle of Apollo asked you a question.¡¯¡¯He explained.


    The man¡¯s brow arched and looked at me again, nodding.¡¯¡¯She is going to be my wife today¡¯¡¯He announced proudly, grasping her wrist, making her stand up and echoing a scream. Looking behind, I found another far older man smiling while he had a resemblance to the girl. Was that her father?


    ¡®¡¯I see¡¯¡¯I pouted, letting out a tired sigh, and made a signal to  Adamantious and Thais to stop at that moment with their swords.  The girl¡¯s feet were well bruised with her ankles also dressed in gold. Everyone was looking at her like a lamb to the slaughter, ready to take everything from her.  Every part of her existence was ready to be destroyed.


    ¡®¡¯Do you have food?¡¯¡¯I asked them.¡¯¡¯We have been traveling for days and I do believe that my god will be grateful to see this wedding.¡¯¡¯I smiled at the husband who replied with a wide smile. And the girl tried to escape once but he knocked her down with a fist.


    The ceremony had food that we could eat for days and wine not even kings could dream of. But my job was to move to the small house near the ceremony where the girl was being hidden. Trapped from everyone. I jumped inside the window, ending up falling with my own face. I let out a shout of pain and looking up, I saw the girl being tied up limb by limb as she could not do anything else but cry.


    ¡®¡¯Hello¡¯¡¯I said smiling.


    ¡®¡¯Get¡­¡¯¡¯Spat the girl but I stopped her.¡¯¡¯Do not drink anything tonight.¡¯¡¯I commanded her. ¡®¡¯No water, no wine, nothing¡¯¡¯


    Her eyes rose, letting the tears stop. ¡®¡¯What are you¡­¡¯¡¯


    I avoided her as I took from my bag a piece of bread and a chicken leg and started munching, salivating from the taste. Oh, I missed eating like a human.


    I wiped my face with my hand and looked around her room, noticing tablets hidden down on the bed. She could read. And she was fast it seemed.


    ¡®¡¯Oh, I poisoned everything so it¡¯s better for you to not drink it,¡¯¡¯ I said, licking my thumb from the grease of the leg.


    She blinked again and again until she replied.¡¯¡¯Are you insane?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Well, you tried to run from your wedding, not me,¡¯¡¯ I smirked, swallowing the rest of the bread.


    Her lips parted as she touched her wedding necklace.¡¯¡¯I have no other choice now¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Didn¡¯t I say that I poisoned everything?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯And then what? What will I do?¡¯¡¯Her body was shaking. She broke everything and told me what happened. Father was cruel as he had only a daughter. He lost everything and he could take everything back if he married her off. She was running for three days until she got caught up with the horses.


    Running for three days¡­ Hiding well for three days and none could find her¡­


    I tried to hold my grin as I thought of an idea that could help both of us.


    ¡®¡¯Come with me¡¯¡¯I told her. She looked at me with a strange light in her eyes.


    ¡®¡¯I will become an Oracle that will be remembered by historians as a God¡¯¡¯I admitted to her. ¡®¡¯So, it would be better if you were on my side.¡¯¡¯


    She was ready to laugh but my words stopped her.


    ¡®¡¯But I will need someone like you to help me.¡¯¡¯


    She covered herself fast. But I moved to her and touched her hands softly.


    ¡®¡¯It won¡¯t be like that. The work won¡¯t be decent though. The work will have you may be beaten or killed. But I won¡¯t force you to stay or do anything that you don¡¯t want to.¡¯¡¯


    Her eyes opened even wider. I could not let her stay like this. We all had choices and I could give her one. Just this once, I could actually save someone. The heavy pressure of holding someone¡¯s life in my hands¡­And I could just give up on it. Yet I did what I had to.


    ¡®¡¯But I am not going to force you to come with me.¡¯¡¯Taking one deep breath. Why was I feeling so vulnerable with her? Her eyes were still stained from the tears, her form was fragile and yet I felt far worse. Like she was far more mortal than me.


    ¡®¡¯Whatever You will have me do¡¯¡¯She spoke.¡¯¡¯Please promise me something.¡¯¡¯


    I looked up to her gaze, now burning with anger. ¡®¡¯Do not let me be like that ever again.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Oracle no¡¯¡¯Paris warned me but it was too late as I was next to her with Dion¡¯s dagger next to her. Released her from the binds and cupped her face. ¡®¡¯It¡¯s alright¡¯¡¯I told her.


    ¡®¡¯I am sorry, I did not mean.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Myrto it¡¯s¡­¡¯¡¯ I forced myself to speak as I felt Pyton¡¯s eyes watching me.  Purple and red shades falling to the ground with the scent of sweet poison hitting my nostrils, eyes watching us like sheep, and yet¡­I could not stop staring at this beautiful creature. He opened his mouth and was ready to attack us. To kill us. And I could not help but smile.


    ¡®¡¯Stop¡¯¡¯ A strange voice echoed from the forest, making Python move back. His head turned and right until the voice echoed once more. STOP.


    And the snake replied by moving back to the cave.


    I started breathing heavily and turned to Myrto who was crying and shaking like a leaf.


    I hugged her tight, feeling her beating heart.


    ¡®¡¯You are alright¡¯¡¯I whispered, trying to get her up with my hand still bleeding. I looked back to see the sun was now gone and Paris with it.


    Where did he go?


    I fixed myself up and then I saw Dion moving back up with a sword. I could listen to the remaining people with him, approaching the shadows.


    ¡®¡¯Now, how can you be alive?¡¯¡¯He laughed.


    ¡®¡¯My God showed mercy upon me and my followers¡¯¡¯I replied gently and calmly while the pain kept getting worse. Dion didn''t have any remorse as he tried to attack both of us. And then, a sharp blade appeared near his throat.


    ¡®¡¯Now now¡¯¡¯Thais smiled. ¡®¡¯You do not need to act like that.¡¯¡¯


    Dion gasped and shouted for his men. None responded as Thais looked up and pouted with her eyes looking back to the fallen men. ¡®¡¯I am sorry, you see¡­¡¯¡¯She pressed her lips to a thin line.¡¯¡¯They were in my way.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You would never hurt peo-¡¯¡¯Dion tried to speak but Thais interrupted him.


    ¡®¡¯You are thinking of my brother who is all muscles and empty threats. She changed the angle of the knife, pressuring the sharp part on his skin, making it look like she could cut it like a chicken.¡¯¡¯I prefer it drastic.¡¯¡¯


    The follower of Zeus panted, letting down his sword and Thias obliged by hitting his head with the back of her knife. But then, he laughed.¡¯¡¯Does it matter now? The king will find the truth about you after that¡¯¡¯His voice became harsh with his smile growing wider.¡¯¡¯And¡­¡¯¡¯His gaze turned fully on me. ¡®¡¯You do not seem to be in the right condition to stand.¡¯¡¯


    My eyes darted as I clenched my arm tight, feeling a strange itch coming from my flesh. And after that, Dion vanished with Thais facing us now.


    She looked at us with a smile that sure enough faded as she moved to our side and poked our ears.


    ¡®¡¯Ouch Ouch, ouch¡¯¡¯I whined in sync with Myrto.


    ¡®¡¯Oh, now you are worried¡¯¡¯Thais scolded us and looked at my arm and she was ready to curse me but she took one deep breath. ¡®¡¯We have been sick of you.¡¯¡¯She moved back and hit our foreheads. Such as saving.


    ¡®¡¯How could you find us?¡¯¡¯ I asked her as she moved back to the track. Her mouth opened but no words came out. Later she replied by.¡¯¡¯I knew that you would do something stupid to save her¡¯¡¯


    I told her everything in the road about the soldiers, about the snake. About Paris vanishing far away. She did not seem pleased about those things but she kept glaring at us from back.


    I laughed and looked at Myrto whose gaze was down.


    ¡®¡¯Ah¡­¡¯¡¯Myrto winced while I was treating her wounds in my room. As Alexious informed me the man that I had treated was getting better at walking but he insisted on sleeping in a different room than me so he would sleep in the boys¡¯ room. I hadn¡¯t seen Adamantious since I entered the temple and I did not need to listen to him shout at me now.


    ¡®¡¯You should be careful,¡¯¡¯I complained to her as she kept facing down. I took a look at her arms, her knuckles which had red stains.


    ¡®¡¯I punched one of them¡¯¡¯She informed me. ¡®¡¯But it seemed that¡­¡¯¡¯


    I cupped her face and rested my forehead on hers. I could feel her cold skin against my hot one as I could sense her need to rest.


    ¡®¡¯You can leave.¡¯¡¯I reminded her.


    Everyone that I told them to join I gave them the choice to stay and the choice if they needed to leave they would leave. Myrto was in despair and I took advantage of it because she was fast. I took advantage of her like anyone else did. And she got hurt this time more than she could handle.


    But she touched my wrist. ¡®¡¯What will you do if I try to kill them all?¡¯¡¯She asked with her calm voice. ¡®¡¯I hate them. I hate all of them¡¯¡¯She begun to shake.¡¯¡¯What if I want them¡­¡¯¡¯


    I grabbed her wrist.¡¯¡¯You can leave¡¯¡¯I said again.¡¯¡¯I can give you enough money to find a place and¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I do not want to leave¡¯¡¯She broke to tears.¡¯¡¯I have a bed, food, friends, I have Alexious, I have you.¡¯¡¯She moved up to me.¡¯¡¯Just promise me¡­vow to Apollo that you will make them pay.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯But -¡¯¡¯I tried to speak but I could see in her eyes. That it was pointless to vow to him but she would not take this for an answer. Even after everything that happened she still believed in them. Even everything that we have done she still believed.


    You love her.


    I envy her.


    My lips  pouted.¡¯¡¯I vow to make them pay¡­¡¯¡¯I sighed.¡¯¡¯And if you try to kill them.¡¯¡¯I stared at her bright eyes, holding every hope to me. ¡®¡¯You won¡¯t be alone.¡¯¡¯ And I patched one more cream in her hand, making her shout of pain. ¡®¡¯Now don¡¯t do that ever again or I will have Adamantious scold you¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯He is not here¡¯¡¯She explained.¡¯¡¯He went to the village to see¡­¡¯¡¯She cut off her words and covered her mouth.


    I nodded, realizing where he had gone. I already knew and yet¡­


    ¡®¡¯I can stay here for tonight¡¯¡¯She suggested, squeezing my hand. ¡®¡¯Thais can snore sometimes and¡¯¡¯She let out a scoff.


    I nodded and I shook my head, no words to come out as I felt worse pain in my chest than the fear that I had felt with Python. I did not want to see anyone that night. I just wanted to be alone.


    Myrto stood up and showed my arm.¡¯¡¯Just treat yourself. Goodnight Oracle.¡¯¡¯


    Oracle¡­


    After I cleaned my still fresh wound I laid my head near the window and tried to force my eyes close. But I could smell a sweet aroma coming near me. I looked out the window and found a bouquet of hemlock and daffodils. Like the ones I lost today. And next to it, there were purple hyacinths. Blooming with the moonlight shimmering their dark color.


    I could not help but smile at that.  On that thought that Paris was out there spying on me.


    And then his words hit. He knows what I am. He has power. Rich or not, he had something against me, and unlike the others, he was offering me flowers. Was that a twisted game of his? He did run. He left me.


    I threw every flower as far away from the window as I could but when I tried to push the Hyacinthus I just stood frozen.


    His sharp dangerous words. He was poison. And that made me more interested in him.


    ¡®¡¯You better appear tomorrow¡¯¡¯I whispered, hugging my knees with my fingers touching the petals of the hyacinth.¡¯¡¯You are one of my followers after all.¡¯¡¯

 SIXTEEN

    LYSSANDRA


    ¡®¡¯Ah¡¯¡¯I shouted as I fell to the river next to the temple. My entire dress fell to a drench and my short curls became flat wet from the cold liquid of the winter.


    Two boys laughed behind me. ¡®¡¯I told you she is no nymph. She is a boar, ''¡¯One of them said. ¡®¡¯She did not change any form when we pushed her.¡¯¡¯


    The other boy nodded. ¡®¡¯I suppose but then again she always pulls flowers and plants¡­¡¯¡¯


    I turned back at them with a pout as I noticed them holding my bag with the herbs. Then the boy threw them at the river and let out a laugh.


    I replied by digging my hands into the mud and throwing it at their faces.


    ¡®¡¯hey¡¯¡¯The boys yelled as they took the dirt to their mouths and started coughing. So it was my time to run.


    ¡®¡¯We won¡¯t bother you¡¯¡¯One them shouted as he was running to my side.¡¯¡¯If you door jobs too we promise¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯No¡¯¡¯I turned and I stuck my tongue to them and stopped when I found an oak tree and stopped to catch a breath. I was not a good runner.


    A kick to my back made me fall to the knees and someone grabbed my hair.


    I gritted my teeth as I could see the boys keep laughing.¡¯¡¯Why did the archpriest take care of you now?¡¯¡¯He asked but My eyes fell to the grass where a snake was trying to rest. My eyes lifted at him and let out a big grin as an idea came to my mind.


    A slap fell to my face from the Archpriest of the temple of Apollo. His bald head made the sunlight reflect to my eyes so I had to look down on my two feet as he was rumbling again.


    ¡®¡¯Afraid to look at me now?¡¯¡¯ He asked. I stayed silent as he sighed.¡¯¡¯I tried to ignore your rational fights¡­¡¯¡¯I could listen to the rest of the children sneaking behind me as they were hiding behind the columns but I tried to ignore them as the Archpriest was standing in front of the beautiful statue of our God. I wondered if I ever met him. He would be as charming as his pale statues.


    ¡®¡¯I can excuse your foul mouth I can excuse that you are not paying¡¯¡¯He raised his voice.¡¯¡¯Your attention to me now¡¯¡¯ I blinked and tried to look back at him.


    I let out a whistle and started looking down at me as I felt my stomach ache. Did I eat something wrong today? I swallowed a molded bread by mistake as the kids tricked me but I spat it out.


    ¡®¡¯But today you tried to poison your own friends.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Not my friends,¡¯¡¯ I corrected him.


    He raised his second finger.¡¯¡¯Do not¡­¡¯¡¯His invisible brow twitched.¡¯¡¯Correct me now girl. ¡®¡¯A deep sigh as he muttered how childish .¡¯¡¯You tried to poison those boys,¡¯¡¯ He admitted. ¡®¡¯With a bare snake.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯First of all, they started it they threw me to the river¡¯¡¯I tried to clean up myself, showing my wet clothes as something around my body was rumbling like a worm.¡¯¡¯Second, the snake was not poisonous I tried to simply scare them.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯That is beside the point girl.¡¯¡¯He shouted and took one more deep breath to at least try to pretend he was calm. ¡®¡¯I should have sold you.¡¯¡¯He thought with a pout. ¡®¡¯It would be unethical but maybe someone rich would like you¡¯¡¯


    I shrugged.¡¯¡¯Then who will clean up the temple?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You do not even do that¡¯¡¯Complained the archpriest and fixed his¡®¡¯All these years your family has had this temple as a sanctuary. Your grandmother¡¯¡¯He turned his back and I started mimicking his speech as I had heard over and over again.¡¯¡¯Came here all alone, a simple Troyan seeking sanctuary. The previous archpriest followed the rule. When your mother came after I was in charge and I told her she could stay if she could become a priestess as people started getting suspicious of her and her grandmother. But she had to fall in love with one of the people¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯And you have me here I know¡¯¡¯I narrowed and I felt that I peed myself and I looked down. My eyes snapped


    ¡®¡¯And you are the worst trouble of all, you will¡­¡¯¡¯He paused and looked at my face.¡¯¡¯Lyssandra¡¯¡¯one deeper harsher breath.¡¯¡¯What are you looking now?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Archpriest¡¯¡¯I let out a cry.¡¯¡¯Am I going to die?¡¯¡¯


    He scoffed.¡¯¡¯No, Lyssandra¡¯¡¯Another pause with a small smile.¡¯¡¯I am not going to kill you¡­yet.¡¯¡¯


    I shook my head and showed him my dress. He looked down and his face became paler.


    ¡®¡¯Oh Gods.¡¯¡¯ He gasped and turned to my face, which was swimming with tears.


    ¡®¡¯Please take care of my snakes for me. And the spiders¡­¡¯¡¯


    He poked my ear.¡¯¡¯I will take no such a thing¡¯¡¯He started to become rational.¡¯¡¯And you are not dying.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Then why so much blood?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯That explains the heavy attitude the past days¡­¡¯¡¯He muttered as I could feel everything now turning to pain and more tears. Is this how I would die?


    ¡®¡¯No, Lyssandra do not cry¡¯¡¯He mattered and started slapping my face softly.¡¯¡¯It is Artemis doing¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Is Artemis punishing me?¡¯¡¯I asked confused with the children laughing behind.


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    ¡®¡¯Get away¡¯¡¯He commanded and they all rushed away. One deep breath his as he got down on his knees  and smiled at me.¡¯¡¯Unfortunately, I don¡¯t know what is happening exactly to you but now you are a woman.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯A woman?¡¯¡¯I gasped. ¡®¡¯I am twelve.¡¯¡¯


    He replied with a nod and kept facing down my dress.


    ¡®¡¯The bleeding will stop in a few days but it will start in the next moon.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯And when will it stop?¡¯¡¯I sniffed.


    ¡®¡¯I do not think that it stops until you die¡¯¡¯he answered the question calmly. I nodded and walked closer to the statute of God Apollo. With my knees down to the floor I looked up to the statute and clenched my hands tight.


    ¡®¡¯You can tell Haded that can take me now to the other side. I am ready to die.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Do not mock Apollo Girl.¡¯¡¯The archpriest said as he hit my head.


    The night was dark with the cold wind hitting my wounded face. I was tied up in the road back to a dark temple. The arch priest was holding the rest of my bindings in his hands as I could listen to the rest of the followers plotting behind him. Of what they could do to me. What they had planned but I could not speak on that moment as the arch priest was staring at them back with anger.¡®¡¯You sha;; stay here¡¯¡¯Said the arch priest as he tossed be down to the floor.¡¯¡¯Think of it as a sanctuary.¡¯¡¯He explained after while I kept feeling my knees burning. ¡®¡¯None will harm you here. All you have to do is clean, wash, and cook.¡¯¡¯


    I turned back to him and I tried to run far but he caught me by the hand and pushed me to the ground. ¡®¡¯Listen girl,¡¯¡¯He whispered close to me.¡¯¡¯Everyone here is devoted to Ares so they won¡¯t try to touch you if you are protected by him.¡¯¡¯His words were giving me advice with a tone filled with threats. ¡®¡¯If you try and run away, do not forget that those followers are also mortals.¡¯¡¯


    I did not speak as he let my hand go. I turned to look at it and noticed that it was getting all red. The man was still standing tall with his armor covering his chiton as around his bearded face there were stains of blood.


    Looking behind him I could see people still smiling, waiting for me to run. Behind them they were two kids near my age, with a face of pity aiming at me.


    If it was only chores he wanted me to do then fine. I moved back to the room and found a broom and started swiping with it. The man kept watching me and then , the floor became crimson with one drop falling from my face.


    ¡®¡¯Clean yourself up¡¯¡¯He commanded. ¡®¡¯You begin tomorrow.¡¯¡¯


    My room was small enough to fit only one person. But it was filled with tablets and some rotten herbs. When I tried to see the tablets I found a symbol familiar to the one that I had seen in the temple. But every other word was¡­nothing.


    ¡®¡¯The Arch priest said it will make you feel like home¡¯¡¯said one follower who was standing near my room. He kept looking at me and then turned to my patched wounds. He let out a whistle before he left.¡¯¡¯Get well soon.¡¯¡¯


    I replied by sticking out my tongue. With that action, the result was my skin to wrinkle and my scars to itch.


    ¡®¡¯Ah ah ah ah ah ah¡¯¡¯I whined and touched my missing eye.


    ¡®¡¯So are you a follower of Apollo?¡¯¡¯A curious voice asked from behind. My gaze turned back and saw a grinning girl¡¯s head facing from outside the window.


    I blinked. She blinked back. And then I started screaming. She replied with a scream too.


    Falling down to the floor the girl stopped screaming and jumped inside my room. ¡®¡¯Sorry I just wanted to meet you there are not many girls here¡¯¡¯She stopped talking.¡¯¡¯Actually I do not think that are others here.¡¯¡¯


    Well, that explains why everyone looked at me like that.


    ¡®¡¯Are you hurt?¡¯¡¯She asked after but I couldn''t think of how tall she was. Her fingers showed her own face.¡¯¡¯They look bad¡­did you fight a monster?¡¯¡¯Her excitement grew more and more.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Who¡­¡¯¡¯ My lips parted as if I had forgotten how to speak.¡¯¡¯Who are you?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Thais¡¯¡¯Another voice came up from the window and a pretty boy jumped inside the room. Will it be more crowded?


    The boy had short-cut hair with a shade of raven feathers. His cloud-light eyes were looking left and right worried but he turned on me with a surprised gaze. His figure was skinny but seemed to be someone well-trained. Were these the two I saw before?


    ¡®¡¯I told you to not come here¡¯¡¯The boy said, hitting the girl¡¯s head. Thais was it?


    ¡®¡¯Ouh¡¯¡¯She winced and replied with a slap on his chest.¡¯¡¯You said that she would be all alone¡¯¡¯She explained after with a pout. ¡®¡¯So I came¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Yes but¡¯¡¯He spat and the girl named Thais grinned.¡¯¡¯Oh, you wanted to be the first one to meet her.


    His cheeks flushed red and kept looking at me with his shaking gaze. My face raised in heat as I tried to look away.


    ¡®¡¯That¡¯s not true¡¯¡¯ The boy pouted. Cute.


    Thais hit the boy¡¯s tall head and looked at me. ¡®¡¯Anyway my name is Thais, this brute is my brother Adamantious. And you¡­¡¯¡¯


    Why they were here?


    ¡®¡¯Lyssandra¡¯¡¯I sighed confused.¡¯¡¯And why are you here?¡¯¡¯


    Thais blinked.¡¯¡¯Well, we just wanted to see you, the arch-priest never brings other followers here.¡¯¡¯


    Oh. Great.


    ¡®¡¯And you seem wounded.¡¯¡¯Adamantious explained.¡¯¡¯Are you alright? What happened there they didn¡¯t take us with them and¡­¡¯¡¯


    They probably wanted to see a crying girl that lost her home but honestly, I did not feel anything about that place. The older people were ignoring me, the younger ones were making me a fool. The archpriest used to beat me up or tell me to sell me if I didn¡¯t clean up the statues at the right time. Taking care of me or not he was still not on my side. I did not feel any sadness from them. Only that God Apollo did not respond. Wasn¡¯t I worthy enough to be listened to?


    ¡®¡¯I am ¡­¡¯¡¯My lips shook and I found a broom. I grabbed it fast and started kicking the tablets away with it.


    I was furious. Furious that he did not listen. Or maybe he did and he did not care. Maybe it was a challenge. That¡¯s it.


    ¡®¡¯Wait careful¡¯¡¯Thais spoke and I turned to her with a charming smile.¡¯¡¯Oh, I am fine now¡¯¡¯


    They both stared at me with a dense gaze. If I acted as I should I might be heard. And he would repay me or even show up in front of me like a king.


    ¡®¡¯You understand that you are a captive¡­correct?¡¯¡¯Adamantious asked.


    I nodded.¡¯¡¯Well, the chores he gave me are no strange to me, I did all of them when I was on the temple of Apollo.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯But you cannot leave.¡¯¡¯ He stated


    ¡®¡¯I can leave but I prefer to stay here.¡¯¡¯I lied. I did not want to stay but it seemed the best option.


    My stomach started growling.


    ¡®¡¯Do you have any food perhaps/¡¯¡¯I asked them but their stomachs replied louder.


    ¡®¡¯We¡­¡¯¡¯Thais blushed.¡¯¡¯Actually, I also wanted to ask if you could make something.

 SEVENTEEN

    APOLLO


    I walked back to the cave where my child was probably now sleeping. None was there to follow me or spy on me, I made sure of that. I wouldn¡¯t get attacked by a mortal again. I was more than a mortal. How dare they do that to me?


    ¡®¡¯How pathetic¡¯¡¯I spat to the cave for Python to listen to me. My child, A child of mine, being hidden like a rat, eating sheep and mere mortals.


    I could remember his first outrage like it was yesterday. His great height destroyed kingdoms and mountains. I could look at him from Olympus and I had to hold my joy as ¡®Father¡¯ was glaring at me and the Queen trying to hide her enjoyment.


    But one time I had to interfere as he was destroying my work.


    I had to look where he is now.


    ¡®¡¯But I won¡¯t let anyone kill you¡¯¡¯I whispered in the cave. ¡®¡¯Only I can have the enjoyment of that.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You gave her¡­¡¯¡¯Ares scouted around the forest as he was talking to me while I was trying to fall asleep.¡¯¡¯A flower.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I also gave her poison¡¯¡¯I corrected him from above the tree.


    ¡®¡¯Still¡¯¡¯Artemis jumped to my side. ¡®¡¯You gave her a hyacinth¡­¡¯¡¯Her bare brow frowned as she tried to look away with pity.


    ¡®¡¯She seemed to like them,¡¯¡¯ I replied. As much as I did not like to give them to her, my mind could not stop playing the part where her harsh face was peaceful when she let those flowers in her face. Her nose wrinkles and even her lips¡­


    It hit me. I am going insane. I haven¡¯t had an interaction and I was going insane with a woman kissing with her lips the petals of a flower.


    ¡®¡¯Is this your plan?¡¯¡¯Ares laughed.¡¯¡¯Make her fall for you?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯My plan is to make her succeed.¡¯¡¯I announced to them with Aphrodite flying near my side. ¡®¡¯The moment she is on top she feels that she can hold power like a king, then it will take one small push¡¯¡¯I spread my hand and try to show the air pushing away from me. I let out a smile. ¡®¡¯Then she will be all pathetic and asking for forgiveness.¡¯¡¯I closed my eyes and laughed.¡¯¡¯Being on her side it would make it more enjoyable.¡¯¡¯


    Artemis let out a sigh. ¡®¡¯It seems ¡­¡¯¡¯She whispered.¡¯¡¯What if she finds out?¡¯¡¯


    I looked at her with a frown and as I tried to speak another voice broke.


    ¡®¡¯Nonsense¡¯¡¯Hermes laughed from the sky. ¡®¡¯She won¡¯t find out. The woman does not believe that we even exist.¡¯¡¯


    I tried to stand up but he let out a halt as he flew now on my side. ¡®¡¯I told you that I would keep an eye on you and the woman did I?¡¯¡¯


    I remained silent while the rest replied with the same grunt.¡¯¡¯So she doesn¡¯t believe in us¡­¡¯¡¯I sighed. ¡®¡¯What else do you know?¡¯¡¯ I asked curious.


    He smirked and let his head rest on his hand as he fell to my log. ¡®¡¯She and the follower of Ares are lovers.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯What?¡¯¡¯Ares spat.


    ¡®¡¯That is a lie¡¯¡¯I answered. ¡®¡¯There is no follower of..¡¯¡¯I stopped talking and looked back at my half red brother. ¡®¡¯Oh,¡¯¡¯My eyes opened, and I started laughing.


    ¡®¡¯Well, he was a follower of Ares,¡¯¡¯Hermes explained. ¡®¡¯It seems that she was captive a long time ago in the temple and both of them fell in love with their loneliness.¡¯¡¯He pouted.


    ¡®¡¯So they are lovers¡¯¡¯ I frowned, thinking about what happened today. They seemed to be close but not the way the lovers acted. Even in secret¡­


    ¡®¡¯They sure love each other¡¯¡¯Hermes sighed and turned to Aphrodite.¡¯¡¯Wouldn¡¯t you say the same?¡¯¡¯ She chirped and looked away.


    ¡®¡¯Come on, we both know the truth, you can see everything from the start.¡¯¡¯


    I turned to her and saw how she was trying to avoid the rest.


    ¡®¡¯Wasn¡¯t that the reason why you helped Paris?¡¯¡¯


    Back in Olympus when I was a true Olympian every day was the same. Watching Helios laugh on his carriage as he was moving the sun and I was controlling the threads of all. Then there were visions I had to send to my oracles that they needed more than their gift. It was mostly paperwork as I was giving them to Hermes. Each hour the day was passing I could see him getting even more tired. I wondered if I was looking like that too.


    Then the night was coming and it was my moment to celebrate a tiresome day.


    Playing in the forest with my lyre, letting out rhythms for nymphs and mortals to listen.


    Sometimes a few of them got too close to me. And sometimes I did not mind it. Until mortals appeared to want more than I could give it to them. And I wanted to give them more.


    You cannot fall in love with a mortal. You know the consequences. And that warning became more silent as the urge to wonder how love is with them grew more.


    And every time¡­


    One day, I dozed off on my desk and had a vision. A golden apple falling from the sky. When it fell to the ground the scenery changed and the ground was drunk in blood.


    ¡®¡¯Really?¡¯¡¯ I asked Aphrodite while we were in Sparta, watching a king and his queen chatting softly in their chambers. The king had a charming face with his auburn hair covering a few scars around his face. The queen replied with laughter as the king made a joke and her pale hand touched his wounded face, letting out a kiss on his cheek. She was as pretty as the mortals said with her long dark hair falling to her back and her night eyes were watching them man with admiration.


    Back then, she was a tall great Goddess. Her sea-green hair floated like the foam of an ocean. Her sapphire skin perfectly sculpted with her pearly eyes was facing the window with a surprising sorrow. I could see even rubies trying to drip out from them as her golden lips were trying to restrain a frown.


    ¡®¡¯I did promise him¡¯¡¯Aphrodite snearked. ¡®¡¯And I cannot stop it.¡¯¡¯ She had this prideful face on hers as she explained her plan to me.


    I let out a laugh. ¡®¡¯The goddess of love and you are probably the most cruel.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯None said that love can¡¯t happen with cruelty now ¡®¡¯She laughed as we kept watching the couple keep laughing and chatting. They just did that. They just simply¡­talked. And I could feel something inside me burning.


    ¡®¡¯Do not do it¡¯¡¯I told her.


    ¡®¡¯And what will you do?¡¯¡¯ She asked. ¡®¡¯You know how it will end don¡¯t you?¡¯¡¯


    I replied with a nod as I watched her seafoam hair waving around the night sky.


    ¡®¡¯I do.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯¡¯ Father¡¯, wants you to join them¡¯¡¯Herms replied with a laugh. I stared at him with a heavy brow but he did not seem to joke. Was this another punishment for me?


    Favorite son the mortals were calling me. So did the rest because he was paying attention to me. But there is a difference between attention and favoritism.


    ¡®¡¯It would be nice to take part in a war right? With mortals¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯My form will kill them¡¯¡¯I laughed back.¡¯¡¯Anyone who would fight against us and with us¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯We won¡¯t be completely in our true form¡­¡¯¡¯ explained the laughing brother of mine.


    ¡®¡¯We?¡¯¡¯


    Hermes frowned and tried to avoid looking at me. And it hit me slowly.


    ¡®¡¯No¡¯¡¯I gasped.


    The battle had ended for the day as we could all see the burning fires that were holding each body down, letting prayers for them and us to help them the next day. I was sitting down on a pillar with Aphrodite fixing her silver dagger and looking at the armor she would have to wear. Meanwhile, I was drinking Nektar and playing music with the other hand.


    I could say that I enjoyed the way some of the mortals looked at us. We were the sign of their hope that they could win. But then again I hated that I had to fight my family. All because of the mortals¡­


    ¡®¡¯Come on¡­We won today.¡¯¡¯I smiled at her. She did not smile back with her face stained in red stone from her eyes until down her cheeks.


    I let out a sigh. ¡®¡¯I know that you do not want to fight.¡¯¡¯


    I saw her fighting. The way her power made a few Achaians drop on their knees in front of one Troyan. And then, everyone was slaughtered thanks to her. She did not seem to care but her eyes had a different expression. She was holding a smile but her eyes were.


    ¡®¡¯Do not be a fool¡¯¡¯She turned her eyes at me. ¡®¡¯The fight will be as easy as before.¡¯¡¯She rested her hair down on the pillar. ¡®¡¯But¡¯¡¯She pouted. ¡®¡¯Helen was crying today.¡¯¡¯


    Helen? How simple gods can call the mortal¡¯s names like we are equals with them.


    ¡®¡¯Was she?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Your eyes were elsewhere¡¯¡¯She grinned.


    I looked elsewhere as my gaze found the place where the young princess of Troy was looking down to the fields. I tried to hide my smile but of course, Aphrodite noticed it.


    ¡®¡¯This won¡¯t end well¡¯¡¯She replied.


    ¡®¡¯For who?¡¯¡¯I asked her.


    ¡®¡¯For all¡¯¡¯Her other hand found her golden necklace which was holding an apple in the same shade.¡¯¡¯How long are we here?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Six years?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Do you remember how it all started?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Do you?¡¯¡¯I asked her. Was she trying to not act guilty about it? Like she did not push her? Or push him?


    She narrowed it down.¡¯¡¯Love is interesting in battle isn¡¯t it?¡¯¡¯She replied. ¡®¡¯They all fight to protect something that they love. They are killing for love and killing loved ones. Parents, husbands, children¡­ And we fight against people we love¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I do not think so¡¯¡¯I replied.


    She faced me confused.


    ¡®¡¯We are Gods. We do not love. Not mortals.¡¯¡¯I reminded her.¡¯¡¯You stayed too long with that weeping girl. ¡®¡¯


    ¡®¡¯How dare-¡¯¡¯She tried to speak but as drunk as was I kept talking.¡¯¡¯And now that you won the first battle, you started the war¡­and you are regretting it?¡¯¡¯


    Her lips parted before she started laughing. ¡®¡¯The war is going to end one way or another. And you know how it will end¡­now tell me.¡¯¡¯She rasped. ¡®¡¯What will happen tomorrow?¡¯¡¯


    I blinked and closed my eyes.


    ¡¯¡¯There is a mortal who will try and fight you. Your charm won¡¯t work on him.¡¯¡¯


    She laughed bitterly.


    ¡®¡¯But you will kill him with your own hands¡¯¡¯I smiled at her. ¡®¡¯You will kill him and the rest of the Achaians will die like ants. The war will end because of you. That is the truth. The war will end tomorrow.¡¯¡¯ I felt a tight pain around my chest but I could see everything. She would win.


    She smiled gently at me as she took my flask of Nektar and took a small sip, kissing it with her golden lips.


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.¡®¡¯Then, it is settled isn¡¯t it?¡¯¡¯


    The day after came. Every scream, every shout, every swing of a sword was an instrument. An instrument playing a melody that was making music. Music that if anyone would listen to it, I was sure the war would be over. But only I could listen to it. Ares was giving all his pride and wrath to the riders while me and Artemis were on the archer¡¯s side, trying to move both sun and moon to their side and mind.


    And Aphrodite.


    She was furious. Six years of sorrow, losing loved ones, People grieving and her red tears dripping down to the ground like the blood of the mortals. She was fighting like one of them like she was trying to protect someone that she was holding in her heart too. But Gods do not have hearts. We can pretend and say we have ones to make us feel equal like them for a moment to not feel envious of them But that pain in our chest was nothing. Because we do not have hearts. Not even the protector of love.


    And then, that soldier appeared. She was ready to end it. To end every suffering of them. The soldier that was not getting controlled by her charms. that It was him and only¡­


    My eyes snapped as I found another man. In my vision, he was not there...The man from my vision, had an archer next to him a bronze helmet with a carved owl symbol at the top of it, hiding behind a rock. And yet, he could manage to hit everyone. His arrow was aiming at the soldiers but for a moment, I felt.


    Was he looking at me?  Was he grinning at me? His arrow turned on Aprhodte who was ready to shoot at the main target. The end of the war¡­


    I didn¡¯t see¡­I didn¡¯t see him there.


    ¡®¡¯Wait¡¯¡¯I shouted at her. She heard me and she noticed the man and turned far away from him. But she was in a blind spot when the other man found her with his blade.


    I tried to speak. Artemis noticed Ares too.


    His blade was made of¡­


    A scream broke.


    And every love that was holding everyone in this war became hatred.


    ¡®¡¯Why doesn''t it stop?¡¯¡¯Aphrodite asked with her skin dripping gold. Ares sat next to her with her eyes glaring at me at our hiding spot. I was holding her hand tight, trying to heal her. Artemis was remaining silent and I could not stop the bleeding. Not fast enough. Her face was drenched more in red as she tried to stand up.¡¯¡¯Why didn¡¯t you¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I did not see him,¡¯¡¯ I explained. ¡®¡¯I did not¡­¡¯¡¯My lips parted. The man¡¯s head would have dropped to the ground. People around him would cry And APhrodite would charm them all. That was my vision. And then the archer appeared.


    Artemis finally spoke as she clapped her hands.¡¯¡¯It is alright, it will be different tomorrow. You can fight and then..¡¯¡¯


    She shook her head.¡¯¡¯This is pointless¡¯¡¯She stood up, blood still dripping from her wrist as she tried to walk away. I caught her shoulder as Ares tried to stop me. Artemis shouted at me.


    ¡®¡¯You listen to the war and all you hear is music¡¯¡¯She whispered. ¡®¡¯I can only hear cries. But not from the soldiers.¡¯¡¯ She explained. ¡®¡¯Mothers, children, fathers, lovers, every scream in my ears¡­¡¯¡¯Her teeth started to shake.


    ¡®¡¯You have to fight¡¯¡¯I commanded her. She would give up and the war would be over.


    ¡®¡¯If you know the outcome why did you take our side?¡¯¡¯


    I gasped. Ares turned to them for Aphrodite Artemis out of spite of Agamemnon. And me¡­


    Father told me. That was my excuse. But that was not the truth. Prayers and glory? No. But I knew that I could not choose the Achains. I could not¡­


    But then, Aphrodite let out a laugh.¡¯¡¯She is not here¡­¡¯¡¯She admitted to me and only me.¡¯¡¯But you already knew that didn¡¯t you?¡¯¡¯


    My eyes snapped and looked far to the castle where a bright light was shining showing where Helen was. Or the one who was supposed to be her was...


    I nodded my head slowly.


    ¡®¡¯I have already lost. ¡®¡¯And she pushed me away, forming a sparrow and flying away.


    ¡®¡¯Well¡¯¡¯I pouted. ¡®¡¯She knew where the most beautiful woman in Greece had her heart on.¡¯¡¯


    Her eyes opened wide and Hermes snored.


    ¡®¡¯Always honest¡¯¡¯He laughed and kept talking about the woman.


    ¡®¡¯She was a follower of yours when she was a kid.¡¯¡¯He explained after.¡¯¡¯Not a good one.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Let me guess¡¯¡¯I spatted¡¯¡¯Was threatening people with poison?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Oh¡¯¡¯He clapped his hands.¡¯¡¯It feels that you know her so well, you two must be close.¡¯¡¯


    My eyes faced away.


    ¡®¡¯Why are you helping him?¡¯¡¯Artemis asked Hermes.¡¯¡¯It won¡¯t benefit you.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I am not helping anyone sister, I am simply bored with doing all the work. I prefer to enjoy a nice theater once in a while.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯My entire fight of existence is your theater?¡¯¡¯I frowned.


    He replied with a nod.


    I tried to smile but I took a deep breath.


    ¡®¡¯Now, tell me what other important thing you know¡¯¡¯I asked him.


    ¡®¡¯Oh, I won¡¯t tell you everything now, what''s the fun in that¡­¡¯¡¯His smile faded with his fingers flipping a silver coin and vanishing.


    My brow twitched and noticed that Artemis had the same reaction. Her ears flickered and turned fast at me. ¡®¡¯Will you go back tomorrow?¡¯¡¯She asked.


    I nodded and looked at my palm with my fingers moving on their own, trying to remember the familiar rhythm of my lyre.


    Back at the Gardens of the Palace of Troy, there was a woman with long crimson hair sitting near the bushes with the fountain accompanying doves to shower in the cold water.


    The woman seemed that her eyes were shut close as she was humming a little melody out of her red lips, her fingers touching her blue dress.


    ¡®¡¯Show yourself¡¯¡¯Her harsh tone commanded.


    My lips parted as I was sitting behind a tree, holding my lyre tight, trying to listen to her music.


    ¡®¡¯How did you know that I was there?¡¯¡¯I asked her without showing myself. I would not dare to do that to the young princess.


    ¡®¡¯You were following me the past few days¡­¡¯¡¯She explained herself. ¡®¡¯I thought I was going insane¡¯¡¯


    I let out a chuckle but she did not seem to laugh.


    ¡®¡¯So, will you show yourself?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯In time¡¯¡¯I replied.¡¯¡¯If you continue the song of yours.¡¯¡¯


    The woman took a deep breath and started humming the melody again. And my fingers played the lyre, accompanying her. The flowers around the gardens started blooming, birds started chirping and the sun started becoming brighter. Like her melody and my help could make everything alive.


    It was a peaceful day, far from the war that would begin any moment. I just wanted to see my side. The people on it. And I found her¡­


    When her humming stopped I could listen to her crying.


    ¡®¡¯A war will happen¡¯¡¯She admitted.


    Wait¡­that wasn¡¯t¡­That is not what happened.


    ¡®¡¯I did not want your gift¡¯¡¯She cried. ¡®¡¯I did not want you.¡¯¡¯


    I stood up from the garden which was now on fire. The fountain dried up, and the doves died to the ground.


    ¡®¡¯I gave you everything.¡¯¡¯I admitted to her.¡¯¡¯I gave you a power that everyone would want.¡¯¡¯


    I could see her dress bathed in red. Still, having her back at me.¡¯¡¯And you are saying that you do not want me? You do not want what¡­¡¯¡¯


    I grabbed her shoulder but she turned on me. Her eyes. Her eyes were not there.


    ¡®¡¯She will die¡¯¡¯The woman grinned and everything became different. I was in a palace that I hadn¡¯t been to before. The stones were dark and cold in a strange black paint. There were no statues and outside the window there was a storm showering the sky. Thunder erupts the earth with the fire going out of it.


    And down to my knees.


    There was the woman. Her gaze was cold, blood dripping from her mouth. Her raven hair was down to the ground, free from any ribbon, her dress black and wet and her mouth gasping for air.


    ¡®¡¯Is this what you want?¡¯¡¯She asked wryly with a smile on her face. Tera fell from her eyes as I could see even as her face was dressed with a smile how terrified she was of me. How my shadow was conquering every inch of her body. Taking a look at one of the walls I could almost see my reflection.


    My hair was far longer in the shade of fire as they were moving with the wind, my skin glowing with my antlers taller and sharper, and with my tail flickering to the sound both of my sharp ears could now listen once again¡­ Music. I could hear music. I was no longer trapped.


    I twitched as my lips curled to a grin.


    ¡®¡¯Yes¡¯¡¯I admitted, watching the blood falling from her body.


    ¡®¡¯Please¡¯¡¯Her voice begged with her hand touching my clothes. So pathetic.


    Yes.


    She tried to mouth her last words but no voice was coming from her.  I grabbed her by the hair and forced her to stand up.


    ¡®¡¯Now¡¯¡¯I switched a grin to my lips as she tried to get away. Still fighting even in her death.


    ¡®¡¯This is the truth. Unbound and unbroken.¡¯¡¯ I mouthed


    And then, I woke up to the forest.


    Panting breath came out of my mouth as I looked at my shaking hands. I haven¡¯t seen a vision since¡­


    But it was what I wanted to see. How pathetic she will look. Begging for me. That¡¯s what I wanted and it will be as I planned


    I let out a chuckle as I looked back and saw Aphrodite staring at me while Artemis was kicking the snoring Ares with her hooves.


    ¡®¡¯I saw what would happen¡¯¡¯I told her with joy drawn on my face. She kept staring at me. And my smile disappeared.


    ¡®¡¯It will happen. I know it for sure. What I want will be true and I will be remembered. She will be forgotten and dead and I will be back.¡¯¡¯I let out one more harsh laugh. But Aphrodite did not react to any of those things. She just stood silent.


    I gritted my teeth at her. Even her silence could mean everything and she wanted to hide it all for herself.


    It doesn''t matter though. Because what I saw, what I foresaw was everything that I wanted.

 EIGHTEEN

    LYSSANDRA


    I woke up from a surprisingly great sleep. I could feel every tense of my muscles be relaxed, my eyes ready to see everything until the sunset.


    And then, I found three people inside my room.


    Two kids and a giant. All of them looked at me curiously.


    ¡®¡¯Uh¡­¡¯¡¯ I drooled and wiped it fast as Myrto rushed to the room.


    ¡®¡¯I told them to wait¡¯¡¯She panted with her body still badged up.


    I nodded and wrapped myself fast to the veil.


    The giant got pushed surprisingly by Myrto and got out as now, Leon and the little girl, Dimaria were in front of me, both of their faces wounded.


    ¡®¡¯What¡¯¡¯My lips parted and turned to Leon.¡¯¡¯What did you do to her?¡¯¡¯


    His cheeks turned red as Dimaria let out a childish grin. She seemed to get better after how everything went.


    ¡®¡¯She started it.¡¯¡¯He tried to back himself up.


    ¡®¡¯No, Orlacle¡¯¡¯Dimaria laughed.¡¯¡¯I did nothing he did.¡¯¡¯


    I took one deep breath and stared at them until Dimaria gave up.


    ¡®¡¯I wanted to play with one of his statues.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯They are not toys¡¯¡¯ Leon barked at her.


    ¡®¡¯But they look all crappy¡¯¡¯She replied with a put. ¡®¡¯Only a child would do something like that so¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I did them¡¯¡¯He shouted loudly, making my ears ring. I should have stayed asleep.


    Dimaria laughed. ¡®¡¯precisely.¡¯¡¯, making Leon shout again so I patted their heads harshly, letting both of them whine.


    ¡®¡¯And who started that?¡¯¡¯I asked, looking at their faces. It seemed that, unlike Leon, Dimaria did not have many marks on her face.


    They replied by pointing at one another.


    This was pointless. I stood out of my bags, found bread, and broke it into two pieces. Both of the kids turned to me with salivating mouths.


    ¡®¡¯Alright here is what will happen,¡¯¡¯ I told them and turned to Dimaria. ¡®¡¯You will keep sharing a room with him and you won¡¯t touch any of his toys.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Statues¡¯¡¯Leon corrected but he was now smiling as Dimaria looked down. But it was his turn.¡¯¡¯You try to make her a toy. Understand?¡¯¡¯


    Both of them nodded. I sighed in relief, tossed the bread, and thanked them before walking away.


    Now, alone, I stretched my arms and saw back to my bed that the purple hyacinth was still there. I thought that I imagined what happened last night.


    The king will find the truth after that. Dion¡¯s words came back like a knife, making my wounded hand itch from pain. I grabbed it fast as another hit fell to it as if it was growing.  I had to stitch it fast.


    Now inside the room, another one appeared. The giant. Or rather the fur trader. His condition seemed better with his limbs wrapped with pieces of cloth. His eyes had now a healthy shade of white but even a few steps away, I could listen to his heavy breathing,


    ¡®¡¯I believe that you can rest,¡¯¡¯ I suggested. ¡®¡¯We can let you rest here for a few more nights or I will tell the others to help you back.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Thank you¡¯¡¯His lips parted.


    I frowned, confused.


    ¡®¡¯You don¡¯t look like the followers of Zeus say.¡¯¡¯He explained, scratching his head.¡¯¡¯Or act.¡¯¡¯


    I did not care what Dion and the others thought about me but it also seemed that the words found others to believe.


    ¡®¡¯They said that you were uhm¡­¡¯¡¯He looked down.


    ¡®¡¯Filthy Troyan?¡¯¡¯I replied with a laugh. Nothing that I hadn¡¯t heard before.


    But he nodded with a frown.


    Maybe he did believe those words.


    ¡®¡¯Ruthless like a beast,¡¯¡¯he kept talking.¡¯¡¯And greedy?¡¯¡¯ He moved his hands down to his bet, revealing a sack filled with coins.


    My eyes lit up but I hid my face deeper into the cloak and halted him.¡¯¡¯No, I am a prophet.¡¯¡¯I explained.


    ¡®¡¯I haven¡¯t given you any reason to pay me.¡¯¡¯


    Stupid stupid stupid.


    ¡®¡¯You did save my life¡­¡¯¡¯¡¯He sighed and kept looking down, far from me. ¡®¡¯What if I return with fur for the winter?¡¯¡¯


    That would be a good idea.


    I hummed for a second, trying to make him believe that I was seeking something from Apollo. Then, I nodded.


    His lips now moved to a gentle smile before walking away slowly.


    When he left, I jumped back to the bed and took a look at the flower. What was his game?


    Now fully dressed I walked around the temple and something was off. The spider webs and the dust were gone. The broken pillars were fixed, the statues seemed cleaner than they would ever be, and in front of all of that.


    My lips twitched as I saw Paris dressed in black holding a broom.


    ¡®¡¯Good morning my oracle.¡¯¡¯ He said again, looking down at my arm. I looked at it and noticed that it was shaking. I grabbed it fast and tried to ignore him But Myrto and Alexios rushed to me.¡¯¡¯ Did you like my gift?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I threw them out of the window¡¯¡¯I mouthed dry. His eyes opened wide before he showed once again his bright smile.


    ¡®¡¯Prophet, Prophet¡¯¡¯Myrto said fast and Alexios started moving his hands faster.


    People, so many people.


    Soldiers? The king? Followers of Zeus? Panic.


    Adamantious followed the panting with Thais laughing behind.


    ¡®¡¯Lyss¡­¡¯¡¯His words cut and glared to Paris. But he moved once again to me. Seemed that he was far too happy to be angry now.


    I walked outside the temple and I saw. More than thirty people were moving to our side but not with weapons but with sacks filled with heavy belongings.


    ¡®¡¯There was a rumor about the Python attacking¡¯¡¯Adamantious explained and Myrto followed.


    ¡®¡¯Attacking followers of Zeus.¡¯¡¯She mimicked someone¡¯ voice. ¡®¡¯Maybe he showed signs of his wrath. Maybe we will be next.¡¯¡¯


    And they all come here for prayers and guidance?


    I grinned and tightened my hand around my arm.


    ¡®¡¯Get ready.¡¯¡¯


    I took all the information about Myrto from every person who wanted guidance. With Thais andAlexious moving the smoke fast I started telling them what they wanted to. After that, they gave out a few coins to one of the pillars and thanked me. then the next and the next.


    As I was talking, telling lies, I took a glimpse of Paris who was sweeping but he was also looking at me¡­ disappointed.


    The sun became lighter as everyone had now left. Probably I saw more than forty people but I lost count after ten. I haven¡¯t seen so many people in one day.


    I grabbed a few leaves of Daphne and swallowed them up and watched Thais Myrto and Alexios dancing in secret of how much money and food we took today.


    But after that, I had to think about everything I heard and said. What I had to do.


    I rushed to my room and looked at my jars. Sick people, stolen things, bad crops¡­ I had to make a schedule for each of them for the next few moons or more¡­


    ¡®¡¯That was disappointing¡¯¡¯Paris¡¯ voice whispered from behind me, making me jump from my seat. I turned back and looked at him having a childish pout.


    ¡®¡¯What?¡¯¡¯I asked confusedly and touched my forehead. Why was I sweating?


    ¡®¡¯I thought that an Oracle like you would do something more than..¡¯¡¯He moved his hand around.


    I let out a chuckle. ¡®¡¯Did you expect my eyes to glow?¡¯¡¯


    He turned away with a smile.¡¯¡¯Maybe?¡¯¡¯


    I took one more look at his clothes. Did someone die close to him? I did not expect that he had anyone here as it seemed that he was new in the village.


    ¡®¡¯Alright so you know that I am a liar¡¯¡¯ I admitted and waited for two things. That he didn''t know and he would tell everyone. And I will be dead or worse. Or, he will say yes and he will kill me. Or worse.


    But in the end, he let out a dramatic gasp.¡¯¡¯Oracle, what are you talking about? You?¡¯¡¯Then he laughed.


    I narrowed, feeling the pain on my skin, my blood¡­


    I sighed and took out my veil, revealing my badged wound.


    But I could feel Paris¡¯ gaze staring at me.


    I poured some wine at the needle and revealed my wound. The wound was far from my reach as it was also heavily sharp. I should have called Myrto but my voice could not get out of my lips. Why was I tired?


    ¡®¡¯Would you like me to help?¡¯¡¯Asked Paris calmly.


    I turned back to him covered my arm with the veil and shook my head.


    I would ask Myrto later.


    ¡®¡¯But I am telling you, you are disappointing.¡¯¡¯He sighed.


    I replied by sticking my tongue at him. Surprisingly, he stung it too like a child.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    But unfortunately, he was right. Usually, we had two or three people a day asking for prophecies but forty?


    We could maybe do the ten today and the rest tomorrow but what if tomorrow they were more...


    So I looked back at him. He hummed.


    He did clean the temple. Even the roof with no help. I don¡¯t know how but he did it. He knew my secret and he did not seem he was either of the sides that would kill me. Which was suspicious but right now I  have no other choice.


    I grinned at him and leaned to his side.


    ¡®¡¯Would you like to make a bet?¡¯¡¯ I asked, feeling my heart racing.


    His lips drew a devious smile on his face. ¡®¡¯Bet?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯If you want to be my follower you will have to fulfill ten tasks until tomorrow.¡¯¡¯


    He blinked with his smile disappearing.  I started explaining each one of them. He said that he was a healer so I gave him only the parts that had to do with sickness or injuries. Even if he would make sure to sew stitches, he could not cure fever or any other sort.


    ¡®¡¯If you don¡¯t succeed you will have to leave.¡¯¡¯


    It was a bad bet but If he had to show actual loyalty he had to at least try. He left me and Myrto alone last night so I did not know how to fully trust him.


    ¡®¡¯And..¡¯¡¯He moved even closer to me and I could smell the aroma of sweet gladiolus coming from him.


    ¡®¡¯If I do succeed?¡¯¡¯ He whispered musically, his eyes capturing every part of me.


    There was no way he would succeed. He would fail.


    ¡®¡¯Then¡¯¡¯I moved back with a disgusted frown. ¡®¡¯I will give you anything you may want.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Anything?¡¯¡¯His voice gasped as he took another look at me.


    Shit. I felt my stomach getting tied into a million knots.


    ¡¯¡¯Tempting. It is a deal then.¡¯¡¯


    We both got out of the room with Adamantious ready to open it.


    We all stared at each other before Paris let out a small bow at me and walked away.


    Now just the two of us, Adamantious¡¯ face glared at me.


    ¡®¡¯What is he doing here?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯He is a follower¡¯¡¯I explained.¡¯¡¯He knows everything but he wants to help.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯And you believe that?¡¯¡¯He laughed, looking down at my clothes and then back on Paris¡¯ shadow. ¡®¡¯Or is it for other reasons?¡¯¡¯


    Rage found my cheeks and looked at the side where Paris left. He was no longer there.


    I opened my mouth to speak but my wounded arm started twitching.


    I let out a shout and Adamantious rushed to me carefully. His hand wrapped around my back as he pulled me closer with his eyes trembling at the sight of my wound.


    ¡®¡¯It¡¯s just a scratch¡¯¡¯I tried to comfort him. But he did not seem calm.


    ¡®¡¯Who did this?¡¯¡¯


    Right, he didn''t know.


    He kept looking at me, waiting for an answer but I had no strength. Did I catch a fever? But Adamantious took the courage to speak.


    ¡®¡¯Let me help you¡¯¡¯


    He was very slow doing the stitches and he was poking the wrong part of my skin, making me bleed more. But in the end, he found a way to sew my wound with me sitting on my bed and him down to the floor with his knees kissing it.


    After I told him everything he sighed.


    ¡®¡¯I see so she was in danger¡¯¡¯His fingers shook around my arm.¡¯¡¯And then you were too¡­¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Hey, do not hurt any more of my skin¡¯¡¯I grinned at him and he gasped and looked back at the stitches.


    ¡®¡¯I had to be¡­¡¯¡¯


    I tried to play like a fool. ¡®¡®Where were you actually? I didn''t see you before I left.¡¯¡¯


    Another gaze from him, trying to hide the truth. ¡®¡¯Huntin.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Hunting¡¯¡¯ He lied. ¡®¡¯But I found nothing¡­¡¯¡¯


    I nodded and kept feeling the needle and cloth moving around my flesh as if someone was trying to create me from the beginning.


    ¡®¡¯What will we do now?¡¯¡¯He asked calmly after completing the sewing. I moved a fabric around them and wrapped it tight before I cupped his face.


    ¡®¡¯We keep moving.¡¯¡¯ I explained. ¡®¡¯Whatever happens.¡¯¡¯


    Adamantious¡¯ hand found my wrist and pulled me closer. His lips kissed my knuckles softly and moved closer. ¡®¡¯We made it.¡¯¡¯He laughed.


    I smiled with the realization hitting me. People finally started coming. The king was there. We made it. It finally starts.


    ¡®¡¯So¡¯¡¯He stood up with a deadly gaze.¡¯¡¯Why was this man inside your room again?¡¯¡¯


    I laughed and took a glimpse of the purple flower.


    ¡®¡¯Is that from him?¡¯¡¯ barked Adamantious


    ¡®¡¯Do not be jealous, he is trying to play kind, but I gave him an errand.¡¯¡¯I smirked back and stood up too, facing him with millions of thoughts coming to my mind. He would not succeed but it would be nice to have an extra hand. Maybe if he would do at least half of them I might pity him and keep him.


    ¡®¡¯Now, here are two for you¡¯¡¯


    He gasped.¡¯¡¯Two? They were more people than..¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I will make a schedule later but make sure, it is going to have a lot of pressure.¡¯¡¯


    I could listen to Thais laughing


    I nodded and felt another wave of dizziness striking my head and making me fall down.


    Maybe I lost too much blood. I touched my forehead once again. My heat encased. But Adamantious kneeled and took another look at my hand with a pitiful gaze.


    Or rather sad¡­


    ¡®¡¯Take rest¡¯¡¯He suggested.¡¯¡¯You will need it for tomorrow.¡¯¡¯ And his lips kissed mine.


    ¡®¡¯Wait, I need to tell you what you and the others will do.¡¯¡¯I forced myself to stand and explained everything before everything became black.


    The dream was just a voice. A voice was calling me from afar.


    Come now prophet. Your God awaits you.


    Someone was singing with a snarky voice. A melody that it felt like I heard it somewhere before.


    Come now¡­ A knife to my throat appeared in someone''s shadows. Light flickered making the figure look as if it had something on the top of its head. Were they horns? Wings? I could not tell because my eye fell on his face that was covered with snakes.


    ¡®¡¯Who are you?¡¯¡¯I asked him in the dream.¡¯¡¯What do you want?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You will find soon enough oracle..¡¯¡¯He said with his fingers scratching my face, making my skin shed blood. But instead of crimson liquid, the color was gold.


    I woke up sweating and patting with the sun still hiding in the night. My heart was racing fast as my forehead was burning in front of the heat.


    Time for rest? No, I could not.


    I had three jobs to do. Listen to the people, give the others their assignments and find a way to defeat the snake.


    I did the first two but now I had to search for more. I returned to my tablets, to my herbs, to everything that could make me solve this problem.


    The king will find the truth soon enough.


    The candlelight started melting and felt like my life did too.


    The sun appeared and the first one to come was Paris with a grin. I blinked slowly as he had once again the broom in his hands.


    ¡®¡¯I did them all¡¯¡¯His smile brought ten more suns with him.


    ¡®¡¯I don¡¯t believe you.¡¯¡¯I replied with a raspy voice,


    ¡®¡¯You can ask, your friend¡¯¡¯He said softly. ¡®¡¯Who spied on me.¡¯¡¯


    I blinked and turned back to see Myrto hiding behind the pillar. She nodded a yes.¡¯¡¯I did not see him..¡¯¡¯ She explained and I turned back to Paris with a smile.


    ¡®¡¯But all of his assignments were done.¡¯¡¯


    My smile dropped. How could he do that? My heart started racing and Paris kept looking at me with victory drawn all over his face.


    ¡®¡¯Now, for my reward¡¯¡¯ He leaned closer as he parted his lips.


    Creep.


    I halted him. ¡®¡¯How about another bet?¡¯¡¯


    He blinked and smiled before his hand moved to my side, showing me what he was holding. Few broken small green stones. Not stones. Gemstones.


    ¡®¡¯For your eyes.¡¯¡¯


    Eyes? I took another look at the stones and then at him who was waiting to realize what he was saying. Oh.


    ¡®¡¯You want me to use them to make your eyes glow?¡¯¡¯ Alexious asked me as he was sitting down the stairs, with his hands trying to polish Thais knife.


    ¡®¡¯I took you for a craftsman correct?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I made weapons sure , Thais and Adamantious are pleased but to make your eyes glow¡­¡¯¡¯He faced the stones and his eyes lit. He took them fast and rushed inside the temple.


    ¡®¡¯Hey¡¯¡¯I barked and tried to follow him. I kept running as Thais got out of her room.


    ¡®¡¯He took my mirror.¡¯¡¯She shouted and then I jumped into his room and saw Alexious using a hammer to Thais¡¯ mirror.


    ¡®¡¯What are you doing?¡¯¡¯


    He did not reply as he broke it but not entirely as he took out only a few pieces.


    He turned on me with blood on his hands and a wide green. ¡®¡¯I will need honey.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You need treatment¡¯¡¯Paris shouted from behind me and pushed me away.


    ¡®¡¯How careless are all of you?¡¯¡¯


    Was there panic in his voice? He turned on me with a glare. ¡®¡¯You go fetch..¡¯¡¯He cut off his words, realizing how he was talking to me. So his act could drop?


    He cleared his throat.¡¯¡¯Oracle can you..¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I am going to get some medicine and badges.¡¯¡¯I said, walking outside the room but I found a glimpse of Alexious facing Paris with such an interest. As if he did not get used to someone taking care of him with wounds. His body was already scarred either by attacks or by his own clumsiness like today.


    ¡®¡¯This¡¯¡¯Alexious showed me the mirror now with half of the parts being restored by gemstones and his fingers being now treated. Then, he moved the mirror close to the light and it fell right at my eyes, making me almost lose sight even of the other one. But I could see Alexious smiling.


    ¡®¡¯It worked. You are green. Just put it down to the pillar and the light of the sun will reflect up to you.¡¯¡¯


    I gasped and smiled at him and hugged him tight. ¡®¡¯I knew that you could do it¡¯¡¯


    My eye faced him and he seemed to blush. ¡®¡¯But do not do that again without mentioning your plan. Got it?¡¯¡¯


    He nodded now petrified of my expression.


    A whistle came from outside the room. ¡®¡¯Scary.¡¯¡¯ Paris chuckled but I walked out, completely ignoring him. It would be better for possibly both of us.


    That¡¯s how the next few weeks went. Prophecies with my green figure , prayers, rewards, scheming, researching. Again and again with Paris returning with joy. Everytime was asking about a reward and every time I told him next time.


    Over and over again everything as I had to keep every word of them. And over and over, my body started getting more tired and the heat wouldn¡¯t give up. But I did not sleep. I could not sleep as I always had the candle with me keeping me company.


    Even when Thais tried to knock me out by putting a few herbs on my cup.


    ¡®¡¯You put hemlock inside¡¯¡¯I rasped at her and her face turned red and her eyes darted, ready to apologize.


    ¡®¡¯If you want to drug me do it properly do not try and kill me.¡¯¡¯


    Paris knew how to clean the temple, I could give him that. And it did not seem that none paid attention to him. A lot of people were taking a good look at him and blushing deep red as he was replying with a grin. Some of them even thought that he was a beautiful woman or even made bets to listen to his voice to make sure either was a man or a woman. Who would blame them as every day he was coming with a different outfit and his hair was treated differently? Either he had them free or restrained back with colorful ribbons. Maybe a lot of them were coming to just see him cleaning.


    When a few hours were quiet I could also see Alexious talking to him fast. But Paris also was replying by using his hands. That made Alexious smile and kept moving his fingers fast.


    Other times, I would find Thais trying to talk to him near one of the statues. Surprisingly, he also seemed to enjoy her company.


    Good grief finally. I let out a sigh of relief as I moved back to my room. Found someone else to terrorize. I started getting used to avoiding him or just ignoring him completely.


    Even a few times we just got right passed each other and didn¡¯t even talk. Not even our eyes met each other.


    I could not help but smile at that with victory. He was done with me.


    ¡®¡¯For you¡¯¡¯ Paris appeared in my room with gladiolus as the sun was ready to fall.


    I tried to find the strength to look at him or even try to snarl. Maybe talk? To tell him to go away?


    Instead, I fell down with everything becoming dark.


    ¡®¡¯Oracle?¡¯¡¯His voice echoed.¡¯¡¯Oracle.¡¯¡¯ Was that panic? Panic for me?

 NINETEEN

    LYSSANDRA


    ¡®¡¯We need to evacuate¡¯¡¯ One of the priests of Apollo whispered while I was trying to sleep in the nearest room.


    ¡®¡¯Do not be ridiculous¡¯¡¯ The archpriest scoffed and I finally awoke completely.


    ¡®¡¯They have destroyed so many temples, they will come here and..¡¯¡¯


    I stood up from my bed, trying to not wake up the others, and tried to take a sneak from outside. The torches were all set, the shadows had been lifted up in the dark night and the two of them were right in front of the statue of Apollo.


    ¡®¡¯If they will come, we will protect this temple,¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯The God is not just a temple, it is their people¡¯¡¯The priest stated.


    ¡®¡¯And who will remember the people if there are only words that Apollo existed and not actual proof? You know what is happening, Apollo will die and so will the light and everyone.¡¯¡¯


    I held my brother by covering my mouth. But the archpriest seemed to notice it. I rushed back to the bed before he even tried to get inside.


    He took a deep breath.¡¯¡¯We will protect the temple until the end. But the children must be taken away.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯And the girl?¡¯¡¯The priest asked.¡¯¡¯If she goes away from here, people still hate the people of Troy after what happened¡­.she won¡¯t.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Protect her.¡¯¡¯The archpriest started coughing. ¡®¡¯Whatever it happens, protect Lyssandra.¡¯¡¯


    No, I could not leave.


    The voices stopped and a few minutes passed before I got out of the room fast.


    In front of me, there was it. The statue was great and tall, looking down on me. Near it there were a few gladiolus growing fast and lucked out.


    ¡®¡¯Please, listen to me¡¯¡¯My hands found his feet. ¡®¡¯Please, God Apollo, protect us''''


    I gave him the flowers.


    ¡®¡¯I will be good, I promise, I won¡¯t cause any more trouble, I will not be mean to the boys, I will not disobey the archpriest just please..Do not make me leave¡¯¡¯I wept like a child. ¡®¡¯Do not let people destroy the temple.¡¯¡¯I sniffed.¡¯¡¯¡¯I will do whatever you want.¡¯¡¯


    My eyes opened and felt my entire body breaking into a million attacks with my head being even heavier. I was lying on my mattress and yet I could feel far worse.


    Then the sun had not fallen yet and I started looking around until I found Paris reading my tablets.


    ¡®¡¯Stories about Python, ¡®¡¯He turned to another after he was mumbling. ¡®¡¯Effects of poison¡­¡¯¡¯


    He looked at me shocked and turned back to the hundreds of tablets and millions of herbs.


    ¡®¡¯What are you¡­¡¯¡¯


    I stood up and tried to clear my mind as I took two leaves of Daphne and swallowed them up.


    ¡®¡¯No, time, you want your assignments right?¡¯¡¯I panted.


    ¡®¡¯Oracle you are sick, haven¡¯t you even rested?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Do not¡­¡¯¡¯I mumbled and changed the subject. ¡®¡¯Ten? fifteen? No, you seem an expert so I will give you thir-.¡¯¡¯


    His lips found my forehead, pressuring them slowly. I felt every chill my body could attack my spine. I could feel even hotter.


    ¡®¡¯You are boiling.¡¯¡¯He gasped. ¡®¡¯You have over-exhausted yourself, Oracle you need to-¡¯¡¯


    I shook my head. ¡®¡¯I am fine,¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯No, you are not.¡¯¡¯


    The king will find the truth about you. You are in no condition.


    ¡®¡¯Stop pitying me¡¯¡¯ I rasped, feeling my body shake and pushed him away.


    I finally did it. Luck or not there is a chance of me actually succeeding. I cannot fail that now. I cannot stop because I am sick.


    ¡®¡¯I cannot, I muttered and felt my body ready to pass out but Paris caught me.


    ¡®¡¯Oracle, tell me what you need me to do¡¯¡¯He whispered softly. ¡®¡¯I will do it but tonight you shall rest.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Why are you here?¡¯¡¯ I mumbled.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡®¡¯ I told you already.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯The truth.¡¯¡¯


    His lips parted but instead of talking, he made me stand up, his fingers tracing my hair. I had no energy to slap his face even if I wanted so much.


    But with the sun slowly falling, I could see something different coming from him. His face was not confident or charming. But it was just¡­furious.


    ¡®¡¯You must rest.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯But¡¯¡¯I spoke but everything made me fall.


    How many hours did it pass when I opened my eyes again? It was a sure night, I knew it as everything had become dark. But I was not alone. Paris was there. But I had no strength to look at him.


    Was he sitting on my pillar? I could hear something muttering.


    ¡®¡¯I found Adamantious today¡­¡¯¡¯


    No, you shouldn¡¯t read that.


    ¡®¡¯Where¡¯¡¯I gasped feeling my cheeks turn red.¡¯¡¯Where did you find¡­¡¯¡¯


    But Paris kept reading it out loud. ¡®¡¯He was the most beautiful boy I have ever seen. Stupid but pretty, he could kill a boar with his own hands¡¯¡¯He let out a scoff.


    ¡®¡¯You shouldn¡¯t..¡¯¡¯ My lips parted.


    ¡®¡¯You wrote them yourself?¡¯¡¯He asked me, cutting the words.


    I shook my head. ¡®¡¯Please, don¡¯t read it it¡¯s personal.¡¯¡¯


    But instead, I heard his hands, to start searching for more tablets.¡¯¡¯Have you written anything about me?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I stopped writing them when I was sixteen¡¯¡¯I explained. Sixteen and stupid in love.


    ¡®¡¯It¡¯s been ¡­¡¯¡¯My words did not work with my mind. ¡®¡¯Eight years since I have written¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Why?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I had nothing important to write. I tell everything on their faces instead of keeping them in my mind¡¯¡¯


    He did not reply for a while.


    ¡®¡¯Then, what would you have written about me?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯That you are a masochist pervert who doesn¡¯t let me do my job properly. And he probably wants me dead.¡¯¡¯


    Why did I say that?


    But Paris laughed as I heard his footsteps moving near me. And yet I could not even try to see him.¡¯¡¯Then, you know my reward of winning correct?¡¯¡¯


    My eyes darted as I tried to hold my scream. I started searching for every strength of my body but I could not find it. It. Well, that was it.


    ¡®¡¯I want you¡­to tell me your name.¡¯¡¯


    What?


    I tried to turn my head at him but a wave of force made me look on the opposite side.


    ¡®¡¯You know my name¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Do I?¡¯¡¯


    Was this a trick? Right, everyone called me either a prophet or an oracle. Did he want to know my name to show how less formal I am with him? How close?


    Was this a trick after all?


    ¡®¡¯I will tell you my name¡­¡¯¡¯My lips curved with a grin. That was all I could do.¡¯¡¯When you will tell me yours.¡¯¡¯


    Silence again. And then laugh. A loud, genuine laugh. Not the mocking, not the one he was trying to make himself look charming. A genuine bright laugh.


    ¡®¡¯Alright then, when I will tell you my name, you will tell me yours¡­But my reward is still open so¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯If you want to sleep with me do it already, I do not have the strength to stop you.¡¯¡¯


    Why was I saying all those things? Stupid brain, stupid sickness.


    ¡®¡¯Get rest.¡¯¡¯He commanded.¡¯¡¯I am still a healer so I know that you need it,..¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Is that your reward?¡¯¡¯


    He answered with a smug. ¡®¡¯You will see tomorrow.¡¯¡¯ And he was gone.


    That did not make me fall asleep easier. But in the end, I passed once again.


    I woke up by the sun slapping my face and my head now in pain.


    Moving my upper body up, I found right at my lap a gladiolus, two aconites, and a peony.


    What was¡­


    It hit me fast. I stood up, rushing away from my bed. I could feel everything becoming darker, even the walls.


    ¡®¡¯Adamantious¡¯¡¯I shouted with all of my strength.


    He appeared in front of me with a dizzy look as his hair was a mess.


    ¡®¡¯The sun hasn¡¯t risen yet¡¯¡¯He drooled.


    I stopped running and looked outside. There was the sun getting out of the hiding spot slowly.


    What? But I saw light.


    Sweat dripped from my head, dripping to my chin.


    ¡®¡¯Lyssandra are you alr..¡¯¡¯He moved closer to me.


    ¡®¡¯Hide everything.¡¯¡¯I explained.¡¯¡¯Alexious work, the profits, the things I told you to take¡¯¡¯


    You will find out tomorrow. The king will find the truth soon.


    Aconites, peonies.


    ¡®¡¯Lyssandra what are you.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯The king will come soon and¡­¡¯¡¯


    You will find out tomorrow.


    Thais and Myrto got out shocked and Alexious followed.


    ¡®¡¯Hide everything¡¯¡¯I rasped,d feeling every strength giving up. ¡®¡¯Please hide everything.¡¯¡¯


    We managed to grab everything that we made, we created and lied into four sacks that were tied around Adamantious horse. He got up fast and rode until he was far away.


    I could feel my heart racing as I started biting the nail of my thumb.


    The sun finally was awake and Paris was nowhere to be found.

 TWENTY

    APOLLO


    A hundred two assignments¡­all of them about healing. And she gave them to me. Each time she was giving me to them with her cocky grin I couldn''t help but hide away and laugh. She was giving me assignments that someone like me was capable of for centuries. Eleven if she did not believe in my existence, she sure believed that Paris would succeed.


    No¡¯ I slapped myself and Ares looked at me with a worried look.


    ¡®¡¯What happened to you? You look terrible¡¯¡¯


    I cannot believe that I missed sleep. Typhon¡¯s blood makes me more mortal than I thought. But all those nights this woman still gave me those long assignments. If I were a true Olympian now, I could heal any weakness and wound in a glimpse of a second. But one healing took me more than five minutes and a lot of energy. And yet, I enjoyed every part of it. Trying to hide from that stupid Myrto. She would search everywhere for me and she could almost catch me.


    I was trying to heal a sick old woman when I felt that someone was rushing to me and I fell to the woman¡¯s bed. Healing a few horses, I had to hide fast behind a few bushes. But her instinct told her to move to and so I threw a rock on the opposite side.


    ¡®¡¯Is this the first time people have followed you?¡¯¡¯She asked.


    Go away or else both you and me will be in trouble. I felt the sharp sword of Themis ready to take my head off.


    She let out a sigh. ¡®¡¯At least you help out, not like the last time¡­¡¯¡¯She started walking away.


    Right, I did let them be wounded and alone. Even if I wanted that woman gone, that quiet girl was just a pawn for her, wasn¡¯t it? And injured. And I left her.


    ¡®¡¯I am sorry¡¯¡¯I said.


    She stopped walking. ¡®¡¯Apologising means nothing¡¯¡¯Her words were harsh. I had watched her around the others talking or shy and softly. But those words felt strange. Like they did not belong to her. Did she hate me that much because I left them?


    ¡®¡¯Actions do so¡­¡¯¡¯ Her voice became softer now just like she was talking back then. ¡®¡¯Hope you finish all of your assignments.¡¯¡¯


    Crazy mortals. I snarled and tried to avoid Ares'' curious stare. But instead of ignoring me or keeping sparing with his sword, he sat down in front of me.


    ¡®¡¯Talk¡¯¡¯said like a command.


    I looked even further away.


    ¡®¡¯Come on now, Artemis and Aphrodite are far away now, they said something about hunting¡¯¡¯He mumbled. ¡®¡¯Now, talk.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You will tell everything to your lover if I do¡¯¡¯I rasped and he smiled. ¡®¡¯Oh, I do not think she cares about your hatred of that mortal¡­¡¯¡¯He made a pause and pouted.¡¯¡¯Unless¡­¡¯¡¯


    He jumped closer to me with his eyes staring at me amused. ¡®¡¯Oh, it is more than hatred is it?¡¯¡¯


    I laughed harshly. ¡®¡¯Yes, it is loathing¡¯¡¯I admitted. ¡®¡¯The God of war should have known that.¡¯¡¯


    But Ares seemed almost disappointed with that answer.¡¯¡¯You fought a decade with us in Troy¡¯¡¯His lips parted with a heavy frown. ¡®¡¯And you still believe that was is only hatred and anger?¡¯¡¯


    I looked at him confused.


    ¡®¡¯War is violent, war is real, but the ones who make the war are not always angry. It concludes greed, anger, need for vengeance, and also¡¯¡¯


    His eyes lit up and stared at me.


    ¡®¡¯Lo-¡¯¡¯


    I put my hand to his mouth before starting to talk. ¡®¡¯You think that I love her?¡¯¡¯ I restrained my grin. Impossible. I could never fall for that mere woman.


    He mumbled before he pushed my hand away. ¡®¡¯I was thinking that you''re fond of her.¡¯¡¯He cleared his throat and smirked. ¡®¡¯But you said that you might love her¡­¡¯¡¯


    My face turned in heat and stood up. ¡®¡¯Don¡¯t be foolish. Sure she is smart, brave¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Beautiful.¡¯¡¯He continued.


    ¡®¡¯Yes and¡­¡¯¡¯ My words cut and stared at him. ¡®¡¯You found her beautiful when you saw her?¡¯¡¯I tried to change the subject.¡¯¡¯What will Aphrodite say about it?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Oh, when I told her she admitted that she is charming too.¡¯¡¯He laughed. ¡®¡¯Unlike you lovebirds, we don¡¯t hide any secrets.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯We are not¡¯¡¯I spat at him as he was still holding his stupid smugness. I let out a heavy breath and clapped my hands together.


    ¡®¡¯Alright, I admit. I love¡­¡¯¡¯


    His smile grew wider with heavy expectations.


    ¡®¡¯To hate her¡¯¡¯I laughed.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    His smile instantly disappeared.


    ¡®¡¯She is proud, arrogant, ignores every power, and her gaze is ¡­¡¯¡¯ Chills brought down my spine.


    ¡®¡¯Terrifying.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Didn¡¯t you fall for that Spartan prince of yours a few centuries¡¯¡¯


    I halted him. ¡®¡¯See, a prince. Not a mere liar ¡®¡¯My voice became higher as I moved my body and tried to talk. ¡®¡¯Who is literally killing..¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Alright¡¯¡¯He moved his hands around.¡¯¡¯You love to hate her I believe you. You want her humiliated,dead,¡¯¡¯


    I kept nodding as he finally understood.


    ¡®¡¯Locked up in your room with you.¡¯¡¯


    I nodded before listening to it completely.


    ¡®¡¯You are enjoying this aren¡¯t you?¡¯¡¯I asked with a heavy tone. Ares chuckled. ¡®¡¯Maybe.¡¯¡¯


    I turned my back on him and walked away.


    ¡®¡¯Does it mean I won?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯It means I got tired¡¯¡¯I yawned and jumped fast onto a tree.


    Unfortunately, his words fell on my dreams. I could see a memory of mine when I found her at the lake. Her hair was down until her bare back. Her fingers played with the water like a nymph. Her body was devoured by the liquid as her skin was being kissed by the sun. Her lips, and her voice let out a sound of pleasure.


    Another memory was inside the temple. Her eyes now were glowing with Alexious¡¯ work. Green smoke and light coming out of her like an actual prophet of mine. I could see everyone¡¯s gaze at her, admiring her, fear and I could not believe that I had the same reaction as them.


    One more memory. I Was talking with a wild girl, Thais. She seemed to be interested in me and I admit that if I could, some fun with her would not mind. But the only thing I could see was that woman watching us from the affair¡­was she jealous?


    I woke up in the middle of the night with a sharp pain attacking me.


    Time is running out. I could not think what she was thinking about me. Fondness? I could not¡­Not for her.


    So the next few days I tried to ignore her. And she seemed to try that too. I was glad that she did but each time I was passing away from her I could listen to her heavy breath. Her breathing became harsher¡­


    When she fell down I knew. She was sick. I carried her with all my strength inside the room and tossed her into the bed.


    ¡®¡¯How stupid can you be?¡¯¡¯I whispered to her as I saw the sweat showering her face.


    ¡®¡¯You can¡¯t die here, listen to me, I have plans for you¡¯¡¯I slapped her face multiple times. She had a high fever. I moved my hand, ready to heal her.


    Is that you, Patron of healers? The blade kissed my neck.


    Have you forgotten your oath¡­Didn¡¯t you think I would find out?


    My eyes darted.¡¯¡¯She is sick, I just need to heal¡¯¡¯


    God Apollo, your punishment.


    ¡®¡¯She cannot die here and you know it. Her judgment is not now¡¯¡¯I let out a panting whisper.


    She started groaning from pain as dry cough escaped her lips.


    Her judgment will come just like it is meant to be. And you can watch it.


    ¡®¡¯Does this mean?¡¯¡¯


    She will live. And you can watch her fall. But if you try to interfere, you know what will happen.


    The sword now vanished and so did Themis'' presence but a vision came to my mind.


    Fire danced bright on this temple with familiar faces being drugged out. The place changed as the woman stood in front of Perseus¡¯ house drinking from a cup while he looked at her with a gaze filled with rage. After she drank it I noticed her clothes were white, not black.


    After she swallowed it all, her gaze turned to me.¡®¡¯ Tomorrow¡¯¡¯She spat with blood.


    And everything returned and gasped for air. Tomorrow? I looked at her. No, she could not die. Not yet. Not when she is still just nothing. It will do nothing for me. I tried to heal her once again but my throat began to close up like once again Themis was watching me. I could not ¡­I could not heal. I could not heal her.


    Don¡¯t be like that now. If she dies then it won¡¯t be a problem, you can wait for two hundred years and you will be back to normal. You won¡¯t die because of her. She won¡¯t kill you.


    But my pride was stronger. My loathing for her was burning my skin. If I could not heal her I could warn her without Themis figuring it out.


    I turned back to her belongings and waited for her to wake up. She had far more carbs than I expected. Some of them were not even from this place, far to the north probably? Yes, they were growing to harsh mountains. Inside a bag I found a few familiar flowers¡­were those autumn crocus from Crete? Once again they were growing in dangerous places and yet she¡­


    ¡®¡¯You are a fascinating woman.¡¯¡¯I gasped and kept searching around. I found tablets with a clear sculpting but it was unlike the others she had. Were these hers? I kept reading them quietly. Half of them seemed to be personal about her life in the temple of my brother and then there was¡­


    ¡®¡¯Oh¡¯¡¯My lips parted with a pout and smirked at her. ¡®¡¯And I thought Hermes was the most perverted person I knew¡¯¡¯


    She finally fell asleep normally after I told her that she will find my reward tomorrow.


    Stay alive oracle. Stay alive.


    I moved my hands, creating peonies and aconite and one gladiolus. The sword appeared again.


    ¡®¡¯I am giving her flowers¡¯¡¯I rasped to Themis.¡¯¡¯If her fate is sealed, it would be nice to believe that someone cared for her.


    And the sword was gone and my hands cupped her face.


    ¡®¡¯If you don¡¯t succeed¡¯¡¯I whispered, hoping she could at least listen to me. ¡®¡¯Your friends will die. Your work will be destroyed and you will die like a dog, swallowing the hemlock from the cup¡­.You will die as if you were nothing.¡¯¡¯


    She mumbled. And I could only see her raven curls covering her beautiful face.


    The pain in my body once again awoke, burning every part of my skin and golden blood.


    I restrained my screams as I watched her. If I interfere I will be gone and If I stay any longer around her I might actually won¡¯t hold this entire charade.


    Maybe I should not appear near her tomorrow. Not like Paris. I rested my shoulders down and let my fingers touch my lips.

 TWENTY ONE

    LYSSANDRA


    Soldiers were approaching with their spears thirsty for blood. The sun was still bright as it took a few more horses heading near us  from a different side with the familiar symbols being dressed on them.


    The king will find out soon.


    But my head was on Adamantious who was running far with the things. It would be best for him to not return. He should not return with people getting gathered, and conquering the temple.


    I told Leon to take Dimaria and hide far too and not return for half a day. Now should know that she is still alive.


    Now it was just us, Thais, Myrto, Alexious, and me.


    Whatever would happen I could not predict the perfect outcome. Myrto could run fast and hide but what could she do if the soldiers attacked with arrows? Thais and Alexious could fight and keep them away but all of them?


    And me¡­


    In my hand was a tight fist the two aconites Paris let me.


    Whatever happens, I won¡¯t get out alive, will I?  I could see the others, Alexious and Myrto embracing each other while Thais was ready to fight.


    ¡®¡¯Is she always this quiet?¡¯¡¯ One priest asked his friend while I was washing their clothes near the river. With my breath being held and my nose shut, I tried to make the clothes clean as fast as I could before the water and urine could find my nose.


    On the other side of the river was Thais sparring with men twice her age and size. She had a wooden stick while the rest had bronze blades, trying to attack her. But she always came untouched and unharmed while she was picking them with her small stick. A few paces away from her there was Adamatnious sparing barehanded with one other man. His body was moving with great speed, his muscles being tense and his wild beauty being brushed by the wind. For a moment, his eyes turned to me. His cheeks flushed and so did mine as I tried to ignore his sweet smile that he was trying so hard to hide.


    Then, the priest from before, covered Adamantious by standing in front of me.


    Ignore them Lyssandra. Ignore the men.


    ¡®¡¯What¡¯s the matter boar?¡¯¡¯One of them asked with a laugh.


    Not the first time I heard it.


    ¡®¡¯Nothing to say to us?¡¯¡¯


    I lifted my gaze and glared at them, succeeding to make them feel uneasy.


    So I kept washing the clothes. The priests did not give up.


    ¡®¡¯Come on now, girl it must be so tiring¡¯¡¯The other priest sighed and they both sat on my sides, surrounding me.


    ¡®¡¯Maybe¡­¡¯¡¯ One hand found my thigh. ¡®¡¯We can find a way to relax¡¯¡¯his voice found my ear.


    I opened my mouth but no words came out as I saw Adamantious getting hit in his face with the man who won the match smiling at me. Then, there was Thais who was pinned to the ground with the men grabbing her limbs and hair.


    My feet got up and forced myself to rush to them but the priest grabbed me by the shoulder as I was still holding the clothes and bucket.


    ¡®¡¯Now, dear girl, we will let them free but you see¡¯¡¯their hands moved around my body. ¡®¡¯We cannot harm you here but it seems we found a way to be persuasive.¡¯¡¯


    Ew ew ew ew ew ew.


    I held my breath once again and tried to not smell what was ready to get out. And then, I threw the bucket with the clothes and urine on their faces. Both of them gauged in disgust as they let me go and I started running far. Don¡¯t stop. Thais screamed but Adamantious shouted to stop running. Thankfully, my body reacted faster and I kept running with people hinting me down.  The forest was thick and dark and I could easily get lost as my body ended up near the cliff.


    Right behind me, there were sounds of a horse moving closer to me and then there was the archpriest. glaring at me as he removed his helmet from his face.


    ¡®¡¯This is your last warning Lyssandra.¡¯¡¯He spat with the winds becoming darker. Behind the man, there were men, with their bows and swords prepared to attack. Then why could I think that they all wanted to keep me alive for other reasons?


    ¡®¡¯Look at her¡¯¡¯Someone whispered.¡¯¡¯She looks like an animal with that scar on her face.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Well, she is a pretty animal.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I am not a God Lyssandra¡¯¡¯The archpriest mouthed.¡¯¡¯I do not have the power to stop them.¡¯¡¯


    In my mind I could only listen to my voice, praying for Apollo to save me. I did everything. I could do everything.


    The arch-priest let out a heavy breath.¡¯¡¯Take her to the temple alive. And lock her inside her room, tie her up. Do not let her escape. That is an order¡¯¡¯


    Finally, the king arrived and every soldier and follower of Zeus gathered around the temple.


    We all bowed as I found a glimpse of Perseus gazing at me with fire in his eyes.


    I swallowed harshly with my eyes falling to the ground, covered my mouth with my hand, pushed the aconites inside my mouth, and swallowed harshly.


    ¡®¡¯Lyss-¡¯¡¯Thais tried to warn me but I could feel the bitter taste burning my tongue. None would get me there alive.


    ¡®¡¯King Perseus. ¡®¡¯I sighed.


    ¡®¡¯Oracle¡­¡¯¡¯ He made a long pause as I listened to a familiar mocking sound.


    ¡®¡¯Just like I told you my King¡¯¡¯Dion smirked. ¡®¡¯She cannot be trusted. ¡®¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I suppose your coming has to do something about Python?¡¯¡¯ I asked, feeling a numb pain in my arm. I moved my body up and glared at Dion. But he was still smiling as the others were getting inside the temple. A  seed of panic and fear started growing inside my stomach.


    ¡®¡¯It seems ¡®¡¯Perseus sighed.¡¯¡¯This  one right here¡¯¡¯He glared with disgust at Dion.¡¯¡¯Told me to not wait for my soldiers to return. That they are all gone, killed by the snake. Told me to not trust you from the beginning. ¡®¡¯


    My ears found noises of crushing the temple, throwing things, breaking vases, and shouting for people to stop breaking as it was mostly just searching.


    ¡®¡¯But I gave you mercy. I gave you time. But now as it seems the death of my men only benefit you.¡¯¡¯


    Dion was nodding with joy.


    The king will find out soon.


    His fingers stroked his beard and with a moment of the wind, it felt like he ordered me to stand on my own feet.


    ¡®¡¯Now, tell me Prophet Lyssandra. Why the lies?¡¯¡¯


    Lies? I said to him twenty because I knew it would be enough. I lied because I wanted to protect Myrto who was at the end trapped by Zeus¡¯ priests. If it wasn¡¯t for them, if it wasn''t for their arrogant thoughts.


    ¡®¡¯I lied,¡¯¡¯I admitted and everyone¡¯s gaze was around me. Dion smirked and pointed at me. ¡®¡¯I told you I was right my king, now you can kill her.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I lied¡¯¡¯I repeated myself, trying to get Perseus¡¯ attention. ¡®¡¯Because Apollo told me to. Because¡¯¡¯I let my emotions out while I could feel Thais holding my wrist.


    ¡®¡¯They will kill you.¡¯¡¯


    I turned to her. I thought that you liked danger. Her eyes snapped and laughed as she let me free. ¡®¡¯He will not like it,¡¯¡¯She whispered.


    ¡®¡¯He is furious, King Perseus,¡¯¡¯ I rasped. ¡®¡¯Furious of his temples that have been destroyed by his fathers¡¯¡¯¡¯One look at Dion. as he spoke out of turn again.¡¯¡¯She is a liar my king, a deceiver.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Let me speak¡¯¡¯I tried to remain calm but the man rushed to me and hit me right in the face. I almost lost my balance as Thais grabbed me by my wounded arm. Hold your pain, women hold your pain.


    ¡®¡¯MMy king, this woman has been poisoning the village for far too long.¡¯¡¯His tone changed from the poison he once carried and he was standing in front of Persues like a prideful lion. While me, I was still trying to stand from his slap , with my eyes noticing my which had stained his bronze ring.


    ¡®¡¯She lied she deceived and now she is trying to do the same to you.¡¯¡¯


    I pushed myself away from Thais  and made a small jump closer to the great horse as I was trying to wipe out the blood. But my eyes were glued to the floor.


    You are in no condition.


    Every soldier and follower got out of the temple with deep frowns.


    ¡®¡¯We found nothing, my king,¡¯¡¯One soldier admitted. ¡®¡¯Just some flowers.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯What kind of flowers?¡¯¡¯Dion¡¯s lips parted. ¡®¡¯Were they white like hemlock?¡¯¡¯


    Oh. The seed grew roots. The poisons. Right, I forgot about them.


    ¡®¡¯No, they were.¡¯¡¯The soldier made a long pause before Perseus nodded to continue. ¡®¡¯Gladiolus. the pink ones. ¡®¡¯


    My lips parted and then held my breath as I tried so hard to not laugh. That bastard.


    ¡®¡¯Oracle Lyssandra¡¯¡¯Spat the king. ¡®¡¯You were talking about your God being furious¡­continue¡¯¡¯


    I looked up to him and found from a perfect angle, Dion¡¯s shocked face.


    ¡®¡¯My God is furious. Furious and¡­¡¯¡¯ I stole a moment of light when I looked up at the king.¡¯¡¯He is afraid of you ¡­my king¡¯¡¯My stomach was tied to knots as I could not feel my tongue anymore. ¡®¡¯Afraid of you might destroy anything on its might. So he gave me the time to lie.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Lies my king¡¯¡¯Dion spat.


    ¡®¡¯I was nothing but a lowly servant of his. ¡®¡¯I forced my eyes to cry. ¡®¡¯Please my king forgive ¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You cannot believe those words-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Enough¡¯¡¯Perseus¡¯ voice echoed like a thunderstorm. ¡®¡¯Both of you enough.¡¯¡¯ He stood out from the horse and started stepping on my side. Dion got on his knees and I lowered my head before I could shrink, my body but the king grabbed my injured arm tight.


    ¡®¡¯Agh¡¯¡¯I gasped between my teeth. His eyes were steady as I was trying to avoid him and it turned to Dion.  And Perseus noticed it.


    ¡®¡¯You will come to my house¡¯¡¯He commanded me and finally the panic grew, making everything around me shake.


    ¡®¡¯You arch priest Dion¡¯¡¯Perseus glared at him. ¡®¡¯You will come too. ¡®¡¯


    But even from those words, Dion and his followers could not help but smile


    Another blossom of panic appeared on me as he was dragging me slowly by the wrist at his horse. I forced my feet to stop walking and looked back at the rest who were staring at me with fear.


    Perseus hummed and looked at me. ¡®¡¯What¡¯s the matter now?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯They will destroy the temple¡¯¡¯I whispered with all the strength that remained with my head getting heavy.


    Perseus hummed and let my wrist go as he moved on Dion¡¯s side. I could see the priest smiling and then the king drew his blade and hit his face with the back of the sword, making him fall to the ground.


    My heart started racing.


    ¡®¡¯Treat your archpriest and do not dare to come back here without further notice of me.¡¯¡¯Perseus ordered the panicked followers. And then, his cold eyes found me before passing out to the ground.


    Right. Poisonous flowers inside my system.


    A song visited me in my dreams as I tried to wake up. Opening my eyes, I found a beautiful dark woman humming right above me. Her long hair was braided with jewels and they were still free, down to her shoulders. She seemed to be around the age of forty as even with her dark braids, there were few gray stripes forming to the start of her head.


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    The red dress she was wearing had fallen down to the mattress that I was¡­


    Mattress?


    I gassed and tried to stand up. The woman blinked twice with her green eyes staring at me deeply.


    ¡®¡¯You can relax,¡¯¡¯She assured me.


    ¡®¡¯Who are you?¡¯¡¯My lips shook and looked around the room. It was painted with light colors as it was showered with peonies and bronze statues of gods. A long table with four chairs and a long white tablecloth. I found a mirror near me and I noticed that my clothes did not change but there was a new fabric around my wounded arm.


    ¡®¡¯Our healers tried to treat your wound as much as they could but¡­¡¯¡¯I noticed that his accent was heavy and strong. She sure was not from any near kingdom.


    ¡®¡¯Who are you?¡¯¡¯I asked again.


    ¡®¡¯I am..¡¯¡¯She opened her mouth but then, my eyes found the ring she had around her neck. The golden jewel had a letter sculpted at the top of it.


    PERSEAS.


    ¡®¡¯You are his¡­¡¯¡¯


    I had heard stories about King Perseus¡¯ wife. She was a princess from the far south and chosen to be sacrificed for a dragon that was destroying her kingdom. But thank the Gods, the son of Zeus appeared and saved both the kingdom and the young princess and at the end of it, they fell in love.


    Falling in love with someone who simply saved you? Sounded like a nice excuse for both of them to get married. Maybe the marriage was arranged before the king even tried to destroy the dragon.


    The door opened and Perseus appeared with a bright smile. ¡®¡¯I see that you are awake.¡¯¡¯


    Dammit Dammit Dammit.


    I turned to him and bowed as Andromeda walked to him and kissed his cheek softly. He let out a charming chuckle kissed her back on the forehead and whispered to her leave us alone.


    ¡®¡¯Did my queen treat you niclely?¡¯¡¯He asked me with his light eyes staring at me, studying my posture. I took a deep breath and fixed my back and raised my shoulders up.


    ¡®¡¯She insisted of keeping you company until you woke up.¡¯¡¯


    He brought his wife here?


    ¡®¡¯I am sorry King Perseus¡¯¡¯I gasped and lowered my eyes.


    ¡®¡¯Sorry for what? You were correct about your God being furious.¡¯¡¯ He now sat on the bed that I was lying before and he let out a heavy sigh.


    ¡®¡¯Have you ever visited Corinth Oracle?¡¯¡¯


    I shook my head.


    He let out a laugh. ¡®¡¯I can remember decades ago there must have been over thirty temples. Now only five have survived. Fires growing, people dying¡­I thought that they were only in kingdoms but..¡¯¡¯A long pause until he found my gaze.


    ¡®¡¯When they are taking a follower of Apollo so Python could eat her.¡¯¡¯


    Wait¡­


    ¡®¡¯And one of them managed to attack her¡¯¡¯His finger pointed at my arm.


    It seems that he has a way for every information. Does that mean that he knows that I am a deceiver?


    But instead of continuing talking, he let out a genuine smile. ¡®¡¯Would you like to eat, drink?¡¯¡¯


    I wanted to refuse but Perseus clapped his fingers and four servant girls appeared with two  jars of wine and three plates of oxen meat.


    Once again I tried to refuse but there was the thick smell of wine coming near me.


    My lips made a soft smile that the king seemed to notice. But he did not seem to mind as he took his own jar from the blonde servant girl and she moved to my side.


    ¡®¡¯For you my oracle¡¯¡¯She said with a pitchy voice and I smiled at her but my heart stopped when I listened to that familiar tone. My oracle.


    Looking up I saw Paris being dressed with white and sky blue fabric as his face was painted heavy with makeup. His long golden hair pushed back and tied up with purple ribbons, exposing his pretty sculpting face.


    ¡®¡¯Ugh¡­¡¯¡¯That was the only thing I could let out as I was taking the jar from his hands.


    ¡®¡¯Is everything alright Prophet?¡¯¡¯The king asked. I replied by drinking the entire red wine fast.


    ¡®¡¯Yes my king thank you so much¡¯¡¯I gasped as I saw the servant girls with Paris now walking away as they left the plates on the table.


    ¡®¡¯You seem to hold your liquor for a woman like you. Spartan?¡¯¡¯ He asked with a laugh.


    Was this a test?


    ¡®¡¯Anatolian.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Anatolian?¡¯¡¯His brow grew wider.


    ¡®¡¯My father was from Alasiya and my mother¡­¡¯¡¯I cut off my words. ¡®¡¯I grew up near Macedonia, my king. I learnt the way of the gods and kings from this country and only those. My roots are no importance.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Aren¡¯t they?¡¯¡¯Persues asked me, putting the cup down to the table.


    What was his play? Reading people, revealing their true form out of all their lies was something I had to be taught. Something that would help me to play the part of a prophet. But him? It almost reminded me of Paris. Each word that was getting out of his lips, every movement, every breath was calculated. And yet I could not break them out.


    ¡®¡¯I am a prophet¡¯¡¯I admitted. ¡®¡¯But I am no king your¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Yes, you are a prophet in a village. People are trying to kick you out and you still stay. Stubborn.¡¯¡¯ He laughed and I narrowed, taking a sip from the wine.


    ¡®¡¯And even the great Python, ready to eat, he does not¡¯¡¯His fingers stroke his beard. ¡®¡¯Seems that you have strong roots somewhere.¡¯¡¯


    I wanted to laugh but instead, Perseus stood up and I bowed. ¡®¡¯Stay to get rest. Tomorrow will be an interesting day.¡¯¡¯He laughed again in a charming way.¡¯¡¯I found how can I solve everyone¡¯s problem here.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯But why?¡¯¡¯I asked calmly. and Perseus stopped his calm steps to just take a good look at me.


    Why are you delaying your supposed conquest? Why are you staying? Why are you trying to help?  Why are you like this?


    ¡®¡¯That¡­Dion told me before even meeting you that you were a liar and insane.¡¯¡¯He admitted and I remained silent.


    ¡®¡¯Today, he was right about one thing¡¯¡¯¡¯The angle of his lips formed a light bow. ¡®¡¯You did poison yourself, today.¡¯¡¯


    My shoulders raised up near my ear and I tried to hold my breath.


    ¡®¡¯You remind me of someone I once met.¡¯¡¯Another bright smile of his.¡¯¡¯It seems to be a sign for me to help the temple of Apollo and the prophet of it. ¡®¡¯


    I wanted to ask more but the Door now closed and the king left me alone. With a heavy jar of wine and plates filled with hot bread and oxen.


    ¡®¡¯Meat¡¯¡¯I drooled and jumped to one of the plates.


    It was smooth and salty, unlike anything that I had ever tasted. The wine helped too as I was jugging everything down. I could not believe that the king believed me. And I could not believe that he was just like the stories said. Even with his rough voice that could almost make anyone believe that he had the strength to summon thunder he seemed almost¡­


    Charming man, and probably had any woman he wanted back in his youth. I thought, sipping from the jar, and felt my cheeks flushing. Then again, he isn¡¯t all hideous now. My mind pictured his charming sweet smile as he was talking to me and how much he looked like he was restraining it.


    Cute. I thought again, taking a longer sip. Even his wife looked.


    No Lyssandra stop it, thoughts like this will get you killed. I slapped my face and took a bite from the meat beside me.


    ¡®¡¯Well, aren¡¯t you eating like a true oracle?¡¯¡¯ Paris'' voice asked from behind me.


    And I started choking on the meat that stuck in my mouth as I looked back at him who was still dressed up like a servant girl. Even his lips were painted red. His hand, holding one more jar, and his mouth starting to kiss it as he was letting all the liquor pour into his throat and drip at his skin and clothes.


    ¡®¡¯Don¡¯t be coy now¡¯¡¯He laughed and showed the jar as he drank from it once more with the rest of the wine being dropped down to the floor. ¡®¡¯You survived let¡¯s celebrate.¡¯¡¯


    We both stared at each other for a while. And then, I jumped at him, making him fall with my weight making him collapse to the floor, too weak to move.


    ¡®¡¯What is that for?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You knew the truth didn¡¯t you?¡¯¡¯ I asked dry as I took one more dip from the wine and licked my thumb. That made Paris face my fingers carefully as he scanned my lips later.


    ¡®¡¯Let¡¯s just say, I know a few things.¡¯¡¯ He smirked on his own words and let his head down. ¡®¡¯Is this your way of thanking me for warning you?¡¯¡¯


    My mind started becoming heavy and around me, almost became dark. But I snapped out of it.


    ¡®¡¯Why are you here¡­dressed like that?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Don¡¯t I look beautiful?¡¯¡¯He laughed and moved his upper body closer to me, taking with his fingers my jar and letting his lips rest on the side I was drinking. Then, he took a big sip from it and his voice let out¡­Oh gods.


    We were in the king¡¯s house. I was on top of one supposed servant girl. I was on top of a man. We were both drunk. He seemed worse than me. Heat grew on my cheeks and my eyes could study for hours his face that was staring at me back. Was he actually drunk from one sip?


    I tried to move away from him by rubbing my hips and his fingernails replied by grabbing them.


    ¡®¡¯You have nice legs¡¯¡¯He hummed.


    I snapped my eyes and glared at him as he was still smiling.


    ¡®¡¯You pervert-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Oh, now my oracle¡¯¡¯He tilted his head to the right. ¡®¡¯I know the things that you imagine.¡¯¡¯


    Imagine what was he talking about-


    My jaw dropped and felt my entire body becoming red.


    ¡®¡¯They were private.¡¯¡¯I hissed at him and moved his head back and tried to move once again as right beneath me there was something moving harder and growing every time I was trying to escape.


    OhGodsOhGodsOhGods.


    ¡®¡¯Please tell me it is a snake that can poison me and perish¡¯¡¯I rasped at him. His hands grabbed my hips and tried to push me closer to him.


    ¡®¡¯Sure, a snake¡¯¡¯He laughed.¡¯¡¯Whatever it pleases you to call it¡¯¡¯His hand found my wounded arm, moving it on the fabric. And then, he stopped with footsteps approaching us.


    ¡®¡¯Oh, prophet¡¯¡¯He gasped. ¡®¡¯What will they do if they find us?¡¯¡¯He made his voice sound pitcher.¡¯¡¯Maybe they will join¡¯¡¯


    Maybe they will execute me with hemlock.


    I stood up and kicked him fast under the table that had the heavy cloth and I took a seat right before the door opened.


    The man seemed scrawny as he wore white clothing around his body and his gaze was straight at the floor.


    ¡®¡¯I am sorry Prophet, I am the healer of King Perseus.¡¯¡¯


    I wiped my face with my thumb and nodded.¡¯¡¯Yes, you can come.¡¯¡¯


    As he walked closer to me, two movements of hands grabbed my legs.


    I pressed my lips to a thin line and shut my legs before Paris tried to move around the tablecloth.


    ¡®¡¯Are you feeling alright?¡¯¡¯The healer asked and I nodded a big yes.


    ¡®¡¯Any high fever, headache.¡¯¡¯


    Why was he asking me these questions?


    I kept shaking my head until he revealed a small bag from his sleeve.


    ¡®¡¯Those are some herbs that might help you with your condition.¡¯¡¯He laughed.¡¯¡¯But I am not sure if they can cure-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Cure?¡¯¡¯ I finally spoke and the man¡¯s face had been swept from any color.


    ¡®¡¯You don¡¯t know?¡¯¡¯He asked and moved his head for me to stand.


    I narrowed once again and I stood on my own two feet when he took out the fabric that was covering my wound. And then, I took a glimpse of a purple ooze dripping from my skin as it was being reflected in the mirror.


    ¡®¡¯We managed to take the poison of the aconite but this¡­this was weeks inside your system, I don¡¯t know what is ¡­¡¯¡¯


    That moment was an eternity. I could not listen to the words the man was getting out of his hideous lips. I could not listen to the wind sweeping my hair, I could only listen to my own racing heart. And I could see someone who was waiting for me. A man dressed in black, sitting near a deck with his crowdy boat.


    Snap out of it. ¡®¡¯You can leave¡¯¡¯I let out a command with my fingers snatching the bag from him.


    He nodded and bowed and then¡­


    Paris got out of his hiding spot.


    Poison. Not any poison but.


    The snake looked at me in the eyes when the purple liquid dropped from his mouth like saliva.


    Rushing to me like a beast to devour me.


    I couldn''t listen to anyone. I could see Paria trying to mouth some words but¡­


    None could treat poison. There was no antidote from Python¡¯s poison. Even the fur trader, I managed to treat him because I got it fast but now? I didn¡¯t even realize I got attacked by a snake weeks ago.


    You will be an example. A sacrifice. A voice echoed from the past. Paris¡¯ fingers tried to reach me. I walked away and started eating. Moving down, I grabbed the jar and noticed that there was still wine. As I was drinking, Paris kept staring at me with sadness.


    ¡®¡¯We keep it to ourselves¡¯¡¯I commanded him.


    ¡®¡¯Oracle-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯That''s an order¡¯¡¯I slammed the table and glared with anger at him.


    ¡®¡¯I am no soldier¡¯¡¯He spat on me and then I realized. In all those weeks I haven¡¯t seen him furious. It was nothing beautiful. It is not charming. It was monstrous. I shut my eyes but I could listen to his words piercing my skin.


    ¡®¡¯And I am not going to follow someone who cares so little about their life¡¯¡¯


    And then, he was gone. Did he leave for good? Would he even bother me anymore?


    A few hours passed and I thanked the king and walked away alone. Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow.


    The temple even with the sun slowly falling stood tall. Thais and Myrto were the first to jump at me and started laughing and giggling, tuning in that I was alive. Alexious hugged Leon Dimaria and then, Adamantious rushed to me, embracing me and kissing me on my cheek.


    ¡®¡¯Did he hurt you?¡¯¡¯ He asked all so softly with his hand cupping my face. Each moment almost made my body break into pieces. Each touch could make me more fragile.


    I shook my head and pushed him away, walking inside the temple.


    Candle light, tablets. Herbs.


    You are dying. Poison. Example.Mere mortal.


    The thing about flowers is that they can always grow back. Another thing about them is a myth. If you are curious about them, they will kill you by growing inside your body like seeds. Your organs, your limbs, your heart, your eyes will be conquered by them.


    And my heart started racing, tears falling down from my eyes. I could not die from poison. I refuse to die from it.


    ¡®¡¯Hghh..¡¯¡¯I hissed and I found the sickle and started hitting the table over and over again and again.


    ¡®¡¯I can¡¯t die¡¯¡¯I cried, letting the sickle down and falling to the floor.


    ¡®¡¯And I am not going to follow someone who cares so little about their life¡¯¡¯


    So little? From the moment I faced death I wanted to live. I wanted to survive to see everything falling down.


    ¡®¡¯Not yet, I can¡¯t die yet.¡¯¡¯

 TWENTY TWO

    APOLLO


    ¡®¡¯Oh look child¡¯¡¯My tall mother called me as I was playing with my old lyre near our hidden cave. I turned back to see her great wolf form trying to sniff out something out of the mud.


    Turning to a fox, I followed her and started to search the mud with her. Only to find a small rabbit lying on the ground breathing heavily and with red blood shedding his brown fur.


    ¡®¡¯Food?¡¯¡¯ I asked her with a smile but Mother shook her head. ¡®¡¯It is not dead you see, heal it up.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯No fair¡¯¡¯I turned to my previous form and pouted. ¡®¡¯You let Artemis hunt for dinner all day¡¯¡¯ I pressed my hand to the rabbit¡¯s throat. ¡®¡¯It is just an animal ¡®¡¯


    Mother kept staring at me until she gave up with a tired sigh. ¡®¡¯If it is just an animal does that mean you are just a child?¡¯¡¯


    I raised my shoulders and shook my head.


    ¡®¡¯Life is precious Apollo¡¯¡¯Her head rubbed against my body and turned back to her dark green form with a white veil covering her golden eyes. But it seemed so silly to her as that white veil was trying to hide her long wolf ears.


    ¡®¡¯Even animals are important, their lives are to be cherished. ¡®¡¯ She took my hand and made me touch the rabbit¡¯s wound. Slowly the blood was fading as for the entire cave it made it flow like the sun came for a simple visit.


    The small rabbit started to breathe normally again and both me and mother walked out with it from the cave.


    ¡®¡¯But why do you let Artemis hunt?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Artemis cannot be helped¡¯¡¯Mother narrowed disappointedly. ¡®¡¯No matter how much I am trying, you are not like your idiot sister¡¯¡¯She leaned down to me with a wide smile as I let the rabbit down and it started running away faster than light.


    ¡®¡¯No¡¯¡¯I smiled stupidly and she nuzzled my nose with hers.


    ¡®¡¯Come on¡¯¡¯She whispered.¡¯¡¯ Let¡¯s go find your sister. She is near the shore I think¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Mom look, look¡¯¡¯Artemis rushed to our side with her hands now holding a giant fish. And yet she was smiling like an idiot. ¡®¡¯I caught it, I caught it, she sang and fell on a straight ground with the fish being sent to my face. The heavy smell almost made me gag and I pushed it far too fast.  Now, I tried to shout to my mother but she did not seem someone that would respond. She was smiling, she was trying to take care of us, alone and trapped on the island. But she¡­Why was she sad? She had us.  At the end she said. ¡®¡¯Now Artemis stop teasing your brother.¡¯¡¯


    Artemis started crying and Mother stayed in her old cold seat near the beach just like she always did. Even with all the warnings now, she looked as if she was ignoring us.


    I pouted and rushed to my sister. Her knee seemed to be scratched with gold liquid dripping from it. So, I could easily let my hand rest on her wound and then¡­Light flickered around it, the blood moving back, the flesh getting healed fast and Artemis was giggling.


    ¡®¡¯You should be more careful¡¯¡¯I scolded her and grabbed one of her antlers.


    She shouted in pain but then, she grabbed mine too, making both of us start moving close to the sea.


    ¡®¡¯I just wanted to surprise you¡¯¡¯Artemis shouted, her hand pushed on my face with her thumb close to my mouth.


    I replied by biting it harshly.¡¯¡¯Do not surprise us, we are supposed to be in secret.¡¯¡¯ And then blood dropped down to the water.


    And after years we finally heard Mother speak, or rather scream. ¡®¡¯Get out of the water, now¡¯¡¯


    We followed the orders and started escaping from each other¡¯s grasp, water being pushed around us with the blood making the liquid golden, the ground shaking and the sea rising.


    We were almost outside of it as I pushed Artemis to get out faster. One step now far from the water.


    ¡®¡¯Where do you think you are going?¡¯¡¯A brooding voice asked with a cold hand grasping around my shoulder.


    ¡®¡¯Let him go¡¯¡¯Mother had now walked near the shore, getting out her black veil, revealing her deep yellow eyes.


    The man behind me did not respond and shoved his hands deeper into my skin. I could feel my blood freezing, my flesh being harsh against my eyes.


    Mother frowned harshly and the entire island began to tremble with the roots of the nearest palm trees and now they were moving near mine and the man¡¯s side.


    ¡®¡¯Are you testing me, Leto?¡¯¡¯Asked the man. ¡®¡¯For all those years I helped you, I kept you far from Hera, and all I asked was no blood of yours to fall in my domain.¡¯¡¯


    She narrowed with her wolf ears flickering. She growled and kept moving closer with the roots and artemis following her with a wooden bow and arrow.


    ¡®¡¯I shall ask you the same thing, Poseidon¡¯¡¯Mother smirked.¡¯¡¯¡¯Are you, testing ¡­¡¯¡¯ A long pause as she kept looking at him. ¡®¡¯Me?¡¯¡¯


    A few seconds passed with the man now pushing me away from his grasp and I fell in my mother¡¯s arms.


    ¡®¡¯Soon you will have to choose.¡¯¡¯ Poseidon rasped and I tried to take a look at him but Mother covered my eyes fast.¡¯¡¯You can¡¯t hide them  forever.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯What did he want Mom?¡¯¡¯Artemis asked back in the cave as  Mother was starting to cook the fish my sister caught.


    ¡®¡¯Who is he?¡¯¡¯ I asked, trying to climb on her shoulders.


    ¡®¡¯One of your uncles.¡¯¡¯She smiled. ¡®¡¯One of your father¡¯s brothers.¡¯¡¯


    I gasped. She never talked about our father, not even mentioning his name or family.


    ¡®¡¯And what did Uncle want?¡¯¡¯I asked and turned to Artemis. ¡®¡¯If he wants one of us he can have her,¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Hey¡¯¡¯She pouted and attacked me once again by dragging me away from my mother¡¯s shoulders.


    ¡®¡¯No, your uncle doesn¡¯t want you¡­¡¯¡¯She made a long pause and poured water from the nearest river to the pot with the fire now starting to boil it ¡®¡¯Your father¡¯¡¯She made a long pause and her smile faded. ¡®¡¯What would happen if you had a bigger family?¡¯¡¯


    We both blink in sync. Mother put the chopped fish inside the pot and closed it and now she looked at both of us with her ears looking down. And her lips formed a smile. ¡®¡¯Forget it ¡®¡¯She laughed, handpicked both of us, and moved us close to her warm body. ¡®¡¯Just forget it¡¯¡¯She kissed Artemis on her forehead, making her dark skin flush but Mother just looked at me with a warm smile.


    The stew was heavy and warm in my belly, making both me and my sister fall easily.


    But then, there were sounds of multiple footsteps. Opening my eyes I found the campfire vanished with only smoke to be the sign of its previous existence. And that mother was gone.  I jumped fast near Artemis'' side as she had now curled up into the form of a baby deer.


    ¡®¡¯Sister¡¯¡¯I whispered, pushing her body left and right.¡¯¡¯ Sister.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Five more minutes¡¯¡¯She yawned and I grabbed her ears, pulling them up.


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    ¡®¡¯Ah¡¯¡¯She shouted and her hooves kicked me to the stomach. I snarled with my form turning to a fox. And I barked at her fast. ¡®¡¯Mother Is gone.¡¯¡¯


    Both of us panicked and on our fours, we tried to find her inside the forest of the island. Mother never left our side. She would never.


    And then, near the shore, we found a white wolf standing in front of a woman dressed in black. We moved slowly as we hid behind some bushes.


    ¡®¡¯Calm yourself Leto¡¯¡¯The woman with the dark veil commanded. ¡®¡¯I am not here for a fight.¡¯¡¯


    Mother snarled. ¡®¡¯Aren¡¯t you? After years of trying to hunt us down, what?¡¯¡¯She laughed cruelly. ¡®¡¯You give up?¡¯¡¯


    The woman scoffed. ¡®¡¯I am sure you are upset about your¡­late birth.¡¯¡¯


    Mother barked at her, showing her long teeth.


    ¡®¡¯But I am here to talk to you. Mother to Mother.¡¯¡¯ Her fingers slipped the veil down her body, revealing her green skin and great silver horns. She was smaller in height than my mother and yet just looking at her made my body shake. Just watching her standing with a great posture made me feel that I have to plead to her, to apologize for my existence. Turning to my sister¡¯s side I could see her almost crying.


    Then, mother formed back to normal.¡¯¡¯What is it, Hera?¡¯¡¯ She sounded almost like giving up.


    ¡®¡¯Your children¡¯¡¯said Hera. ¡®¡¯Twins, twins are my husband¡¯s children.¡¯¡¯


    Mother raised her shoulders. ¡®¡¯Yes¡¯¡¯She sighed. ¡®¡¯The oldest, Artemis, is an excellent hunter and oh ¡®¡¯I could see a smile forming on her lips. ¡®¡¯My youngest has so many talents.¡¯¡¯


    Hera smiled at those words but it soon faded, trying to restrain each joy she was feeling.


    ¡®¡¯But tell me Hera, why do you care about them¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯The only thing that I can say is that it''s a proposition to ¡®¡¯She looked away and they both started walking near the shore. ¡®¡¯You can come back to Olympus with your children¡¯¡¯She looked up at Mother whose lips parted with a smile.


    ¡®¡¯Your children will be Olympians at the right time and I promise to the river Styx I will not harm them.¡¯¡¯


    I turned to Artemis with a smile as she tried to restrain her laugh. Olympus? Like the place where the powerful gods live? Could we get out of here to see more?


    Mother scoffed and then her smile disappeared. ¡®¡¯What is¡­¡¯¡¯


    Hera¡¯s smile disappeared too as she turned on the sea. ¡®¡¯One of your children must come tonight with me. The other one will come in five hundred years.¡¯¡¯


    Another look of horror I shared with my sister.


    ¡®¡¯What is this Hera?¡¯¡¯Mother laughed cruelly. ¡®¡¯They are still children, you don¡¯t believe that.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯It is not my order Leto¡¯¡¯She barked and made Mother walk fast away from her.


    ¡®¡¯He¡­¡¯¡¯ Her lips parted. ¡®¡¯He is-¡¯¡¯


    Hera laughed.¡¯¡¯Cruel?¡¯¡¯She interrupted Mother.¡¯¡¯Unfair? Maybe but he makes you choose which child and not tell me to take whoever I want.¡¯¡¯


    Now, both in our casual forms, me and Artemis held hands. However, I could see her eyes burning with fear. And I could not stop it.


    ¡®¡¯You know, I raised them like mortals¡¯¡¯Mother sat on a rock. ¡®¡¯I have seen what Gods like you are capable of after all¡¯¡¯She smiled looking at Hera and the horned goddess replied with a narrow.


    ¡®¡¯I wanted them to accept life, to see it ¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You raised them by living in a cave like animals¡¯¡¯She interrupted. ¡®¡¯Eating anything else except for Ambrosia and Nectar. Leto, you are trying to make them weak.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯And how will he make them?¡¯¡¯Her voice raised and Mother stood now tall and with anger finding her face. ¡®¡¯Like him? Like you?¡¯¡¯


    And Hera replied by lifting her fingers slowly. And Mother gasped in pain holding her stomach tight.


    ¡®¡¯If you cannot choose a child then I will go take one. ¡®¡¯


    Mother started screaming and she fell on her knees.


    I gritted my teeth and jumped out of my hiding spot in the form of a fox. I could listen to Artemis shouting at me but I could only pay attention to my target who was standing unharmed. I jumped to Hera¡¯s side and with my teeth, I bit her arm. But she did not react, even with gold dripping down.


    ¡®¡¯Let¡¯¡¯I snarled. ¡®¡¯My mother¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Apollo stop it¡¯¡¯She cried and Hera grabbed me by the throat.


    Looking at her now I could see how her mind was thinking of ways of punishing me. But then, I formed a snake and her eyes opened wide as I bit her with my fangs, making her set me free.  I crawled to the ground before turning back to normal and rushed to my mother¡¯s sound. ¡®¡¯Stop it, she did nothing wrong¡¯¡¯I demanded, with my mother crying from behind.


    Hera smirked.¡¯¡¯Nothing wrong? Oh, I would not say.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Enough Hera.¡¯¡¯Mother ordered with pain gasping out.


    Hera snarled as a stick fell to her head. But she made an irritating expression. Facing back, I found Artemis shaking from fear as she was aiming at the woman with her handmade bow.


    ¡®¡¯Your children sure have their father¡¯s blood inside¡¯¡¯Hera spat, fixing her silver hair and now her eyes faced me. With a nod, the woman snapped her fingers and Mother¡¯s painful cries stopped.


    ¡®¡¯Come on now Leto,¡¯¡¯ Hera smiled. ¡®¡¯Have you forgotten what you are? Choose.¡¯¡¯


    I moved backward closer to Mother as she was coughing.


    ¡®¡¯Fine¡¯¡¯Hera gave up and gray feathers formed around her until she was gone from our side. For a moment, I smiled in relief and embraced my mother but then, I heard a cry.


    ¡®¡¯Broth-¡¯¡¯


    Looking back, I found Hera grabbing Artemis¡¯ hand. ¡®¡¯Your daughter then,¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯No¡¯¡¯Mother shouted. ¡®¡¯not her, anyone but her¡¯¡¯The words ran out so easily. Words that made everyone silent. Even Hera looked shocked.


    ¡®¡¯Then¡¯¡¯Hera gulped and turned to me.


    Leto nodded fast.


    The feathers moved closer to me, studying my face but I could not speak. It was not the fact that she did not want to give us up that was making her cry. It was the fact that she did not want to admit that she would give up easily on me.


    ¡®¡¯May I ask why?¡¯¡¯Hera asked the woman I called ¡®Mother¡¯.


    ¡®¡¯He looks so much like him¡¯¡¯Her voice broke.


    Hera nodded, got on her knees, and offered the hand to me. ¡®¡¯You will see them soon¡¯¡¯She whispered calmly to me but she couldn''t hide the anger and hatred well.


    ¡®¡¯Brother don¡¯t¡¯¡¯Artemis cried but it was too late as I took Hera¡¯s hand.


    The room was filled with peacocks and long statues of women as one of them seemed to be almost destroyed by daggers that someone dodged on the head. There was a scent of pomegranate coming from all around but I could not speak to the woman who was carrying me calmly. I could just.


    ¡®¡¯Oh, no don¡¯t you dare cry¡¯¡¯She kept carrying me but she now pulled me away from her.


    ¡®¡¯I want my mommy¡¯¡¯I cried, sniffing the tears from my nose. And Hera¡¯s brow twitched.


    ¡®¡¯See, I knew that whor¡¯¡¯Her eyes zoomed in and cut those words as she tried to smile at me.


    ¡®¡¯Your mother raised you weak¡¯¡¯She scolded me as I kept tearing down.


    ¡®¡¯But do not worry, here you will be treated better¡­¡¯¡¯She looked away. ¡®¡¯Unfortunately, for me¡¯¡¯She started mumbling.


    I kept staring at her and I turned to a roe deer, hoping that I could kick her and let me go.


    But instead, she pouted in surprise. So I tried Snake again but she was holding me tight on one of her hands. Then to a swan. No reaction. Last I tried a mouse but  fell on the palm of her hand ¡®¡¯Oh, I can see surely your father in you.¡¯¡¯ She laughed.


    I let my tongue out transformed back to normal, and jumped to the green ground.


    ¡®¡¯Who are you ?¡¯¡¯I asked her finally and Hera laughed¡­terribly she had the worst laugh I had ever heard.


    ¡®¡¯It seems your mother did not speak about that part..I am your father¡¯s wife¡¯¡¯She explained with a formal tone. And I kept looking at her confused. My father was married? And then she explained that she was also his sister. My mouth hit the floor but She let out a heavy breath.


    ¡®¡¯Alright, let¡¯s take you to meet your father.¡¯¡¯This time she did not pick me up or hold my hand. She just expected me to follow. But of course, I just stood there.


    Hera turned on me with a heavy frown. And something inside my chest began to shake.


    So in the end, I followed her and raised my hand to try and reach her height. She stared at me confused.


    ¡®¡¯Up, up.¡¯¡¯


    Hera blinked and parted her lips. ¡®¡¯You little bastard¡¯¡¯She whispered as she lifted me up.


    ¡®¡¯What does bastard mean?¡¯¡¯I asked her gently as we kept moving outside the door. As I was close to her chest I could hear drums coming from her chest and her cheeks turning darker.


    ¡®¡¯Uh¡­it is a word only important gods can say¡¯¡¯She stuttered and patted my head.

 TWENTY THREE

    LYSSANDRA


    Hours of reading, watching the wax dripping down to the bronze plate, and trying to recover from any pain. Only nightmares could visit me. I was being hunted by my mutts around the forest. One of them caught my dress, pushing me down to the mud with the rest trying to eat every inch of me, every part of my inner soul. And I could feel each bite they were taking from my body. When they finished eating the dream became vague with me falling deep into a long dark sea. The water pressuring my flesh, my organs, the sew weeds tangling my hair and my lips were letting foam out for me to scream. Or at least imagine that I was screaming.


    And then there was one more.


    The room was cold with one simple candle lighting one place in it. There was an empty table and a chair with a man sitting down on it. He was old and heavy looking but it did not seem approaching as the man was also very tall. His black beard covered half of his pale face as long as his straight raven hair, it was pushed back to a red ribbon. And as for the color of his eyes¡­ silver just I could remember. His body was dressed in a black tunic with his bloody hands holding.


    ¡®¡¯Let it go¡¯¡¯I demanded.


    ¡®¡¯You really could read it?¡¯¡¯The archpriest gasped, letting the tablet to the table.


    ¡®¡¯I did and I still can¡¯¡¯I admit it with a smile on my face.


    ¡®¡¯You hid it so well, staying silent for years, playing along with the others¡­¡¯¡¯He made a long pause moving to my side.¡¯¡¯And you are using all of them just like I used you.¡¯¡¯


    My eyes darted and tried to push him away but suddenly I was a little girl who just lost her eye. The man was looking like a beast and his eyes were glowing.


    ¡®¡¯I do not use them.¡¯¡¯ I lied and the man laughed.


    ¡®¡¯You haven¡¯t changed little girl¡¯¡¯The man rasped. ¡®¡¯You still believe ¡®¡¯He let his heavy hand push me back, making me fall to a cold stone. And right above my head, there was a great golden statue of Apollo with its eyes staring at me.


    ¡®¡¯That someone is going to save you from your ending.¡¯¡¯ The archpriest was now wearing a dark robe, making it difficult to see his face and expressions.


    ¡®¡¯That all those lies and blood you have shed,¡¯¡¯ There was a sound of laughter. ¡®¡¯You need those people. But they don¡¯t need you.¡¯¡¯


    I tried to move but a strong wind pushed me down back to the pillar. Pillar? Wasn¡¯t it a stone?


    ¡®¡¯You don¡¯t know that¡¯¡¯I barked at him and he revealed his face while on his other hand there was a bronze dagger.


    ¡®¡¯Where is he then?¡¯¡¯ Paris'' voice echoed from Adamantious¡¯ lips. ¡®¡¯Where is the God you longed prayed for?¡¯¡¯He asked before the dagger fell to my chest.


    There was a memory from my dream. The bald priest is trying to wake up each child, each member of the temple, and get it out before the dark storm. The eldest members were moving the youngest outside where horses awaited for them to take everyone far.


    But I was not with them. I was hiding behind the statue of Apollo and I was beginning to pray.


    Do not make me go. Do not make me leave. Please save us.


    ¡®¡¯Where is Lyssandra? ''¡¯ The archpriest asked the rest. No response. He let out a restless breath and he later commanded. ¡®¡¯Go, I have to find her.¡¯¡¯


    There was no light. Not from the sun or from any torch the priests had. The people were already gone but the archpriest¡¯s heavy footsteps still existed. Just like his voice.


    ¡®¡¯Lyssandra¡¯¡¯ His tone echoed. I ignored him and started prying once more.


    ¡®¡¯Lyssandra we need to go¡¯¡¯His steps approached near the statue.


    ¡®¡¯No¡¯¡¯I pouted. ¡®¡¯ I cannot leave, he wouldn¡¯t want that.¡¯¡¯


    Another deep sigh and the arch-priest revealed himself to me. Even in the darkness, I could see him smiling gently at me.


    ¡®¡¯Apollo would want you to live. Isn¡¯t this more important?¡¯¡¯


    I sniffed and nodded as his hand patted the top of my head. ¡®¡¯We will find a different temple, a different sanctuary.¡¯¡¯He explained. ¡®¡¯You will grow up safe, in peace.¡¯¡¯ He scoffed. ¡®¡¯Maybe you will become a priestess¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Do not make me leave, I will be good¡¯¡¯I cried.


    ¡®¡¯I am sorry Lyssandra but I Can''t do-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Apollo can, I can pray and he will.¡¯¡¯


    Both of his hands grabbed my face tight. ¡®¡¯Listen¡¯¡¯He stated harshly.¡¯¡¯To me, Lyssandra once listened. We have to go. We cannot sta-¡¯¡¯


    And everything became silent.


    I woke up by falling on my seat and the melted candle dripping on my skin. I bit my lower lip and held my scream with my eyes looking outside the window. Still dark sky with no sign of sun to wake me in. I touched my forehead and I could feel that even my fingers were burning up.


    I sighed and moved back to my tablets. If I had been poisoned by a snake the side effects would be specific. Maybe I could make an antidote based on those side effects.


    Then again even a king¡¯s healer did not have an antidote. A week inside my body¡­


    ¡®¡¯Hey¡¯¡¯A voice appeared from my window and I jumped only to see Adamantius smiling at me.


    I replied with a smile back but I could feel my chest getting tighter. It was just him. Who else would it be?


    ¡®¡¯Hey¡¯¡¯I sighed and fixed myself better. But his stormy eyes looked at my arm.¡¯¡¯I heard that you fell and.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You knew.¡¯¡¯I realized and tried to keep myself calm.


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    He nodded. ¡®¡¯I thought that you did know¡­you always know things like these. But¡¯¡¯He jumped inside my room and he tried to laugh as his hand cupped my face. Instead of following his tactic, I slapped his hand away shut back to my seat and started reading once more.


    Seconds of silence before he spoke once more.


    ¡®¡¯Do you remember on that ship we were so we could go on Crete?¡¯¡¯


    I nodded. ¡®¡¯yes, it was months of sew sickness.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯We did not have money so we tried to sneak in but  they found us.¡¯¡¯ He laughed and sat on the floor next to me. I waited for him to finish his thoughts.


    ¡®¡¯They threatened us to throw us at the sea, Thais started to fight them, biting them¡¯¡¯


    Another long pause.


    ¡®¡¯And you were hiding while you were poisoning their water. All of them started vomiting even their healer and¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I told them that I can cure them if they let us stay until the destination.¡¯¡¯I finally let out a laugh and winced at him. ¡®¡¯Gods it was still a terrible journey.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯But you found a way to make it out¡¯¡¯ There was a soft tone coming from his harsh face.¡¯¡¯You always find a way to..¡¯¡¯His fingers traced the ground but his gaze fell to me. Just by looking at me like that, as if I was his salvation, made my heart race.


    ¡®¡¯If it wasn¡¯t for you me, Thais, even the others we would be either dead or worse. He stood on his knees and stayed close to me, watching me.


    They don¡¯t need you.


    I laughed and tried to avoid his kind eyes. ¡®¡¯You really believe that I can do it? That I can survive it?¡¯¡¯


    His hand embraced mine. ¡®¡¯I know that you will do everything to survive¡¯¡¯His angle of his lips slipped one more grin.¡¯¡¯ That¡¯s what I lo-¡¯¡¯


    My eyes opened wide. Adamantious¡¯ lips got pressed to a thin line as his cheeks flushed deep red. ¡®¡¯Lys¡¯¡¯ He gasped with his thoughts not forming from his mouth.


    You need them. They do not need you.


    The king will find the truth.


    You will be a sacrifice.


    Where is he?


    Another pain attacked my body and held it tight. But I could see how worried he was. ¡®¡¯Let me stay here tonight¡¯¡¯He suggested. ¡®¡¯I will help you with whatever you need and..¡¯¡¯


    I shook my head. ¡®¡¯No¡¯¡¯I grabbed my arm tight. ¡®¡¯It will be alright I will figure out a way¡¯¡¯I narrowed and made a fake smile at him.


    So he left by kissing my forehead and wishing me a goodnight.


    I will figure it out. I will figure everything out. I won¡¯t die. I will never die.


    The sun arrived late this time but it did not matter as I hadn¡¯t even slept after that nightmare. But maybe if I could close my eyes, Maybe¡­


    ¡®¡¯Lyssandra¡¯¡¯ Thais screamed and fully woke me up.


    ¡®¡¯What¡¯¡¯I drooled and she seemed to have her knife around her waist.


    ¡®¡¯Dion is here¡­alone.¡¯¡¯


    Alone?


    It was true. He was there, standing with no weapon and a bruised nose that almost made me lose my laughter. He looked as if he had an eggplant for his nose. He kept staring at me coldly with a childish snarl but he did not seem to be attacking.


    ¡®¡¯Why are you here?¡¯¡¯I asked him.


    He laughed.¡¯¡¯ Don¡¯t you know? I thought that you knew everything. Didn¡¯t the king tell you?¡¯¡¯


    The sun wasn¡¯t even set and he started tumbling like an idiot.


    My brow twitched and pushed my veil lower to my head. Everyone was outside, ready to fight. Thais and Adamantious sure were.


    But Dion raised his hands.


    ¡®¡¯I have an order from King Perseus to be here¡¯¡¯His voice was surprisingly¡­gentle. He never spoke like that.


    ¡®¡¯He ordered me to be alone ¡®¡¯There was his raspy angry voice.¡¯¡¯So you can drop out your weap-¡¯¡¯


    I turned to Myrto who was sitting on the stairs, still having a dizzy look. ¡®¡¯He is not lying.¡¯¡¯She whispered.


    ¡®¡¯Of course, not¡¯¡¯Another voice answered right in front of me. My eyes snapped as between me and Dion there was standing a woman we had never seen before. She was older than both of us with her pressed raven hair set free for the wind to push them around as it was pleasing.


    ¡®¡¯Who are you?¡¯¡¯Adamantious asked but I saw the green dress she was wearing around her milk skin and the sigil she had to hold it. Or rather two. A sigil of Medusa on the left and on the right¡­. There was a  Caduceus.


    ¡®¡¯You are a messenger?¡¯¡¯I asked the woman. She let out a smirk as she turned to me with her pitch-black eyes. ¡®¡¯I am a messenger of King Perseus.¡¯¡¯She corrected me and moved closer to me as if she were jumping with her bare feet. I did not realize how pretty she was. She kept a wicked smile on her lips as she was staring at me with her nightless eyes as if she were waiting for something.


    ¡®¡¯Why are you a messenger exactly?¡¯¡¯Dion scoffed but Adara ignored him completely.


    ¡®¡¯You must be Oracle Lyssandra¡¯¡¯sang Adara and leaned closer to me and her cold lips let a kiss on my cheek. Her hair let out a sweet rosy scent and moved on my nose.


    My entire face turned red as I moved away but I could see her still smiling with Dion and the others staying shocked.


    What was the right reaction at that moment? Not staying silent for the rest of the conversation.


    ¡®¡¯I am here¡¯¡¯Adara spoke and moved back in the middle .¡¯¡¯Because the King has made his mind about the¡­¡¯¡¯Her fingers moved around and noticed all the rings she was wearing.


    ¡®¡¯Conflict?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯She is a liar¡¯¡¯Dion pointed at me.¡¯¡¯And a thief.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯And you are interrupting me¡¯¡¯Adara snarled and I started giggling.


    ¡®¡¯So he decided to make a challenge for the winter solstice.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯It is five moons away¡¯¡¯I said.


    ¡®¡¯Yes you have five moons¡¯¡¯She moved around. ¡®¡¯Five moons to catch Python and present it in the King¡¯s presence for the festivities. The winners will remain here with the king¡¯s protection and the ones that will lose.¡¯¡¯¡¯A long pause but both me and Dion knew the answer. Leave the village. And I knew clearly that the moment I would step out of it I would be dead. We were all dead by him. And he did not seem to hide the idea of it.


    ¡®¡¯So?¡¯¡¯Adara turned to him and then me. I was ready to turn back to the others.


    ¡®¡¯What are you going to choose archpriests?¡¯¡¯Adara asked gently.


    Right. I had no time to think, I had no time to discuss. I would do everything to make it out alive. Even if it means fighting the snake that poisoned me.


    ¡®¡¯Alright¡¯¡¯I nodded and saw Dion narrowing at me.


    ¡®¡¯Alright¡¯¡¯He huffed at the end and Adara laughed with her finger revealing a silver coin. ¡®¡¯Perfect.¡¯¡¯

 TWENTY FOUR

    LYSSANDRA


    What did I say? What did I say? Why why why? why why.


    I forced myself to focus on each prayer that was coming so I could make the schedule.


    But after that, I could not¡­


    ¡®¡¯We have to fight ?¡¯¡¯ Myrto asked me while we were all eating inside the temple. She took a bite from her bread and waited before she swallowed it all.¡¯¡¯Python the mythical snake.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯The king probably finds it poetic¡¯¡¯  Alexiou signed with his mouth filled with quail which a hunter gave a lot to us for an offer of a prophecy.


    Poetic has an interesting ring to it. We were not warriors. Maybe Dion and his men liked to vandalize people and swing their swords while fighting a giant snake that killed even the king of Argos¡¯ soldiers.


    And us here. We were barely a bunch. Adamantious and Thais are sure are strong, Alexious could handle a dagger, and Myrto can run fast but¡­


    ¡®¡¯Who cares?¡¯¡¯ Thais pierced her knife into the table. ¡®¡¯We can finally fight something.¡¯¡¯ And her brave gaze fell on me, expecting me to say something.


    ¡®¡¯I already agreed, didn''t I?¡¯¡¯I scoffed with a smile and kept eating my own burnt bird. But my eyes drew to the sigil Adara gave to me.


    ¡®¡¯Here¡¯¡¯She said, giving me a medusa carved in a bronze coin.¡¯¡¯For now, both of the temples are under the sanctuary of the king. None will try to harm you¡­or the temple.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯But King Perseus is not my king,¡¯¡¯I asked her and her soft lips curved a wicked smile. ¡®¡¯Correct, Oracle Lyssandra but who what king would stop the son of Zeus from giving you temporally sanctuary.¡¯¡¯


    That was correct. And Adara almost seemed to believe the words she was letting out.  Yet there was a sacred hatred she was holding in her voice.


    She turned on me once again with  a smile.¡¯¡¯Come now Oracle it is a festival for the Gods¡¯¡¯She walked closer to me and leaned down to my ear. ¡®¡¯Someone like you should be proud to take a role in it¡¯¡¯Her lips almost touched my earlobe as she whispered those words and then Adara jumped away with a wide smile.¡¯¡¯A pleasure to meet you Oracle Lyssandra, hope we can have more conversations.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Are you alright?¡¯¡¯Asked Adamantious, making me wake up from my thoughts.


    I blinked and noticed that everyone was looking at me.


    I just nodded and kept eating slowly.


    The bathhouse at the temple existed from the start but we all hardly used it because of the system from the hot water. But thanks to a few offers some people who did not have money gave us in return a hand of help to fix the system.


    And now hot water could find my skin and my body was blessed with a flourish smell.


    Yet, the pain did not disappear. I looked above at the ceiling of hot steam as I was trying to think of Persues¡¯ news.


    Why would he give a challenge like this? Why did he care? Then again, I had heard about a story of a young prince of Sparta, falling for God Apollo. The prince was strong and also had a cult in his lover¡¯s name. But the prince¡¯s love for the god drove him to a horrifying end. The priest¡¯s devotion and admiration drove him to his end. Was that his plan?


    Oh look, two temples drove each other into madness because of their deep love for their gods. Only for this madness to end in a snake¡¯s belly. If only they had believed in a great king like Perseus, maybe their life would have ended differently.


    Then again it doesn¡¯t sound like him. So what could?


    ¡®¡¯Care for us to join you?¡¯¡¯Thais asked from behind me and I saw her and Myrto having a slight piece of cloth around their bodies. Then Thais grinned and showed me a jar that she was holding just like Myrto.


    ¡®¡¯We brought wine¡¯¡¯said Myrto with a smile.


    My lips shook before I gave up.¡¯¡¯I love you girls so much.¡¯¡¯


    The wine was sweet and cold as it was flowing from my lungs down to my heated body from the water. Next to me, there was Thais who was trying to fix Myrto¡¯s hair as she was pouring her heart out.  And yet I could now feel relaxed. Being with the two of them here felt normal. As if what I was pretending to be, what I was for them, it did not matter.


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    How childish.


    ¡®¡¯I went to spy in one of the houses you told me to¡¯¡¯Myrto took one deep breath.¡¯¡¯Their dog found me and started barking and barking. I had to like knock it out.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Please don¡¯t tell me you killed the dog.¡¯¡¯Thais gasped.


    ¡®¡¯No, I just hit it. ¡®¡¯She frowned and then smiled. ¡®¡¯But I could. Although¡¯¡¯ She rested her head down. ¡®¡¯There are so many guards now it makes it difficult to move without getting noticed.¡¯¡¯


    I moved my head lower to the water listening to those words but then I got out to speak and took a sip from the jar.


    ¡®¡¯It will be all better when the king leaves.¡¯¡¯I explained.¡¯¡¯When we win Him and Dion will go away and everything here will be perfect.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Will it?¡¯¡¯Thais asked as she had finished fixing Myrto¡¯s hair.


    ¡®¡¯I mean yes people believe in you but not all of them. ¡®¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Maybe but it will be different,¡¯¡¯ I stated. ¡®¡¯I know it will.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Yes but do you really want to stay here? What if we could go somewhere else.¡¯¡¯


    Five years felt like centuries in this place. Some people were close-minded, others were harsh upon me but yet I got used to being there. Even if each day I would wonder when someone would believe Dion¡¯s words.


    ¡®¡¯What if we tried to go to Delphi?¡¯¡¯I suggested drunkenly. ¡®¡¯I could find a way to go there, maybe the king.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯No.¡¯¡¯ Both of the girls synced.


    I blinked.


    ¡®¡¯Lyssandra we love you¡¯¡¯Myrto took a sip of wine. ¡®¡¯But if you go to Delphi the whole world will end.¡¯¡¯


    I pouted and splashed water at her, letting out a laughter.¡¯¡¯It won¡¯t¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯It sure will¡¯¡¯Thais sneered. ¡®¡¯I can imagine temples you will burn, kings you will say to destroy.¡¯¡¯


    I tried to look away .¡¯¡¯Probably.¡¯¡¯


    And now she attacked me with water falling to my eyes and the jar with wine.


    I started laughing harshly as I took another big sip from it and I found Myrto nibbling her lips with her face turning red. I left the jar above me far from the water and jerked at Thais to follow me.


    ¡®¡¯Come now what¡¯s the secret?¡¯¡¯Thais grinned at her and I got the scent of a flower that was certainly not from the bathhouse.


    ¡®¡¯Are those roses?¡¯¡¯ I gasped and her face grew even more red as she shoved her head into the water.


    ¡®¡¯Oh it was Alexious wasn¡¯t it?¡¯¡¯Thais chuckled and Myrto tried to run away.


    ¡®¡¯Now how was he?¡¯¡¯I asked her gently.¡¯¡¯I imagine he was sweet carrying.¡¯¡¯


    Thais frowned. ¡®¡¯Do you think that they kissed?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯They are grown, probably did more than a kiss.¡¯¡¯


    Myrto gasped for air and looked at us flustered. ¡®¡¯We had to kiss?¡¯¡¯


    We stared at her with a blank gaze.


    ¡®¡¯What did Alexious do exactly?¡¯¡¯I asked her gently.


    Her eyes wandered around.¡¯¡¯He gave me roses, he told me that I am beautiful and after twenty seconds of silence her ran away.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Oh he wanted you to kiss him¡¯¡¯Thais grabbed her by the arm and dragged her front and back.


    ¡®¡¯You can talk to him later¡¯¡¯I suggested. ¡®¡¯And then kiss¡­¡¯¡¯I pouted fixing a few strains of her hair.¡¯¡¯Maybe more than that.¡¯¡¯


    She looked at us and then she narrowed heavily.¡¯¡¯You are the two to talk.¡¯¡¯


    Thais sighed and grabbed the nearest jar to drink.¡¯¡¯I prefer a good sword fight rather than romance. But that doesn¡¯t mean I do not know the signs¡¯¡¯A smile appeared on her face and turned it to me.¡¯¡¯Unlike you, you have all men sweeping around your feet.¡¯¡¯It seemed now that she found a height and started stepping to my side with the water dripping from her upper body, exposing her chest to me.


    I could not help but blush and try to avoid each one of the glares.


    ¡®¡¯I do not know what you are talking ab-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯First of all, whatever it is going on between you with my brother¡¯¡¯She made a long pause.¡¯¡¯For some reason, you are interested in him and I do not know why.¡¯¡¯


    She kept moving.¡¯¡¯Dion definitely fell for you the first time he saw you.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯He did not¡¯¡¯I corrected her but I could remember him welcoming me with his eyes being filled with light and his face dark red. But that could mean anything.


    ¡®¡¯The king wants you alive.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯He seems to love his wife¡¯¡¯I stared at her and kept drinking.


    ¡®¡¯What about Paris?¡¯¡¯Myrto now asked gently and I choked on the sweet wine.


    ¡®¡¯What about him?¡¯¡¯I cleaned my lips and both of them jumped at me.


    ¡®¡¯Don¡¯t play coy¡¯¡¯Thais whined now completely drunk with her chest falling to my face, suffocating me.


    ¡®¡¯When he is here his gaze is always on you.¡¯¡¯She hummed.


    ¡®¡¯And your room is always filled with flowers,¡¯¡¯ Myrto added.


    I shook my head and I pushed Thais away.


    ¡®¡¯He is not interested in me.¡¯¡¯I hushed. ¡®¡¯None is.¡¯¡¯My tone was lower when my voice decided to break.


    ¡®¡¯But are you interested in him?¡¯Myrto pointed and my heart started racing. My eyes dart, the pain in my arm moving near my shoulder. And I grabbed the jar once again and I drank every last one of it. I didn''t even want to think of the idea of being interested in him.

 TWENTY FIVE

    APOLLO


    Years passed when I was on Olympus far from my sister and my mother. Each day was harsher with ¡®Father¡¯ trying to teach me every lesson, every rule that could make me a god. Every day was worse than the one before. I was so surprised that someone could hold such rage for his son.


    And it was more surprising to find that I was not that me and Artemis were not the only ones to be out of wedlock. There was a small girl named Athena who was looking at me curious and curious as I was trying to hide myself from almost anyone. But her being near me made me feel less alone. One day she returned with a childish smile of victory, telling me that she had her own city. Meanwhile, I could see even from above storms forming all over the sea.


    ¡®¡¯I can tell them to make a temple for you too if you want¡¯¡¯Athen promised gently. ¡®¡¯What do you say?¡¯¡¯


    I chuckled. ¡®¡¯And worship what? The god of music?¡¯¡¯


    She let out a small pout and nodded.  But I kept disagreeing.


    ¡®¡¯Tell you what. When I am going to achieve something important to be called a god of, you will make sure that there is going to be the most beautiful temple to ever exist¡¯¡¯ I smiled at her and she smiled back.


    Two decades passed and I met Helios. He was far older than me, tall with his red bronze skin shimmering with his bright white hair. Even if a cloth covered his eyes he went down on his knees to take a look at me.


    ¡®¡¯This is my son, Apollo¡¯¡¯ ¡®Father¡¯ announced with joy as his finger wrapped my shoulder tight. ¡®¡¯He has many talents such as healing playing music and-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯He is too short¡¯¡¯interrupted Helios and stood up, ready to walk away. ¡®Father''s grip became stronger with electricity running through my skin and I broke out.


    ¡®¡¯I can do this¡¯¡¯I stated, showing my hands that were erupting sunlight. Helios did not speak as he pretended to stare at me. Then, he took a look at ¡®Father¡¯.


    ¡®¡¯You took him for a few decades and you grew tired of him?¡¯¡¯ asked Helios with a smirk.


    Another pressure and my face twitched. In the end, Helios sighed.¡¯¡¯Fine, I can take him.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Apollo?¡¯¡¯ A harsh voice called my name. Such a familiar voice. I haven¡¯t heard this one in centuries. Turning back to the gates of Olympus, I found a wild girl with long black hair and antlers staring at me as if I was something forgotten.


    My lips parted with tears followed, and with the gate opened, I embraced her tight.


    ¡®¡¯You haven¡¯t changed a bit¡¯¡¯She muggled, playing with my antlers. I pouted my messing with her hair. That did not seem to be the right response as her hands created an arrow made of light.


    I blinked and she kept smirking.


    ¡®¡¯You haven¡¯t either.¡¯¡¯I smiled as I saw behind her a tall woman with a veil to cover her wolf ears.


    ¡®¡¯You have grown,¡¯¡¯ said Leto as I brought her to my house. I kept trying to avoid her as I was reading the beginnings and prayers my mortals sent me. I just hummed at her and watched her looking around. For one moment, her gaze fell to the hyacinth flowers. A smile formed on her lips.


    ¡®¡¯I did hear that you fell in love¡¯¡¯She sighed and stood up from her seat. ¡®¡¯But I also heard that you¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Oh¡¯¡¯I arched my brow. ¡®¡¯I never thought that you cared¡¯¡¯I spat at her and Leto narrowed.


    ¡®¡¯Apollo I just want to apologize.¡¯¡¯ That sincere tone in her voice made me sick.


    ¡®¡¯No, Leto you have no right to apologize.¡¯¡¯ I moved closer to her, scanning with my fingers the tablets and scrolls I had. ¡®¡¯In fact, I have to thank you, I learned a lot all those years.¡¯¡¯


    She kept looking at me confused. Good. I grinned at her and got down to her knees just like I always did when I was a kid and I touched her hand. ¡®¡¯ You taught me how life is cherishable, how meaningful it is¡­And you were right.¡¯¡¯


    Leto smiled.


    ¡®¡¯But I am a god. I am an Olympian¡¯¡¯I stood up and stepped back.


    ¡®¡¯I know what you have done.¡¯¡¯Leto stood up with anger.


    ¡®¡¯Which one?¡¯¡¯My lips mouthed dry, holding my smile.


    Leto took a deep breath. ¡®¡¯People started moving to the island where we were hidden. Whispering that almost every kingdom has been infected with ¡­ plague.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Oh yes I did it two centuries ago¡¯¡¯I formed a lyre with my hand and started playing notes to make my mom silent.


    But she kept talking.¡¯¡¯ Do you know how many people you have killed because of it?¡¯¡¯


    I stopped playing the notes and faced the sky beyond my window. Even if I tried to avoid her worried pathetic gaze, the reflection of hers was still there.


    ¡®¡¯Do you know how many more stayed alive? Praised for my help, Sunk their knees for forgiveness?¡¯¡¯I laughed cruelly at her. ¡®¡¯Their lives mean nothing without us and I showed them an example.


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    Suddenly, I found Leto¡¯s form becoming harsher and angrier.


    ¡®¡¯That is not how I was raised-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You raised Artemis not me.¡¯¡¯I interrupted her loudly. ¡®¡¯You loved my sister, not me. ¡®¡¯ Her reflected face twitched. ¡®Father¡¯ decided to teach me, decided to raise me but each sight of him staring at me was painted with hatred. Only mortals loved me and respected me. Because they feared me. They loved me and feared me just as much as they loved life and feared death.


    So she moved back and kept looking at me as if I was wearing a prideful smile.


    ¡®¡¯It was a mistake to come here¡¯¡¯Leto rasped and called my sister¡¯s name, telling her to leave with her. But with whispers, I could listen to Artemis disagreeing with her, begging her to stay here with me.


    And then I never heard Leto¡¯s voice again.


    Her room was dressed with gold and orange. There were no statues or signs of gods as the balcony had showered her body with sunlight while she was humming one more song inside her bathtub.


    This time, I sat next to her and touched her crimson curls.


    ¡®¡¯Aren''t you supposed to be on the battlefield?¡¯¡¯She asked, moving her chin up at me and I could admire her golden eyes. The way she was staring with admiration, with patients. And the slight fear that she was trying to hide from me¡­it made her look more delightful.


    ¡®¡¯Oh¡¯¡¯I gasped and grinned.¡¯¡¯I got here to celebrate.¡¯¡¯I jumped inside her bathtub, letting myself smell the flowers and milk her soft body was bathing in.


    ¡®¡¯Ce¡­celebrate ?¡¯¡¯Her smile faded and I kissed her fast. Each kiss felt like a taste of honey as her voice could let out beautiful sounds.


    ¡®¡¯Achilles is gone¡¯¡¯I whispered.


    And horror painted her face , her hands trying to push me away from her. ¡®¡¯What?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Your brother¡¯s killer is dead, I did it. Well, sure your idiot brother helped too but¡¯¡¯


    She stood up and I followed.


    ¡®¡¯No¡¯¡¯She shook her head. ¡®¡¯Please tell me it¡¯s not.¡¯¡¯


    I laughed confused about her reaction.¡¯¡¯ It¡¯s alright, Cassandra,¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯It¡¯s not, it is not¡¯¡¯Her voice rose up. ¡®¡¯And you know it.¡¯¡¯


    My smile faded. Of course, I knew.


    ¡®¡¯You have to stop it.¡¯¡¯She rushed to me and touched my hand. ¡®¡¯You can prevent it you can..¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Are you ordering me prophet?¡¯¡¯I spat and she looked above me. How pathetic she looked with the terror in her eyes. Good.


    ¡®¡¯Apollo, you can stop the war now.¡¯¡¯


    Is she still ordering me?


    I restrained my anger as I pushed her far with half of my strength, making her fall against the wall. Now she looked even worse, letting painful noises escape those lips I once kissed.


    ¡®¡¯Do you forget yourself, princess of Troy?¡¯¡¯ I asked her dry and got on my knees.


    This time she did not speak.


    ¡®¡¯I gave you my time and gift because I fell for someone like you. A god fell for you. I¡­¡¯¡¯My voice echoed in the walls. ¡®¡¯I fell for someone like you and you dare to defy me?¡¯¡¯


    She started to shake with tears dripping down her eyes and my lips formed a smile. I grabbed her by the wrist as I forced her to stand up.


    ¡®¡¯Now, dear don¡¯t worry¡¯¡¯I whispered close to her, letting my lips rest on her trembling neck.


    ¡®¡¯I can change the war¡¯¡¯I kissed her soft flesh. ¡®¡¯If¡­¡¯¡¯Pushing away, I formed with my hand a bright smoke and showed her the image that got revealed.


    A golden apple.


    She blinked with horror. ¡®¡¯Eat this and you will become immortal. ¡®¡¯I kissed the apple softly.¡¯¡¯And you will stay with me. You will be mine, forever.¡¯¡¯


    Everyone was afraid of death, every mortal was getting hunted by it. And I knew that whatever would happen I could not prevent it. I could not prevent this kingdom from being just a story. But keeping someone like her on my side. Locked Up in a cage for only me to listen to her voice and cries. Unlike this kingdom¡¯s future, hers was unknown. So many possibilities were coming from her. Possibilities that I could not even see. But I knew that every human was afraid of dying.


    And then instead of a smile, her mouth formed a disgusting snarl. Her fingers that once played a lyre all so gently, now grabbed the apple harshly and threw it far.


    ¡®¡¯What¡¯¡¯I asked her narrowly.


    ¡®¡¯I never asked for your gift.¡¯¡¯She cried. ¡®¡¯I never asked to see my future every night. I never asked you to do anything for me just to help the people you fought for years.¡¯¡¯


    And I gritted my teeth listening to those words. And yet I thought that her beautiful k of hers deserved a necklace made by me.


    ¡®¡¯How dare you defy me¡¯¡¯I shouted at her, pressuring her fleshy tightness. ¡®¡¯I am trying to save you. And you just say no?¡¯¡¯


    Cassandra began to choke. ¡®¡¯It is true, I want to live¡¯¡¯She gasped. ¡®¡¯I know my ending is set. I know that I cannot prevent the future. No matter¡¯¡¯Tears ran down her ridiculous face. ¡®¡¯No matter how much I tried to warn them, they did not believe me. Because I cannot prevent what it was written¡¯¡¯


    I smiled at her and pressured my thumb harsher at the center of her throat.


    ¡®¡¯But I know if I will become immortal¡¯¡¯Her hands grabbed mine as if they were human.


    ¡®¡¯I can see my future clearly¡¯¡¯And she kept glaring at me with fire burning into her golden eyes. A mortal defying the gods, defying me after everything I have done for her. Defying her own survival only because of her pride. Defying the will to live.


    ¡®¡¯Why are you always like this?¡¯¡¯I mouthed with the room shifting with cold dark walls emerging around and foolish Cassandra falling down to me, making me drop to the floor too.


    Releasing her now from my grip I could see her hands holding up tight a bronze dagger. Her dark curls move with the wind like clouds. And her green eyes were not wounded.


    ¡®¡¯Cassandra when did you gain a scar?¡¯¡¯I mumbled and noticed who that was.


    She was dined in a light dress, her veil trying to cover her face but I could see everything. I could see her cold gaze, her deep frown like a wolf ready to feast upon its prey. And yet for a moment, she was no wolf with purple liquid falling from her lips.


    ¡®¡¯Now prophet¡¯¡¯I mumbled. ¡®¡¯Ask me to save you, beg me to spare your life¡¯¡¯I lifted myself up and cupped her face, who kept staring at me.


    Why was she so stubborn? She had poisoned herself; she was reckless, her body filled with tears. How can I punish her if she doesn¡¯t care about her own life?


    My body started to change, coils forming on my flesh, my limbs turning as one and my fangs getting out.


    ¡®¡¯Why¡¯¡¯My voice screamed at her with my body now surrounding her. ¡®¡¯Why aren¡¯t you like the others? ''¡¯My voice broke. ¡®¡¯Why are you killing me?¡¯¡¯

 TWENTY SIX

    APOLLO


    ¡®¡¯We found the servant girl my king¡¯¡¯A voice echoed from afar. I cannot believe that I got drunk with mortal wine. The sun was rising again as two people were trying to drag me somewhere as if I were someone simple.


    ¡®¡¯Here she is.¡¯¡¯


    And my eyes looked up to my supposed brother. He once again looked down on me with his fingers tracing his beard.


    ¡®¡¯She was on the floor drunk, what shall we do with her?¡¯¡¯


    And for a few minutes, there was silence.


    ¡®¡¯Briing, her to my room.¡¯¡¯


    By bringing me to his room he meant by his soldiers tossing me down to the floor and simply walking away.


    There was his wife again with a sweet smile, trying to help me to stand. For someone who just saw sliders tossing a servant girl down to her husband¡¯s room, she seemed so calm.


    But the door opened again and Perseus appeared with a wide smile.


    ¡®¡¯I am so sorry¡¯¡¯I said, trying to make a pitchy voice but Perseus laughed. No, he giggled.


    My eyes snapped as I looked back and found Andromeda passed on the ground.


    ¡®¡¯Now do not be coy with me¡¯¡¯He said with another familiar annoying voice as the king now joined Hermes who was holding two jars of wine. ¡®¡¯I am saving your life¡¯¡¯His face moved up and down before he smirked.¡¯¡¯Lovely dress by the way.¡¯¡¯


    I narrowed and grabbed one of his jars. My brother seemed to enjoy it as he drew out one of his coins and with a single flip we were both now in the woods, sitting on one of the trees.


    ¡®¡¯Oh I always knew that you were light headed but this?¡¯¡¯Hermes said and started drinking fast.


    ¡®¡¯How long was I out?¡¯¡¯I asked him.


    He let out a hum.¡¯¡¯A day I believe, I tried to hide you in one of the closed rooms.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯And why there and not bring me to the forest?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Well¡¯¡¯Hermes shrugged and took one more sip.¡¯¡¯You seemed tired.¡¯¡¯There was no smile as he moved closer to me. ¡®¡¯Now spill it about our beautiful prophet?¡¯¡¯


    I snorted as I tried to drink from the jar.¡¯¡¯What about her? She is going to do something foolish.¡¯¡¯


    Like dying from the poison. The woman seemed to not care about her own pathetic life.


    And then Hermes spoke about other news. What Perseus decided.


    And I started laughing with sweet wine falling to my lips.¡¯¡¯A challenge to kill my child?¡¯¡¯


    Hermes nodded and moved closer to me.¡¯¡¯Yes and the winner takes everything, the loser leaves.¡¯¡¯


    My lips parted with amusement as I could imagine that both of the people competing would be dead from my child¡¯s poison and teeth.


    ¡®¡¯Aren¡¯t you scared about your precious oracle?¡¯¡¯Hermes asked me and I shook my head.


    ¡®¡¯I simply do not care so much about her as I did before'''' I admitted to him and suddenly I could see eyes forming all over his body. When they vanished he hummed.¡¯¡¯Very well, I suppose you are going to let her in the hands of the Fates.¡¯¡¯


    I nodded. As much as I pushed her to this position it was enough for her end to come. I could still see it.


    ¡®¡¯Does that mean I can have my fun with her now?¡¯¡¯ Hermes¡¯ sharp words pierced my chest and looked at his grinning face with a sudden rage.


    ¡®¡¯Oh come now brother¡¯¡¯He stood up and waited for his wings to start flying far from me.¡¯¡¯You have seen her, haven¡¯t you?¡¯¡¯


    And I replied by turning to a bird, moving faster than him on her temple.


    I could see that she was once again on her pillar, reading with a surprisingly dizzy look. Her lips were dressed in deep red and her eye was a trembling candlelight. But she was muttering words on the tablets. About poison, once again, myths and honest truths about me and my family.


    And then, when her mind went numb, her lips started moving but her voice was nowhere to be found. But I knew that she was speaking. No, she was singing. The woman was singing and I could not listen to anything.


    She tried to stand up with her eyes closed but in the end, she almost fell down.


    I transformed back and grabbed her by the waist.


    ¡®¡¯I got you¡¯¡¯I whispered gently only to smell her heavy breath. Oh, she was drunk too. Perfect, that could mean she could not see me.


    ¡®¡¯No, I need to keep going¡¯¡¯She hummed and her steps became movements of a slow dance. But after that, I tossed her to the bed once more.


    ¡®¡¯Now, my oracle do not be like that¡¯¡¯I whispered once again only to see that she was asleep. Checking her arm, I could see the poison was running slowly but it was not retreating. Five moons¡­maybe she would survive until then.


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    ¡®¡¯Oh, it seems that you still care¡¯¡¯Hermes laughed outside the window. ¡®¡¯Pity, I wanted to know her better.¡¯¡¯


    And I replied with a stare at him. And he kept laughing. If he wanted he would. He let me win the race from the forest here. He was far stronger now. But he also knew the consequences of testing me.


    ¡®¡¯This woman is mine to deal with,¡¯¡¯ I said, standing up to my height as my finger was locked to one of her curls. ¡®¡¯This entire thing is mine to deal with, you have no part in it.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I wouldn¡¯t dream of it.¡¯¡¯He chuckled.


    ¡®¡¯Oh¡¯¡¯I smirked.¡¯¡¯ Don¡¯t lie now, brother. You are missing the chaos.¡¯¡¯


    And his smile disappeared once more.


    In the end, he flipped the coin and vanished, showing that he had given up. And now I was alone with her once more. And it seemed that the woman had still wine inside the jar.


    The sun fell on my skin as I opened my eyes slowly to smell the aroma of flowers as if I was sleeping right in a garden. But when my vision became clear, I noticed I was dressed as Paris. And next to me, there was the woman, sleeping with a drool falling from her rosy lips and her heavy curls covering her harsh face. Her soft arm was touching my shoulder and I could feel the sudden cold breeze making my own spine rise up. And then, she squeezed her face before she opened her eyes, slowly and she faced me. Only for me to realize at that moment that I was sleeping next to her. I fell asleep in her bed. And her dress was all loose down. I could see each detail she could have possibly been hiding.


    She kept looking at me with a cold face and I tried to lie to her.


    ¡®¡¯It is a dream¡¯¡¯I whispered softly.


    She nodded and closed her eyes again. I could not believe that she bought it. But as soon as I tried to get out of her bed she grabbed my long curls.


    ¡®¡¯What¡¯¡¯Her voice had a rasp.¡¯¡¯Are you doing here?¡¯¡¯


    I replied with a smile.¡¯¡¯Oh, my sweet oracle how much I missed you.¡¯¡¯


    Her face flushed as she pulled my hair harder. ¡®¡¯I asked you one thing.¡¯¡¯


    I looked down at her body and then avoided it fast.


    ¡®¡¯Your¡­¡¯¡¯ I mumbled, feeling a wave of heat rising in my body. ¡®¡¯Your chest.¡¯¡¯ I let out a heavy breath. I could not believe this. Me, getting embarrassed from seeing her bare body exposed.


    She let my hair away and checked herself under the dress. After that, she let out a heavy breath of relief as she moved her dress up.¡¯¡¯Thank the Gods.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Oh come now¡¯¡¯I crossed my arms and looked at her with a flirty grin.¡¯¡¯Men and women from around the world would have died for a moment we shared last night.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Sure¡¯¡¯The woman narrowed with a fake grin and stood up, trying to clench her arm. So I stood up and let my fingers rest on hers.


    ¡®¡¯About last day¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯We will keep it a secret.¡¯¡¯Her eyes turned on me.¡¯¡¯ Alright?¡¯¡¯


    Why did she want to keep her certain death a secret? Was she that selfish she wouldn¡¯t warn her own people?


    At the end, I simply nodded at her and the door opened with Adamantious staring at both of us. I was ready to smile at him but instead, I was welcomed with a punch in my face. I got punched by a mortal.


    ¡®¡¯Why is he here?¡¯¡¯Asked the brute woman. Meanwhile, I couldn''t feel my own jaw.


    ¡®¡¯He is our new member you forgot?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯He is not¡¯¡¯ He growled and then more voices came up.


    ¡®¡¯Tell him to come for breakfast¡¯¡¯It was the shy girl. I was ready to speak but this time the little girl appeared in front of me.


    The woman was ready to speak but the girl grabbed my dress and slowly tried to drag me away from them.


    ¡®¡¯They always fight so it¡¯s better to leave them alone.


    ¡®¡¯We do not¡¯¡¯Both of them shouted in sync. I held my laughter as I tried to follow the little girl.


    Eating with my family was always an affair that I tried to avoid. I could not listen to Hera complaining each time about ¡®Father¡¯s¡¯ affairs, Athena arguing with Ares, or even Dionysus trying to make everyone drunk by sneaking wine to the water. I could not simply bear it.


    But the oracle¡¯s friends, even if they seemed to me a lousy bunch, were eating with enjoyment. Unlike the big and long table made of silver which I was used to, I found a small wooden table. The breakfast on Olympus was filled with every kind of divine dish anyone could imagine. Fresh meat, fish, shining fruits and ambrosia to be accompanied with. On this table, there were a few fruits such as figs, honey, and bread. And based on what Myrto said they were all offering from people.


    ¡®¡¯We haven¡¯t eaten together since the last time. And that was a moon,¡¯¡¯ she whined to the woman. ¡®¡¯And I didn¡¯t see any people on the road so please.¡¯¡¯


    In the end, she gave up and came with us to the room.


    I found a glimpse of Myrto and the boy who would exchange secret glances before the two of them would shive figs into their mouths. The two younger children seemed to be happy as they were playing with the food. The other girl Thais was speaking to me once again with the brute staring at me.


    I pouted and I turned to him.¡¯¡¯Is there a problem?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Stop flirting with my sister¡¯¡¯He ordered and looked back at the woman with a surprised shock. And then a smirk.¡¯¡¯I would never guess someone as pretty as you were related to him¡¯¡¯


    There was a soft blush painting her cheeks as she tried to take a bite from her fig. I smirked at her and turned to the brute.¡¯¡¯Or would you like me to flirt with you?¡¯¡¯


    The brute replied harshly as he moved back away, making me see the woman nibbling her bread that was lushed with golden honey. Her lips seemed to stick together with the food dropping down to the table.


    I looked away and found the little girl now standing next to me but her eyes were stuck to the ground and her hands behind her back. I tried to smile at her as she slowly revealed a small fig. ¡®¡¯F¡­For¡­you¡¯¡¯She stuttered.


    I winced at her and thanked her as I took the fig from her slowly and took a small bite, feeling the sweetness all over my teeth. And then I stared at the woman once more who was still fighting with her food.


    But that was not the only thing that I noticed. She was so quiet. She was inside a room filled with people and felt as if walls were built all around her. For none to talk to her or even look at her.


    The woman was alone, surrounded by everyone.


    I jumped to the table next to her and everyone shouted. Her eye found me and blinked slowly.


    ¡®¡¯So, what will you do about Python?¡¯¡¯I asked her with a smile.


    She frowned. ¡®¡¯What do you mean.¡¯¡¯


    All alone. She would need a friend to trust.


    ¡®¡¯I can help you my oracle, tell me what to do.¡¯¡¯

 TWENTY SEVEN

    LYSSANDRA


    Help me? I frowned upon the playful man whose eyes were beaming with excitement.


    My fingers rested around my arm before I agreed with him in a nod.


    Of course, someone seemed to disagree and he seemed that he was ready to argue right in front. So I glared right at Myrto who raised to my side.


    ¡®¡¯Come now Prophet, you need to get ready¡¯¡¯She tapped my back as ¦© stood on my own two feet trying to avoid them.


    Today there were the same amount of people as in the past weeks. I tried to keep everything in my mind after the moment half of the people were gone. But I found it interesting that there were some girls talking to Paris. One of them seemed to blush more than the others as she tried to hand him a red rose. Everyone around her grinned and elbowed her as he seemed to sniff the rose and then kiss it. That action surely made the girl pass out.


    The door knocked and I opened it with Alexious showing me the jar that I wanted.


    I thanked him with a smile and moved the hot jar back to my room. But he caught my strong arm and turned on him who was looking at me worried.


    ¡®¡¯It is too much isn¡¯t it?¡¯¡¯


    I replied with a whispering yes and kept smiling.¡¯¡¯I need energy.¡¯¡¯


    He arched his brow and moved without even telling him inside my room and sat on my bed.


    ¡®¡¯I need your advice¡¯¡¯ His face was red.


    I narrowed and sat next to him as I drank from my jar that was filled with hot herbs such as mountain tea, and the herbs the healer gave me.


    ¡®¡¯If this is about Myrto.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You know?¡¯¡¯


    My brow twitched and another voice jumped from the window.


    ¡®¡¯I thought that they were already together¡¯¡¯Paris hummed and smiled at the now frightened Alexious. I tried to ignore him by swallowing every part of the herbal but Paris seemed to jump close to my side.


    ¡®¡¯Have you tried flowers?¡¯¡¯He asked Alexious as he was also using his hands for signs.


    ¡®¡¯Mo¡­Girls love those¡¯¡¯ He tried to correct himself as he winked at me. What was he trying to refer to?


    But Alexious shook his head. ¡®¡¯No, I want her to give something more.¡¯¡¯


    Both me and Paris shared a glance as if we were having the same thoughts. He then let out a serious nod as he walked closer to Alexious.


    ¡®¡¯Listen to me boy this is important.¡¯¡¯


    Me and Alexious stayed still as Paris was moving his fingers but no sound was coming from his voice. But his mouth was moving, making me understand a few words. But it seemed that Alexious'' flustered face was enough.


    ¡®¡¯Creep¡¯¡¯I muttered to him and Paris seemed simply to not care about my comment.


    ¡®¡¯No, not like that¡¯¡¯His movements were still shaking. ¡®¡¯She once told me how much she misses¡­festivals. The music mostly.¡¯¡¯


    I arched my brow, remembering the night we took her away from her house. She was crying at the back of the horse while Thais and Adamantious were in front and I was frankly drunk from the wine of the sack.


    But then, I heard her voice humming a sweet tone. A tone that was not mourning or filled with horror. It was something that would not be sung to weddings either. It was a cherished song of romance.


    ¡®¡¯Well, we do not have lyres¡¯¡¯I pouted at him. And I certainly don¡¯t know how to play an instrument.


    My eyes fell to Paris who was dressed in horror.


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    ¡®¡¯Can you help me on it?¡¯¡¯


    No response. I asked him again and I touched the palm of his hand. Now, that I got his attention he had let a heavy breath and he hummed a no.¡¯¡¯I cannot play music¡¯¡¯


    It was the first time I paid actual attention to his hand. His skin was soft and easily squeezed like an infant. No healer would have a hand like that. I moved my fingers closer to the tips of his and then I found harsh movements on them. He said that he could not help that he could not play yet.


    ¡®¡¯How about¡¯¡¯I turned to Alexious. ¡®¡¯You will make a lyre and I will try to teach you a song?¡¯¡¯


    Light came on Alexious''s face and nodded in cheers thanking me over and over again.


    ¡®¡¯You can play ?¡¯¡¯Paris gasped as Alexious moved away from my room. One, two, three.


    I fell to his side, holding him by  his golden dress.¡¯¡¯Please teach me¡¯¡¯I gasped.


    I was waiting for him to speak to say literally anything. Looking up, I saw an expression of him that was simply empty.


    ¡®¡¯Oh come now¡¯¡¯I stood back on my feet. You always said how much you want to help me.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Yes, by assisting you on the snake¡¯¡¯He corrected himself. ¡®¡¯Not helping that boy flirt with¡­¡¯¡¯


    I stared at him with a cold look. ¡®¡¯You are scared.¡¯¡¯


    His face turned red and tried to look away from me with his lips quivering. That was definitely something new. His confidence in me was all gone since this morning and it seemed almost.


    ¡®¡¯Cute¡¯¡¯I muttered out loud and Paris faced me strangely.


    ¡®¡¯Listen to me oracle, you shouldn¡¯t be bothered by tasks like these¡¯¡¯His hand fell to the top of my head, petting me like a dog.


    ¡®¡¯So you could be interested in more serious matters¡¯¡¯


    I snatched his hand and pulled him closer to me with his gaze having a darting sore.


    ¡®¡¯I told you to. Teach. Me.¡¯¡¯I mouthed with a smile.¡¯¡¯ Please.¡¯¡¯


    His embarrassed face turned away from me and walked back to my bed.


    ¡®¡¯Do you¡­have a melody of it?¡¯¡¯


    I blinked and then nodded as I tried to sing the humming. His face kept being blunt even after I finished the song. ¡®¡¯Do you want the lyrics?¡¯¡¯


    He shook his head.¡¯¡¯No, it¡¯s¡­¡¯¡¯ His lips shook. Was he sad? I moved back close to my bed and sat on the floor.


    ¡®¡¯Then¡¯¡¯Can you tell me how to take care of a poisonous snake?¡¯¡¯


    He blinked and smiled with his feet moving down to me.¡¯¡¯First and foremost you need to organize everything. ¡®¡¯He moved his index finger close to me.


    I nodded and started thinking. Prophecies, missions, Alexious romance, taking care of the snake, and¡­¡¯¡¯


    I snarled the thought that I had to deal with Dion too. He would definitely not leave me alone.


    ¡®¡¯I can leave the prophecies to the others I muttered. ¡®¡¯But the rest¡­¡¯¡¯


    Paris sighed and started muttering some words before he said one clear.¡¯¡¯ Let¡¯s go to a brothel.¡¯¡¯


    I blinked. He blinked back. The door opened and everyone shouted with Adamantious front.


    Everyone was talking out loud and Paris stood u moving to Adamantious''s side. As usual, he was cocky and was speaking with arrogance even though I could not understand what he was saying. I could not listen to anyone. But Adamatnious seems even angrier as he tries to push him away with both Myrto and Thais trying to hold him down by the arms and Alexious holding his legs. My ears started ringing and I tried to stand up and then. Paris tried to hit Admantious¡¯ body by moving his elbow behind his body, preparing it for a fist. But instead, his elbow caught my face.


    I started losing my balance and I felt my nose almost running with¡­


    Everyone¡¯s eyes now turned on me with horror.


    ¡®¡¯Oracle¡¯¡¯Paris hushed and tried to touch my face but Adamantious tried to pull him away from me.


    So many things, so much little time. I did not¡­


    Such a nice sacrifice.


    ¡®¡¯Enough¡¯¡¯I barked and everyone looked at me.


    I wiped the blood off my nose and took a deep breath before turning to Paris.¡¯¡¯Why a brothel?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Half of the people will know information about everything such as information about that cute priest of Zeus.¡¯¡¯


    Adamantious laughed. ¡®¡¯Dion is a priest he would not¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Whatever you think¡¯¡¯I interrupted them with pain in my chest. ¡®¡¯Think of it out of here, I cannot have you two bickering¡¯¡¯And I tried to push all of them out.


    Before even Paris tried to get out he jumped and held himself by the door and smiled at me.¡¯¡¯Come now Oracle, I thought that you needed my help.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Then help by not fighting with him like children.¡¯¡¯I narrowed before closing the door.


    I let out a heavy pant and revealed my wound, letting it take a cold breeze.


    I kept breathing heavily with my mind still working. What did I learn today? What should I tell them?


    ¡®¡¯No time to rest¡¯¡¯I spat and forced my legs to move back to my desk. Instead, the ground made me fall into the darkness.


    ¡®¡¯I¡­¡¯¡¯My voice broke.¡¯¡¯Have no time.¡¯¡¯

 TWENTY EIGHT

    APOLLO


    I caught an apple from the nearest tree and took a good look at it. It seemed fresh and harsh. The shade of blood felt all over it. She would like it.


    But the brute cut my steps back to the temple.¡¯¡¯Tell me¡¯¡¯His sword was around his waist. I smiled at him softly and that made him even more furious.


    ¡®¡¯What is your game?¡¯¡¯


    My game? I did not speak as I was still holding the apple close to me.


    ¡®¡¯You are no peasant that is for certain. ¡®¡¯He kept talking. ¡®¡¯Or a priest so what-¡¯¡¯


    I took a deep breath and put the apple right in my bag.¡¯¡¯I am a simple healer coming to  see what this place gives.¡¯¡¯I started walking on his side but I stopped as strange footsteps echoed in my ears.


    ¡®¡¯You think that this lie works on-¡¯¡¯ Adamantious tried to speak but I covered his mouth with my hand. He kept resisting so I hushed him and he slowly understood.


    In the nearest bush, there was a man dressed in white and gold, trying to hear everything from us.


    The brute nodded and pulled himself away as we both watched the hidden figure now fleeting.


    ¡®¡¯What do you think?¡¯¡¯I suggested with a smile.¡¯¡¯Shall we follow him?¡¯¡¯


    He replied with a heavy narrow but it was clear that he wanted to follow him too.


    I patted his shoulder and I guided him to the forest.


    ¡®¡¯What is¡­¡¯¡¯The brute stuttered as I showed him my new disguise. For him, it might look simple by wearing makeup, making my body just more slimmer, and putting my hair in colorful ribbons. In truth, I had to use more energy than I imagined to make this body look like a woman. I wrapped myself with a dark cloak and I tossed on more to the brute¡¯s face as he grabbed it before it even fell on his face.


    ¡®¡¯How did you¡­¡¯¡¯His cheeks started flashing.


    ¡®¡¯Come now dear do not be shy¡¯¡¯I winked at him and jerked my face to the side where the man went. ¡®¡¯Let¡¯s go.¡¯¡¯


    The road to follow the man seemed to be very quiet. I was trying to win paces while the brute was still behind me, walking slowly. So I stopped to turn to him.


    ¡®¡¯It i just a disguise¡¯¡¯I frowned.¡¯¡¯No need to be so shy.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You said that you are a healer¡¯¡¯He trembled.


    I simply nodded.


    ¡®¡¯Can you heal poison?¡¯¡¯ His light eyes stared at me with fear as I could feel something aching on my chest.


    I opened my mouth but then shut it fast. He knew about her being poisoned?


    ¡®¡¯Or slow the process, anything, any herb.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯There is no herb in the world to cure poison,¡¯¡¯ I admitted.


    I could simply heal her hand and it would be over. But Themis had warned me too many times.


    ¡®¡¯Yes but maybe you can find a way..¡¯¡¯


    He moved to my side and I halted him. ¡®¡¯I am sorry¡¯¡¯Why did my voice begin to shake? I faced that brute man whose expression was drenched, panicked with fear and worry.


    Why did I feel so weak?


    ¡®¡¯She is strong¡¯¡¯I tried to lie to him.¡¯¡¯She might survive it, have faith in her and Apollo¡¯¡¯The last word made my entire mouth bitter. And as we kept walking Adamantious laughed.


    ¡®¡¯She would hate those words.¡¯¡¯


    I pouted and turned to him.¡¯¡¯Hating the gods so much?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Well, she was found in a burning temple of Apollo and after that, she was forced to work as a servant to a temple of Ares. For years she was praying for a sign of him only for..¡¯¡¯He made a long pause. ¡®¡¯She doesn¡¯t despise them, she completely denies their existence.¡¯¡¯


    A burning temple of mine? So she was actually devoted to me before? Was it the followers of Ares who burnt the temple or¡­


    ¡®¡¯What about the scars on her face¡¯¡¯I pointed my own clear face.¡¯¡¯Where those from an attack or.¡¯¡¯


    But Adamntious shook his head.¡¯¡¯I do not know when I first met her she simply had a wounded face. Maybe the archpriest of Ares hurt her face or she had it from an accident. but I do not know.¡¯¡¯


    I blinked and let out a humming sigh.¡¯¡¯So you have known her for a long time¡¯¡¯I faced the sky.


    ¡®¡¯Yes, we have been close with her ever since we were children.¡¯¡¯There was a soft laughter coming from him. ¡®¡¯She always had a way to cause trouble for all of us and yet she tried to protect us when she was taking the blame. But even when punishment was coming she always found a way to escape it¡¯¡¯


    His smile suddenly disappeared. ¡®¡¯She escaped the end so many times but¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Why do you stay with her?¡¯¡¯ I asked him gently.


    His eyes darted and he was ready to spit out words that I knew were lies.


    ¡®¡¯Do not say that you love her.¡¯¡¯


    He cut off his words.¡¯¡¯But I do, she is wonderful and she has done everything for me and my sister¡¯¡¯


    So that was it? Gratitude?


    His smile began to disappear. ¡®¡¯We were just sixteen back then. She had that light in her gaze, a pure smile. Everyone could fall so easily for her. I did.¡¯¡¯One smile once more before it faded so instantly. ¡®¡¯But one day¡¯¡¯His voice suddenly broke.


    One day? What happened that day?


    But Adamantious snapped and he stopped talking to me. Like it was not my job.


    We found an open valley with a temple standing at the top of it. Unlike mine temple of course this was actually sculpted and treated in perfect condition. The golden statues were shining with the light, the columns were pearly white and all of the followers seemed devoted perfectly. But then, I saw the sculpted eagle at the top of the temple.


    I let out a heavy narrow.¡¯¡¯Of course¡¯¡¯I muttered. Even like that, I cannot hide from him.


    The brute took a step in front of me and tried to push me near the bushes.¡¯¡¯Stay here and I¡¯¡¯


    I held his hand.¡¯¡¯Listen, you are cute, you have made an oracle fall for you¡¯¡¯I moved around him until we both shared a glance.¡¯¡¯You are such an idiot. ¡®¡¯I took a deep breath and turned to the temple. What would happen if I went there? Will my father see me? Will he even notice me?


    ¡®¡¯Stay here, I will  need a strong backup, got it?¡¯¡¯I asked, patting his shoulder. He glared at me with a heavy pout before giving up with a groaning ¡®fine¡¯.


    With that, I smacked a kiss on his right cheek.¡¯¡¯Good boy.¡¯¡¯ And I started rushing away, watching the brute¡¯s face getting red.


    As my face was covered with a cloak, I flickered my fingers, trying to make my hair and eyes change color. The moment I took the first step on the stairs I simply wanted to disappear. The pressure on my skin was as harsh as a million arrows pierced all over. I could feel each scream I could get out of my lungs. I could sense each part of my organs wanting to explode. But I had to keep moving.


    The statues inside were painted and once again in perfect condition. People all over were praying with the scent of peonies and oak being smoked all over the building. Forced my knees to sit on the cold floor as my ears managed to get used to the sounds. The whispers, the candle burning smoke moving. And somewhere behind all of this.


    ¡®¡¯I am sorry they noticed me.¡¯¡¯ A pathetic voice cried.


    ¡®¡¯Did they follow you?¡¯¡¯ Another familiar annoying voice.


    ¡®¡¯No Dion I checked.¡¯¡¯Lied terribly to the man. ¡®¡¯But I found nothing about her. Everything seems¡­real.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯And I am telling you she is not I have seen women like her, trying to trick innocent people.¡¯¡¯


    Well, I could agree with him on this part.


    ¡®¡¯What about the snake?¡¯¡¯ The follower asked.


    ¡®¡¯What about it? We will kill it and burn it to the Solstice.¡¯¡¯


    What? My chest started shaking with a silver eagle falling down to the window and watching me with a¡­Was that eagle smiling? I could not tell. Was this all part of his plan? Did he actually try to send one of his sons here to kill my child? All this for what? For a misunderstanding?Or for what happened years ago?


    Pain started growing at me as I let out a pathetic sound out of my mouth. People started moving on my side but I wanted them away. Do not look at me, foolish people. Do not look at me like that.


    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    When I was still a few decades old, when Artemis was still far from meI decided to sleep in a valley. It was so beautiful with the sun falling down to my skin, making me feel warm. Mortals were playing music in the valley while I was dressed in a mortal form. None was interested in me.  I could stay like this forever. None would look for me. None would care.


    But then, the ground started shaking. The earth erupted, and my eyes opened only to find a snake the size of a mountain. His dark coils glistened with the light as if night was trying to catch me. Right from his mouth there was a purple liquid dripping down to me.


    And suddenly I could feel everything inside me shake.


    I heard people trying to get out, mortal crying. But he was looking at me, staring at me.


    ¡®¡¯Who is that kid?¡¯¡¯Someone asked, trying to call me.


    I swallowed harshly before I spread my fingers open and a sharp bow appeared in front of me.


    Clever spawn of Zeus. The snake growled and his strange eyes seemed to narrow. Hera was right about you.


    I gulped as he told me those words and then, his mouth opened wide.


    ¡®¡¯Hey.¡¯¡¯ A voice tried to reach me. ¡®¡¯Hey¡¯¡¯Again.¡¯¡¯ Get up peasant this is no place for sleep.¡¯¡¯His words at me were harsh, that was for certain.


    ¡®¡¯Not now brother¡¯¡¯I said, slapping someone¡¯s face. But instead of leaving me alone, they dragged me by the cloak. Well, opening my eyes now I could see Dion glaring at me.


    ¡®¡¯Do I¡­know you?¡¯¡¯He asked.


    Right, different hair, eyes. And women.


    ¡®¡¯I am so sorry¡¯¡¯I gasped, realizing that I had passed out. But the man kept staring at me.


    I had to think of a lie. ¡®¡¯I just wanted a sanctuary here and¡­¡¯¡¯


    They couldn¡¯t hurt me if I asked that right? Not here at least.


    But the man kept studying me from head to toe until he tossed me to the ground. ¡®¡¯Take her away.¡¯¡¯ His lips made a snarl of disgust. ¡®¡¯This temple is not for people like her.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Hey¡¯¡¯I shouted, letting my normal voice pitch. And Dion noticed it. Taking a look around the full temple he let out a whisper on one of his followers. ¡®¡¯Take him out and deal with him properly.¡¯¡¯


    They actually dragged me to the opposite side of the temple, with one more push to the dirty ground.


    ¡®¡¯Alright¡¯¡¯I shifted back fast on my previous form. ¡®¡¯Stop ruining my clothes at least.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Well¡¯¡¯The man laughed and revealed his sword to me.


    I replied with a disappointed frown.


    ¡®¡¯What?¡¯¡¯The man mouthed dry.


    ¡®¡¯You will kill me..here? With the crowd  inside?¡¯¡¯


    He kept his silence before he took a deep breath and dragged me by the hair, lifting me up and still holding his sword but this time he knocked my head with it.


    I could stop him so easily. If I had the power. But I had it. I had the strength to stop him. Then why did I not?


    Opening my eyes now, I could listen to the heavy flow of the river right behind me. My eyes were right in front of it staring at the cold water with the destination being a heavy waterfall.


    Looking to the other side, I found that Dion was grinning at my sight. Ready as I was to attack, someone pulled me from a tightrope back before pushing me to the ground again.


    ¡®¡¯This won¡¯t work¡¯¡¯I explained to him clearly but then more of them appeared.


    ¡®¡¯Oh, it is a simple demonstration.¡¯¡¯Dion laughed with his hand holding a crimson apple. With that glimpse I took I tried to reach around my clothes only to realize the apple I picked from before it was gone.


    ¡®¡¯It is a gift¡¯¡¯I rasped. ¡®¡¯And definitely not for you.¡¯¡¯


    The stupid man laughed as he let the apple down. ¡®¡¯Then what are you going to give me for your life?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I asked for sanctuary¡¯¡¯I reminded him.


    ¡®¡¯You are not worthy of a sanctuary.¡¯¡¯Dion lifted his jaw and kept smiling as I was struggling to break free from the rope.


    Why couldn''t I get out? Why was this happening to me? I looked up and saw the sun slowly falling.


    ¡®¡¯What is your oracle hiding?¡¯¡¯Dion asked narrowly and the man who was holding me tried to push me lower to the river.


    ¡®¡¯Nothing¡¯¡¯I lied. Why did I lie? I should have told him the truth. Why was I protecting her?


    ¡®¡¯Maybe he doesn¡¯t know a thing¡¯¡¯The man said to Dion.


    ¡®¡¯Nonsense, the woman seems to trust him¡¯¡¯His eyes kept glaring at me. ¡®¡¯Push his head to the water.¡¯¡¯ He commanded.


    I could breathe on it. I could not feel any pain. But after the twelfth time, it felt annoying. My hair was a mess, my eyes were dripping, my skin was far too cold.


    ¡®¡¯I won¡¯t¡¯¡¯I gasped, letting drops of the waterfall into my mouth. ¡®¡¯Say a thing and I¡¯¡¯ I turned to Dion. ¡®¡¯I did promise that I have far worse plans for you didn¡¯t I?¡¯¡¯


    He was still sitting down with arrogance, back against the tree, and kept his prideful smile.


    ¡®¡¯Fine, ¡®¡¯He waved his hand. ¡®¡¯Drop him to the riv-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Enough now¡¯¡¯A rough voice broke from behind him and a black blade touched Dion¡¯s neck.


    ¡®¡¯This is getting annoying¡¯¡¯He grunted and turned on Adamantious who was getting out of the shadows.


    ¡®¡¯Let him go¡¯¡¯He demanded as he looked at me.


    Dion kept himself calm. Surprisingly a bit calmer than I expected.


    ¡®¡¯He is one of us, let him go,¡¯¡¯ Adamamntious commanded again.


    Dion now narrowed disappointed as he moved his finger and the other man pulled me far from the river.


    Cutting the ropes of my limbs, I moved closer to the archpriest of Zeus.


    ¡®¡¯Thank you, love.¡¯¡¯I winked before taking one more step and returning back to him with a harsh kick on his face.


    Turning back I saw Adamantious trying to restrain his grin.


    ¡®¡¯Come now, I know that you wanted to do that too.¡¯¡¯


    He shrugged as I followed him.¡¯¡¯Well, he is a pain.¡¯¡¯


    As we kept walking I heard another order from the man.


    Shoot them.


    ¡®¡¯Head down¡¯¡¯I whispered to the brute who quickly followed the orders. Everyone on each tree was an archer, ready to shoot. Ready to attack us.


    The words of a king do not work.


    The laws of ¡®Father¡¯ seem pointless to them.


    And I am the one to get punished for it? Treating someone like an animal, someone who would require sanctuary. Treating me¡­Why was I so angry?


    Take my head Themis I do not care.


    ¡®¡¯Stop¡¯¡¯I commanded them and every arrow fell to the floor before even trying to touch us.


    Adamantious turned to me but I caught his hand. I tried to run faster than the followers who were still after us.


    Hiding now in the bushes I managed to catch a heavy breath, watching the sun slowly falling. Adamantious kept panting and he tried to look at me.


    ¡®¡¯What are you?¡¯¡¯


    I laughed mockingly and tried to think of a lie. Or at least to cover the truth.


    ¡®¡¯I am many things love what do you want-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Are you here to hurt her?¡¯¡¯ His voice was heavy with emotions even if he tried to restrain them.


    I blinked and touched my neck slowly. Each moment I was there the pain, the end, the consequences were so near.


    ¡®¡¯I do not care if you are a prince, a nymph, or even a God.¡¯¡¯He answered to me.¡¯¡¯Tell me you won¡¯t hurt her.¡¯¡¯


    Stupid brute. Do you really think that your begging would make any difference? I will hurt her, and I will enjoy it. She will endure her future as it was always meant to be.


    ¡®¡¯I would never dream of it¡¯¡¯I lied with a grin and finally stood up from our hiding spot. The brute followed and kept a gaze filled with anger. Then, he drew his sword.


    ¡®¡¯Come now I told you I ¡®¡¯


    As he swung the sword on my side, I dodged by lowering myself and I heard a scream. But it was not any familiar voice. Turning back I saw a frightened follower of ¡®Father¡¯ who had fallen on his knees with a dagger next to him. His trembling hands tried to reach it but I kicked it fast far from him.


    ¡®¡¯We are supposed to be safe for the next moons correct?¡¯¡¯I turned to the brute and nodded.¡¯¡¯Yes, none of the temples shall attack each other.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯But they tried to kill me¡¯¡¯I gasped dramatically. ¡®¡¯Twice.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I actually tried to hit you a little too¡¯¡¯Adamantious frowned and I nodded back. ¡®¡¯Nobody is a perfect friend.¡¯¡¯


    I clapped my hands and kneeled down as I could the man perfectly. Then, leaning to his ear, I whispered.


    ¡®¡¯Have you ever tried to actually kill someone? Feel someone¡¯s life in your hands¡¯¡¯I took a deep breath as I could listen to his fast heartbeat. ¡®¡¯Oh, it is the most wonderful thing when you can control someone¡¯s life. It only took a simple¡¯¡¯I made a long pause when my fingers found his heart. And then.¡¯¡¯ Push.¡¯¡¯ For a second, his beat stopped. His eyes darted and kept looking at me. Yes, that''s how you are supposed to look at me. That¡¯s your place. I stood up and the man started breathing again before passing out.


    I leaned up on Adamantious¡¯ side and tried to breathe with my head becoming even heavier.


    Dammit Themis, let me have fun at least.


    ¡®¡¯What did you do to him?¡¯¡¯Adamantious asked.


    I tried to jest and smiled at him. ¡®¡¯You know few threats.¡¯¡¯


    He kept looking at me as we were now walking far away. I could see the sun keep falling and I tried to rush away from him. But he seemed to be paying full attention to me.


    ¡®¡¯Here¡¯¡¯His voice echoed and I could sense something moving on my side. Turning back I caught whatever it was falling to my side fast and then I saw it. A red apple.


    ¡®¡¯Dion took one from you right?¡¯¡¯He jerked his head, showing the nearest apple tree.


    ¡®¡¯You know that I wanted to give it to the Oracle correctly?¡¯¡¯I smudged.


    He rolled his eyes but he moved even closer to me. As if he was trusting me. Was it because I kept my mouth? Was it because I tried to save him or that I lied that I would not hurt that woman?


    ¡®¡¯You really love her,¡¯¡¯ I looked up to the sky and then at him.¡¯¡¯ Don¡¯t you?¡¯¡¯


    He let out a small nod. ¡®¡¯It is so easy for someone to fall for her¡¯¡¯He turned to me.¡¯¡¯What about you?¡¯¡¯


    A memory of both of us being drunk in Perseus'' home appeared. Her eyes glared at me as she was right above me, her breathing heavy, her heart pounding like a mythical memory. But I could not say those things to him even if he had a beautiful expression. So I tried to think of something else at that moment. Her hair was stuck on her forehead, her breath was stinking of wine. While I was looking at her piercing gaze my hands¡­


    ¡®¡¯She has soft thighs¡¯¡¯I muttered out loud and he stared at me with an idiotic look. I pouted and showed my empty hand as I was trying to squeeze something.¡¯¡¯Like figs¡¯¡¯


    He rushed to me and grabbed my apple back. I let out a small scoff. ¡®¡¯It¡¯s a joke, It¡¯s a joke.¡¯¡¯I tried to lie but his cheeks had turned once again red.


    So easy to tease.


    ¡®¡¯I mean you are already close to each other, aren¡¯t you? You understand what I..¡¯¡¯


    He pushed my head down and I could not stop laughing. His expressions became more ridiculous than before as we both kept walking to the same destination.

 TWENTY NINE

    LYSSANDRA


    The Minoan ship belonged to the king of Knossos. After harsh travels and forceful partnerships, we and the crew got close to each other. I could see Adamantious trying to spar with them while Thais was trying to learn and flirt with the blushing men.


    I could see her eyes gazing upon me, moving her brow as if I could also join her.


    Instead, I shook my head and swallowed a few daphne leaves from my small bag, and with one lift of my face, I found a pair of silver wings moving to my side. Landing on my lap, I could see the gray hawk playing with his head, trying to move closer to me. I let out a laugh and started patting it until I noticed that there was a scroll wrapped around his small leg with a rope.


    Messenger? Here?


    ¡®¡¯How are you today Oracle?¡¯¡¯ Captain¡¯s dark brow rose up and I tried to cover myself with the veil better. I nodded and smiled at the friendly captain. For the past few days, he was always kind and gentle to me, offering every help that I needed. He was scaring me.


    I showed him the hawk.¡¯¡¯I did not know that they can send hawks on the sea.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®Well, oracle, they are well trained, and ¡®¡¯A chuckle formed around his gray beard. ¡®¡¯Very expensive.¡¯¡¯ His eyes turned to the people with oars that were moving their hands faster than before.


    ¡®¡¯Seems that they are all healthy now. I tried to stop the silence and he nodded.


    ¡®¡¯Thanks to you,¡¯¡¯ He tilted his head and the hawk flew away. ¡®¡¯We should have heard you when you told us.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Well¡¯¡¯I giggled. ¡®¡¯I hope that the people on the land will believe me faster.


    I gulped and tried to face away. Wrong words wrong words. But the captain did not seem angry.


    There was laughter coming from his grayish beard and sat next to me, looking up at the sky. I tried to mimic him but the moment the sun fell to my eyes I started tearing up so I looked down.


    ¡®¡¯And what does this prophet need to find in the Minoan empire?¡¯¡¯


    Well, Corinth was our destination but we slept in the wrong box.


    ¡®¡¯They won¡¯t like you there¡¯¡¯He kept informing me.


    ¡®¡¯Because they are following God Zeus? How can you be so certain?¡¯¡¯I arched my brow as I was trying to hold the shock inside me. If I was born a man I could have been a phenomenal actor.


    He let out a smirk and revealed from below him a flask with red liquid dripping down to the wood.


    ¡®¡¯I am certain when they decided to throw prophets of Poseidon from the cliffs.¡¯¡¯


    I gulped harshly and looked around the sea with a soft smile.


    ¡®¡¯Seems that he is not upset.¡¯¡¯I chuckled and he laughed back as he finally took the scroll from the hawk''s leg and let it fly away freely.


    As he started reading it I could see how slowly his face began to lose the drinking color. His eyes darted and then he turned on me, muttering uncertain words. None of us spoke as the crew was laughing and dancing with Adamantious and Thais. One of them seemed to have pulled Thais even closer to him and she did not mind.


    ¡®¡¯I..¡¯¡¯The captain cleared his throat and stood up.¡¯¡¯I shall leave you rest¡¯¡¯


    My eye found him moving on his cabinet for a few minutes. Then, he walked out of it drenched with worry and no scroll.


    When the coast was clear it was my turn to sneak in.


    Inside his small cabinet, there was not much space for people to sleep or even stand. There were flags and even heavy jewels hanging from the ceiling. But now I could see what he was hiding.  In front of me, near the end, there was a table that had a statue of a man holding a trident.


    It was not from wood but from marble as it was also painted. Around the table, there were also bright candles and gold with grapes moving around it.


    And then, there was a chirping sound, coming right next to me. The silver hawk stared at me and then pointed with his beak down to the mattress. There was the scroll rolled up and when I started reading it, the door opened again, making the hawk fly away from me.


    ¡®¡¯What are you doing here Oracle?¡¯¡¯


    I moved the scroll back on the bed and started walking around to the right place, around the heavy fabrics, trying to lose him.


    LIE WOMAN LIEEE.


    ¡®¡¯I am so sorry captain but my god told me to be here¡¯¡¯


    LIE BETTER WOMAN.


    ¡®¡¯So you saw it.¡¯¡¯He rasped and I finally found the exit where the old man was guarding it.


    I stood silent before he pointed at the Poseidon altar. Didn¡¯t pay enough attention to it but it was still impressive that the candles hadn¡¯t destroyed anything yet.


    ¡®¡¯It¡¯s a beautiful altar¡¯¡¯I moved closer to him, trying to walk away with the hawk watching me.


    What a strange bird.


    ¡®¡¯Do not worry captain, I would never interfere with someone''s beliefs.


    No response.


    I blinked as I turned to him who had his back now covering the door.


    And I touched my chest slowly, trying to command my heart to stop beating so fast.


    The man laughed and moved closer to my side.


    ¡®¡¯I went to Delphi once¡¯¡¯He announced. ¡®¡¯The Pythia that was back then had this empty gaze in her eyes, her mouth was foaming with green smoke as for every expression seemed dead..¡¯¡¯Another gaze fell on me. ¡®¡¯You are not like her though¡¯¡¯


    I am not that high.


    ¡®¡¯I am not a Pythia you see¡¯¡¯I grinned and lowered my head as I walked away.


    The captain¡¯s mouth formed a smile and finally let me pass through.


    That night it was heavily cold with Adamantious giving me heavy wolf fur.


    I nodded as I noticed that the entire crew was wearing wolf fur too.


    I tried curling around the fur with Thais moving to us all drunk and in love. Adamantious did not seem to approve of the tall man who was winking at his sister.


    ¡®¡¯He told me that tomorrow we will be in Crete.¡¯¡¯ She kept winking at him and Adamatnious growled.¡¯¡¯He ¡­told you when?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Just now,¡¯¡¯She laughed.


    ¡®¡¯Now when you were kissing him?¡¯¡¯


    Thais blinked and let out a cocky look. ¡®¡¯Stop looking at me when I am romancing. It is disgusting.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Romancing?¡¯¡¯He laughed and I let out a cough.


    ¡®¡¯When exactly will we find land?¡¯¡¯I asked Thais.


    She sat near me and let out a heavy sigh, watching the others sailing or talking with heavy wine in their hands.


    ¡®¡¯Around sunrise¡¯¡¯


    I nodded and touched the scar on my eye.


    ¡®¡¯We have to leave the ship before that.¡¯¡¯


    Three people as stowaways? Well the way you described them seems interesting enough. Bring them all to the palace, the king seems to need new slaves.


    That was what the scroll had written.


    We all had our guard up while half of the crew had fallen asleep. So my search began for everything. I found a few boxes on the corner of the deck and tried to open them slowly.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Food. They were bringing food. Northern fruits, fish, and as I sank my hand even lower.


    I darted as I felt the cold bronze against my skin.


    ¡®¡¯Who is there?¡¯¡¯The captain approached closer and I panicked, doing everything fast. Wrapping myself with the fur, I could see him putting off his torch as the sun was slowly rising.


    He had that skeptical look again. Above his shoulder there was a silver falcon, cleaning his beak with his feather.


    ¡®¡¯All alone here my oracle?¡¯¡¯He smirked cruelly, exposing his true colors.¡¯¡¯Where are the others.¡¯¡¯


    One voice shouted. ¡®¡¯ARRIVING AT THE SHORE¡¯¡¯


    I replied with a smile and tried to avoid him by lying that they were resting. Not that they were ready to jump from the ship.


    He laughed once more with his hands forcing my veil down and exposing my face. And his smile faded. Becoming more distant, more¡­more disgusted.


    Disappointed for what he was going to send to a kong.


    ¡®¡¯I am sorry captain¡¯¡¯I pouted, moving the veil above my hair. ¡®¡¯But I need to find the rest.¡¯¡¯


    And then he grabbed my arm, stopping me from moving entirely.


    ¡®¡¯Now oracle,¡¯¡¯He whispered to my ear.¡¯¡¯We both know how it will end don¡¯t you?¡¯¡¯


    Did he realize that I was a fake? Or was he talking about my vision? I faced him narrowly and moved my lips for only two certain people who were paying more attention than anyone else right now.


    Jump, go to the land, I will find you on one moon in the port


    With no hesitation, they both jumped from the ship letting a big splash. Some men tried to turn on them but as I was fast, I grabbed the solver hawk from the captain and rushed to the other side of the ship.


    Everyone moved now at me, drawing everyone¡¯s attention far before the swimming siblings.


    The captain narrowed as he offered his hand so I could give him the hawk who was pinching my skin, letting blood drop on the ship.


    ¡®¡¯You are an insane oracle aren¡¯t you?¡¯¡¯


    I flinched when the Hawk kept attacking me.


    ¡®¡¯They are trained correctly?¡¯¡¯I arched my brow. ¡®¡¯And expensive.¡¯¡¯


    The man kept looking furious and my grip became stronger and the blood kept dripping.


    ¡®¡¯Shall we find them?¡¯¡¯A voice whispered near the captain, who seemed almost disappointed.


    ¡®¡¯She will be enough.¡¯¡¯


    They kept me all wrapped with a tightrope near the boxes. I could not move a muscle as the crew mates were now looking at me with a familiar gaze which made my core ache in pain.


    But the captain arrived, showing his sword at them.¡¯¡¯Do not play with her, she is an oracle.¡¯¡¯


    And everyone obeyed with a simple move of his threat and his powerful words.


    And he took a small look at me.¡¯¡¯Who knows what her god will do if he finds out?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You will sell me to the king¡¯¡¯I looked above the sky with the captain laughing. ¡®¡¯Don¡¯t you think that my god will be upset?¡¯¡¯I let out a bitter laugh and then my smile faded as I realized everything slowly. Stupid people. But the captain seemed to laugh at the expression I was wearing.


    They finally threw the anchor and one man carried my body above his shoulder, wrapping his hand around my waist. I could struggle. But I could also see that everyone was armed. And it was my first time in Knossos. I wouldn¡¯t waste my time by panicking, calling for help that would not come.


    The buildings were nothing like I had gotten used to. Their structure seemed so asymmetrical and yet people were getting in and out, chatting and laughing. There were people playing music with their flutes and at the center of it there was a beautiful woman with dark curls and dark olive skin dancing with red ribbons on her hand as her face was painted white and her chest was¡­


    ¡®¡¯Such a strong heartbeat.¡¯¡¯The man called me out with a laugh.¡¯¡¯You finally start getting afraid? ¡®¡¯


    I did not speak as another glimpse of the city with the fruitful market and with people wearing chains and collars all around their limbs. In front of those people, it seemed a rich man was holding a thin long stick as his appearance was probably just like his personality.


    ¡®¡¯Move¡¯¡¯He growled, hitting them with a stick on one of the slaves¡¯ backs, making them scream in pain.


    ¡®¡¯You shall be lucky. ¡®¡¯Captain''s voice approached as he was riding now upon a chestnut horse.¡¯¡¯You will be a slave of a king.¡¯¡¯He laughed heavily and leaned closer to me.


    I tried to avoid him but looking back I could see a pair of figures staying still behind a building as if they were waiting for something.


    A moon.


    The palace was greater than the buildings before as it had a dark red shade painted on the white walls. Guards waiting for us in bronze armor and helmets but one in front of us was¡­


    ¡®¡¯So short¡¯¡¯I muttered looking at the tiny dark-haired man. And as he was looking up at me he was thinking of how tall I was.


    ¡®¡¯You wrote that they were three¡¯¡¯He narrowed and I noticed his bronze bracelets and his plain white tunic above his colorful skirt. And yet as common as the man looked I could feel that he had power. Not a king perhaps but ..an advisor?


    ¡®¡¯And what¡¯s with her face? The king wants a beautiful woman, not a boar.¡¯¡¯


    Me and the captain narrowed with anger but I could still do something to not end up like this. One thing that I knew would not benefit me. It seemed that the captain tried to spare me by not bringing this. or that he could get richer with a slave.


    ¡®¡¯Well, we can use clay for her face.¡¯¡¯ He hummed and he grabbed  my hand.¡¯¡¯She is wounded too?¡¯¡¯


    They tossed me to the cold bath with clothes on. There were two servant girls now chatting in whispers and laughing behind my back. I could tell as they were pulling my hair down and then they were scratching my back roughly that they did not like me.


    But there are always whispers escaping to the echoing room. Valuable whispers about the palace. And they seem to not mind whispering louder with a new slave being forced down to the water.


    Focus, focus.


    After hours of pulling wrong- combing my curls- one of the girls put a slight piece of clay around my scars, making sure none would notice if they saw me from afar. Another laugh as the girl¡¯s soft lips muttered one more word that I did not catch but the others seemed to laugh too.


    I just smiled and thanked them as I walked far from them with bronze guards accompanying me to the halls.


    With the statues of Zeus dressing up the road to the king¡¯s room,I found the short man and the captain of the ship laughing together as the short man was giving him a sack of money.


    For a moment¡¯s captain¡¯s greedy eyes found me and his lips curled to a grin. And I smiled too as I started rushing close to him even with the soldiers telling me to stop.


    ¡®¡¯Ah¡¯¡¯The short man faced me from above.¡¯¡¯You look, alright, now follow me.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Before that I would like to thank you¡¯¡¯I turned to the captain.¡¯¡¯To make sure that the king will listen to my prophecy.


    Both of their gazes faced me and I knew that the captain did not speak about it.


    ¡®¡¯You are..a prophet?¡¯¡¯ The short man gasped with a smile forming on his mouth and he turned furious to the captain, ready to grasp the money away from him.


    I nodded.¡¯¡¯My name is Lyssandra, the prophet of Apollo.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Oh, you are a follower of him.¡¯¡¯ The short man seemed to be disappointed now


    ¡®¡¯He gave me this gift my lord¡¯¡¯I replied with the best lies I could think of that moment.


    ¡®¡¯Just for your rking¡¯¡¯I flattered my lashes and kept looking at me.


    Another woman? Seems that the previous one died not long ago.


    No matter, the healer said that the king would die soon too.


    It¡¯s a shame though, do you think that the sickness will catch on too?


    Nonsense the healer did say.


    Those were the words of the servant girls and I knew what had to be done.


    ¡®¡¯Your king is very ill my lord, isn¡¯t it?¡¯¡¯


    His eyes snapped and nodded as he moved on to the captain who was shaking his head. Seems that they did not want those words to come out.


    ¡®¡¯Of course, you want this to be a secret¡¯¡¯I said, lowering my tone. ¡®¡¯And I know what it can help, you see my lord my god gave me a vision that your answer lands on the mountains.¡¯¡¯


    Everyone now looked at me, silent for me to speak. Thanks to the captain who had his scroll tossed around on his ship, making it easier for me to read about the nature of the island.


    ¡®¡¯Silphion is your answer for his sickness and you will-¡¯¡¯


    The short man now suddenly hushed me. He was all so interested in a prophet before. But when I spoke something about information.


    ¡®¡¯That is¡­¡¯¡¯Now the captain faced me with anger.¡¯¡¯A lie, it cannot.¡¯¡¯


    I blinked confused and turned to the short man.


    ¡®¡¯Oracle, thank you for your vision but there must be another way.¡¯¡¯


    The servant girl said that he has been like this for a year and he simply needs the company of women to feel better. But each one of them gets sick and dies not even a week later.


    ¡®¡¯This is the will of Fates my lord¡¯¡¯I bowed again. Why was he getting upset?


    The short man nodded.¡¯¡¯My oracle I think that you know this but the mountain Ida is cursed. For twenty  hole years when mortals moved to the side of it..¡¯¡¯His lips shook.¡¯¡¯They never returned.¡¯¡¯


    After the whole incident, I was waiting at the door with the guards looking at me with great care. In front of me, there was the captain, rushing left and right, irritated looking and he turned on me worried.


    ¡®¡¯Are you sure that this is where the antidote is?¡¯¡¯He asked me calmly.


    I simply nodded.


    He let out a chuckle and looked at the guards before telling me the truth.¡¯¡¯Years ago, people were climbing the mountain, entering its forest to contact Zeus. But Apollo, jealous of his father¡¯s glory in this kingdom, cursed it by letting it swarm with terrifying wolves that cannot be killed.¡¯¡¯


    I tried to hide my narrowness as much as I could. Seriously, did I actually believe that the mountain was cursed by a God?


    But then again, I could now understand their worrying brows when I told them that. That I am mocking them? Or that Apollo was giving them a chance.


    I have a bad feeling about¡­


    The door opened and the soldiers forced me to bow down by moving my head close to the floor.


    ¡®¡¯We can give you a ship back home, Oracle, if you do not mind. We thank you for everything and we apologize for our actions.¡¯¡¯


    I simply nodded and I hoped I could find the others fast so we could go away. But then the captain spoke with his hand wrapped around my shoulder.


    ¡®¡¯Oh my lord do not worry about anything.¡¯¡¯He grinned. ¡®¡¯In fact, the Oracle just told me about another vision. That the oracle herself shall find the treatment the king desperately needs.¡¯¡¯

 THIRTY

    LYSSANDRA


    I could not say no. I could not admit that it was a lie.


    That stupid captain set me up. If I said no I knew that he was another thing coming from him. But then, the short man said if I succeed he will give me rewards and ask forgiveness from Apollo.


    As proud as the captain made them look it seemed that the short man was afraid for the king.


    Returning to the bathhouse, I found the two servant girls facing me amused as they tried to hand me back my clothes. One of them tried to look ashamed now.


    ¡®¡¯Please we are sorry¡¯¡¯One of them begged for forgiveness, trying to look down.


    I could say all is forgiven or my god doesn¡¯t hate you but I could still feel my back aching from the scratches. And they also tried to drown me.


    So I leaned closer to her and whispered in her ear.


    ¡®¡¯Each night there will be spiders crawling on your body.¡¯¡¯


    And then I moved my belongings far from her and I thanked her softly as she had a pale expression on her face. Good.


    They did not steal anything at least. All of my herbs and my sickle were right where I left them. And it looked like they had also put more things such as fruits and a big flask of water.


    Maybe I was too mean to them. But again, they did try to kill me. So with a heavy pout, I walked out of the room with two young soldiers waiting for me.


    With two soldiers following me with their silver horses there was also the captain, accompanying me with his chestnut one as I was forced to walk until the entrance of the mountain. The sun was falling right to me with one of my sandals being ripped off in the middle, making me fall down.


    ¡®¡¯Oracle¡¯¡¯A soldier shouted trying to get me up but there was also a laugh.


    The soldier¡¯s hand tried to make me stand but I managed to get up with the blood falling on my leg. Holding my pain now, I tried to keep moving as the captain approached me closer with his horse galloping playfully.


    ¡®¡¯Shame you revealed your secret¡¯¡¯The man scoffed.¡¯¡¯Being in the company of a king.¡¯¡¯I could see his lips parting.


    I replied by moving my veil closer to my eyes and tried to keep walking with one sandal making rocks shave on my foot.


    Finally, the mountain''s entrance could cover even the whole sun, with one silver hawk flying closer to us and now disappearing into the forest.


    ¡®¡¯You¡¯¡¯The captain jumped down from his horse and moved his leash to me.¡¯¡¯Will have mine to ride the dangerous path.¡¯¡¯


    As I tried to take his offer, the captain leaned closer, making me smell his stinking breath of fish and wine.


    ¡®¡¯Shall I pray for you oracle?¡¯¡¯


    I started feeling that I should have jumped into the water when I had the chance.


    I smiled at him and let out a bow as I snatched the leash from him and looked at the soldiers.


    ¡®¡¯Thank you so much.¡¯¡¯My mouth grinned wide. ¡¯¡¯ I shall go now.¡¯¡¯


    For a mere second, I could see both faces painted red underneath their helmets and then moving closer to each other to whisper.


    ¡®¡¯She is pretty if you forget the scar¡¯¡¯One of them whispered.


    ¡®¡¯I heard that she is terrifying but now she looks so sweet.¡¯¡¯


    So the servant girl ratted me out?


    I shrugged as I tried to stand up to the horse and then, my short journey began.


    The road was heavy with the sun keeping me company but thanks to the servant girls I would not starve or get thirsty. At half time, I opened the flask from my bag, letting water pour on my lips and taking one fig to pour sweetness into my teeth. For a few hours, there was also a chill breeze, letting me move my veil down and look up at the sky, only to find a silver hawk following me again, until he fell on the horse¡¯s head.


    ¡®¡¯Hello¡¯¡¯I chuckled at the sight of him as he kept looking at his silver wings, trying to clean them with his beak. I blinked and he blinked back, releasing slowly who it was as he moved at my wounded hand.


    ¡®¡¯Well, I hope that ¡®¡¯I moved my other hand back to the bag and found one more fig for him. Before even trying to move it closer he grasped it with his strong beak and gulped it up.


    My lips pouted before bursting into laughter and the bird moved back to the horse¡¯s head.


    The journey continued as I was searching for the silphion around. But there was nothing.


    My mind was going numb as I was trying to think straight of any solution but my thoughts were going back to Thais and Adamantious. They will be alright, they will be safe. But I missed them. I missed Thais courage and confidence around everything. Her trying to make me get out of a wall that I created years ago¡­


    Adamantious presence too how gentle he was¡­


    ¡®¡¯I am nothing without them.¡¯¡¯I broke down on the horse. I could not fight, I could not only talk. I could not be confident, I could only smile.


    And then, the sun fell and everything changed. The horse stopped and started screaming with the bird falling on my shoulder.


    I shushed the horse slowly, caressing her fur.¡¯¡¯Easy girl eas-¡¯¡¯


    But keeping her calm was pointless with her now being lifted with me ready to fall to the ground and¡­


    Everything went dark for a moment with my head being hit on the head and my back.


    I let out a shout of pain and looked above the sky once more¡­the sun was already out and the horse was now gone.


    ¡®¡¯Coward¡¯¡¯I pouted in absolute silence and tried to move through the forest to pick a branch for a torch. Managing to find an Olive tree, I grabbed one of the strongest branches, pulled it out with my remaining strength, and took a deep breath as the hawk kept following me. Was I now all alone? Will I be able to get back? I had no time to worry as then I was falling faster.


    As much as I loved my veil, I wrapped it around the branch, and from my bag, I poured so much olive oil on it with two flat rocks.


    ¡®¡®Come on,  come on come..¡¯¡¯


    A bright light was found in the darkness making my skin almost warm. One deep breath before starting to walk around again. I had no time for rest as the bird had fallen on my shoulder.


    Well, at least I had a friend. I smirked at his great height and gave him one more fig for him to feast upon.


    ¡®¡¯Do you have a name?¡¯¡¯I asked, thinking that he would reply. Then again why was the bird here? If he was a messenger of the captain then he should have been with him or near the sea, even at the palace. And yet, here it was, moving into the darkness with me.


    The road was now rougher,  sharper rocks touching both of my sandals, and barefoot the wind became harsher, and as for any danger¡­


    Howls erupted in my ears near me.


    As I stopped walking, I tried to look around with the Hawk flying in circles. Looking above the trees I could see the clouds were hiding the stars or any possibility of signs.


    And my heart began to rush with sweat dripping from my brow. I was alone in a dark forest with no weapons and¡­


    Turning now to the left I could see two glistening eyes emerging from the woods with a heavy snarl.


    DAMMITDAMMITDAMMITDAMMITDAMMITDAMMIT.


    Probably the worst thing I could do was run. I would make a signal for each wolf that I was in the forest, ready to be devoured.


    But my brain was not working as fast as my legs.


    Now with the hawk next to me and the torchlight following each of every move, I was the target of a pack that was snarling heavily. I could not look back but I  could listen to their growling coming closer.


    ¡®¡¯Is there¡¯¡¯I let out a heavy breath, looking at the hawk.¡¯¡¯Maybe a way that you can help me out?¡¯¡¯


    The hawk kept flying at my pace but not replying with any sound and then he started moving faster and faster until his silver wings were lost in the darkness.


    I could not keep running with this pacing. Not with one of the wolves catching my dress.


    Think woman think think think.


    Attacking them with the sickle only angered them more with one of them trying to jump at me, sharp glistening teeth wanting to bite at my arm. Now backing away, my mouth let a scream escape and the sickle fell from my grasp.


    My hand moved on my sack as the wolf tried to push me down. On the other side of me, there was one more, barking, trying to make me afraid.


    And I started moving my torch around them trying to buy time. I could count only six. Six wolves that were barely aged and with scars around their furs. And yet they were not afraid of the fire.


    My free hand finally found what it was searching for and I showed the pack the olive oil from the sack.


    I am so sorry.


    I poured it far from me, close to the pack, letting them taste it before resting the torch on the ground.


    Everything started lit with the wild animals snarling and screaming at the flames. I let out a heavy breath but I noticed that my dress had caught on the flames.


    ¡®¡¯No, no, no,¡¯¡¯I started running once more, trying to get it out with one remaining wolf barking and hunting me. And IK was in the darkness once more. I could not see anything. I could only feel my blood stained in blood and sweat, my dress sticking on me, and¡­was I crying?


    Into the darkness, I went with my steps now missing the ground and the wind.


    Oh gods. I was falling.


    Turning back I reached my hand above, trying to find anything, any hope, any sign. And there it was. My mind is numb, it feels like someone¡¯s hand, trying to pull me up. Shitting my eyes and opening them again I could see above me the world still barking and howling at me with his piercing eyes. But I could not feel the ground yet. I could not breathe. I was being held by something. From a root? From a branch? I could not tell and I could no longer think with the wolf ringing this horrible sound in my ears.


    Then it stopped with a single blow of an attack.


    I did not speak even with spots of blood dripping on my face. Footsteps were moving to me. People are laughing.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡®¡¯Was this the last one?¡¯¡¯A man laughed, pulling the weapon out of the wolf.


    Light approached the forest with another one speaking. ¡®¡¯Yes, the others  were caught on the fire.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯The oracle?¡¯¡¯The man had a playful tone.¡¯¡¯He, did warn us about her coming here.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯The horse came back to our temple¡¯¡¯The other replied dry.¡¯¡¯And it seems that she lit up the fire. Either she died with the wolves¡­or¡¯¡¯


    He started walking closer to the cliff with his torch lighting to my side. I panicked and turned my eyes down to finally see that the only thing that was awaiting me was a cold stone ocean. I could feel my arm ready to break, the root to give up guiding my strength and then I saw it.


    On the opposite side of the mountain where none could see it if they couldn¡¯t come close¡­there was fire. There were buildings. Buildings like¡­


    ¡®¡¯She is probably dead¡¯¡¯ The funny one said and the steady man moved his light away. Did he even see me?


    ¡®¡¯Or the others found her first.¡¯¡¯He kept saying with a laugh. But the other man sighed.¡¯¡¯He should have let her go.¡¯¡¯


    Their voices began to echo more and more.


    ¡®¡¯Sure but he thought that people might try to find anything here. An oracle of Apollo facing the lands of Zeus¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Come on now¡¯¡¯The funny man laughed.¡¯¡¯It will rain soon we need to go. And he already sent what we need¡­¡¯¡¯A whisper. A whisper, only for them, the dead and me to listen.


    He giggled and I narrowed as I waited for a few seconds before trying to get up again.


    Crack.


    No, I cannot. I cannot die.


    A force was pushing me down for me to meet the sea. I could not scream, I could not cry. Because I could not breathe.


    I cannot die. I cannot. Not yet.


    I fell into the water with my head and back, almost breaking from the pain. I opened my mouth, letting water fill my lungs but giving up was not an option as I moved my lips faster and faster, trying to get out.


    My face got out from the harsh water, finally managing to breathe and swimming fast out of the water.


    My knees scrubbed on the shore with the rock making them bleed as I kept moving further and further from the sea until I found a small empty cave to protect me from the rain.


    I had no fire, no herbs, no oil, no trees to keep me company. I had a body bleeding and shivering from the cold with every part of my body aching in pain and I was so alone.


    ¡®¡¯I cannot die¡¯¡¯I stuttered. ¡®¡¯I¡­cannot..¡¯¡¯


    Someone approaches the cave with its steps being more and more heavy and tired of walking. I crawled even closer to the wall.


    A laugh and a light were accompanying him.


    ¡®¡¯Is anyone there?¡¯¡¯There was an old crusty voice.


    I did not reply but my trembling teeth were answered enough.


    ¡®¡¯I am sorry.¡¯¡¯ The old man finally appeared with a torch next to his begging appearance.


    A lightning bolt broke from the sky, making the rain start. I kept my silence as the man squinted inside the cave and put the torch in the middle of the ground.


    I could see him clearly now. Well, clear was a lie as he kept his face covered but he had scars all over his thin hands and legs. And a cunning smile that made me back even more.


    ¡®¡¯I just want a place to stay for the night¡¯¡¯He pressed his lips making them disappear inside his thick beard and then he popped them.¡¯¡¯See there is a thunderstorm.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You can¡­¡¯¡¯My voice broke, feeling the salt hit my lashes.¡¯¡¯You can stay my lord.¡¯¡¯


    The man laughed.¡¯¡¯My lord? How formal.¡¯¡¯


    I tried to laugh with him but I was far too cold.


    ¡®¡¯I am no lord woman,¡¯¡¯His words were sharp and vile.¡¯¡¯Just a small traveler trying to pass this strange mountain.¡¯¡¯


    I hummed, thinking that he might be a liar. How could someone like him move around this mountain all alone at night?


    ¡®¡¯There is a temple near by¡¯¡¯I groaned.¡¯¡¯They could give you a bed, food.¡¯¡¯


    The man chuckled and then he started to spit heavy saliva out of his mouth. How did he end up here?


    ¡®¡¯My dear I do not want to anger the old god in the sky anymore¡­¡¯¡¯He looked down. ¡®¡¯Temples of his brother with men hungry for blood?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I thought that this place was cursed by Apollo¡¯¡¯ I smirked.


    And the man coughed with one more laugh and joke to say.¡¯¡¯ Apollo?¡¯¡¯ His lips sang.¡¯¡¯He¡­has no power on this island surrounded by sea sky and madness.¡¯¡¯ For a moment I could feel that he was gazing at me with all his power. I could not look away, I could not speak. I could not think.


    The sound of a coin woke me up with the man smiling.¡¯¡¯Just like you do not belong here.¡¯¡¯


    I scoffed and started plotting a lie but he spoke first.


    ¡®¡¯Tell me what does a beautiful lady lick you are doing here?¡¯¡¯ The man asked all so gently.


    I tried to restrain myself from admitting the truth but I had no more strength.


    ¡®¡¯I made a mistake,¡¯¡¯ I admitted.


    The man kept laughing. ¡®¡¯So it seems.¡¯¡¯His hands moved inside of his cloak, revealing a loaf of bread, ready to give it to me.


    I shook my head and tried to avoid him.


    ¡®¡¯You shall eat my child.¡¯¡¯He rasped. ¡®¡¯Or else you will die.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯No¡¯¡¯I mouthed dry.¡¯¡¯I refuse to die.¡¯¡¯And I refuse someone to pity me. Not again.


    The man laughed.¡¯¡¯Refused? You have plans for the future?¡¯¡¯


    I took a deep breath before looking at the wall and my eyes snapped wide as I found yellow flowers blooming from the ground. Not just any yellow flowers.


    Silphion.


    I gasped in a broken tone, letting tears and laughter come out of me.


    ¡®¡¯I will become a goddess¡¯¡¯I admitted in all pain.


    ¡®¡¯Oh,¡¯¡¯The man¡¯s interest grew closer to me.¡¯¡¯How will you do that?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I will make everyone stop believing in the Gods. And soon they will be forgotten.¡¯¡¯I kept my smile wide, feeling some wounds trying to close on their own.


    ¡®¡¯And they will remember you¡­¡¯¡¯The man sighed with a realization. ¡®¡¯What kind of Goddess would you like to be?¡¯¡¯


    I hummed confused, staring at the man¡¯s curious frown.


    ¡®¡¯Ruler of the sky? Patron of orphans? Protector of the poor-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Of everything¡¯¡¯I answered with not a second thought.


    A gasp came from him and leaned his head closer to me. ¡®¡¯What?¡¯¡¯


    I hummed once more with no smile. ¡®¡¯I will be the Goddess, the Patron, the Ruler, the Protector of everything.¡¯¡¯


    Silence.


    And then, the man laughed. He laughed and laughed.


    I wanted to stop him but I could only laugh with him too. How insane I sounded here, all alone in cold and pain, on the brink of death. I could just laugh with him until we both fell asleep. But as I was watching the light flickering around him I could notice that the man had no shadow. Even if that small light kept me warm I could see if that man was cold or not.


    The sun woke me up and I could still taste the sea salt on my lips, my hair tangled up with small rocks and my fingers curled around the yellow flowers. But there was no torch or any sign of fire. No man was sleeping near me. Or even a memory of someone sleeping inside the cave, except for me.


    Maybe it was all an imagination. That night that laughter from that man was a sign of me losing my mind.


    Sky, sea, and madness.


    Standing up with my stained legs I could see the shore that had backed away, leaving shells all exposed for me to find. I grinned as next to the flowers I grabbed a few black ones only to realize there were gaps in the middle. I frowned looking and tried to force them to open with all my strength.


    Nothing. But I could not stop looking at that beautiful black color that they were painted at.


    Taking a few more of them it was time for me to go. I could see an open path from where I started if I followed the beach. I packed the flowers inside my sack, I tidied up my dress and hair, just to find a purple flower stuck on my locks. My eyes fixated on it as I could see the roots still plucked on it. Was the root that was holding me the night before?


    Both of the soldiers looked at me all so frightened as I was handing the antidote with a smile.


    ¡®¡¯Oracle what happened to you?¡¯¡¯They both jumped close to me, trying to take care of me by fixing my hair and pouring cold water on my wounds.


    But I let out a pout.


    ¡®¡¯You don¡¯t need to do all of that.¡¯¡¯


    One of them started crying.¡¯¡¯We were worried sick about you¡­after that storm, we thought.¡¯¡¯He sniffed.¡¯¡¯You were gone for almost a moon.¡¯¡¯


    Almost a moon? No, that cannot be right, I was certain it was just one day.


    ¡®¡¯That stupid man fled right before the storm but we kept staying here to make sure that you¡­¡¯¡¯


    And tears poured from my eyes.¡¯¡¯You were worried about me?¡¯¡¯


    Their faces flushed and they started rushing their treatments, commanding me to stop crying.


    In the castle once more I did not see the king as I gave the flowers to the small man. He kept smiling wide at me, over and over again, trying to not cry in front of me. Looking around I saw no sign of the captain.


    And it was my time to say the truth was a lie. Standing tall, emotionless with a dead gaze I stared directly at the man.


    No wolves were found. No curse of my god, nothing. Only traitors of the sky and thunder. The sea has taken them, hid them on the mountain, giving them a safe space, a temple, and lies. Everyone who was entering the mountain would find no wild beast but men in their madness. And one close to you the one who gave me to you was one of them.


    That made the short man furious but instead of cursing me he shook his head and thanked me once more.


    It was no gift that I had given to them. They were simply fools of trusting someone so oblivious. He said that the mountain was filled with wolves and yet his entire crew had cloaks made of their fur to spare. Down to the boxes, there were poisonous herbs and weapons, so many that they could not only destroy a king but also his people.


    There was no curse or punishment. There was simply naivety.


    No king or great hospitality for me to see. The short man was already upset for him to care for a wild-looking oracle with blood falling to his well-clean floor that came from out of nowhere.


    He did command his servant girls to take care of me though, I will give him that.


    They were two different women now, explaining that the others fell ill. I nodded about their replies as they seemed now to take better care of me. One of them tried to throw the purple flower but I stopped her. I wanted it back with me.


    Bandages were wrapped all over me one of the girls staring at my face.¡¯¡¯How did that¡­¡¯¡¯


    A lie. ¡®¡¯I was born with it¡¯¡¯I smiled at her gently and she nodded and kept treating my wounds.


    I was sent with soldiers near the port to the ship which was waiting for me as I was carrying a bag filled with money and herbs and the dark shells I found at the shore. One of the soldiers informed me that they had meat inside them and I had to open them with a knife.


    I smiled down at him as he suggested that I ride his horse this time. He kept looking at my now bandaged wounds with almost a pitiful look and yet he tried to ask me how I was feeling.


    I lied, telling him that everything was perfect but then, I found a glimpse of two familiar figures.


    I jumped from the horse and started running to their side, ignoring every bystander, every dancer, every sound of music. I could only smile as my eyes laid on Adamantious kind eyes.


    There was a sharp stain on my stomach. A body pushing me far away with everything coming darker.


    ¡®¡¯You thought that you would escape?¡¯¡¯ Captain¡¯s voice spat on my ear and my lungs started to suffocate in blood. I tried to sneak a peek behind his shoulder to see if the others were coming for me. But there was none to be found. No guards, no dancers, no people. Just me and¡­


    Not that it did not happen like that.


    ¡®¡¯We reunited.¡¯¡¯I let out blood fall.¡¯¡¯We left the island. We went ¡­¡¯¡¯


    I tried to speak but the pain from the knife became even more with a familiar bird now standing right on my shoulder.


    ¡®¡¯You could never escape¡¯¡¯ A voice whispered and a hand covered my mouth, making it difficult to scream, to breathe.


    The captain was now gone but I was still bleeding. I was still dying.


    ¡®¡¯At the end of it¡¯¡¯The husky voice whispered near my neck. ¡®¡¯Either you will become a goddess or die trying. ¡®¡¯His tone became gentle, moving his hands all over me and forcing my head to look far from him.


    ¡®¡¯You will be¡­¡¯¡¯He started singing.¡¯¡¯All mine to torment.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Oracle¡¯¡¯ A voice screamed that made me wake from the darkness.


    My eyes snapped wide, with the first thing to notice was how dusty the ceiling looked. My mouth was filled with the taste of iron, my back was aching, and as I turned to the right I found both Paris and Adamatnious staring at me with the sunset slowly falling.


    ¡®¡¯Hiii¡¯¡¯I said with a smile, trying to get up. Adamantious grabbed me by the arms as I stepped wrong and fell on his arms.


    ¡®¡¯Oh you gained a beard¡¯¡¯I touched his heavy shin and kept smiling with my mind being all so hazy and I started giggling.


    He pressed his lips to a thin line and turned to Paris. His voice started echoing.


    ¡®¡¯Can you help with this?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I can but I need help I¡­¡¯¡¯ His voice started to echo.


    ¡®¡¯I love you¡¯¡¯I finally said out loud for anyone to listen. ¡®¡¯I love you so¡­so..¡¯¡¯

 THIRTY ONE

    APOLLO


    Tall, young with dark brown curls. Lips painted in gold. A face filled with sins and a bright smile for him to wear on his bronze face. Fabrics so colorful as if they were gifted by the Goddess Iris. A great posture. Pretending that he was ruling the entire world.


    Paris arrived in Sparta with gold and offerings to his hosts. Me and Aphrodite were watching each moment of his entrance to the ceremony and in his chambers.


    Dressed like nobles we were now drinking wine in a corner.


    ¡®¡¯What do you think about my prince?¡¯¡¯Aphrodite smirked, taking a sip from her vase.


    My brow arched as I tried to find the right word to say about him.


    His eyes were stuck on Helen the moment he stepped into the palace. Eyes painted in hunger, in desperation to have her in that moment. If he had the power he would destroy everything to take her even if she was screaming. Even if she was crying back in Troy, he would be far too blinded to notice that it was not music that he was listening to.


    I replied with a smirk.¡¯¡¯A tool,¡¯¡¯


    The bronze man was being treated fairly with two beautiful servant girls bathing him, bathing his back with oils. Letting music of pleasure from his mouth he grasped one of the girl¡¯s wrists, pulling her closer to his lips. The other tried to back away as he could listen to her friend¡¯s giggles.


    ¡®¡¯No, stay¡¯¡¯I commanded her, entering the room in my noble form and Paris narrowed confused at me.¡¯¡¯Who are-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I am a friend Alexandros¡¯¡¯I narrowed, letting my clothes loose, and entered inside the warm water. The servant girl rushed to my side, offering me wine and fruits as she moved her fingers back to the oils.


    But Paris pushed his girl far from him. I let out another laugh.


    ¡®¡¯I can have them both I do not mind.¡¯¡¯


    There was a smile from him.¡¯¡¯How can I resist you? Phoebus''¡¯


    I replied with a laugh and grabbed one fig from the plate as the woman was now rubbing my back.


    ¡®¡¯You are smart where it counts¡¯¡¯ I tried to complimented him


    ¡®¡¯She warned me about you,¡¯¡¯ He announced.


    I tried to restrain myself as he was speaking so formally about me and Aphrodite. She probably had so much hope for that arrogant boy.


    I took a deep breath backed away from the girl and looked at her gently, taking her fingers slowly to my lips.


    Her cheeks flushed with the other girl turning into a pile of shame.


    ¡®¡¯You can now leave us alone.¡¯¡¯


    Both of them nodded and rushed far from us, moving outside.


    ¡®¡¯Come on¡¯¡¯Paris laughed.¡¯¡¯I was not done with them.¡¯¡¯


    But the young prince looked already so frightened with me. Such a beautiful expression.


    ¡®¡¯My¡­¡¯¡¯ I made a long pause.¡¯¡¯ ¡®Father¡¯ commands me to take your side.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Take my side for what?¡¯¡¯Paris laughed with all his confidence that no one could stop him.


    There he was inside a king¡¯s palace, taking whatever he could find, ready to even take the host¡¯s wife and he wondered what danger could happen.


    What A foolish man, even with his charming sharp face.


    ¡®¡¯What can you offer me?¡¯¡¯I asked, taking a sip from the wine.


    The young prince blinked and looked around.¡¯¡¯I can offer you temples, glory¡­¡¯¡¯His voice started to stutter.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    I have plenty of them. Glory so much that if it was raining I could bathe with it for centuries.


    ¡®¡¯Maybe you are right¡¯¡¯I stood up and his eyes fell right between my legs as I moved away slowly with a smile.¡¯¡¯Maybe you won¡¯t need my help.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Wait¡­¡¯¡¯He swam to my side and he grabbed me by the leg. For a mere second, a slight rage fell on my body, making Paris¡¯ flesh burn.


    His face is now painted in pain and despair. He will die either way without my help. Why am I here? Why did he send me to failure?


    ¡®¡¯I will make everyone¡­¡¯¡¯Paris rasped.¡¯¡¯Remember your name. Glory greater than Zeus¡¯-¡¯¡¯


    My hand slipped out of his mouth and I pulled him closer to me, letting light spread to my entire body.


    How low was he thinking of the gods? Just because they asked him to choose¡­that he is equal?


    Tears dropped from his face as he panted and got on his knees.


    ¡®¡¯I have..a sister.¡¯¡¯He blurted out. ¡®¡¯A priestess, she is as beautiful as the day.


    ¡®¡¯Enough¡¯¡¯I barked at him and fell right back into the water.


    I let out a wisp of breath and walked out clothed for the servant girls to watch me all intrigued.


    I replied to them with a smirk and I let my fingers rest on one of their chin, commanding her soul to lean closer.


    ¡®¡¯Now what did you list-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯My lord.¡¯¡¯ A young voice called me from behind. Turning irritated back, I found a beautiful young man with piercing eyes staring at me, ready to judge me.


    I laughed back and showed the girls.¡¯¡¯Care to join?¡¯¡¯


    His brow arched and I let out a disappointed groan. Moving far from them I could still listen to their whispers and the man kept staring at me.


    ¡®¡¯You didn¡¯t need to frighten him like that.¡¯¡¯ Aphrodite¡¯s voice came out from her form.


    ¡®¡¯You shouldn¡¯t try to warn him about me¡¯¡¯I judged her.


    ¡®¡¯But he would give you anything to have you¡¯¡¯She smiled underneath her clean beard and looked at me confused.¡¯¡¯Why were you treating him like that?¡¯¡¯


    I stopped walking and turned on the wide window.


    ¡®¡¯I do not know¡­¡¯¡¯I answered.¡¯¡¯I do not understand it.¡¯¡¯And my gaze turned back once more. to the servant girls.¡¯¡¯I will be quick¡¯¡¯My lips formed a smirk as I kept walking further and further.


    Her brow arched and she moved further away from me.¡¯¡¯Enjoy your desire.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You can join too¡¯¡¯I added with a smile but instead, she vanished.


    What was her deal now?


    +++


    No, no, no¡­ I wept with the fallen man staring at me with no light in his gaze. No heartbeat, no breath, no moving.


    ¡®¡¯What is.¡¯¡¯Harsh liquid fell from my eyes and laid down to his dark face. No reaction. As much as I tried I simply could not¡­I could not save him.


    ¡®¡¯What is this?¡¯¡¯My voice broke.


    ¡®¡¯Death.¡¯¡¯ A sharp voice echoed behind me. Turning slowly back I found Hermes standing all tall as he was moving slowly at me. And he leaned on his knees, trying to touch his eyes.


    ¡®¡¯Stop¡¯¡¯I commanded him.¡¯¡¯He cannot, he will not.¡¯¡¯


    He kept silent and I kept crying. Why was I hurting so much?


    ¡®¡¯When he will get buried¡¯¡¯He mouthed. ¡®¡¯I will take him.¡¯¡¯


    I shook my head. He could not. I would not let him. I embraced the man tight on my arms and my lips began to chant.


    Light flickered from the ground with the man moving even closer to my body.


    ¡®¡¯Apollo stop!¡¯¡¯Hermes shouted and the earth started shaking.


    ¡®¡¯You will not take him,¡¯¡¯ I growled. The wind getting harsh around the forest


    ¡®¡¯He is mortal.¡¯¡¯He reminded me dry.¡¯¡¯There will be plenty of others.¡¯¡¯


    A pair of hands were pulling me far from him, trying to make him let go. But I just kept chattering.


    ¡®¡¯You cannot stop it.¡¯¡¯He let out a spat.


    ¡®¡¯He is not buried.¡¯¡¯I rasped and turned on him with all of my force, pushing him far. I looked down at the man who was slowly dressed in gold.


    I want him to live. I want him to live.  I want¡­When I stopped speaking, the mortal man was no longer flesh. In the place where his corpse was once, there were flowers in the shade of purple. My eyes twitched and started digging my fingers into the dirt. Imagining that he was somewhere. Hiding, anything.


    And the pain kept getting worse to worse.


    ¡®¡¯What did you do?¡¯¡¯I cried at Hermes.


    And he let out a breath. ¡®¡¯Do not blame me for this.¡¯¡¯


    I stood up and grabbed him by his dress, pushing him now down.¡¯¡¯I want him alive. I need him alive.¡¯¡¯That sharp pain kept growing more and more. ¡®¡¯He has to live.¡¯¡¯

 THIRTY TWO

    APOLLO


    ¡®¡¯She will live,¡¯¡¯ I told Adamntious and the rest of the women that the foolish girl had fallen asleep. Judging by the drink she had next to her, it had many mixed herbs as one of them being opium. I did not tell them that as they were already far too worried.


    Then, I checked her arm, studying that the poison was already moving close to her shoulder. If that kept spreading¡­


    Wait¡­why do I care? Maybe she will live long enough to see her ending. But then again..she had to leave.


    ¡®¡¯She will need rest for a few days¡¯¡¯I stood up, letting the ribbons fall from my hair, setting them free and taking notice of Thais¡¯s cheeks turning slowly red.


    I ignored her fast as I looked at her brother.¡¯¡¯You shall keep her company tonight¡¯¡¯I whispered and ambled outside.


    ¡®¡¯Wait¡¯¡¯Myrto caught me off.¡¯¡¯She cannot  rest, what about tomorrow.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Let people pray?¡¯¡¯I suggested.¡¯¡¯But she cannot give any prophecies.¡¯¡¯


    Now, Alexious signed in disagreement.  Everyone seemed to disagree with me.


    What would happen if I killed them all now? One by one and the woman would wake up with blood in her room? Oh, she will be so¡­


    ¡®¡¯She has to rest¡¯¡¯I finally said once more. How could they not respect her being all tired?


    ¡®¡¯If she does not she will be far worse.¡¯¡¯Only scaring them could work. And yet it did not with Thais walking at me.¡¯¡¯You do not know what she needs¡¯¡¯She stated to me.


    ¡®¡¯I am a healer¡¯¡¯I reminded her.¡¯¡¯I am pretty sure that I know what she needs.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯She won¡¯t like it.¡¯¡¯She kept talking.


    I arched my brow, thinking of how naive the girl was. What this woman wanted did not concern me as she was already in a terrible condition. And now her little helper was telling me that she wouldn¡¯t like to stay alive? Because she would rest?


    She won¡¯t like it. I mocked myself. She sounded just like my sister.


    ¡®¡¯He is right¡¯¡¯ Adamantious spoke up from behind, moving his hand and his sister¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡®¡¯She needs to rest-¡¯¡¯


    Thais backed his hand away and she stood now tall and almost rude.


    Ultimately, they finally agree with Adamantious staying behind, sitting next to the woman¡¯s mattress.


    I love you. She said, over and over again. His gaze narrowed with a simple rose color dressing his face. His hand squeezes her wrist, his lips muttering a prayer to help her get better. How ironic. Praying to me to get her better.


    And she kept smiling gently at him.


    Of course, she did. And he loved her. Then why¡­.


    ¡®¡¯Make them fall in love¡¯¡¯I shouted Aphrodite as I had her right in my hands like a pulp.


    ¡®¡¯He lost it.¡¯¡¯Artemis whispered to Ares. He answered with a hum. My cheeks flared and looked at them from below.


    ¡®¡¯They are certain in love,¡¯¡¯I explained and let Aphrodite sit on the tree.


    ¡®¡¯Unfortunately, something is blocking them.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯She is pretending to be a priestess¡¯¡¯Artemis explained.¡¯¡¯An oracle, a follower of yours¡­she does not have time for this.¡¯¡¯


    Letting out a deep breath, I turned up on Aphrodite again.


    ¡®¡¯Come on now love, do something for me. Maybe your son can help us out?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Our son¡¯¡¯Ares jumped to the conversation.¡¯¡¯Won¡¯t try to help you out on your¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯What are you planning now?¡¯¡¯Artemis asked me and I fell right on the ground next to her and Aphrodite followed by flying.


    They are in love, they both know it. It is in their eyes, in the tone of his voice, of their thoughts. Maybe they are even closer but something does stop them. A wall. What if the wall breaks? What if they end up closer and all so closer? What will happen if the brute suddenly doesn''t love her anymore?


    I let out a scoff.¡¯¡¯Love and desire is what destroys mortal lives.¡¯¡¯


    Ares narrowed and turned to APhdite who was staring at him with her round eyes. And there was a smirk.


    ¡®¡¯You are right.¡¯¡¯He answered.


    ¡®¡¯What?¡¯¡¯ Me and Artemis asked in sync. He was agreeing with me? He lifted his heavy body and walked closer to me.


    ¡®¡¯The woman will lose by love.¡¯¡¯ He walked right behind me.


    ¡®¡¯But are you sure you want someone like¡­him to do it?¡¯¡¯ There was a flat tone.


    Turning back, I scoffed.¡¯¡¯He is rude, loud, perfect for her.¡¯¡¯My shoulders rose.


    Aphrodite answered with a nod. Ares kept smiling.¡¯¡¯But do you want her pain to come from him? Wouldn¡¯t you like her to start falling for a more..¡¯¡¯


    His hand found my shoulder.


    ¡®¡¯I tried to flirt with her¡¯¡¯I reminded him with a slap on the wrist. ¡®¡¯She did not fall.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You tried to charm her and it did work¡¯¡¯Artemis now spoke, realizing slowly.


    I stood up on my hooves and let out a small laugh. What was he thinking? Did he even think?


    ¡®¡¯Her, falling for me?¡¯¡¯I laughed all bitter.


    ¡®¡¯You have a reputation¡¯¡¯Artemis added with a smile. Was she agreeing with them?


    ¡®¡¯Yes sister he has¡¯¡¯Ares agreed.¡¯¡¯But maybe he is¡­afraid. Of falling too.¡¯¡¯


    Not this again. Him thinking that I was falling in love? With someone like her?


    But making her fall for me¡­That was something different.


    Her gaze admires me, every time that I am even close to her. Her body trying to be near mine, her voice speaking my name, her lips.


    ¡®¡¯Fine¡¯¡¯I woke up from my dream.¡¯¡¯I will make her fall for me, I will make her mine until the end. No matter how she will end up.¡¯¡¯


    And both of them looked quite satisfied.


    But Artemis moved her hand on my shoulder.¡¯¡¯Brother as much as I¡­¡¯¡¯She made a long pause.¡¯¡¯Approve your plan¡­Do you believe you have time now?¡¯¡¯


    I looked up at the night sky. Now with the time passing the nights will be longer, the time that I will be there will be far less, and¡­


    ¡®¡¯What are you suggesting?¡¯¡¯


    Artemis¡¯ shoulders rose and suggested the most insane words she could even say at that moment.¡¯¡¯Talk to mother¡¯¡¯


    My lips parted and faced behind the idiotic couple who were staring at us confused. Right, they do not know.


    I started walking far from them but Artemis followed fast.


    ¡®¡¯No¡¯¡¯I cut her off and she frowned.


    ¡®¡¯She protects the golden sheep now. She must have one of them to spare a thread, to make you invisible or-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I do not need her help¡¯¡¯I growled at her. ¡®¡¯I never needed it.¡¯¡¯


    That struck a nerve on her as she stared at me dead in the eye.


    Artemis always cared for her. And she always cared for my sister. But as much as childish as it was¡­


    I let out a deep breath and rested my forehead on hers.¡¯¡¯I will think about it.¡¯¡¯


    She exhaled with relief with her hands finding my ear, and flicking it .¡¯¡¯Good.¡¯¡¯


    The sun rose and I calmly started doing my job as I usually did. Cleaning the temple with a broom, and climbing to each statue to make sure my sculpted face was in perfect condition so anyone could see it. The first one to come out from their rooms was those two little brats.


    As much as I tried to avoid them, they both dragged me to another room, telling me to prepare them breakfast.


    ¡®¡¯Here¡¯¡¯I tossed a loaf of bread to the boy and two figs to the girl. All three of them fell on the floor.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡®¡¯Eat them¡¯¡¯I commanded them and I tried to walk away.


    At that moment, the boy grabbed me. by the dress, wearing his big puppy eyes.


    ¡®¡¯Please eat with us¡¯¡¯He pouted.


    I raised my left eyebrow.¡¯¡¯Boy, is this the best you have?¡¯¡¯


    I can remember myself even transforming into a fox, trying to make Helios pay attention to me while he was working on his chariot. Barking, swiping everything until he gave up and gave me his chariot to ride for the entire day. Unfortunately, it ended up crashing next to his sister''s chariot, making the sun and the moon meet for a moment.


    Now, the young girl coughed and turned to me with even bigger eyes her skin heavily scarred and her hair uneven making her look like a mut. And yet she spoke with such an innocent tone.


    ¡®¡¯Please¡­¡¯¡¯She stuttered.¡¯¡¯Eat..with us.¡¯¡¯


    I looked at her and turned my head away, feeling the need to cry about how adorable she acted, reminding my little daughter.


    ¡®¡¯You win.¡¯¡¯


    She let out a wide smirk towards the boy who was now trying to look away ashamed.


    ¡®¡¯Father never let me eat so much¡¯¡¯The girl said with her mouth full of honey and bread.


    ¡®¡¯Always loved your brothers more?¡¯¡¯I guessed, slowly eating one of the apples.


    She nodded and took one more bite.¡¯¡¯He was always rough with me¡¯¡¯She admitted calmly. ¡®¡¯But my mother always tried to give me as much food as my tummy could bare.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Hm¡¯¡¯I shrugged and looked at the boy who was staring at me, eating nothing from what I gave to him.


    ¡®¡¯Shoot your question.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Are you married.¡¯¡¯


    I coughed.


    ¡®¡¯You look in the age of being married.¡¯¡¯


    I started laughing, feeling that I had choked on the apple.


    ¡®¡¯I am not no,¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You intend to marry?¡¯¡¯


    Why was he asking those questions?


    ¡®¡¯Will you marry the Oracle? Is this why you are so close to her?¡¯¡¯The girl asked and the boy seemed to smile with eyes driven with hope.


    ¡®¡¯If he does¡¯¡¯He laughed.¡¯¡¯She won¡¯t be an oracle anymore and she¡­¡¯¡¯


    She won¡¯t do any of this. Such a young brat did not like for that woman to act with that mindset.


    Well, marrying her will make both her and me miserable.


    I moved myself closer to the table.¡¯¡¯I believe in free love boy,¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Free love?¡¯¡¯His small eyes opened wide and a pair of steps approached us.


    ¡®¡¯Ignore him¡¯¡¯Thais spoke and turning to her I noticed that she had her hair down and she faced me with a strange, empty gaze.


    ¡®¡¯Ah, good morning¡¯¡¯I smiled, trying to take a few things from the sack to give them to that woman.


    ¡®¡¯Leon, ¡®¡¯She caught my moves with those sharp words. ¡®¡¯Go and bring breakfast to Adamantnious and the Oracle¡¯s room.¡¯¡¯


    The boy nodded and moved his hands all over, taking everything that he could find.


    Then she ordered the girl to give breakfast to Alexious¡¯ room where he and Myrto were¡­


    ¡®¡¯Ha¡¯¡¯I smirked with Thais sitting on the opposite seat of my table of mine.


    ¡®¡¯Myrto stayed in Alexious'' room.¡¯¡¯I tried to irritate her. But she looked away, taking the pear from the table. ¡®¡¯Your Brother on the oracle and you..¡¯¡¯


    A smile formed on her tired face. ¡®¡¯I did my assignments¡¯¡¯She explained.¡¯¡¯What about you?¡¯¡¯


    I was plotting to either make your brother sleep with that woman or she could fall for me.


    ¡®¡¯Oh,  I do not believe that you care.¡¯¡¯ I sort of blushed.


    ¡®¡¯I do.¡¯¡¯ Her voice became rough, with a pitch of force, trying to intimidate me.


    Did she always speak like that?


    Her face flinched and she stood up, trying to walk away.


    I had to let her go, but this change of character took my interest. What happened to this flirtatious woman from before?


    I grabbed her arm and pinned her slowly against the wall. Her eyes snapped, dressed in a sudden fear. What expressions are I making now? Oh, how wished this woman was now someone else. Her hair would be raven curls, scar upon her face.


    I let her free to move, taking a few steps away.


    ¡®¡¯Forgive me¡¯¡¯I said to her and her fingers traced on the other wrist.


    ¡®¡¯For the past months¡¯¡¯She finally spoke dry.¡¯¡¯From the moment you came in people got wilder, they are starting to attack us worse than ever before and she got in such a terrible condition¡­.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Are you suspecting me now?¡¯¡¯I laughed wickedly.¡¯¡¯First your brother¡¯¡¯I moved near her.¡¯¡¯Now you¡­¡¯¡¯My fingers touched slightly her jaw.¡¯¡¯You came from the same tree¡­¡¯¡¯


    Her gaze turned further from me.


    ¡®¡¯Tell, me is your type in women the same as his?¡¯¡¯


    And then she turned once more on me. her heartbeat loud like an instrument.


    How can everyone in this entire place be attracted to that mere woman?


    ¡®¡¯What is it?¡¯¡¯I asked her.


    She blinked.


    ¡®¡¯Her beauty is reachable with and without those scars, she is loud, vulgar, insane¡­¡¯¡¯I kept rattling and noticed that she looked at me now even more curiously.


    ¡®¡¯I see¡¯¡¯She pouted and moved far from me, gesturing to follow her now.


    People kept coming for prayers and trying to contact that woman. Even if Thais and Myrto explained that she could not speak today, people got upset, trying to give them more money to let them see her. And my flirting with them did not work this time. Their need for answers and hope was greater than lust.


    That day, Adamantious and the woman did not leave the room. They had Myrto go to give them food and inform them of everything that happened that day. Thais decided that we would all complete the assignments that had been left.


    ¡®¡¯What is¡­this?¡¯¡¯I asked, pointing at the table that was far from the other rooms. There was a map-wide enough, conquering the whole furniture. Drawn by a piece of coal, Thais explained that she and her brother drew it representing the village. There were colorful rocks on different parts for each category they would need. Red stealing, black poisoning, white or gray framing¡­


    It seemed that unlike me, the woman had a different strategy for them. Was it because she was trusting me more? Or that she did not want me to see this place.


    I took the parts that had green rocks, representing anything about the healing. Thais and Myrto took the parts that evolved mostly from scamming and  Alexious stayed behind and I took mine to do.


    Sick animals, missing sheep sickness, sickness¡­


    One of the trails ended up being at night, letting me stand in front of my son''s cave.


    And I held my breath, facing it confused.¡¯¡¯Who are¡­¡¯¡¯I tried to speak.


    The next few days were the same. The brats were dragging me to make them breakfast before even finishing my job. Thais, Alexious, and Myrto, trying to make me feel interested in their conversation.


    Prayers, complainers, over and over. A flirty gaze of some man or woman but what was the point if none could see me? Then, jobs at night for none to see how I was formed.


    But with the time passing, the conversations felt bearable, making breakfast for them was not such a chore and the whines did stop. And yet, there was something empty. I started getting warmed up around those foolish mortals of hers. Olympians never have the time of actual enjoyment of conversation when everyone has hate for each other. The jokes were funny, the ideas were useful and I could not feel all so alone¡­And yet something was missing.


    My dreams were always around her. At first, she appeared all so sweet and beautiful. It was nightfall, satyrs were playing music for the firelights to rise. I was sitting on a bush, created to be a great seat with blooming flowers and my lips and mind were drunk with Nektar and she was dancing around the campfire. Her dress was long in the shade of light purple with a dark belt wrapping tight her waist, exposing perfectly every detail. Her hair had fallen white flowers and her face was simply extraordinary with the moonlight reflecting every part of her harsh details.


    Her movements were calling everyone around her, to follow her, to mimic her, to join her. And then, her eyes caught me. But instead of me moving to her, she moved to me. As if I was the one who was controlling her now. Her lips let out a smile with her hips sitting on my lap. Raven curls of hers falling close on my chest with her gaze being all drunk just facing me. I could just smile as she kept moving on me with her lips falling on my neck. Energy flowed all around me and I laughed, thinking that she was all there for me to wander. But the energy became sharp, cutting me from my neck. The pain grew so much with the night being covered by dark clouds. Another pain was found in my chest. This time, the woman moved her head back, exposing her lips that were drenched in ichor, her tongue trying to lick the fallen gold. Looking down I found a black dagger pierced in the middle of my torso.


    My eyes darted as I tried to speak but the woman was smiling so beautifully with victory dressing her body. And my pain kept moving all over me, feeling everything break.


    After five sunrises, I got to the kitchen first, expecting Leon and Drimaria to be there, waiting for me to give them breakfast. The brats were spoiled.


    But instead, there was the woman, standing great, wearing a green dress and a white veil upon her face. Her lips were parted as her hands were cutting out bread with pomegranates being on the bowl next to her.


    ¡®¡¯Hello¡¯¡¯She smiled and looked away from me.¡¯¡¯I know, I shall get more rest but I am fine.¡¯¡¯


    My eyes snapped open with the light of the sun dancing on her face. And I rushed right at her, embracing her tight.


    ¡®¡¯What are you doing?¡¯¡¯The woman gasped.


    ¡®¡¯Oh thank the gods¡¯¡¯I parted out, trying to look breathless. She had the scent of fallen leaves all around her beautiful curls.


    ¡®¡¯You are finally alright.¡¯¡¯I gasped out and I felt her heartbeat bumping against my chest.


    ¡®¡¯She wants to be a goddess¡¯¡¯ Thais admitted a week ago as we were standing on the opposite side of the temple. I arched my brow, feeling a sort of pinch on my chest.¡¯¡¯You cannot be serious.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯That¡¯s what we said to her when she told us.¡¯¡¯There was a grin with her hands fixing her hair.


    ¡®¡¯We first stuck with her because we cared. We thought that she would die without anyone, sooner than later but¡­¡¯¡¯Her lips parted and turned on me with the wind becoming harsher.


    ¡®¡¯It felt that we wouldn¡¯t be alive now without her. She did everything to keep us alive, took the others from worse danger than before¡­¡¯¡¯Another long pause.


    ¡®¡¯It sounds insane but for a moment I thought, what if is she actually a goddess? Surviving from everything all those years, taking people by her side¡­¡¯¡¯A laugh and tried to move away from me.¡¯¡¯So, we both stayed because again we knew we could not leave her, we loved her from the start, but we can only do from afar, like a¡­¡¯¡¯


    She wanted this. People admire her, people love to look at her as if she was the only one that mattered. But if she was a goddess as Thais said, loving from afar was not enough.


    I stroke a few curls of her, moving her even closer, letting myself feel her cold body. Oh, maybe Ares was right. I did want this. I wanted to embrace her so tight that I could listen to her heart beating like beautiful music. And yet in the back of my mind, I wondered what would happen if her lungs got all weak..will the music stop? I wanted her lips on mine and only mine until she would bleed. I wanted her to be all mine. I wanted to kill her, swallow her whole.


    I moved back and I let out a fake stutter. Her eyes had snapped wide with a light moving on her green one.


    ¡®¡¯I am sorry I¡­¡¯¡¯I faced away all so acting in shame.


    But she shook her head with her cheeks flaring red. ¡®¡¯No, I..¡¯¡¯She leaned her face down and walked slowly away with no full words coming out of her mouth. Finally, she fell. Her pain would be all mine. I could feel my chest tightening with just that thought.

 THIRTY THREE

    LYSSANDRA


    I started running far and far from the temple, jumping from any obstacle with my heart racing, my face heated, and my mind. He was so close, closer than any other time. His soothing voice whispered in my ear, his hands wrapped around my waist.


    I ended up on the lake and jumped fast with all my clothes, trying to swim.


    The cold water made everything so much better even with my sickness.


    Oh, Gods, Oh Gods Oh gods.


    I smirked and looked above. He was a better actor than I gave him credit for.


    ¡®¡¯Alright¡¯¡¯I spoke out loud. ¡®¡¯You won today.¡¯¡¯I could feel someone was spying on me. I could look back at the rotten hemlock valley, expecting one figure to appear. Only for that white dove to fly on my side.


    Thinking it would be anyone else it was his dove, smothering near my chest.


    I grabbed it by the neck and the eyes seemed to pop up.


    ¡®¡¯Will he hate me if I cook you?¡¯¡¯


    The dove began shaking and almost crying.


    I pressed my lips to a thin line and let it free even though it started once more close to my chest.


    ¡®¡¯You are a strange one¡¯¡¯I muttered and moved far from the water with it following me now moving on my shoulder.


    And the moment I stepped out there was a gray wolf, standing amongst the fallen hemlock.


    Great do not panic, do not, do not.


    The wolf started snarling with the dove flying like a coward far from me.


    I should have run to the wolf moving even closer. But when I stepped back, the wolf fell far from me with a few steps coming from the forest. Then there was a fast sound and whine and¡­


    Horses.


    My hair was messy, my clothes were drenched, my feet had dirt and leaves. They would certainly think that  I was an insane woman after seeing me like this.


    Immediately, I found a hiding spot behind some bushes and waited for the sounds of horses and men to stop.


    ¡®¡¯You caught it my lord¡¯¡¯A calm man announced.


    ¡®¡¯It seems so.¡¯¡¯Perseus¡¯ voice.


    Heavy steps kept approaching on the blind spot of mine and by turning my gaze right at it I could see the wolf shed in red blood, panting slowly. The great king was approaching it with a sword in his hand. The wolf¡¯s body was rising, trying to catch every breath until it was its final.


    The great king¡¯s back arched but there was no great blow of a warrior, a great end of justice from a king. There was a crack of an aching back.


    The sword fell on the ground next to the wolf and Perseus began to hide his pain by gritting his teeth.


    The healer who visited me before was the first one to move at his side. The great king, stubborn as he was, pushed the healer with his forearm and tried to grab his blade again. This time, the sword spat red perfectly on the wolf''s fur. But the king kept panting all so heavily, sweat dripping from his brow.


    ¡®¡¯My lord Perseus¡¯¡¯An advisor came closer and Perseus wiped his face, forming a gentle smile upon his face.


    ¡®¡¯I believe that we need to speak about the reason for our staying here.¡¯¡¯


    Perseus grunted and turned his head far from the man.


    ¡®¡¯Adara¡¯¡¯He called out a familiar name and the woman with silk dark hair jumped fat. Judging by the healer and the advisor¡¯s gaze, they did not look like they were fond of her.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    The woman did kneel down and waited for a command.


    ¡®¡¯Tell me, how do you find this place?¡¯¡¯


    The woman stood up slowly and her lips opened only to spit the truth.¡¯¡¯It reeks. ¡®¡¯Her lips spat.¡®¡¯With Dishonesty, liars, and brutes.¡¯¡¯


    The King arched his brow and his advisor spoke up once again.¡¯¡¯I believe that it is time for you to travel far from this village far from this kingdom, from this place.¡¯¡¯


    Perseus hummed and turned his gaze to the wolf while Adara moved away from him.


    ¡®¡¯This place does have not enough people and yet conflict surrounds them¡­¡¯¡¯He made a long pause and looked down.¡¯¡¯The gods seemed to fight for each part of this world, causing innocents to die¡­what will happen If this plague finds my  kingdom and I am not there to protect it?¡¯¡¯


    That was what he was trying to find? A way for these battles to stop? If that was the case then I would be in more trouble. I did not want this cruelty to end so soon. There can only be so much spite to people and cowardness, to come to someone that is giving them more than a pleasing smile. Imbalance is needed to stay alive.


    A stroke of the poison itched my arm and my mind began to rush with memories. In front of me, there was now a little girl with long dark curls with leaves stuck on them from all the running, beautiful green eyes and her face was simple perfection. No wounds or marks that could make her face look so much deformed. Her mind is so naive and kind. She would wish for a world of peace and for everyone to get along. She would want a garden to bloom outside a temple that she would be a great priestess of. This girl would be loyal to any king who would take a step on the marble floors. She would love her god more than her own life.


    ¡®¡¯Childish¡¯¡¯I grunted, looking at the girl and one voice spooked me out.


    ¡®¡¯Hello,Oracle.¡¯¡¯ Adara chirped and I let out a shout.


    She had that wicked smile on hers once more as she could only look at my terrified expression. Her hair was now braided back with blue ribbons and her hand had a golden bracelet, shining like a sun being held on her beautiful presence.


    My cheeks kept flaring as she moved closer to me.¡¯¡¯My, spying on my king?¡¯¡¯


    Her body leaned closer and closer and I started covering my wounded arm.


    ¡®¡¯Or me?¡¯¡¯ seductively as she spoke, her gaze did not look anywhere else but my face.


    Think of a lie, any lie. And yet I was a terrible mess and her eyes were scanning me from head to toe. Another confident smile and she jerked her head.¡¯¡¯They are gone, I will help you tied up.¡¯¡¯


    As she was fixing my hair and gave me a cloak to warm me by, she tried to find if I saw everything. Everything? Like her king became old and tired? That he is buying time for something more? But what could it be? He said to me that he stayed because.


    ¡®¡¯There is a prophecy isn¡¯t there?¡¯¡¯I looked above the woman whose lips now parted.


    Now all warmed up and my hair braided with one of her ribbons we began walking back to the temple.


    Adara seemed to be a kind woman, generous despite that she is a messenger and also a spy for Persues. She had that playful grin that in a moment it could turn to something captivating, and innocent. And so beautiful that could make my heart rush.


    She explained that she was found by Perseus four years ago, trying to steal from noble men. When his soldiers caught her, instead of punishing her, he offered her a job.


    ¡®¡¯And you are alright with it?¡¯¡¯I asked her and she let out a pout.


    I knew that she understood my question. I saw how most of the men, even followers of the king, felt about it.


    Shouldn¡¯t be here. She doesn¡¯t deserve any favors.


    She scoffed and kept walking. ¡®¡¯I have the king¡¯s favor, it doesn¡¯t matter what I feel or others feel.¡¯¡¯


    A tight knot on my chest caught me off guard and I stared at her. Is this what I wanted to feel? So free from every worry?


    ¡®¡¯You have a kind king¡¯¡¯I spoke softly and tried to look away from her, clenching my wounded arm.


    But Adara kept talking.¡¯¡¯I have a frightened king.¡¯¡¯


    We both stopped pacing as we were near the temple. And she took one more glance at me before she explained.


    ¡®¡¯People say that the king received an old prophecy, so old that only his father could admit that it was true.¡¯¡¯


    I rubbed my arm as she kept speaking with a harsher tone. As if she was also in pain.


    ¡®¡¯That one of his father¡¯s children will manage to overthrow him. And he will be remembered as the greatest.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯The greatest?¡¯¡¯I asked her now even more curious.¡¯¡¯The greatest of what?¡¯¡¯


    She did not reply with Paris now rushing to our side with his puppy smile around his face.


    ¡®¡¯Oracle¡¯¡¯He panted and took a look at me before he turned on Adara.


    Suddenly his expression changed. His brow wrinkled with the light of his eyes vanishing and his mouth began to create a snarl.


    He turned now on me with an arched brow.¡¯¡¯I did not know you were with someone.¡¯¡¯


    What an expression and tone.


    ¡®¡¯Paris this is Adara, she is a messenger of Perseues.¡¯¡¯


    Looking at her now, I could see her smile like a fool with her cheeks all flared up.

 THIRTY FOUR

    APOLLO


    ¡®¡¯So she is..your friend..¡¯¡¯I turned once more at that Adara woman and the prophet started nodding.


    ¡®¡¯Oh, now¡¯¡¯Adara smiled and wrapped her arm around the woman. I could feel that pain in my chest once more as her face moved on the woman¡¯s curls.


    ¡®¡¯I wouldn¡¯t say we are that close but¡­¡¯¡¯Her lips smirked and she pushed away, leaving the woman¡¯s face all red.


    ¡®¡¯She is my favorite around here.¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Favorite?¡¯¡¯ The woman poured confused.


    I took a deep breath and smiled at Adara.¡¯¡¯I assume you are also spying for the king?¡¯¡¯


    She backed away and clapped her hands. ¡®¡¯Oh you are correct¡¯¡¯She laughed and I kept my smile, letting the woman look at us confused, each gaze of her turning left and right.


    Letting out a restless breath, I leaned to her and whispered, cupping her chin.


    ¡®¡¯You won¡¯t mind if I talk to her now would you?¡¯¡¯


    Turning back, I saw her nodding in confidence before walking away, and Adara waved her farewell. A few seconds after she vanished into the temple, I turned to that woman and grabbed her throat.


    ¡®¡¯Come now Brother¡¯¡¯Hermes¡¯ voice spoke out of her mouth.


    ¡®¡¯What are you doing here?¡¯¡¯I rasped and pulled her closer as I dragged us both inside the forest.


    I let him go free as he took a deep breath and formed back on himself.¡¯¡¯I am doing ¡®Father¡¯s orders¡­keeping his mortal son safe.¡¯¡¯


    My response to that was to glare at him as he started flying around.


    ¡®¡¯Now, you don¡¯t believe me?¡¯¡¯He gasped.


    ¡®¡¯Protecting the mortal som, you mean flirting with a fake prophet?¡¯¡¯


    Moving now fast on me, he let his face close to mine. And he grinned.¡¯¡¯Well, our brother looks to have enough protection ¡­and I was bored.¡¯¡¯A groan.


    ¡®¡¯I told you to stay away from her.¡¯¡¯ I walked around and he kept following.


    ¡®¡¯I do not take orders from you¡­¡¯¡¯He reminded me and when his feet fell to the ground, he returned to that woman¡¯s disguise.


    ¡®¡¯Do you really think that she would fall for your flirtatious attempts?¡¯¡¯I laughed, knowing well that she wouldn¡¯t even look at him back in any form or shape if he tried to persuade her.


    ¡®¡¯Maybe, brother, ¡®¡¯He walked close to me and whispered right in my ear.¡¯¡¯Not everyone is interested in you.¡¯¡¯And with that, he left.


    After the woman ended up with the prophecies, she revealed herself from the veil to the rest of her people while I was sitting close to one of my statutes. Her eyes did not even catch me. Not when she was talking to the civilians, not even when she was pushing lies to their throats. Even when we were all eating, I tried to sit next to her but Adamantious and Myrto took my chance.


    I thought that my plan started working. And yet she was still further away.


    That is how she was every day for the few weeks as she was supposed to rest herself. And almost every early morning I could see Hermes dressed in Adara¡¯s form, talking with her near the forest. That look that this woman had¡­The light, her lips forming a sweet smile. Was he falling for him?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I am guessing that you were drugged¡¯¡¯I announced to her inside her room while she was facing the woman who was sitting and studying the herbs she was given by the civilians.


    ¡®¡¯How do you know?¡¯¡¯She asked, with her head stuck on her hemlock and lavender.


    I moved closer to her.¡¯¡¯Unlike you, I am a perfect healer.¡¯¡¯I said dryly. She still avoided me.


    Why was she so distant now? Did the poison kick her brain?


    My eyes fell on the blue ribbon she was wearing. I let down my finger on it and touched it all so softly, just to notice how expensive it felt on my skin. Not even with all those gifts she would wear something like this. And then I remembered a special someone who wore a ribbon on her hair.


    ¡®¡¯Did Adara give you this?¡¯¡¯I asked as calmly as I could.


    She simply nodded and I let the ribbon out from her hair, letting them fall down to her waist.


    Now, she finally looked at me. with a glare.¡¯¡¯Why did you do that for?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I thought that priestess and prophets were not supposed to¡­¡¯¡¯My fingers began to play with the ribbon.¡¯¡¯Stay so close?¡¯¡¯You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    She let out a scoff with a smirk curling her wounded face.¡¯¡¯Are you perhaps envious?¡¯¡¯


    I did not answer. Me? Envious. The only thing that I cared about was now him not messing with my plans.


    ¡®¡¯I believe¡¯¡¯I clicked my tongue.¡¯¡¯Is that you are trying to gain information out of her.¡¯¡¯


    She leaned closer to me and squeezed her gaze.¡¯¡¯Is that what you believe it happened or what you want to believe?¡¯¡¯


    I replied by moving even closer to her.¡¯¡¯What would you darling Adamantious say?¡¯¡¯


    She did not answer and turned her back on me once more. How could she be so cold? After everything¡­I thought that it worked. Why hasn¡¯t she fallen for me?


    ¡®¡¯I put the herbs that the doctor gave me for..¡¯¡¯She changed the subject and showed her arm. ¡®¡¯But I wasn¡¯t aware that he would give me opium or it would go that¡­.¡¯¡¯Her fingers traced upon her lips.¡¯¡¯I missed so much time.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You have other three moons.¡¯¡¯I shrugged at her and her tone rose.


    ¡®¡¯It is not enough¡¯¡¯ Jars fell to the ground, smashing into pieces.


    Her scream echoed all around the place and I was certain that the rest would come inside.


    It is not enough. She is mortal after all. She will die. So soon she will perish. And even if her fate would be different she would be found dead in how many? Fifty? A hundred years? Yet, she was still yearning for time.


    All pathetic she was yearning at her table with dust flying from the floor until near her table, her arms hugging her face.


    ¡®¡¯Not enough¡¯¡¯She mumbled and I moved to her side.


    ¡®¡¯You won¡¯t die in the way you think¡¯¡¯I admitted. She would die by me and only me. That is what I long for.


    I waited for her to say a simple ¡®¡¯Thank you for believing that¡¯¡¯ or ¡®¡¯I am sorry that I was so rude to you.¡¯¡¯ Instead, she spat out.


    ¡®¡¯Let¡¯s go to a brothel.¡¯¡¯


    Once again, the door opened with Adamantious looking like a fool but instead of staring at me, he turned his gaze upon the woman.


    ¡®¡¯I think¡¯¡¯He took a deep breath.¡¯¡¯That you are far too sick.¡¯¡¯


    But the woman stood on her own two feet and arched her arms, letting out a small whine.


    ¡®¡¯I am perfect but Adara did inform me that the healer¡¯¡¯She took a look at me with my fingers fidgeting, playing with that blue ribbon Hermes gave it to her. My gaze found the nearest bright candle fire and let his gift burn with ease, with her now talking to her lover.


    ¡®¡¯Is visiting brothels here so I might find anything about why he tried to give me this.¡¯¡¯


    Adamantious squeezed his eyes.¡¯¡¯You are already taking so many herbs perhaps that it was what¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Sadly¡¯¡¯I spoke above his false excuse. ¡®¡¯It is heavily true that the opium made the side effect.¡¯¡¯


    Adamantious grunted and turned on the girl. ¡®¡¯Just tell me who he is and I will go-¡¯¡¯


    But she shook her head.¡¯¡¯It is alright, I can go. ¡®¡¯


    She could go. But the sun had begun to fall. And I could not look at her. Each sunrise is shorter and shorter. And what was Hermes planning, giving information like this?


    But perhaps, Admantious could protect her.


    ¡®¡¯Let her go, take some fresh air.¡¯¡¯I suggested, walking slowly away.¡¯¡¯See something interesting¡¯¡¯Another smile from me and Adamantious grunted. But I leaned closer to him.


    The woman was tired, she was in a panic. And if she couldn¡¯t fall for me, back to the plan of using this brute it was.


    ¡®¡¯Look, she seems to be under a lot of pressure, and a night outside of this temple will actually benefit her.¡¯¡¯


    Of course, he did not believe my lie and he arched his brow.¡¯¡¯You won¡¯t go with her.


    So I raised my hands and I laughed.¡¯¡¯Oh, I have other errands to attend to.¡¯¡¯


    Such us not getting beheaded by Themis and trying to not kill my idiot brother.


    And his expression softened and looked at the woman who had started moving her broken things back on the table. Such a waste of herbs, now she will probably need to throw them all away.


    ¡®¡¯Alright, let¡¯s go then.¡¯¡¯Smiled adamantly and the woman nodded and I kept walking away from the grinning couple.


    Maybe her heart was destined to fall for him, fall for a mortal.


    The sun had fallen and my mind was rushing to any idea of her being surrounded by people, her smile wide, her body being in everyone¡¯s gaze for them to lust upon¡­


    And I wouldn¡¯t be there either¡­


    My chest had tightened and the sound of a tympanum shouted from the center. My memories appeared back on her, the pain grew once to my body and I fell on my knees, panting heavily.


    In eerie thought she was there, she was laughing, shouting, she was walking, she was dancing, she was breathing.


    What poison was she that could make me like¡­.


    And there it is now. A big white she wolf standing in front of me, looking at me with her haunting eyes. Her mouth was filled with pieces of gold cotton.


    Just the image of it made me want to spit on the wolf¡¯s face. But the messenger left the cotton on the winter grass and started walking far from me.


    The fur of a golden fleece. Not even Gods can see beneath it. Not even Fates itself.


    Something so rare that it was ordered by Hera to protect them. And she gave them to¡­


    ¡®¡¯Did you tell her?¡¯¡¯I asked Artemis who was spying on me behind the trees. There was no need to look at her figure, I was certain that she was there. My sister could hide well but not from me.


    ¡®¡¯No,¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Liar¡¯¡¯I mouthed.


    ¡®¡¯Apollo I did not talk to her.¡¯¡¯She stated and galloped to my side and knelt down.¡¯¡¯Matter of fact I haven¡¯t talked to her for¡­hundred of years?¡¯¡¯ She thought and I looked at her with a pout.


    ¡®¡¯Fine, half a century however I did not tell her anything about this.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯So what does she want?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯A second chance?¡¯¡¯She suggested it but I could only laugh at it. But this¡­this was not enough but it could help me so so much.

 THIRTY FIVE

    LYSSANDRA


    I wrapped my chest tight with a piece of fabric, making myself look all flat on the reflection with my yellow hutton. I hid my hair behind a cloak but before that, I cut a few parts from it, and with honey, I stuck them around my chin, trying to make a good-looking beard. Even if I had a hood to cover my face I could imagine few people finding me charming. But when Adamantious walked inside the room, one look he took and he turned his gaze away. No flushing cheeks, no admiration. Just pity.


    I stung my tongue as I walked on his side.¡¯¡¯Come now, imagine me as a brave warrior, returning from his battles¡¯¡¯I lowered my voice as he followed me.


    ¡®¡¯A warrior?¡¯¡¯He laughed a bit harshly.


    ¡®¡¯Slayer of monsters, protector of women and orphans.¡¯¡¯I kept imagining myself with all the glory and amusement of a crowd.


    ¡®¡¯But just like any warrior I cannot say no to a good pleasure.¡¯¡¯I grinned at my friend whose smile faded once more.


    ¡®¡¯And what am I in your story?¡¯¡¯He sounded all serious, in that military tone.


    I had no response. I just kept walking to the exit of the temple.


    All those years here this was the second time I entered the village. But it was the first time I visited at night. I did not expect that the marketplace would still be open, with so many men around, selling delicious fruits and colorful fabrics. I moved slowly on one of the tables that had an extraordinary violet color that could be a splendid dress.


    ¡®¡¯Something for the wife?¡¯¡¯The man on the market laughed at me and Adamantious leaned on me. My face already got lifted up and the man blinked.


    ¡®¡¯Oh, I did not know that there were any more wars¡­¡¯¡¯He pouted.¡¯¡¯I thought that Perseus cleaned the fields of battles ages ago.¡¯¡¯


    My lips smirked.¡¯¡¯Oh, this was an old scar from those forgotten battles¡¯¡¯¡¯I tried to lie and I kept staring at the fabric.


    ¡®¡¯We shall go¡¯¡¯Adamantious whispered to my ear and his grip found my wounded arm.


    I held my pain as I could see the idea of me wearing a dress that could belong to a queen. Dressed in gold from head to toe but not like chains, no. Like weapons. My hair was beautifully braided with bright ribbons that could capture everyone¡¯s gaze.


    Adamantious guided me with such ease to a dark alley where I could listen to each sound of pleasure and pain coming from a door right in front of us.


    When we entered, smoke filled my lungs and the bright candlelight almost blinded my vision.


    And then I saw everything that I was expecting to see. The movements of the women were either gentle or rough, with their faces being covered all slowly with one another and the fabrics falling from the ceiling. Lyres played in a hidden corner, making the atmosphere joyful for everyone who was either feasting on wine and meat or mortal flesh.


    A happy man with golden bracelets approached us and I could notice that the first person he looked at was Adamantious.


    ¡®¡¯Welcome, welcome¡¯¡¯He said,moving his hand on the room.¡¯¡¯What do is your desire ton-¡¯¡¯


    Adamantious coughed and tried to walk away but I grabbed his hand.


    ¡®¡¯Thank you my friend¡¯¡¯I forced a charming smile.¡¯¡¯It is my first night in this village and I would like your guidance you see¡­¡¯¡¯I leaned closer to him and pointed at Adamantious.¡¯¡¯My friend is quite shy of admitting he comes here often.¡¯¡¯


    The happy man blinked and then nodded as he made sure I would follow his money-making joyful steps. ¡®¡¯We have whatever it can please you, women of any age, men,¡¯¡¯ He walked around and my gaze could not help but notice that the women he was talking about were either at their early age or far older than any other. And more of that, they were not as many as the men. Turning back on Adamntious it looked as if he had noticed it too. Of course, it wasn¡¯t only that as one older blonde woman pushed her way into his broad shoulders and started to giggle with him. Even if she seemed twice our age she remained beautiful and enticing to gaze with your eyes. But her movements and the way she was leaning to him were not from the first glance. Adamantious had his guard low as the woman looked to have familiarity with him.


    And there was his smile.


    I simply wanted the poison to run right to my heart at that moment.


    When he found the strength to stop looking at the woman¡¯s chest, he found me taking more steps away from him.


    ¡®¡¯Or¡­¡¯¡¯ The man stopped and turned to me with a grin.¡¯We can give you two a private room until you decide.¡¯¡¯


    I answered with a grin and I gave him a few drachmas.


    One of the eldest women guided us to an empty room where it had two jars of wine and a few poppies on a small table.


    I clapped my hands with joy and was ready to jump on the wine but Adamantious caught me off.


    ¡®¡¯I thought that we came here to find the doctor.¡¯¡¯His brow arched.


    ¡®¡¯We did but..¡¯¡¯I removed the veil and jerked my face back to the wine.¡¯¡¯Come on, we never drink together.¡¯¡¯


    His eyes lit up, and he sat down close to the table. I could feel my face itching from the hair and honey, but I did not care at that moment. I was just happy I was outside with him for a moment, as if I had time for everything. I took one of the jars, and I could feel how strangely cold the clay was. Winter was slowly coming, after all, and yet... My nose moved closer to smell it.


    Oh.


    But I could not let this gesture go to waste so I took a small sip, feeling the sweet taste moving from my teeth to my tongue on my throat. I let out a sigh of satisfaction and Adamantious laughed. ¡®¡¯Thais did tell me that you were a light drinker.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯She lied¡¯¡¯I narrowed but I could not help but smile as he kept smiling too.


    ¡®¡¯She would never lie.¡¯¡¯Adamantious gasped.


    ¡®¡¯Then is it true that when you were eight you found a bear and you thought it was Ares trying to -¡¯¡¯


    He halted me with his cheeks being painted red.¡¯¡¯ Well¡­¡¯¡¯ He held his breath.¡¯¡¯Maybe she did lie once¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Once?¡¯¡¯ My brow arched and I kept smirking at his uneasy face. He was far too cute when he had that expression. All so vulnerable, making him be all so close to me.


    And then, he¡­


    ¡®¡¯Why aren¡¯t you angry?¡¯¡¯He asked me dryly.


    My eyes opened wide and I tried so harshly to look away from him.¡¯¡¯Why should I be? I knew it for a long time.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Why?¡¯¡¯He asked again.¡¯¡¯Why aren¡¯t you upset? Why don¡¯t you scream?¡¯¡¯His face began to tense up. I sat down next to him and offered one of the jars of wine. He took it slowly and moved one sip.


    ¡®¡¯I love you,¡¯¡¯I said again.¡¯¡¯And you love me, but I cannot give you what you..¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯All those years''¡¯He interrupted me.¡¯¡¯Me and Thais did everything for you, we gave up our lives for you¡­would you have done the same? Would you give up everything for us?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Of course¡¯¡¯I replied fast.


    ¡®¡¯Then quit.¡¯¡¯He frowned heavily.¡¯¡¯Stop all of this search, those schemes and let¡¯s just leave this place¡­¡¯¡¯


    I could not say yes. I could¡­ I could have given up this entire plan the moment I decided.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    I was locked up in the temple for weeks. None could visit me with the windows hammered with wooden planks. Every sunrise and every sunset there was a prayer escaping my lips, letting Apollo know where I was to save me. Of course, Adamantious always visited me by sharing a wall or the door by telling me everything that I needed to know. The priests still looked for sacrifices while they were all reading in the nearest temples. Thais started having the hang of it with every weapon, making everyone cry. That made me laugh a lot but I couldn''t help but listen to his tone breaking.


    ¡®¡¯I can help you get out ¡®¡¯He suggested.¡¯¡¯All three of us run away together, I have a plan where to hide and stay¡­¡¯¡¯


    But I disagreed. Saying Apollo wouldn¡¯t like it, that I would fail. Even when he begged, I said no.


    There were a few sun threads touching my skin from time to time but when the food came with the door cranking so slowly I could see the man facing me with worry.


    ¡®¡¯Why can¡¯t you be at ease?¡¯¡¯He rasped, giving me the broth next to me.¡¯¡¯I am giving you excuses but now¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Why did you kill them all?¡¯¡¯I asked him with no tears falling this time. Not like when he found me, blood dripping from my face and one missing eye.


    ¡®¡¯That is not your question, is it? You know why I did¡­¡¯¡¯He muttered slowly.


    ¡®¡¯Why did you keep me?¡¯¡¯I asked next.


    He rested his shoulders down and looked away.¡¯¡¯Every God is cruel¡­mortals like us have hubris.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯That does make no sense¡¯¡¯I pouted and the man laughed, letting my restraints down.


    ¡®¡¯Of course, it does not¡­I am no God, I am no cruel kid, keeping you alive is what keeps me¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Gods are not cruel¡¯¡¯I disobeyed. ¡®¡¯Apollo is not cruel, ¡®¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Where Is he then?¡¯¡¯The man asked me calmly.


    Where is he? Where is he?


    That was always a question. Even at my best, was I not good enough for him? Even at my lowest? That money hit me. He never appeared. He never appeared for anyone, not even for the best of his followers. Not even when the whole temple burnt to ashes.


    He would never show up.


    I hate him.


    The man glanced at my terrified expression as his lips formed a smile and his hand grabbed my face.


    ¡®¡¯He is such a cruel god¡­letting the petty pupil of his wander all alone¡­¡¯¡¯His eyes moved down.¡¯¡¯But, my God is merciful, and he has other plans for you.¡¯¡¯


    Plans for you¡­


    My teeth bared right on his fingers, making him gasp for pain then, back to the hot broth, my fingers grabbed the plate before tossing it on his face and I began to run.


    ¡®¡¯Lyssandra?¡¯¡¯ Adamantious woke me up from the memory and I looked up to him.


    Looking down at the jar of wine, I closed my gaze.¡¯¡¯I love you¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Words are not enough.¡¯¡¯He rasped.


    ¡®¡¯What do you want me to do then? Give up? Get on my knees and beg you to stay loyal to me?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯That would be the right thing to do yes.¡¯¡¯


    My body searched up listening to him saying those words. And he regretted the words instantly, trying to hide his face from me.


    His brow twitched as he looked down at the jar and started drinking the entire wine. I was ready to warn him but it was far too late.


    ¡®¡¯You big fool¡¯¡¯I slammed the top of his head and he looked at me confused and drowsy.


    ¡®¡¯What¡­¡¯¡¯ He mouthed, slowly losing the light on his colors.


    One minute.


    ¡®¡¯It was poisoned,¡¯¡¯I whispered, taking out of my binder of herbs that I was hiding close.


    ¡®¡¯How do you¡­¡¯¡¯He began to panic as I was pushing mixes inside his mouth.


    ¡®¡¯Wait you drank too keep for your-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯It is fine,¡¯¡¯ I whispered to him and I moved more herbs inside his throat. He started struggling once more.


    ¡®¡¯Relax my darling¡¯¡¯I grinned, moving closer to him.¡¯¡¯The side effects of it now will be just sleep.¡¯¡¯


    Thirty seconds.


    ¡®¡¯You are helping me?¡¯¡¯This foolish question came out of his pouty lips.


    I let out a sigh and cupped his cheek, thinking that I had given the entire antidote to him. Just him.¡¯¡¯I care about you, of course, I am helping you.¡¯¡¯


    Please just sleep. Please work.


    Twenty seconds.


    He began to fall on my body, his arms wrapped around my waist. His cheeks flushed¡­And his lower part.


    My lips got pressed to a thin line.


    I knew it. Poisoned it was.


    Ten seconds.


    His eyes looked up to me and there was a smile forming from his brute expression.


    ¡®¡¯You look so beautiful¡­¡¯¡¯


    My face flared as I remember I took a sip as well. Stupid wretched girl, wanting to taste drugs like those.


    No, nuh-uh, not today, never¡­


    Finally, he passed out, making me fall down with his body right above me.


    They knew who we were from the start. Even with a disguise, they knew and they did that. Adamantious did not expect it to be drugged.


    Oh, the prophet, the priestess, and her follower, lying together to the brothel so close and dead by a divine punishment. I could imagine that eggplant nose blonde smirking as he made the plan.


    And I could not make him go away.


    Well, my reputation is ruined.


    There was a sound of an opened door. Footsteps began to approach.


    My eyes looked up as I found a half-naked woman with a cunning smile and a dagger in her hands.


    ¡®¡¯Do not move.¡¯¡¯She whispered with her red lips. Her long honey hair was falling to her chest as her olive skin was flawless, in each curve and detail. She had


    I grinned at her and I tried to make my voice masculine.¡¯¡¯We did say to be in private but looking at you now,¡¯¡¯


    The woman laughed, getting down on her knees, the blade aiming at my good eye.


    ¡®¡¯My friend fell asleep early but I cannot lie that I didn¡¯t have my full fu-¡¯¡¯


    I wanted to throw my words as my entire body began to flare. I used up all my herbs on Adamantious, thinking foolishly it could be equal to both of us if we got drugged but he took too much.


    ¡®¡¯He did warn me about you¡¯¡¯She sighed.¡¯¡¯All great oracle, Lyssandra¡¯¡¯


    Of course, she knew, she was probably the one who also drugged the wine. She was not working alone though¡­He¡­


    Checking her forearms I could see her beautiful golden bracelets with eagles carved on each.


    I frowned in disappointment as I laid back my head. The woman pressed her lips to a thin line as she laughed once more, her eyes darting before moving the blade even closer now. Naturally, I should have tried to do anything but my body had become weak, numb so¡­


    Was this the bastard¡¯s plan? Twoliars, and deceivers, died by Zeus¡¯'' punishment.


    All this back and forth¡­so tiresome.


    As I was expecting the end to come there was another voice next to the woman.


    ¡®¡¯Put down that dagger.¡¯¡¯


    The tone, the form of words¡­his¡­


    Looking with all my strength at the girl, golden threads were falling on her body with a bronze grasp tightening her wrist.


    ¡®¡¯Let¡­¡¯¡¯ She tried to speak but the figure pushed her down to the floor. His fingers tracing on her throat.


    ¡®¡¯You really think that you¡­¡¯¡¯I could see his entire form perfectly.


    The woman began to choke and he started laughing heavily, pushing his thumb deeper into her soft skin.


    ¡®¡¯W..¡¯¡¯I tried to speak.¡¯¡¯Wait.¡¯¡¯I gasped out.


    The woman moved the dagger close to him but he stopped her by making her shout. Her hand. He broke her hand as if it was nothing.


    ¡®¡¯Such a whore like you¡­¡¯¡¯His tone was harsh, deeper. Nails pressing on the flesh.¡¯¡¯Thought that would get away.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Please stop¡¯¡¯The woman cried out.


    ¡®¡¯Hurting my Oracle¡­¡¯¡¯ His grin grew even wider.


    ¡®¡¯Paris stop¡¯¡¯I shouted with my throat becoming dry and he immediately turned on me with his wicked grin fading.


    There was a shower of cold sweat dripping on my body.  My heart was racing as if any moment it would explode. Not because of the way he was behaving or the words that he used. Because for just a moment when he was speaking, his lips were unmoved, unbothered. Words were coming out but not from his lips.

 THIRTY SIX

    LYSSANDRA


    ¡®¡¯Stop being a fool and help me out.¡¯¡¯ I demanded.


    For a second he just stared at me before he pouted and laughed away from me, lowering his head and smirking.


    ¡®¡¯Have you seen yourself?¡¯¡¯ asked Paris with his thumb still pressing the woman¡¯s throat.


    I did not speak as he finally let her free to breathe and he moved Adamantious carefully away from me..until he tossed him even further.


    Getting down on his knees his eyes fell on my face. I could not help but realize how different he was at night. The body was still beautiful and yet he looked sicker. The colorful fabrics he was once wearing tight there were nothing more than a plain gray wide chiton. The top of his hair had a pitch-black shade that was growing lighter on each length. Right on his fingers there was a golden thread wrapped tight as if it was a rich beautiful ring. His eyes still had that playful color but I could see spots of gold scattered around. As if they were stars signed up.


    Paris scoffed at me, his hand tracing on my jaw.


    ¡®¡¯What did you do here?¡¯¡¯He asked curiously and I could feel my entire body rising in heat.


    No, not the time. The worst time possible. His fingers were so soft against my skin so gentle and I could only think¡­


    ¡®¡¯Are you sick?¡¯¡¯He looked at me densely.


    Yes, sickness. That was it and only that. The awkward moment was seized as the woman had gained her strength and with her other hand rushed to us.


    I was ready to move away but Paris was faster than that. His hand found her head and pushed her down to the harsh floor.


    As she was surprisingly still alive, I could see Paris being all so amused by her struggling. The blood dripping from behind, her broken hand twitching, cries, and begging.


    ¡®¡¯Do not kill her¡¯¡¯I said dryly to him. His head turned on me, confused.


    ¡®¡¯My, such a good heart you have¡­even if she wanted you dead you will spare her-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I do not care about it¡¯¡¯I admitted, cutting his words sharp. Right now, she was ordered by Dion to kill me. But she was not someone trained. She had a weak grip and her reflexes were even slower. If Dion wanted he could hire anyone with every gold he owned. He did give her the bracelets after all¡­


    Unless.


    Paris let her free and she moved her head up. Walking closer to her, I ripped off my bandage in front of both of them and put it slowly back on the woman¡¯s head.


    At first, she tried to struggle but her strength gave up.


    ¡®¡¯Now, you will show us where the infirmary is¡¯¡¯I told her softly. ¡®¡¯I will treat your hand¡¯¡¯I cupped her jaw, pulling her closer to me.¡¯¡¯And like a good girl, you will tell me everything.¡¯¡¯


    The woman seemed stunned as she nodded slowly and looking back I found that Paris also looked at me with his cheeks all red.


    We managed to take everyone to the infirmary of the brothel without people paying so much attention to them. The healer inside seemed to be quite busy treating bruises and more stitches. Me and Paris did try to keep her in good condition by putting a stick on her hand with fabric wrapped all around it, while Adamantious was resting on one of the beds, still all drugged and dozed. The woman¡¯s blood loss stopped but she still hadn¡¯t gained her entire strength. Sneaking to the healer¡¯s medical supply was easy enough as he was not paying attention, taking herbs to give to the woman. At first, she hesitated but after a quick glare at me, she swallowed them all.


    But when I tried to take herbs for myself, I could not help but notice some quick eyes glaring at me. And thus, with failure, I returned to the others.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    When the healer finally came to us, he took a look at the woman, telling us to leave her and Adamantious away.


    ¡®¡¯Come on¡¯¡¯I smirked at him but he had an empty gaze.


    ¡®¡¯We just need to talk to her-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Out¡¯¡¯The healer commanded and then the woman spoke.


    ¡®¡¯I will find you later.¡¯¡¯


    So we both got outside the infirmary, watching people pleasuring each other.


    We took a seat at a table where a woman offered us a single jar of wine. Pars could not stop looking at the woman¡¯s body as she was leaning closer to him, pouting her lips as if she was ready to kiss him. And he followed by moving to her.


    I was expecting him to be bold enough to kiss in front of me.


    ¡®¡¯Shall she stay?¡¯¡¯Paris looked at me with his wicked smile and I could only think of how he broke that woman¡¯s wrist. He tossed her like she was nothing. She was bleeding¡­


    In the end, I shook my head and he told the woman to go away and he kept looking at me with his cunning eyes. I tried to avoid him when my head turned to the people. Each touch felt like a dance, each sound was a melody. Everything around me felt like a celebration. And I was not a part of it. And the side effects of the drug made it far worse.


    Then, Paris sighed deeply to make me pay attention to him.


    ¡®¡¯You know oracle¡¯¡¯He took the jar of wine and started drinking.¡¯¡¯This is place for pleasure¡­not for just staring.¡¯¡¯


    My brow arched and my head was certainly heavy as I moved closer to him.¡¯¡¯And what are you suggesting?¡¯¡¯


    What did I just¡­


    His eyes opened wide and his confident act for a moment stopped.


    ¡®¡¯Are you so curious?¡¯¡¯He huffed and looked around.¡¯¡¯Well, back when I was younger¡­¡¯¡¯


    He said that as if he was someone ancient. And he barely looked thirty.


    ¡®¡¯Women and men were dancing for me, begging me to just stare at them by using their movements.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Sure¡¯¡¯I said dryly, trying to lower his hubris but it wouldn¡¯t be a lie for everyone to find him attractive. Even now I could see old and very young workers watching him with such an interest.


    ¡®¡¯Don¡¯t you believe me?¡¯¡¯ Paris jumped in front of me with a wide smile.


    With a tongue and a body like his, he could have anyone he wanted with a snap of his fingers. Maybe before coming here, he was a healer getting something else for his help. Or his tactics of healing were a trick of¡­


    So, stupid woman, stop thinking those thoughts when you are in this condition.


    I wanted to speak but my eyes felt right down at his neckline where his chest was usually bared and I could not stop thinking of how appealing he looked now with his fabric covering. Letting something to the imagination?


    Oh shit, I sound like a creep.


    ¡®¡¯Now my oracle¡¯¡¯Paris, index finger touched underneath my jaw, lifting me to stare at him.


    ¡®¡¯Are you one of the people who want my attention too?¡¯¡¯He giggled.


    The drug began to work even more now, I could not listen to the music slowly vanishing. The celebration ceased to exist. The dancers and the lovers were all gone. It was just me and him.


    ¡®¡¯Are you perhaps¡­¡¯¡¯ His hand traced around my throat. Just like when he did it to that woman. The blood, the panting.


    ¡®¡¯Scared of me?¡¯¡¯


    He would do that to you in a second. Break you to a pulp.


    And yet, he almost killed someone. For me. He was doing it for me to be alive.


    He stopped when I told him to. All this arrogance could vanish if I would say, wouldn¡¯t it?


    I smirked as  I leaned closer to him.¡¯¡¯Should I ?¡¯¡¯I whispered close to his ear with my eye finding his entire face flushing.


    Paris painted.¡¯¡¯Just a little.¡¯¡¯


    It was that stupid drug. Because I should have been thinking more important things and yet every thought of mine was how good Paris would look underneath me. Kneeling like a follower mesmerized by their god¡¯s statue. His fingers dug at my hips, caressing every detail like a common mortal touching the first gold in his life. His voice echoed like an artist calling his muse.


    What would happen if I made him bleed like he did to that woman?


    I didn¡¯t realize how close my lips were to his. And his eyes were darting.


    ¡®¡¯Shit¡¯¡¯I narrowed and moved my head down to the table.


    I was dying, people wanted me dead and gone, someone that I cared about was in the infirmary and now I could only think how would Paris body look between my leg-


    The thought was cut off by the woman who tried to kill us. She was standing in front of us with bandages around her neck.

 THIRTY SEVEN

    APOLLO


    One thread of the golden wool was all it took for me to be hidden by Themis. That was all it took and a price that I could not begin to imagine to give back to that woman.


    But I had now the power to move with the woman, fooling her more and more. I could feel the victory so close.


    When the whore called us back to the cold room I tried to search for any other surprise. Just some very young girls and old women and men, ignored us completely as they were serving each customer. But once again, very old and very young women. Only a few that could satisfy me were dancing cautiously around the room with heavy powder on their faces.


    The woman seemed to look really worried as she tried to ask a question but the whore cut her off.


    ¡®¡¯He walked away a while ago¡¯¡¯She cleared her throat and tried to look away from me. Her bruises began to turn all so swollen. Bruises like these will make her stop working for days or even weeks.


    ¡®¡¯Saying he needs¡­¡¯¡¯A pout. ¡®¡¯Time to think.¡¯¡¯


    The woman frowned and shook her head, changing the subject.¡¯¡¯I helped you, now speak¡¯¡¯


    The whore¡¯s lips opened wide and on her knees she fell, her mouth muttering tears and her entire body shaking like a fish. Honestly, that view of her was quite pleasing.


    ¡®¡¯Please, oracle, help me.¡¯¡¯


    Both of us stared at her completely densely.


    The crying prostitute stared at us once more before she explained everything.


    ¡®¡¯It all started few moons ago¡¯¡¯Her fingers began to shake.¡¯¡¯Women, sisters of mine started going missing.¡¯¡¯


    I let out a deep breath.¡¯¡¯So? They probably ran away or got kidnapped, why would you need her help?¡¯¡¯I turned to the woman who remained silent.


    The prostitute continued.¡¯¡¯One time, I managed to catch one of them, walking away in the heavy dark of night. She was walking to the forest, her clothes woven for a wedding, just like her face. I tried to talk to her but she did not respond. She kept walking¡¯¡¯Her voice cracked.¡¯¡¯And walking, walking so deep to the forest until her steps vanished into the cave of the snake.¡¯¡¯


    And there it was. That pain in my chest and my gaze turned curious on that woman.


    ¡®¡¯I asked for Dion¡¯s help¡­¡¯¡¯She cleaned up her face. ¡®¡¯And he told me he would help me if I..¡¯¡¯ Her eyes moved on the  supposed oracle.¡¯¡¯For a few days, I managed to work at King Perseus¡¯ place, slipping from bed to bed¡­¡¯¡¯She squeezed up her legs.¡¯¡¯Slipping more than me to places they do not belong.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯So you put the opium¡¯¡¯The woman¡¯s brow arched.


    ¡¯¡¯Yes,¡¯¡¯She sighed.¡¯¡¯And when I saw your terrible disguise tonight, I found the opportunity. ¡®¡¯She sat back in the chair, spreading her legs.


    ¡®¡¯But it was all pointless, so¡­¡¯¡¯She smirked at us as if she didn¡¯t beg like a dog before.¡¯¡¯I am asking for your help.¡¯¡¯


    Silence. Such a deep silence but it seemed she would help. She must defeat the snake either way so¡­


    And a laugh came from the lying woman. A heavy cruel laugh.


    ¡®¡¯Why should I?¡¯¡¯


    Eh?


    The prostitute blinked.¡¯¡¯Please Lyssandra, try to find those girls,¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You tried to kill me, twice¡¯¡¯She smirked and moved at her close.¡¯¡¯Twice.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I didn¡¯t have any other choice.¡¯¡¯


    The woman scoffed disappointed.¡¯¡¯You should have come to me first then.¡¯¡¯


    Was this an act? Away to manipulate her? Lie to her teeth? No, it was not and it was so clear. Even if she was tricking her so clearly, those thoughts, those words she was spitting were her own true emotions. Her face wrinkled, her gaze shifting harshly.


    ¡®¡¯How cruel¡¯¡¯I muttered and turned my head away, hiding my wide smile as my cheeks turned red.


    The woman ignored me as she was facing down the prostitute.


    ¡®¡¯And why should I believe you? Maybe that¡¯s also a plan from that punny priest.¡¯¡¯Her body moved closer to the whore and her nails grasped that freshly wounded face of hers.


    ¡®¡¯Why should I risk my life for you?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯No, I am not working for him¡¯¡¯She said with all honesty but the woman had more things to say.


    ¡®¡¯Then how did he find you?¡¯¡¯


    Her lips twitched.


    ¡®¡¯He¡­¡¯¡¯ Her head fell to the floor and moved back on the ground.¡¯¡¯He comes often.¡¯¡¯Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    And another shared glance of disgust came as a response from us.


    ¡®¡¯I will throw up¡¯¡¯The woman¡¯s cruel mask broke for a second and then she clapped her hands with one more grin coming on her face.


    ¡®¡¯So, he chooses you?¡¯¡¯


    The woman frowned and then nodded.


    ¡®¡¯Great¡¯¡¯The fake oracle¡¯s gaze became all so soft as she tried to explain her plan to the whore.


    ¡®¡¯I will help you if you help me. Spy Dion for me, and tell me everything¡¯¡¯


    The whore¡¯seyes lit up with all so much hope.


    ¡®¡¯But if you double cross me ¡®¡¯Her voice depended and turned back to me. ¡®¡¯My friend will finish the job.¡¯¡¯


    The whore¡¯s wide eyes turned on me with such a scare as if I was ready to end her life. I must have scared her for her to make such a beautiful expression.


    ¡®¡¯You are cruel,¡¯¡¯ She narrowed at the woman, standing up tall.¡¯¡¯Do you know what things people say about you?¡¯¡¯


    The woman raised her height and tried to look as if she cared.


    ¡®¡¯That from the moment you came here the village has split in two, and they are also blaming you for the snake? The night the king arrived a house was burnt and the people began to miss more.¡¯¡¯


    A house was burnt.


    ¡®¡¯Then they should blame Perseus.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯He came to see you¡¯¡¯The whore spat at her¡¯¡¯Do you even know how many people have went missing?¡¯¡¯


    The woman remained silent.


    ¡®¡¯No, you do not care, you only care for yourself.¡¯¡¯


    Jaw clenched listening to those words and watched the woman still being silent.


    ¡®¡¯You really think¡¯¡¯The whore laughed.¡¯¡¯That you and Dion are not the sa-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Enough¡¯¡¯I whispered to the whore as I was standing right behind her with my hand wrapped around her throat. Her pulse began to rush, her lungs, trying to reach for air.


    How dare she compare this woman with that stupid man? She was attacking me


    ¡®¡¯My oracle is sparing your life.¡¯¡¯I looked down at her with my eyes, finding a glimpse of the woman¡¯s husky breaths. Her bronze skin slowly flushes red and¡­


    Oh.


    ¡®¡¯Enough Paris¡¯¡¯She cleared her throat and she walked away from both of us. But before opening the door, she turned on the whore who I had now let free.


    ¡®¡¯You are right about me and him but there is a difference.¡¯¡¯


    The whore hummed.


    ¡®¡¯I am not going to lie of helping you.¡¯¡¯


    +++


    ¡®¡¯This was¡­¡¯¡¯I tried to make small talk with her as her eyes were looking at the grass as we tried to walk back to the temple.


    ¡®¡¯Come on now my oracle, you made progress.¡¯¡¯ I forged a smile on my lips.


    She just nodded.


    But her eyes were heavy dark, her lips were dry and every playful thing that once came from her was gone.


    Those cruel words that she said¡­the words that this whore spoke for her. I looked down at my hand which was still twitching with anger. Why was I so mad about it?


    ¡®¡¯This woman was a complete liar you and he are completely different¡¯¡¯I grinned and she turned on me confused.¡¯¡¯He is charismatic, he has more wealth, and based on the women he is choosing he has a lot of stamin-¡¯¡¯


    I was expecting a death glare from her but instead, she was giggling like an idiot. A charming beautiful laughter that belonged to an idiot.


    But then she turned to another empty expression.


    Facing the glooming woman now, and noticing her heavy breathing I could only comfort her.


    ¡®¡¯He will be there,¡¯¡¯I announced to her. That was the truth. He would be until the very end.


    ¡®¡¯The man loves you far too much .¡¯¡¯


    Once again silence.


    ¡®¡¯And if he isn¡¯t there¡­¡¯¡¯I squinted playfully closer to her.¡¯¡¯I won¡¯t go anywhere. I promise¡¯¡¯


    She stopped walking and turned to me with a frown. How flushed her cheeks turned, her eyes darting. The brute was not the only one who drank from the wine was it?


    ¡®¡¯Why?¡¯¡¯ She asked.


    Because when your punishment happens I will enjoy devouring your flesh, drink your blood like wi-


    I cleared my throat and leaned closer to her with a smile.


    ¡®¡¯Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡¯¡¯I arched my brow and she looked up at my gaze.


    She let out a harsh chuckle.¡¯¡¯I knew it..¡¯She moved closer, standing better on my height.


    I kept smiling at her with my chest becoming tighter.¡¯¡¯Knew what?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You are saying all those things to me¡¯¡¯So close so close, I could smell the herbs and the wine with the deep scent of her body. And how sweet it was from the honey.


    ¡®¡¯Trying to be so close¡­yet¡¯¡¯She wrapped her fingers on my arms, pulling me closer.


    That was it. I was ready to kiss her, make her mine.


    But instead of a kiss, she found my ear and let out a whisper.¡¯¡¯You have that look in your eyes. That¡­hate.¡¯¡¯


    My eyes darted as I heard that. She knew that I hated her and yet¡­


    She was not in control now, her body was leaning once again so close. She was all so vulnerable and¡­


    Why am I hating this? Why is it so easy?


    ¡®¡¯Not tonight oracle¡¯¡¯I said, pulling her by the waist and moving her heavy body on my shoulders. Letting out a heavy squeak it seemed perfectly that her dramatic mask had fallen off. She tried so hard to restrain herself, did she?


    ¡®¡¯Let me go¡¯¡¯She whined and started punching my back with her brute fists. Surprisingly it did hurt.


    ¡®¡¯Not in this condition.¡¯¡¯


    With my hand slapping her hips, I kept carrying her inside the temple so I could guide her to the bathtub.

 THIRTY EIGHT

    APOLLO


    With my hand slapping her hips, I kept carrying her inside the temple so I could guide her to the bathtub.


    Thanks for my power,no sound will get out from that room. And another enchantment to none to get in.No matter what this woman would get out, none would listen to it. But it was a lot of energy for even that as I also lit up the candles with my own two hands. Pouring warm water and flower petals inside it was the easy part but undressing this woman was the true fight.


    ¡®¡¯I can do it myself¡¯¡¯She said, drunk, slapping my hand away from her.


    ¡®¡¯It¡¯s better for your hands to not be close to yours¡­¡¯¡¯Reaching my fingers once again in her clothes was once again a failure as she kicked me right down to the water. I let my body go down, watching the golden thread flow tide up on it perfectly. The water was warm enough for the drug she consumed to worry off quickly without any reason to lock her up for hours¡­


    Wait, why am I helping her?


    I opened my eyes to see now a woman with scars on her naked body, staring at me as she dove on the water.


    Oh.


    I grabbed her by the arms and pushed her above the water, making both take a deep breath.


    ¡®¡¯Are you insane?¡¯¡¯I shouted, making an echo. But she laughed out loud, showing the fake beard to fall off. Even intoxicated she had such an interesting laugh. So loud and harsh and yet her lips formed a beautiful bow with her dimples showing up.


    ¡®¡¯Alright¡¯¡¯I panted, looking at her deep eye.¡¯¡¯I shall go.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯No, stay.¡¯¡¯She pouted, moving her head back.¡¯¡¯Swim with me.¡¯¡¯


    My eyes fell down to her collarbone and noticed how close her chest was to my torso. And then it hit me. We were all alone. She was so close to me without any clothes.


    She was driven by lust and poison to me. She was all mine now, all vulnerable. So easy. And yet¡­


    ¡®¡¯I shall stay with you¡¯¡¯I cupped her cheek. One more grin from her.


    ¡®¡¯But not inside ¡®¡¯And I pushed myself out of the tub.


    I was hiding behind a column for the woman to be ready. And my mind rushed to a million thoughts in my face could not stop getting all flushed.


    I could have kissed her harshly, I could have laid her down in bed, I could have made her sing like a swan, her lips kissing every part of me, and¡­


    ¡®¡¯What¡¯s the matter with me?¡¯¡¯I muttered.


    ¡®¡¯Come here¡¯¡¯She said dryly. Seems the toxins were now gone from her body.


    Walking back, I wasn¡¯t expecting her to still be inside the water. The steam became heavy from the heat and her gaze looked at me all so deadly as if she was actually going to kill me.


    ¡®¡¯I¡­¡¯¡¯my lips rang.


    ¡®¡¯Jump in the water.¡¯¡¯


    And my chest tightened to listen to her lips muttering it like a command. My eyes were wide open as my face continued to feel all so warm.


    ¡®¡¯My oracle¡¯¡¯I returned back to my flirtatious act.¡¯¡¯What will the people say?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Just jump you fool,¡¯¡¯


    Perfect the moment to take my revenge. But the moment I let down my chiton, she turned her back on me.


    ¡®¡¯Oh, my oracle, do not be shy now, I remember how much you wanted.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯The oils are there¡¯¡¯She pointed with her fingers at a few jars.


    Oh. She wanted me to bathe her.


    I moved the jars close to her and fell to the water, splashing her back with my weight, but still she did not move.


    I poured a little oil and abrasive on my hands and moved it first on her hair. I was a servant once for a prince, getting used to bathe him and treating him like a servant should treat a future king. But she was no king, not even a queen.


    And yet.


    ¡®¡¯Thank you for tonight¡­¡¯¡¯She muttered.


    I let out a chuckle as I rubbed her curls.¡¯¡¯Of course.¡¯¡¯


    And she turned her entire body back to me with glaring eyes facing me once again.


    ¡®¡¯Why did you come?¡¯¡¯She asked.¡¯¡¯Why did you do this to her?¡¯¡¯


    She was so infuriating that my lips tried to make a snarl but ended up as a slide smile¡®¡¯Oh, so you wanted to die.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Why did you come?¡¯¡¯


    Because I hate you.


    ¡®¡¯To make sure¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Not lies.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Alright¡¯¡¯I laughed harshly at her, leaning down at her mouth.¡¯¡¯What did you do the night when Perseus arrived.¡¯¡¯


    Her expression shifted from shock to fear and then anger. Her fingers now moved on my throat. She didn¡¯t even care to remember what I did to that woman before her. If she could now, she would have choked me to the water¡­.Was this her plan?


    But instead, she turned her back on me once more, showing her poisoned arm. The wounds were more fatal as they found the upper part of her arm and shoulder plate as it was spreading close to her lungs.


    What if I healed her? Giving her more time? What if I saved her?


    But I did not.


    I began to rub it slowly, as she let out a painful sound.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    It should have been pleasing for me. Why was it making me sad?


    ¡®¡¯It was Deimaria¡¯s father¡¯¡¯She announced to me.


    ¡®¡¯He came for a prophecy about his cattle¡­Myrto told me that he had a family too. A family that he was preferring to dress his family with bruises and scars rather than fabrics.¡¯¡¯


    Oh.


    ¡®¡¯He was a good father¡¯¡¯ I said with a calm tone but the woman scoffed. Why was she scoffing?


    ¡®¡¯What kind of a father is good when children and wife are shedding tears because of him?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯It is respect.¡¯¡¯I explained calmly to her, remembering ¡®Father¡¯s¡¯ words and lessons.¡¯¡¯It is the only way for the children to understand the true meaning of lo-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Do you love your father?¡¯¡¯The woman asked me and for just once, I had no words to answer.


    I kept staring at her back, scars were drawn all over her bronze skin, flower petals falling from her curly hair as beads of water caressing the end of her flesh.


    Do I love him?


    ¡®¡¯Your hands are shaking¡¯¡¯The woman noticed as I faced my fingers who were clenching her venomous arm.


    ¡®¡¯So what did you do?¡¯¡¯I asked her and she took a while.


    ¡®¡¯He was going to keep hurting them and he was willing to kill me too, driven by anger and pride. Adamantious and the others would have been punished and hurt so¡¯¡¯


    A deep breath.¡¯¡¯I am not regretting it.¡¯¡¯


    So that was it? She killed him because he was cruel? She took a power that was not given to her and acted just? Sacrificing someone in my name for my father? Because he was¡­


    All this because she acts all prideful.


    ¡®¡¯I don¡¯t¡­understand¡¯¡¯I mouthed as she ignored my statement.


    ¡®¡¯Don¡¯t you care about your life?¡¯¡¯Asking now with anger in my voice, I could hear her heart beating faster.


    Each action is more rational than the other.


    ¡®¡¯You do not know me but you are sharing me secrets that can harm you. ¡®¡¯I repeated to her.


    ¡®¡¯You are inviting me to join you naked.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You undressed yourself¡¯¡¯She reminded me.¡¯¡¯You could have entered with your chiton.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯How little do you care about your life, Oracle? Trusting a man so easily, with secrets and with your own  ¡®¡¯I made a mocking scoff as I watched her shoulder plates rising.¡¯¡¯Sacred body so close?¡¯¡¯


    With that question, the woman¡¯s hands reached behind her for mine and as she moved them to her waist, I could see them travel up on her stomach, on her chest, on her collarbone, and her sensitive neck.


    ¡®¡¯Do it then¡¯¡¯She commanded.


    I flinched with such confusion.


    ¡®¡¯If you actually want to harm me, now it¡¯s your chance. I will not stop you.¡¯¡¯


    Do whatever you want with my life, I am all yours.


    Is he treating her life as if it is a bad joke? Does she think that I won¡¯t do it?


    None will listen to her screams for help, none will notice or think to come and save her. I have her now where I wanted from the beginning. Her life in my hands, on her knees, and my flesh covering her throat.


    Absolute perfection.


    ¡®¡¯Such a foolish woman you were¡¯¡¯I whispered close to her ear as I opened my fingers and was ready to cut the thread of her life.


    I could see it snap, her final breath being driven underwater, her body floating to the bath. No blood coming from her, no fight, no struggle, no screams.


    And yet I could not see it with my own two eyes. I could picture it, I could even taste it. But I could not do it.


    What is happening to me?


    She turned close to me now, so close that I could smell the honey that remained on her chin.


    A smile upon her face¡¯¡¯I was right,¡¯¡¯


    My flesh began to warm up even more as her thumb leaned close to my lower lip and caressed it so softly. Showing it to me now I could see a rose petal that was once stuck on my mouth. I didn¡¯t even realize it.


    Was this a trick?


    ¡®¡¯Knew what?¡¯¡¯My brow arched and cupped my fingers on her chin.


    ¡®¡¯That no matter how much you might hate me, you won¡¯t hurt me¡¯¡¯


    Oh.


    OH.


    So that is it.


    It¡¯s not that I couldn¡¯t hurt her, It¡¯s not that she wouldn¡¯t let me.


    I did not want to hurt her.


    She was the one who had control over me. All the power, my power and mind, it was hers. It was not her falling on her knees. It was me. It was not her thoughts being conquered by my presence and name but my thoughts were surrounding only her.


    And I loved it.


    ¡®¡¯Are you¡­happy?¡¯¡¯ My voice began shaking and looking down to her collarbone I could notice how much her breath was quickening.


    ¡®¡¯Maybe¡¯¡¯She squinted her eyes and leaned her lips closer.


    ¡®¡¯What is it now?¡¯¡¯I asked with a pout but instead of responding, she cupped my cheek.


    All alone, both bare naked with one to come in or listen.


    Please. My lips mumbled those words. Please kiss me. I am begging you.


    Her gaze shifted right to my lips, squeezing her heavy brows together.


    ¡®¡¯Goodnight¡¯¡¯She whispered and with that she stood up, walking away from the bath.


    ¡®¡¯Wait,¡¯¡¯ I tried all startled to walk out but she was now dressing herself up.


    ¡®¡¯My oracle,¡¯ Water and sweat was dripping from my entire body, my chest was aching in pain and then as I looked at my hands I could see the thread of the golden shee fading.


    Not now.


    Taking a deep breath and closing my eyes made it easy for me to disappear before it was too late.


    The forest that I ended up in was supposed to be so quiet. And yet I could listen to one strange sound.


    Bum bum. Bum bum. Over and over again


    ¡®¡¯How did it go?¡¯¡¯Hopped Artemis close to me with Aphrodite and Ares following her pacing.


    ¡®¡¯Apollo what happened?¡¯¡¯Her hand squeezed my shoulder carefully.


    What happened? I could not breathe, My body had been showered by cold sweat, my eyes were darting, my lungs were burning, and my chest¡­my chest.


    I rested my hand on the center of it, letting out a groan of pain.


    ¡®¡¯What did she do to you?¡¯¡¯asked Artemis furious.¡¯¡¯That is it I will go and.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯No¡¯¡¯I snarled at her and she looked at me so petrified.


    I did not want to make my sister look at me like I looked at¡­


    Do you love your father?


    Why are those words so¡­


    ¡®¡¯I am sorry¡¯¡¯I moved close to her and curled a sweet smile on my lips. Her ears flickered with Aphrodite now flying near me.


    ¡®¡¯Apollo just tell me what is wrong,¡¯¡¯ Artemis spoke once again.


    ¡®¡¯It is nothing¡¯¡¯I lied to her with a smile and yet that pain¡­


    I could not look them in the eye. Walking away was the only solution.


    The river was cold that time of year. So perfect for my face to be pushed in. But when I got out, my face was still boiling.


    ¡®¡¯You¡­¡¯¡¯ I panted and turned to the fat white dove who was watching over me.¡¯¡¯Knew didn¡¯t you?¡¯¡¯

 THIRTY NINE

    LYSSANDRA


    His fingers were tracing my skin. They were so warm and soft. Delicate so delicate to belong to a man who had the strength and will to kill someone. Hands so soft that none who was a healer should have.


    He knew each spot to heal, to rub, making the pain less. His hand even traced to places that I didn''t even realize that were infected by the poison.


    And his reflection on the water¡­.


    I could listen to his voice. I could hear it¡­But his lips were not moving.


    What did I say to him? What have I done?


    This is bad this is bad this is bad. I tried to take a few steps but a pain began to ache on my chest.


    I walked inside my room and found Adamantious waiting for me. My body has gained its strength back but my thoughts..


    Shit.


    ¡®¡¯About tonight.¡¯¡¯Adamantious tried to speak.


    ¡®¡¯Before you leave¡¯¡¯I interrupted him.¡¯¡¯I am going to ask the questions¡¯¡¯


    He blinked confused before realising what I was asking.


    What would happen if we fail?


    ¡®¡¯Where are we from?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯We are saying to locals from a variety of islands, Dion believes that you are from Sparta and¡­¡¯¡¯ I could study his lips as they were moving in sync with the sound. What if I was hallucinating? What if what I saw before was something else entirely?


    ¡®¡¯I told Perseuss that we are from north Macedonia panted.


    Now it was his turn.


    ¡®¡¯Where is the money?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Near Dion¡¯s temple, hidden deep to the only oak¡¯¡¯I smiled. Enough drachmas for each and any one of you.¡¯¡¯


    His gaze frowned.


    ¡®¡¯What will happen if they find me?¡¯¡¯I asked him.


    ¡®¡¯I give you up¡¯¡¯There was no fear on his voice, no tremor.¡¯¡¯That will make sure that the rest run away¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯And you with them¡¯¡¯I reminded him.


    ¡®¡¯Lyssa-¡¯¡¯He took a step closer to me.


    ¡®¡¯You can leave now, run away¡¯¡¯I felt my chest getting tighter.¡¯¡¯You might find a good woman make a family and have eleven babies-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Why so many babies?¡¯¡¯He asked.


    I threw my hands in the air, giving up. ¡®¡¯All I am telling you is that you can.¡¯¡¯


    My voice stopped as my lungs began to be filled with a heavy ooze. I was ready to choke. My eyes watered and Adamantious rushed to my side, hitting my back.


    ¡®¡¯Breathe Lyssa breathe¡¯¡¯He instructed me like I was a baby/


    The cough was dry even with the blood that I was spitting. And yet I still couldn¡¯t breathe. I could not talk, I could not listen. I could just stare at my arm from my wounded side which was almost being painted with a purple shade.


    Stop. THINK. The angle of my eye found a jar that was filled with purple petals and roots. I pointed out to him and showed him a jar of water.


    ¡®¡¯Why didn¡¯t you tell me it was getting worse?¡¯¡¯He asked, now sitting on his knees and in my hands, we were carefully holding the jar of water and the hyssop.


    ¡®¡¯I didn¡¯t even realize it,¡¯¡¯ I admitted and he hit my forehead. Or at least he tried to.


    A deep disappointing breath came out of his lips.


    ¡®¡¯Why are you like this?¡¯¡¯


    My face turned all red.


    ¡®¡¯Giving the whole antidote to me? Being alone in a brothel?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Paris was there,¡¯¡¯ I explained but his face became pale like the walls behind him.


    ¡®¡¯Do not ¡®¡¯Trying to cut me off but he took a deep breath. ¡®¡¯Sometimes you are so careless.¡¯¡¯


    Silence.


    It was my time to speak. But once again he took the first line.


    ¡®¡¯I care for you just like you care for me.¡¯¡¯His voice was so gentle as his fingers stroked my cheek.¡¯¡¯But I know that you do not love like the way I do¡­¡¯¡¯


    Speak. Speak. Speak.


    I thought that you would have left me. Everyone is wanting something from me, expecting me to be something. Even my dreams won¡¯t come true if I won¡¯t be someone else.


    ¡®¡¯I will stay Lyssa¡¯¡¯His lips kissed my cheek, letting a heavy breath of relief escape my mouth.


    ¡®¡¯Because first, my sister would have killed me and second, you seem to need my help¡¯¡¯


    My cheeks flared and I tried to slap him but he caught it right at the moment my fingers could touch his wild beard.


    ¡®¡¯Told you.¡¯¡¯He smirked.


    He always had the answer to his questions. I hated that. Even if he was right I hated it. It felt that even if he loved me, I had no voice.


    What did you expect?


    I have had enough. Dying slowly and still stupid people around me trying to tell me what I want and what I don¡¯t. What I can and I cannot.


    ¡®¡¯Paris knows about Deimaria.¡¯¡¯I announced painfully.


    And his eyes opened wide.¡¯¡¯He won¡¯t speak¡¯¡¯He explained as if he knew him better. First, he hated him and now he tried to defend him?


    ¡®¡¯I do not believe that he would because he¡­¡¯¡¯The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Another long pause as he tried to look away from me.


    ¡®¡¯He is not a mortal,¡¯¡¯ I spoke first.


    Adamantious stood there, watching me. There were signs that I didn¡¯t want to believe but tonight¡­when his lips were not moving¡­


    I placed the jar on the table and I announced to Adamantious my plan for him.


    ¡®¡¯Go find Deimaria¡¯s mother¡¯¡¯I cupped his face.


    I made a mistake, I spoke. He is not a mortal what if¡­


    I am tired. Tired of everyone, tired of myself.


    ¡®¡¯Take Thais with you too,¡¯¡¯ I explained and then he blinked.


    ¡®¡¯Are you certain?¡¯¡¯


    No. But now, I had to take everything in my own two hands.


    Shaking my head was all it took for him to believe me. He laid a kiss on my forehead before he left my room of course. He probably wished that I actually loved him. The way he loved me.


    I know that I was cruel and lying to him for years. And I wished that he was upset, that he would have left me alone. He didn¡¯t. Because I trapped him in all of this.


    Letting out one more harsher cough, I faced down to the floor, noticing two pale daffodils tied together with a green ribbon.


    How did he do that?


    No time to think about what he wanted. Even if the memory of him being so close to me.


    Begging me to kiss him. If he was a beast, a creature that meant he had power. A power that could destroy me in a second. And there he was, kneeling to the bath, like a wet cat, wishing that I would kiss him. Begging.


    ¡®¡¯This is bad¡¯¡¯My cheeks flared up, trying to hold my smile.


    Focus stupid woman. I slapped my face with my poisoned hand and restrained my painful groan.


    It was nightfall in the golden palace as the sun had disappeared hours before. The flames were lit in my room where maids were preparing me for bed. My hair was brushed down carefully, my garments were loose down to the marble floor. I could see my reflection in the mirror, a face fitting of a princess with bright crimson curls and a clean brown skin. My eyes were in the shade of gold, captivating everyone who could take the chance to look at me.


    ¡®¡¯Did you hear?¡¯¡¯One of the bronze maids whispered.¡¯¡¯Hector killed Achilles.¡¯¡¯


    The maids gasped with joy but I stopped them.


    ¡®¡¯No, it was not him¡¯¡¯ All of them faced me.¡¯¡¯Hector killed his lover, Patrochulus¡¯¡¯


    Their expressions were now terrified. Of course, learning news such as those was not something to be happy about. We all now know the consequences of taking something that others love.


    In a second, the maids were gone and the flames were snuffing out fast. The room became all so cold.


    ¡®¡¯Am I interrupting?¡¯¡¯A sly voice asked me from behind. With each step, there was a loud echo. With each step, each flame was disappearing. Looking at my table, I could see right front a bright apple dressed in gold.


    ¡®¡¯Who are you?¡¯¡¯ I asked wry.


    ¡®¡¯You will know when you are ready..¡¯¡¯ One more flame remained and I stood up, moving to the balcony before the only light close to me would vanish too.


    From down below, I could see a giant wall protecting the kingdom and further away camps of people who want it to be destroyed. Flames lighten up for the fallen.  And one single scream of sorrow.


    ¡®¡¯You know¡¯¡¯The voice whispered close to my ear, and turning back I could see A figure dressed in black leaning to me.


    ¡®¡¯How all this will end don¡¯t you?¡¯¡¯


    I just nodded my head and I looked around, realizing that we were back to my bright room. All the flames had been lit once more.


    The covered figure smiles as he plays with my crimson hair. Underneath the cloak of the figure, a pile of snakes began to crawl around his flesh, moving now on me.


    I did not speak, I did not scream. Eleven when the snakes vanished, his hand cupped my face.


    ¡®¡¯Wouldn¡¯t you like your end to be different?¡¯¡¯


    This dream was not a nightmare. This dream shouldn¡¯t make me scream from the top of my lungs. This dream shouldn¡¯t make me cry. This dream shouldn¡¯t make me realize what mistakes I have done.


    I am in trouble.


    The sun had risen so I got out to say farewell to Thais and Adamantious that had packed their horses together. Clothes, weapons, food, everything that would be needed. As if they were about to leave the village for good.


    Thais, with braided hair, were the first ones to hug me all tight.


    ¡®¡¯Do not die¡¯¡¯She whispered to my ear.¡¯¡¯Alright?¡¯¡¯


    I moved back and shook my head as I could see Adamantious trying to ignore me.


    Thais shrugged.¡¯¡¯He will grow out of it, do not worry.¡¯¡¯There was a pout and one more hug from her.


    I could see them now riding with their horses away and the sun moving higher. Until it was at the top and no horses to be found.


    Perfect. I clapped my hands together thinking there won¡¯t be any distractions anymore. One problem was out. More to go.


    I told the rest about Adamantious and Thais leaving, giving them have a terrified glare.Of course, the only good fighters leaving was a bad idea but right now I was desperate. Deimaria was not there when I explained the reason they left as I told Leon to distract her. She already had suffered enough, making her think that there is a possibility that her mother is alive it¡­.


    Why were my eyes all stung?


    Paris did not appear that morning.


    Even if it was filled with people my mind was at what that woman said before. Missing girls. The snake. The damn snake.


    People say that it is Python.


    The woman said that Python attacked more times when Perseus arrived.


    My head was aching.


    Walking back to my room, I found Deimaria trying to ask me questions about the search I gave to the rest but I shut her off.


    I had a terrible feeling.


    My body feels right at my bed with no food, no water, nothing all day. I just had to think.


    Python¡­What if the snake is Python?


    A snake of myths¡­kidnaping young women? But why? Why would he do this?


    I lifted my head to see a purple hyacinth waiting for me to take it.


    And it hit me. How stupid I was.


    Paris¡­a very old name. Someone who is not human. Appeared the same day with the king. Appeared at the same time as the attacks of the snake.


    Could a snake transform¡­no he was there.


    My thoughts became a hurricane and my heart started to rush like crazy.


    What was the other myth about Python?


    No.


    No, it can¡¯t¡­


    Paris.


    There was a heavy knock on my door, making me jump from my bed.


    The door opened with Alexious having a wide grin on his face and a lyre on his hands.


    I got it down to my bed and I could notice that it was practically new. No marks on the strings, no carvings, nothing.


    ¡®¡¯Paris and I fixed it together.¡¯¡¯He signed.


    My eyes snapped as I noticed it and turned on the door where Paris was ready to enter with a gentle smile on his face.


    Shit shit shit shit.


    ¡®¡¯I am going to teach him if it is alright with you¡¯¡¯He narrowed his gaze and I looked down to his green dress with golden threads stringing down.


    There was a childish pout coming from his sharp face.¡¯¡¯What¡¯s the matter my oracle?¡¯¡¯


    I could not breathe. I could not think.


    My oracle.


    Stupid woman.


    ¡®¡¯It¡¯s¡­no.. nothing¡¯¡¯I stuttered.

 FOURTY

    APOLLO


    Hermes could not stop bragging about that woman who was being found out of the sea.


    Saying that she had become the wife of formidable Hephaestus. But then she was found on their bed with Ares and all tied up in a golden net.


    As my work never stopped I had Hermes to give me information on every minor detail which I couldn''t care less about.


    He even decided to sit on my desk, tossing to the celestial marble floor all of my scrolls, explaining to me how divine this goddess was. Carved by the primordials'' existence and rising from the sea.


    ¡®¡¯She is the most beautiful woman that would exist.¡¯¡¯


    I let out a scoff, trying to make him go away.¡¯¡¯Why don¡¯t you go then? Afraid of Hephaestus nets?¡¯¡¯


    Hermes smirked and he moved closer to me.¡¯¡¯Oh, my dear brother, I wish I could be this close with her.¡¯¡¯


    The way he was talking about her seemed like he had visited more than once. Everyone was calling her the goddess of beauty and love.


    And those words made my curiosity grow. One day when Hephaestus was not around I found an opportunity to move to his chambers.


    As I was ready to approach the bed, I wondered what this goddess looked like. Everyone described her as beautiful, divine but what else?


    ¡®¡¯Who are you?¡¯¡¯A voice echoed in the darkness of Hephaestus¡¯ room.


    Looking around to find that tremendous voice I could only see the thick old bed. But none was there.


    ¡®¡¯Apollo¡¯¡¯I announced myself, holding my smile up.¡¯¡¯Son of Zeus.¡¯¡¯


    There was a scoff. Alright, that mysterious goddess was not only pretty but arrogant.


    ¡®¡¯And let me guess¡¯¡¯The voice came now from the left. ¡®¡¯You are interested in me?¡¯¡¯


    More like curiosity. But I could think of a few ideas with her lying on my chest.


    Now looking above the ceiling I could see her. And I regretted every thought.


    She was a goddess of love? Beauty? Who could think of that?


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    Her skin was made of dark sapphires, light seal scars all over her body. Her eyes, tearing red as she was tall enough to break the bronze ceiling. Her sea foam hair floated around the room and her gaze was staring at my soul.


    ¡®¡¯I just¡¯¡¯My voice shook. I did not want that. How could anyone have wanted this?


    The goddess let out a frown as she lowered her head.


    ¡®¡¯I see¡¯¡¯She mumbled with her body shrinking now, moving at my side. Her fingers could trace my chin, pulling me closer but I pushed her away.


    The goddess flinched and looked around.


    Even if she was close to my height, I could stare at her endlessly, I could admire her. But I could not¡­.I didn¡¯t want it. I could not want her.


    She let her naked body rest on her bed. I followed her and rested next to her. The goddess did not react to it. Probably she was knocked out by how harsh the mattress was. None could have a proper sleep on this bed.


    ¡®¡¯What is your name?¡¯¡¯I asked her and she turned to me. She tried to look around once again until she replied.


    ¡®¡¯Aphrodite.¡¯¡¯


    Even her name was making my own body shake. We spent the day and night together. Lying on the bed without even touching each other. At some point, we began to talk. She laughed, I laughed. But the one thing I was supposed to do and want¡­


    As the days passed without Hephaestus appearing we kept lying on the bed and talking. Sometimes I even played the lyre for her, making sure she would ease up. But even if she seemed relaxed, I could not feel the need to have her. Especially when most of the time she was talking about Ares.


    One night as she was sleeping, I wrapped my arms around her chest, pulling her closer. Each moment was making my body ache. my chest was burning.


    ¡®¡¯Strange isn¡¯t it?¡¯¡¯Aphrodite asked me, her body shaking.


    I looked at her confused.


    ¡®¡¯Love for the gods seemed so simple. No matter what you will have it. It¡¯s unavoidable for a god to not win in those things. But mortals¡­it¡¯s suddenly so complicated.¡¯¡¯


    She turned to me with tears in her eyes and her fingers traced my face.


    ¡®¡¯And you are afraid of it¡¯¡¯


    I laughed. ¡®¡¯Of what?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯How long have we been friends?¡¯¡¯I asked her down to the river. Of course, she did not speak. I took out a few strands of the golden fleece and gave it to her, wrapping it on her little foot.


    ¡®¡¯How long did you know?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯When I heard about you from Hermes¡¯¡¯She flew to shoulder.¡¯¡¯His foolish brother stopping him from doing his ceremony, preventing death, granting punishment to his lover.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I made him live forever¡¯¡¯I muttered.


    ¡®¡¯And then you tried a different approach didn¡¯t you?¡¯¡¯


    I never wanted to feel like this ever again. Not again. Not..that pain was far too great.


    But it will pass. It always... passes.

 FOURTY ONE

    APOLLO


    I found the strength to visit her when the winter sun was at the top of my head. How could I have fallen for her? Not like a god but I had fallen like¡­


    Ignore it, Apollo. Just ignore it. Try to find¡­


    I found Alexious cleaning one of my statues while he was stealing glances to watch Myrto holding a broom and sweeping away the brown leaves.


    The cold was now all invented in this place. Another warning was that time was running out.


    Alexious gaze found me and with a big smile, he rushed at me, singing as fast as lightning.


    She sent who far away?


    This woman was far more insane than I thought. Maybe she actually wants to kill herself.


    Wait, I am caring again. But it was sure without the protection of people who had fighting experience it was a sign for every enemy to be ready to take action. And she had now two brats, a girl with no experience in fighting and¡­


    Alexious moved back to see Myrto who was now stepping into the valley, his cheeks flushing. Eyes admiring every part of her and the boy could not even try to hide it.


    Was this temple cursed? Must everyone fall for someone?


    He wanted a lyre, correct? If I could make him and help me play, maybe his mind would be clearer.


    Well, it would also be great for me.


    Inside their room, there was wood stocked like a pyramid which was next to an army of small wooden statues. Alexious explained to me that it was Leon¡¯s work.


    It was childish, made by someone who had almost zero experience but taking a better look at them I could see that that little boy was carving figures of Gods. Almost everyone, even me. My hair was short and my entire face seemed broken but I could see the lyre that I was holding tight.


    ¡®¡¯Alright¡¯¡¯I turned to Alexious and I grabbed one long log and one of the knives. ¡®¡¯Let¡¯s start.¡¯¡¯


    Lyre was made of animals and shells. But this one was mostly a toy. I can still remember when Hermes gave his sad excuse of a lyre as an apology from him, stealing my cattle. But when I traced my fingers on the strings, the most astonishing melody came out. I could see the harmony in the air, on the light, and my little brother¡¯s face. I could see his true intentions and the real reason he did all of it.


    He was still in a child-looking form, his hair was cut short and his eyes wide open with mischief written all around it.


    And yet his true intentions¡­


    He was very thin, his chopped hair dirty and his grayish skin filled with bruises. In a corner there was his mother, hiding with her hands shaking.


    I woke up from my thoughts when Alexious began to poke me. Or maybe he did it longer because the lure was finished. Carved slight, few twists. Normally mortals could finish something like this in a week or two but I just.


    I blew my cover.


    I pressed my lips to a thin line and begged that Alexious did not notice anything strange. His mouth grew a wide smile and jumped far to his table, showing me a few threads of fabric. That still wouldn¡¯t do the job and yet.


    ¡®¡¯You must truly love that girl¡¯¡¯I signed.


    Alexious nodded with cheeks turning red.


    I wondered.


    ¡®¡¯How does it feel when you love her?¡¯¡¯


    His smile faded and his fingers began to move. As for me, I took the threads and started moving them on the lyre.


    ¡®¡¯My dad was a blacksmith, the one he taught me everything was him.¡¯¡¯


    A long pause as he looked away.


    ¡®¡¯When he passed I ended up on the streets, taking what I could get. One day, as I was hiding from some angry merchants, behind a caravan, I found a girl with an apple in her mouth. She looked at me and I looked at her.¡¯¡¯


    My fingers began to hurt from the threads.


    ¡®¡¯She tried to speak to me, telling me that she needed a hiding place. I guided her to my dad¡¯s old workshop. It didn¡¯t take long for her to understand that I could not¡­but she did not care as she looked around and noticed a few of my works and then¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Wait here¡¯¡¯Myrto whispered as she was moving inside an inn. And by moving inside I mean climbing the window from pillar to pillar until she jumped on her entrance. I waited outside, holding one of the daggers I made circles on the ground until the sun was ready to fall. My mind was on Myrto, her hair being threads of treasurer against the sun, her smile so sweet like fruits as for her voice¡­it was the kindest voice that I had ever heard of.


    ¡®¡¯Kid¡¯¡¯


    I jumped from that harsh heavy voice and turning my head up I could see that this terrible tone belonged to a witch. She looked like a witch at least with her long dark hair and her wild wounded face was not enough as she looked at me with a frown expression, shouting from far away that she wanted to put a curse on me. Myrto held her hand and smiled gently once more as she took a look at me with flustered cheeks. The witch noticed it.


    ¡®¡¯Lyssandra told me that she needed me for my mind¡¯¡¯He was finally finishing his story and he wrapped his arms around him.


    And then he moved on signing.¡¯¡¯I knew that it was not that. But then again I could have been in man¡­¡¯¡¯He stopped and looked away. Even if he never continued it was not hard to find what he meant.


    He was a frail mute boy who was once a thief. And he did not seem a great blacksmith either. The woman probably lied to him so he could be close to Myrto. He could have had so many different endings and if one girl paid attention to him, everything changed.


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    ¡®¡¯Is this love or gratitude?¡¯¡¯I asked him. Mortal love cannot be only that.


    Alexious blinked and he signed.


    ¡®¡¯Why can¡¯t it be both?¡¯¡¯


    My eyes twitched. What did he mean by that? Love was love, wasn¡¯t it? Wanting someone, needing someone that was it.


    Alexious noticed my struggle and chuckled.


    ¡®¡¯You do not seem to have any experience with it have you?¡¯¡¯


    I took a deep breath and looked above. I could say every man, woman, gods, and nymphs I had kissed and climbed in bed with but I knew that this man would not believe me.


    All happy as he was, he wanted to show it to Lyssandra first so I followed him.


    It can be both.


    But why? Why could it be both? Why could it be many things and not one simple thing? Why did I have to hate her, wanting to make her pay, and yet I wanted her to be safe?


    Why¡­


    When I saw her now her expression was what I wanted. She looked at me with fear, her lips were trembling and her eyes darted. It was obvious from her chest pounding up and down that her breath was becoming thin. Even when I asked her if everything was alright she lied.


    Her expression was beyond imagination. I did not like it one bit.


    I signed to Alexuous to leave us and out he went.


    He said that she looked like a witch. A snickering witch that could curse to everyone she pleased.  Perhaps she was a witch, after all, casting a spell on me, putting me into this mess. But now as she was looking at me, trying to cover her bandaged arm.


    My gaze narrowed, realizing that it was getting worse.


    I sat next to her and her entire body trembled. What was the matter with her? Could she¡­No impossible I am always careful.


    ¡®¡¯Let me help you¡¯¡¯I insisted.


    She blinked slowly and after realizing she nodded her head, showing me off her bandaged arm. Unwrapping the fabric my eyes could now see the deep purple color her flesh was being consumed by. She did not have enough time.


    The woman kept staring at me as if she was expecting something from me. She kept staring and staring and I could feel that irritating tambourine on my chest.


    I cleared my throat and looked back at her table. ¡®¡¯Where¡­.¡¯ ¡¯My voice was cowering. ¡®¡¯Do you keep  herbs, wax.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Oh¡¯¡¯She pouted.¡¯¡¯Oh yes.¡¯¡¯


    Standing on her two feet she rushed to her table, taking a jar with chamomile, two wax jars, and a jug of water which she moved on her head. Looking at her like this made my cheeks flush.


    She replied with a pout.¡¯¡¯What is it?¡¯¡¯She asked me.


    Telling her that she looked adorable was not the right answer so I looked away, shaking my head.


    I washed her arm, rubbed it slowly, and then mixed wax with chamomile around the skin, making sure the poison would not hurt her. And every minute I spent my time treating her she was glaring at me. Judging me, criticizing me. Will she put a spell on me?


    I swallowed harshly as I realized we barely had a conversation now.


    I opened my mouth and tried to speak but she caught me fast.


    ¡®¡¯About last night¡¯¡¯ Her tone was clear.


    About last ¡­OH.


    I almost forgot about it. How did I forget when she was so close¡­


    ¡®¡¯Your face is crimson¡¯¡¯She judged me and I turned on the nearest mirror to see that the woman was not lying.


    My lips let out a soft chuckle as I tried to speak but nothing came out. However, I could see that her attitude became rude and cheeky once more.


    ¡®¡¯I think that you know that Adamantious and Thais left¡¯¡¯ She changed the subject.


    I nodded. Even if Alexious did not tell me the reason why I had one in the back of my head evolving into a little girl who was now sneaking from the window to listen to us.


    I let out a smirk and I moved closer to the woman. Her eyes drew up to mine, cold and rational as always.


    ¡®¡¯We have company¡¯¡¯I whispered close to her and she narrowed. But instead of moving back, she leaned to me, one breath for our lips to share a kiss.


    The tambourine again.


    This woman will kill me one way or another.


    ¡®¡¯Come on, don¡¯t be shy¡¯¡¯she played with me, her fingers tracing my golden curls.


    ¡®¡¯I mean you did beg didn¡¯t you?¡¯¡¯


    Damn it. I bit my lower lip and found the little girl¡¯s face turning deep red and falling down.I pushed the woman away and jumped to the window to suspiciously check the little girl who was facing the sky.


    ¡®¡¯Were you..¡¯¡¯She asked me with a pout. ¡®¡¯Making a baby?¡¯¡¯


    My head turned lighter as behind me there was she, glaring with irritation.


    Even if she seemed to not be afraid of me, she had such a gaze of dislike.


    My days after that were spent far away from that woman as she was kicking me out with one of her sandals. What was the matter with her? I was mostly cleaning, watching her tell lies to the crowd, and helping Alexious play a special song for Myrto. Sometimes even Leon and Deimaria seemed to pay attention and enjoy the lessons. That night, the woman announced her job and was sent to the brothel to find information about Dion from that stupid woman. Each time she informed me she was also trying to invite me to her bed.


    Her body was sample with her lips looking so inviting but I knew that even the golden threads would not be enough for me to hide from the lady of Justice.


    Instead, I pushed each and every offer and asked her once again. Why was I doing this? Most of the time she had no news either. Maybe threatening her would do the trick again. Returning to that woman empty-handed and not seeing her at all made me sick. But at the fifth full moon, she told me something t


    I was standing in front of her door with frozen daffodils every night, explaining what was happening.


    ¡®¡¯It seems that Dion is buying people and sending them to the cave.¡¯¡¯I tried to restrain my smile.¡¯¡¯Seems that he will need more people.¡¯¡¯


    No answer.


    I lifted my head as I was expecting her any minute now. Why wasn¡¯t she responding?


    For a mere second, there was the thought of her being down to the floor, paralyzed, limbs shaking. That mere second made the music on my chest louder and I jumped inside the room. Whatever feelings were trying to grow inside me, she shouldn¡¯t disrespect me


    ¡®¡¯Listen to me woman whatever you¡¯¡¯I shouted and what I saw made my hand slip the flowers to the floor.


    None was there. The room was empty with tablets scattered all on the floor. Looking at them I could see that most of them were about venomous snakes, Python, and stories of my child. But the tablet which caught my attention was about¡­


    Wife offerings.


    Written all so hard there were those words that made the instrument silent.


    I let out a curse and began to search the temple, the corners, everything. Outside, in the forest, in the river. My breath began to quicken as I was facing the cave where my son was feasting on people''s flesh. None around to spy on me


    ¡®¡¯Oracle¡¯¡¯I shouted for only the nymph Echo to answer.


    My body tightened with cold sweat showering my spine.


    ¡®¡¯Where is she?¡¯¡¯

 FOURTY TWO

    LYSSANDRA


    ¡®¡¯Thank you my king¡¯¡¯I bowed at Perseus as I was holding the cup of my wine. He looked pleased by my appearance at his home, even late at night. His clothing was warm-toned, and his hand was cupped right at the wine his servant girls gave us.


    Me, in Perseus '' house, felt such a strange invitation, especially when Adara and two soldiers appeared at the temple in the middle of the night. It worried me that I wouldn¡¯t have anyone to protect the temple and the rest. Well, Paris could¡­He did not seem to be dressed as a servant girl again¡­But would he protect it?


    ¡®¡¯You seem like a skeptic oracle,¡¯¡¯Perseus noticed.


    I shook my head, sinking in my thoughts once more. Then again Adara did mention that priests like these wouldn¡¯t interfere with the rules of the son of Zeus. That made me relieved.


    Adara entered the room with a cunning smile and she rested her back against one of the columns.


    But the king seemed different tonight. His eyes had lost the chirpy light, his posture was heavy and his fingers were tapping the edge of the furniture.


    He almost seemed eager for me to say something. Well, it was the reason he asked me here, wasn¡¯t it? I stood up and I told him the truth. That I found a way to stop the snake. I was ready to explain my plan but Perseus stood up.


    ¡®¡¯You are not the first one to say something like this oracle¡¯¡¯He glared at me. I could see now that he got tired of waiting.  Perseus walked close to me as he guided me to the balcony. For a second I thought that he would push me to the ground but instead, he made me watch people carrying masks around the marketplace, putting giant logs to stand on a wide place as they were beginning to show the cattle and goats they were to put on the fire. I was never in any of the celebrations so it was something interesting to see. Maybe I could participate if I¡­


    And then I saw two young boys playing with sticks one of them was pretending to be a snake.


    ¡®¡¯Everyone is expecting this solstice to see something extraordinary¡¯¡¯


    I tried to hide my worries as my wounded hand began to come into pain. And then his arm wrapped around my shoulder. It was a simple movement, a gesture of advice but I could feel a great weight pressuring me down, tickles of energy roaming on my spine.


    ¡®¡¯I know that you won¡¯t be surprised but I am expecting you to succeed¡¯¡¯He informed me with a big smile.


    I turned to him with a frown. Was that a trick?


    ¡®¡¯Perhaps can I ask my king¡¯s reasons for it?¡¯¡¯ I asked him as she walked away.


    He let out a shrug and took a sip from the wine. ¡®¡¯It is a simple feeling.¡¯¡¯


    Do not fail.


    Frankly, it was worse than I expected as I was waiting for him to say that he knew that I was a fraud that I committed crimes and I would be thrown down the river. Yes, pressuring me was worse than death I suppose.


    I walked outside with the guardianship of Adara. Even when soldiers were in the halls they were all looking at us with respect. Or rather her.


    ¡®¡¯I hope that he didn¡¯t push a lot,¡¯¡¯ said the messenger as if she was the one in charge of him.


    I shook my head and kept walking as I looked at the statues of Zeus. There was that thought again.


    ¡®¡¯You said to me a few moons ago¡¯¡¯I turned to Adara who was jumping instead of walking. ¡®¡¯About a prophecy the king was afraid of?¡¯¡¯


    Adara stopped and she turned on me, looking confused. Did I say something wrong? And then I realized that we were still inside the palace with soldiers all around. My face flustered as Adara held my hand tight and we both rushed out. Surprisingly, in that mistake I made she was laughing.


    We remained silent until we walked out of the village, the people were surprised at first when they saw us out but with a glance at Perseus symbols on her clothes they shut out of it.


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    In the middle of the forest, Adara finally spoke.¡¯¡¯He feels haunted by it¡¯¡¯She reminded me again. But that was not enough. Did he want his supposed father to understand that he didn¡¯t want to overthrow him? Or that he wants to and tries to find a way. He is getting way too old for any more conquers and staying here¡­


    Do not fail. Well, I will either die by the poison or by execution.


    ¡®¡¯Now, why wasn¡¯t that handsome man with you?¡¯¡¯ asked Adara, wrapping her arm around me, pulling me closer and I felt my heart preparing to explode.


    ¡®¡¯Adamantious?¡¯¡¯ I asked her and I tried to think of a great lie but she frowned, disappointed.


    ¡®¡¯No, no, the blonde one with the beautiful eyes.¡¯¡¯


    Oh, him. I had to think of another lie since I didn¡¯t know where he was.


    Instead of thinking right, I pushed her away and she seemed all so surprised. Was she expecting something different?


    ¡®¡¯Thank you for helping me but I can handle the rest of the road myself.¡¯¡¯


    Adara blinked and a warm smile formed upon her face.


    ¡®¡¯Of course you can¡¯¡¯She whispered and then she moved her fingers on my hair and almost close to my ears and then my eyes. After this, she offered me a coin. Such an interesting thing to have here, especially her.


    ¡®¡¯Thank you?¡¯¡¯I arched my brow and she laughed.


    ¡®¡¯It is for luck,¡¯¡¯She explained calmly to me.


    Well, it was a nice gift but for luck, I was not for certainty. I was ready to thank her again but that beautiful woman caught me off guard as she laid a kiss on my cheek.


    ¡®¡¯Goodnight, Lyssandra.¡¯¡¯


    Before I was ready to speak she was long gone. So, I walked alone in the forest with a face deep red and warm.


    All those nights with Thais and Adamantious missing felt so dark and lonely. Even if we had fights, it felt terrible without them.


    Maybe they finally chose to leave you, run away.


    I hated those thoughts.


    At the steps of the temple, there was Paris, walking left and right with a sort of panic. His eyes met mine and he rushed to me.


    Another thought that I hated to imagine. Him being¡­even the idea of calling that name made me sick.


    I was waiting for weeks for him to confess something, anything but he would have done it earlier, wouldn¡¯t he?


    ¡®¡¯Where have you been?¡¯¡¯He asked, his lips and voice now in sync.


    Oh right. His hands were tight on my shoulders, asking me the same question over and over again.


    ¡®¡¯Perseus asked for me so I went¡¯¡¯I replied and walked coldly away from him. But he insisted on following me inside.


    ¡®¡¯Listen to me woman,¡¯¡¯ He called out to me as we were standing in front of the statue of Apollo.


    Oh, what happened to the ¡®¡¯oracle¡¯¡¯?


    I turned back to see his body shaking, with beads of sweat falling from his head. Was he mad at me? No, he wouldn¡¯t be like this.


    ¡®¡¯I searched everywhere for you and you are telling me that you were simply called by Persues?¡¯¡¯


    I nodded, I could not understand why he was so upset.


    But I explained what he wanted to say to me and yet Paris was not pleased.


    ¡®¡¯I thought that you were ¡®¡¯His voice shook and I could not listen to anything. I took a few steps close to him but the moment I was ready to reach his hand he pushed me away.


    ¡®¡¯I thought that you were dead or worse¡¯¡¯He barked like a fox, eyes glaring at me and yet everything at sink.¡¯¡¯Why don¡¯t you care about your life?¡¯¡¯


    Why don¡¯t I care?


    ¡®¡¯You are so reckless day by day you are being poisoned and you refuse.¡¯¡¯


    I bit my lower lip and tried to restrain my rage. Who does he think he is?


    There was a harsh laugh and he leaned to me.¡¯¡¯Maybe you want to die-¡¯¡¯


    Everything became so fast, I didn¡¯t realize what I did until his face was turned to the right, my hand was burning and his face had a shade of red with his eyes flickering.


    ¡®¡¯Don¡¯t¡¯¡¯I held my breath.¡¯¡¯I don¡¯t¡¯¡¯Why was my voice breaking?  ¡®¡¯I don¡¯t want to¡¯¡¯


    Not yet. I cannot die yet. Not until I am done with it. I will do whatever it takes no matter who I will have to¡­


    ¡®¡¯Goodnight Paris,¡¯¡¯I said with a mock and walked inside.

 FOURTY THREE

    LYSSANDRA


    I could not stop running away. Not when he was after me. He could always find me, even jumping from hill to hill, hiding near the roots. The ooze that he was spitting on the ground could cause blazes, destroying every sanctuary I could create, Every form that I could take¡­it was not enough.


    Even when I dug a hole in the ground, hiding in the cold dark dirt¡­He could find me. I could listen to his body crawling into the forest and his heavy breath echoing.


    There was one single window that was made of hard rocks, which they could show me on the horizon. My escape, my freedom. But as I was all deep inside it felt like a window of a prison cell. And I was waiting for my demise.


    ¡®¡¯Hiding like a rat little one?¡¯¡¯He growled, his dark body moving around the area. I tried to hold my breath and yet the snake laughed.


    ¡®¡¯No wonder the Queen sent me to kill you¡¯¡¯


    She did? How could she? I thought that she wanted to protect me. Was she that envious?


    Wait what am I saying?


    And a giant eye covered my freedom.


    I let out a raspy bark with fear beginning to conquer me.


    Why am I barking?


    The creature laughed with his emerald eye studying me deeply into the ground.


    ¡®¡¯There you are little fox.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You look¡­¡¯¡¯The fur trader¡¯s brow twitched as he was trying to find the right words to describe me. The dream made me lose sleep so I walked around the forest until the sun appeared and I walked back to the temple. Even with the veil covering my hair my curls were a mess as I ignored Myrto¡¯s pleading for her to braid my hair. And I could not hide anymore how much pain my body felt. So the fur trader found the one who saved his life in one of her lowest moments.


    ¡®¡¯What do you seek here?¡¯¡¯I asked as I turned left and right, noticing that fewer people were coming in the past few cold weeks.


    The fur trader coughed dry and he showed the cart that was standing outside the temple. Taking a look at it, I could see the piles of sheep fur he was carrying.


    Oh, that.


    ¡®¡¯Thank you¡¯¡¯I forced a smile upon my face which made the fur trader laugh heavily and showed me one more part of his gifts. A tall jar made from heavy clay. I did not have to look inside for me to know what it was. The smell was too strong.


    ¡®¡¯Goat¡¯s milk?¡¯¡¯ I was surprised.


    ¡®¡¯Yes, my little ones gave me enough milk and little goats this past few moons.¡¯¡¯The trader looked pleased with the results.


    I did not like how strong the goat milk was and the texture was tingling my tongue but a gift was a gift and¡­


    An idea appeared in my mind that made my entire face shift and scared the trader.


    The black sheep fur was extremely warm and comfortable around my skin as the cold wind was brushing my face. But the smoke of the fire and the boiling cauldron was enough to cut it. Boiling the milk outside the temple was the best solution as the stinking smell would make the entire place reek for months.


    I hated the scent of that milk but the skin of it could help for medical pains and all dried up I could seal some herbs making it as a treat. Or rather a pretty good poison as the taste of the skin would be strong enough for anyone to notice the insides of it.


    But it was taking so long to boil completely. And the grass was still fresh with herbs and flowers blooming all around. Such a nice little treat for me.


    And yet even with me picking herbs, peace was not an option when a single horse was approaching me. Golden was the chest and¡­


    ¡®¡¯Dammit¡¯¡¯I spat and stood up on my two feet, hiding the herbs. Running was not the right idea as the milk still did not boil enough.


    Maybe facing that idiot golden boy would stop this facade.


    ¡®¡¯All alone today?¡¯¡¯Dion asked, jumping down from his fat horse.


    I rolled my eye on him and tried to speak.


    ¡®¡¯A shame¡¯¡¯He interrupted me.¡¯¡¯I really enjoy your friends¡¯ company.¡¯¡¯


    Ignore him, woman ignore him.


    ¡®¡¯What are you cooking in the pot?¡¯¡¯ asked with gauging disgust.


    Ignore-


    ¡®¡¯Some human heart, livers¡­It is good for a snake.¡¯¡¯


    I grinned at him and he seemed to hold his irritation well. Probably the nights at the brothels made him feel at ease. I didn''t even want to think what he was doing to that beautiful woman.


    ¡®¡¯I thought that the snake was more interested in feeding vile flesh¡­¡¯¡¯He stepped closer to me.


    ¡®¡¯Like yours¡¯¡¯He whispered close to me and it was too late to realize that there were people approaching behind me.


    I lowered my body with one man grabbing my hair and left arm while my right hand grabbed one of the branches I had for the fire and I tried to attack Dion with it. It was too late though as another hand grasped my wrist and I was pulled far from the fire.


    Do not let any sound woman do you listen to me?


    One more hand grabbed my jaw, forcing me to watch Dion walking with a victorious expression.


    ¡®¡¯Won¡¯t you scream for help? A pity¡¯¡¯He mouthed and his fingers traced to one of my locks.


    Well, I won¡¯t let any sound but spit on his face. Trying to hold his disgusting expression the tight hands began to lose. That was my chance to give all my strength to escape. I moved my body to the ground and with the still flaming stick I tried to attack them but Dion¡¯s sharp dagger found my throat.


    No, you cannot scream now woman, not when your throat is this closed to be cut.


    Dion¡¯s lips formed a side smirk with one of his men now moving the stick back to the fire.


    Why didn''t I take my sickle with me?


    ¡®¡¯Now, witch¡¯¡¯Spat Dion.¡¯¡¯You can either plead for forgiveness and walk away or¡­¡¯¡¯His dagger drew an invisible line from my throat to my clothes. The arrogant priest let out a pleasing smile, making my stomach tie a knot. But then, he woke up from his fantasy.


    ¡®¡¯You will be the next sacrifice for the snake.¡¯¡¯


    My eyes opened wide hearing the words. Next sacrifice? What did that mean?


    Do not let her run.


    Dion¡¯s expression shifted as he stepped away from me and turned to the forest. My gaze turned to the direction, to see a flock of pitch black vultures on each tree, watching us, standing which one of us they would feist today as down to the grass there was a gigantic bear.


    Why was a bear in winter?


    But the thought rushed from my mind the moment a crimson fox jumped from the grasp and attacked Dion¡¯s hand, biting harshly on his wrist.


    There was a squeal and everyone now moved on Dion who was bleeding.


    I looked back to the cauldron where the milk hadn¡¯t gotten to the skin yet. It was not time to think about it but I had a good use for it. The fox now had rushed back to where the other animals were hiding as the sun began to fall.


    The priests wouldn¡¯t go there. And being a food for them was the better option.


    So I ran. I ran with Dion screaming for the priest to go after me. I began to rush at my legs, my breath quickened and my body was now showered with sweat as the pain was messing my head. How else could anyone explain that I was seeing golden threads around the forest?


    The moment I ended up in the forest, the bear stared at me. Looking behind me, I could see none dared to come, not even a step closer.


    The bear¡¯s fur was clean with no wounds around except for a small crescent scar on her head. Around her small ears, there were entangles of golden threads that were shimmering in the light.


    Such a fearsome animal¡­but it had such an adorable furious expression, it reminded me of when I gave Adamantious t seaweed, lying to him that it was medicine. I just wanted to see the sour expression he would make and it was worth it.


    ¡®¡¯Thank you¡¯¡¯I whispered with relief and let my wounded hand rest on her head, petting it.


    The bear growled and stepped back as we both listened to the priests now walking away.


    And thus all the birds flew with the bear following their direction. But I did not move on the valley as my legs began to shake and break to the floor. I covered my mouth and my thoughts scattered around.


    Sacrifices, human sacrifices. I could see a little girl being dragged to the temple, she was crying, begging to the gods¡­


    Another sound barked right at my ears, just so I could see that playful crimson fox standing right in front of me.


    My lips formed a smile of relief and the creature with the wiggly tail approached me, resting on my lap.


    ¡®¡¯You were the one with the plan?¡¯¡¯I asked and turned around to see his belly.


    ¡®¡¯Clever boy¡¯¡¯I whispered and he barked and kept nuzzling around my dress and I could only notice the golden threads he had around his tail.


    Strange¡­.


    I narrowed and looked around to be sure I wouldn¡¯t make a fool of myself. I narrowed and leaned close to the fox¡¯s ear.


    ¡®¡¯Paris?¡¯¡¯ I asked, feeling my heart racing.


    ¡®¡¯Yes, my oracle?¡¯¡¯A voice whispered behind me and turning back I found the charming man leaning at my shoulder.


    My face heated just by the thought that I imagined that the fox was Paris in disguise. And he appeared at the worst moment?


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    I cleared my throat and turned back to the fox.


    ¡®Is that your friend?¡¯¡¯I asked with a mock and he sat next to me and let his hand at the fox¡¯s stomach.


    ¡®¡¯You can say that¡¯¡¯He whispered and I noticed his beautiful hair was braided with golden ribbons.


    I let out a pout as I remembered that the bear had them too. Could he tame animals? Was he¡­


    ¡®¡¯Am I supposed to thank you?¡¯¡¯I asked and I once noticed that his light purple dress was all so thin. I looked at my fur that could cover an entire army with it and I rested a part of it around his shoulder.


    He did not speak but I could feel his curious stare. Surprisingly the fox also was staring at me.


    My hands shook as I tried to speak to him.¡¯¡¯Do gods accept humans as sacrifices?¡¯¡¯


    His eyes widened and he looked down.¡¯¡¯I suppose only if they tell the mor- us¡¯¡¯He cleared his throat.


    Well, he could not hide the truth anymore, could he? But I could imagine him putting a spell on me and turning me into an animal for his collection of pets so I decided to remain silent. Perhaps, I could bargain a deal with him and make me a wild cat. Nuzzling around the grass and playing with herbs, hunting mice and snakes¡­


    I restrained my daydreaming as I noticed that Paris was staring at me concerned.


    Back to the subject.


    ¡®¡¯Dion is¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I know, I tried to tell you but you¡­¡¯¡¯ His face lowered down.


    Another silence. And then I smelt something burning terribly.


    ¡®¡¯The milk¡¯¡¯I screamed, jumping and giving the fur to Paris and rushing back to the pot.


    ¡®¡¯It¡¯s all dried¡¯¡¯I said with a sigh of relief, taking the skin and hanging it to two branches. Paris kept looking at it as he was holding his nose. The smell was strong but most of the skin was ruined so I could choose one use. And my mind became heavy once again and began to step behind.


    ¡®¡¯Wait¡¯¡¯ Paris¡¯ arm wrapped around my waist.


    ¡®¡¯I am fine¡¯¡¯I lied and felt the need to cough and covered my mouth with my hand. My eyes opened just for me to find blood on my skin.


    ¡®¡¯Let me see¡¯¡¯He whispered and let his body lean close to mine and tried inspecting my hand but I hid it right behind me.


    A deep narrow was drawn on his perfect face and looked up at the milk skin.


    ¡®¡¯Come with me, please¡¯¡¯He pleaded so gently that it felt like I imagined it.


    He gave me the dark fur back and suspiciously followed him back to the deep woods. The sun had fallen and I could smell snow approaching even if the sky was crystal clear. But wasn¡¯t he cold? Can he get cold?


    We walked for a few minutes in silence and it hit me. He might kill me. That was it. This was the end only because I slapped him. And I ignored him. And I teased him.


    ¡®¡¯We are here¡¯¡¯His voice echoed around the woods. But there was nothing around except the cold grass of the open valley.


    I pouted at him.¡¯¡¯Was this to waste my time?¡¯¡¯


    Paris let out a soft smile and he shook his head.¡¯¡¯No, my oracle¡¯¡¯


    This again.


    ¡®¡¯Just, close your eyes¡¯¡¯He frown with a smile again.


    ¡®¡¯Eyes?¡¯¡¯ I arched my brow and he pressed his lips to a thin line, almost ashamed.


    That made me laugh, looking at how nervous I made him look.


    If he wanted me dead he would have done it a few minutes ago, wouldn¡¯t he?


    So I closed my eyes, and I was listening to him whisper something as if he was having a conversation.


    ¡®¡¯She is simply panicking I just wanted to¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯No, not like that¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You shut it.¡¯¡¯


    Who was he talking to?


    Something began to bother my feet and that made my eye open and facing down I found a little doe trying to kick me with her head.


    ¡®¡¯Oracle wait¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯How cute.¡¯¡¯ I gasped and I tried to hug it but then I realized what Paris wanted me to see.


    The once valley that was filled with thick grass was now a pool of pale white hemlock, pure yellow daffodils, and any kind of herbs anyone could imagine. all so bright that they were creating their light.


    How did he¡­


    The deer now fled away fast as Paris was now staring at me looking even more nervous.


    I could breathe the poison from the flowers that were surrounding me. The Flowers, the poison, and the herbs that I was picking daily, smelling the buds every time I got the chance.. The poison that started the entire thing. He made me a garden of it? It was a death trap for anyone who was not associated with them but for me¡­.And he knew that didn¡¯t he? He seemed to also know that I knew about flowers so¡­


    Whatever he was he was no human but no god either.


    ¡®¡¯Do you uh¡­¡¯¡¯He fidgeted with his fingers and he tried to walk close to me.


    It was an instant death.


    ¡®¡¯It¡¯s beautiful¡¯¡¯I mouthed, feeling my face turning all red from the perfection of the valley.


    ¡®¡¯Well, it is for you, If you live long enough you will have it until you are centuries old¡¯¡¯He smirked.


    Oh.


    I chuckled and walked close to him. ¡®¡¯Is this a challenge?¡¯¡¯


    He looked back to the trees where a white dove seemed that be watching us.


    ¡®¡¯Maybe¡¯¡¯He launched at me his golden curls shining in the moonlight.


    Feeling exhausted I rested myself on the flowers and I tried to watch the stars. Such a clear night it was I could see every constellation from above the sky.


    ¡®¡¯So, how was the son of Zeus?¡¯¡¯Paris asked, lying right next to me.


    Right, I met him last night.


    I raised my hand and I admitted that he was rooting for me to win.


    ¡®¡¯And you believe him?¡¯¡¯He asked me.


    ¡®¡¯He seems honest,¡¯¡¯I rolled to his side.¡¯¡¯And afraid.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Afraid?¡¯¡¯ He sounded as if he was mocking him.¡¯¡¯The son of Zeus afraid?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Well even children of gods are afraid aren¡¯t they?¡¯¡¯I scoffed.¡¯¡¯And you too. You must be scared of something.¡¯¡¯


    His gaze turned to me and like a fox, he was nuzzling to the flowers waiting for someone to pet him.


    ¡®¡¯You tell me oracle.¡¯¡¯He whispered.


    Clever. I tried to think of something that he might be afraid of. Death? All mortals are afraid of it but he might not be mortal so he is being forgotten? Too easy. What could make this man scared? But I could not think anything with his eyes staring at me deeply as if¡­


    ¡®¡¯We must get going¡¯¡¯I flushed and got up.


    My mind went to Dion again and his insane idea of using people to lure the snake and kill it But it did not seem that the missing people were his doing. Not the girls at least. Something else was actually happening. And I could not stop now, could I?


    I spent the entire night mixing herbs all together with small doses of wine while Paris seemed comfortable enough to sleep on my bed. He looked already tired so I did not stop him.


    Back to the herbs. If Dion was sending people then I had to do something similar. The woman did speak about women in wedding fabrics walking near the cave. What if¡­


    ¡®¡¯What are you doing now?¡¯¡¯Paris nuzzled.


    ¡®¡¯I am making poison¡¯¡¯I explained as I pressed the hemlock flowers tight to become dust.


    ¡®¡¯For what reasons?¡¯¡¯His voice was now close to my ear. Should I tell him? He is no god but what if¡­


    ¡®¡¯A surprise¡¯¡¯Turning back to see him, it looked as if he was disappointed that I did not tell him.


    ¡®¡¯Do not worry I will send you to the brothel to give you something¡¯¡¯I said, taking a fig and with a knife I cut it in the middle. Then, I pressed it slowly, putting the juice inside a jug. After that, there were a few leaves of basil and rosemary¡­


    ¡®¡¯You are acting as if I am having fun there¡¯¡¯There was a sarcastic tone that he was trying to hide.


    Such tricking beauty like him? Of course, going there wouldn¡¯t be just for information, I can imagine the things that would please him.


    ¡®¡¯Am I wrong?¡¯¡¯


    His face darkened and he leaned close to me and turned to the table as his eyes found the coin Adara gave to me.


    I smiled at him and grabbed the flat coin so he would see it closer and explained it to him.¡¯


    ¡®¡¯That messenger woman?¡¯¡¯His brow arched and he tried to look around before asking me one more question.¡¯¡¯What do you think¡­¡¯¡¯His words stumbled.¡¯¡¯About her?¡¯¡¯


    Was he that envious of everyone? A king, I would understand, who wouldn¡¯t be envious of a king but a messenger? If he was no mortal he should have a power at least


    ¡®¡¯She¡­¡¯¡¯ I tried to think of the right words to say but I could only remember the kiss she gave me on the cheek. That reaction seemed like an answer to Paris and he looked furious.


    ¡®¡¯Isn¡¯t that nice¡­¡¯¡¯He winced. He could not hide his jealousy now, making his frown look like a mischievous fox. ¡®¡¯So many people taking interest in you.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You sound as if you are jealous¡¯¡¯I scoffed, forming a smile on my face.


    ¡¯You still haven¡¯t realized.¡¯¡¯ His eyes are heavy with anger and hate. It was for sure not the right moment to admit to him that his voice and lips were not in sync.


    Realized what?


    The man was a breath away from me with eyes magnetizing me, calling me closer to him. He was one breath away from me.


    ¡®¡¯Was he looking at you like this? The mere mortals, kings¡¯¡¯ His gaze fell to my existence, studying, embracing every part of me.


    Why was my heart so loud?


    His fingers moved around my hands and lowered around my waist.


    I had no voice.


    And the breath was now gone when his lips fell on my cheek.


    ¡®¡¯She¡­kissed you like this didn¡¯t she?¡¯¡¯


    My heart was beating like an instrument as his warm lips fell on my deep cold skin.


    ¡®¡¯You act like a child¡¯¡¯I narrowed and pushed him away.


    ¡®¡¯Am I not enough?¡¯¡¯His face leaned on my shoulder.


    Am I not enough?


    His words stung like a knife to my heart as his eager charming expression was hanging by thread, connecting to my¡­was he looking at my scars?


    I shouldn¡¯t be doing this. I knew I shouldn¡¯t. And yet my hand was the one to grab him by his purple chiton, my body pulled him closer to me and my lips fell to his.


    If this was a trick, if this was an intervention, I would go down on my own terms.


    The kiss tasted like poison, sharp like a million knives stabbing my entire body but I could not get away from his warm touch.


    I opened my eyes and saw his face painted in red with eyes so wide that were darting. All so flushed from a kiss. My kiss.


    ¡®¡¯I¡­¡¯¡¯ Paris mouthed, breaking the kiss.


    I should go. I shouldn¡¯t. I didn¡¯t want this. I will transform you into a little songbird and will have you locked up in a cage. So many possibilities.


    ¡®¡¯Forget it.¡¯¡¯He spat and with his hand cupping my cheek, he kissed me back, his free arm pulling me close to his chest. He did not hide his hunger as his breath became harsher, his hands searching for every detail of my body. My arms, my chest, my waist, and then his fingers dug at my hips. Each touch felt like the sun was bathing me with its heated light. And I could not stop craving it.


    I could remember how he begged back then. How flustered he was when I was trying to step on his game.


    For a moment he stopped to look at me once more, his frown carved deep into his brow, his breathing calm. And yet his hands were shaking. With a wince of his eyes, I could not help but notice that the color yellow filled his pupil, his iris, and his sclera. There was a pair of beautiful yellow gemstones.


    I did not speak about it, knowing if I did I might be in bigger trouble.


    So, I traced my fingers around his golden hair and smiled.


    ¡®¡¯You look beautiful under the moon,¡¯¡¯ I admitted.


    He blinked confused as he let out a scoff and kissed me again, this time on my neck, causing my body to feel a sudden cold down my spine.


    ¡®¡¯You have no idea¡¯¡¯He muffled with a smile and his hands started caressing my legs.¡¯¡¯How long I¡­¡¯¡¯His voice shook and I shut him with one more kiss on the lips. This gave him the idea to move his kisses lower to my chin, to my neck, at my collarbone and his fingers traced the upper part of my dress, trying to slip¡­


    Suddenly a sound of flipping wings made us stop and our eyes fell to the window where a big white dove was watching both of us. I was ready to laugh it out but Paris faced it as if he was... terrified of it.


    ¡®¡¯This was a mistake¡¯¡¯He whispered.


    What?


    His hands let go of me and without even staring at me he rushed and left me all alone.

 FOURTY FOUR

    APOLLO


    What did I just do?


    No, it¡¯s her fault, she kissed me first. He grabbed me and¡­


    I fell into the river and stayed in the cold water for hours. I could not forget how cold she felt towards me, and how demanding she was when she grabbed my clothing.


    And her lips, her skin¡­.It tasted so sweet, that I wanted to feed from it forever.


    But her gaze is what shocked me. There was no fear, no weakness behind it. She was the one in control. She was exquisite. It felt as if she was a piece of beautiful music, grasping me, making me move however her rhythm chooses.


    ¡®¡¯Was that enough?¡¯¡¯ Artemis'' voice asked right behind me and my fingers touched my lips.


    ¡®¡¯You need to stop this madness¡¯¡¯Scolded Artemis.¡¯¡¯If you keep going like this¡­¡¯¡¯


    I knew what I was doing. Even with that sharp pain in my chest, I was aware of it. And yet I wished for one more kiss of hers, one more touch, a glare of her face, anything for her and that would satisfy me.


    ¡®¡¯Apollo¡¯¡¯ She tried to wake me from my thoughts.


    I let out a cold laugh and stood up. ¡®¡¯I just wanted to try something¡¯¡¯ I turned back to her and her ears flipped.


    ¡®¡¯For what?¡¯¡¯ she narrowed and I grabbed her by the arms.


    ¡®¡¯To see if she fell, and I was right.¡¯¡¯


    She had this dense look again.¡¯¡¯She fell for you?¡¯¡¯It almost sounded like an insult.


    ¡®¡¯Deeply, down on her knees, she was.¡¯¡¯Another lie but this time she ignored it and jumped away.


    ¡®¡¯It was Ares'' idea wasn¡¯t it?¡¯¡¯A glare came from her and I looked away. Unfortunately, she was not wrong. This stupid snake of a man did me dirty.


    ¡®¡¯If it works, I feel sorry for her¡¯¡¯She whispered and moved near the trees.


    Why could she feel sorry for her? Because just today she tried to protect her? Maybe she felt like a protector again.


    I was about to follow my sister back until my eyes found a charming girl with long raven hair watching me from afar.


    ¡®¡¯Are you not coming?¡¯¡¯ Asked Artemis but I was long gone far from her.


    The woman waved at me with the most flirtatious smile right before my hands found her throat.


    ¡®¡¯Brother come now¡¯¡¯Hermes gasped.


    ¡®¡¯I told you to not interfere with my business¡¯¡¯I growled and Hermes grabbed my wrist and without any struggle, he pushed me away.


    ¡®¡¯And I told you, not everything is about you¡¯¡¯His from returning to normal.¡¯¡¯But I suppose you don¡¯t want to learn what I found about her¡­¡¯¡¯


    He knew how to win my attention well. And that made him gain a grin upon his face.


    ¡®¡¯Are you going to tell me?¡¯¡¯I asked him and he waited a few seconds before he replied with a simple.


    ¡®¡¯Meh.¡¯¡¯


    I frowned and still waited for him to say his prize.


    ¡®¡¯What shall I ask, what shall¡­¡¯¡¯ my brother adored playing with my patience and when the time was right, he revealed his eyes under the blindfold.


    ¡®¡¯How about¡­¡¯¡¯He flew at my side.¡¯¡¯Tomorrow I¡¯ll be Paris.¡¯¡¯


    I let out a scoff.¡¯¡¯You cannot pull it off¡¯¡¯I admitted.¡¯¡¯She will know that it¡¯s not me.¡¯¡¯


    His brow arched as his form turned to my disguise and he pulled a childish move.


    ¡®¡¯Look at me I am Paris, I am a charming healer who is trying to help you but I want you dead because that''s the only way my dad would love me.¡¯¡¯


    Stay calm Apollo. Stay calm.


    That gave him more ideas as he whispered down to my ear.¡¯¡¯And every love of mine was destroyed because of me. I wondered if that¡¯s why my mommy was afraid of¡­¡¯¡¯


    That was it and my hand transported a bright yellow bow. My fingers traced between and moving back, a white arrow and shot it right at Hermes¡¯s head. Or so I thought as it only scratched the left part of his face, letting ichor drop on the grass.


    ¡®¡¯Don¡¯t you dare.¡¯¡¯I could not handle my rage from those words that he spoke. Not when he was wearing that face.


    No reaction came from him as he turned to normal once more.


    ¡®¡¯Give me the wool¡¯¡¯ He announced.


    I tried to relax but it wasn¡¯t easy. Give it to for what? Maybe I did overuse it, maybe Themis found me and was ready to strike me. But I had no time. I had a week. And it was not enough for either me or¡­


    Why was I thinking of her?


    Finding all the information about her, using it against her, and¡­it was so close.


    ¡®¡¯All yours¡¯¡¯I told him and he seemed grateful for it.  But I hated what he did, how he tried to trick me and beat it at me. Of course, he would.


    ¡®¡¯She will find out sooner or later, you know that correct?¡¯¡¯He asked me.


    I knew when and how. If that''s another trick of his, I wasn¡¯t ready to fall for it.


    ¡®¡¯Just spit it out, tell me what you know.¡¯¡¯


    And with another laugh, he showed me everything.


    The first thing that I saw was a heavy old hag with a curved smile on her face. The bright temple of Apollo was my and her home as she was telling me stories of a kingdom that it was long gone.


    The music was beautiful. I could still listen to it.


    She always told me. Even when she died, that was her last sentence. I cried for hours until the arch-priest of the temple took me away from her. How could she leave me all alone? But even when the coins were placed in her body for the lord of messengers to take her, I found a glimpse of a bright statue. He would never leave, would he?


    The arch-priest was a strict man, punishing the wrong and encouraging the right. I suppose I was always wrong and causing trouble then as every day there were my cheeks all flushed and red. But I did respect him. I respected the arch-priest serving the bright god that I loved so much. I was always telling him what I was doing daily, hoping he would be the one to listen.


    A night arrived where fire and wrath won. Children and priests did not escape. I was still praying for him to appear. I was praying in secret while the arch-priest was being slaughtered.


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    I was praying when they attacked me.


    And yet I got out in shackles and with scars on my face.


    Why did those people leave me to the monsters?


    But my hope for him never stopped, I knew


    There were two people of course that kept that wrath at peace. Two siblings one with a loud mouth and the other was a brute that cared too much for the weak. Maybe that was why he was close to me. Maybe I should have been weaker for people to stay with me. His kisses were nothing special though, mostly an itchy face. Maybe I could just stay there. However the people there were violent, wild dogs, hungry for more meat. And their leader had plans for me. What if I was given to their god? He will surely repay them. They dragged me, they kept my friends away from me even if they tried to stop the entire insanity of the plan. But I never stopped praying. I never stopped praying for help. Even when they laughed, I never stopped. I never stopped until the archpriest whispered in my ear. No one will come. No one will save us.


    And rage fired on my soul as the blade was about to fall on my heart and I pushed the man right to the fire with oil falling to the floor and a blaze was created.


    None would come. No one will save me.


    I will kill you. I mouthed


    Wait¡­what am I doing?


    My lungs were being filled with water and yet the fire was not stopping. The pleading for help was not stopping. And yet I felt so distant with that body.


    ¡®¡¯I will kill you¡¯¡¯Her voice spat.


    ¡®¡¯Oracle¡¯¡¯ I rushed to her and cupped her face to look at me. Blinded by rage the only thing she would mouth was this.


    I will kill you. I will kill you.


    ¡®¡¯Oracle please¡¯¡¯


    It was so hard to breathe. ¡®¡¯Please oracle stop this.¡¯¡¯


    And then, her eye met mine. She looked so young there. As if that was the moment her innocence was ripped right from her body. And with a black blade, she aimed at my throat with her lips moving once more. ¡®¡¯I will make sure, you are dead¡¯¡¯


    I gasped for air as I was getting pulled from the water.


    ¡®¡¯Apollo?¡¯¡¯Artemis panicked. ¡®¡¯Apollo.¡¯¡¯ Her voice shouted.


    ¡®¡¯What happened to him?¡¯¡¯Was that Ars¡¯ voice? My eyes snapped and moving my upper body I could see my two siblings and Aphrodite staring at me concerned.


    I wanted to explain the truth to them so much but I couldn¡¯t.


    So I rushed away, turned into a raven, and tried to fly back to the temple.


    How could I be so foolish?


    I found her sleeping down on one of my statues, her body trembling as she had placed now the milk skin on her wounded arm. Even with a coat, her body was shaking, her color turning less and less slowly as her voice was an entire mumble.


    She was in the center of the flames, she was the beginning of a wrath. She was there, because of¡­


    I simply stared at her in my natural form before grabbing her tight and walking her right back to her bed. Even then, with more warmth the woman crawled and hugged herself, refusing to watch me back.


    ¡®¡¯Why¡¯¡¯I asked.¡¯¡¯You were supposed to be a mere mortal, an ant why are you¡­¡¯¡¯


    I could not bear it. Not that pain, not again.


    And there was that laughter. Hermes appeared from the window with a wide smile, wearing a golden wool around his neck.


    The only way I could buy more time with her was now on his hands.


    ¡®¡¯Did you like what you see?¡¯¡¯


    I did not answer that and just simply looked at her colors getting drained slowly. I tried to reach my hand at her, thinking that I could heal her. And the sword found my throat, my hands, my heart.


    A thousand needles of pain shot to every part of my body.


    I just wanted to heal her, I had to heal someone.


    ¡®¡¯Slow down brother¡¯¡¯Hermes moved to my side and touched my hand, pulling me away from her.


    What was that need, that pain?


    ¡®¡¯She is just a woman,brother¡¯¡¯Hermes reminded me.


    ¡®¡¯You don¡¯t understand, I saw her pain her anger I¡­.it¡¯s my fault.¡¯¡¯


    As soon as I said that Hermes let out a heavy bark.¡¯¡¯Bravo, you figured it out.¡¯¡¯


    What was he talking about?


    ¡®¡¯You think this woman is the only one who suffered all those years?¡¯¡¯His smile drew wider with his body popping eyes second after second.¡¯¡¯You think none else got that anger after you and those idiots got banished?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯It was your fault, you gave the idea¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯What about before Troy?¡¯¡¯He shouted.¡¯¡¯You believe that you lose people because they love you too little? No, they suffer because you do not care about anyone but yourself-¡¯¡¯


    My body reacted fast as my hand was ready to hit Hermes¡¯ helmet.


    But he reacted faster as his eyes fell back to the woman.¡¯¡¯Not here¡¯¡¯He whispered and with a flip of a coin we were both transported to the sky. I could not transform. Why I could not transform?


    ¡®¡¯You dare try to attack me? Herme shouted as he grabbed me by my clothes and tried to lift me closer to the sky.


    ¡®¡¯You become too prideful¡¯¡¯I smirked at him. ¡®¡¯Like ¡®Father¡¯¡¯¡¯


    His smile twitched as he punched my face and finally threw me down.


    Why couldn''t I transform?


    Bow¡­ Bow...


    My fingers were snatched open as my bow appeared ready to shoot him again. And this time, when the arrow was formed, when I aimed right at my brother¡¯s head, I did not miss. His smile faded when heavy ichor dripped right from his brow. That was it, wasn¡¯t it? He will finally leave me alone.


    And then, his fingers flipped one more coin.


    This time, I ended up cold to the grass as he was right on top of me, his fingers grasping my throat. At a different time, it would have been me on top, me having control.


    ¡®¡¯You are weak,¡¯¡¯He almost spat.¡¯¡¯Your wants and needs make you simply,  a weak god.¡¯¡¯ A laugh. ¡®¡¯No wonder you were so easy to ca-¡¯¡¯


    His voice stopped. There was no sound, no melody coming from his throat. And I just wanted it to be more silent. I never wanted to listen to those words of his again. His annoying, pitchy all mighty voice. I wanted him to suffer, to rot in silence.


    ¡®¡¯You were the one to rat me out, you sent me to trial¡¯¡¯ I shouted as I stood on my own two feet, pushing my cowardly brother to the ground.


    I wanted his voice to explode, his tongue to be cut by thin air, I wanted his eyes to pop like berries.


    ¡®¡¯You were laughing when ¡®Father¡¯...¡¯¡¯ My lips broke as I tried to speak those cursed words.


    Do you love your father?


    We are Olympians. Love is not what mortals believe to be. Not for us, not for me.


    ¡®¡¯It¡¯s¡­¡¯¡¯Hermes¡¯ lips forced a tone. ¡®¡¯Your¡­ fault¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯My fault for what? Everything the fates wrote it, I simply foretell it.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Prevent it.¡¯¡¯He barked with his helmet falling from his head.


    Just shut up, I want you dead, dead and gone.


    ¡®¡¯Enough¡¯¡¯A hand shackled my wrist turning back, I could see Artemis¡¯ doe eyes wide open. Why was she like this? She would never stop me, not like this. Why was she looking all so afraid? And why was I so angry?


    One deep breath. I just needed one deep breath before my entire body simply relaxed.


    ¡®¡¯If I am selfish, what are you?¡¯¡¯I asked Hermes shakily and stepped away from him.


    As he could finally speak, he replied with endless coughs until his voice returned properly.


    ¡®¡¯I am simply doing my part¡¯¡¯He muttered and another glare hit me.¡¯¡¯What will you do?¡¯¡¯A laugh as he put his helmet back on his head.¡¯¡¯Only a week, no wool, that woman is still running free¡­¡¯¡¯ His lips popped.¡¯¡¯But her time is running out, correct? You can see it ¡®¡¯


    He was right. I could just sleep for a week and wait for her to perish. Then everything will return to normal. I would wait a few more years and¡­


    That image of her, flames dancing around her, rage incarnated in her voice. Hatred. How much more?


    I had to do something. If her fate is sealed then I just have to buy more time. I needed more¡­


    I turned back to my sister and she instantly realized what I was going to ask.


    She shook her head and covered my mouth.¡¯¡¯No, enough, unfortunately¡¯¡¯She narrowed to Hermes¡¯ side.¡¯¡¯He is right. You need to relax.¡¯¡¯


    But I could not. I simply couldn¡¯t.


    ¡®¡¯Where is she?¡¯¡¯I asked her and her ears dropped down.


    ¡®¡¯She never stays at one place¡¯¡¯She admitted. ¡®¡¯She just comes when I need her and¡­¡¯¡¯


    Was this another lie? Was she trying to defend her? No, my sister would never do that. She was no fool. But I had to take one more sleep and I turned to Hermes. The only one who would actually know.


    One more deal with him.

 FOURTY FIVE

    LYSSANDRA


    Did he just¡­


    I turned to the window to see that the dove was gone too. He left me in an instant after¡­


    My fingers moved on my lips as I could still feel the heat of his skin. How dare he leave me after that?


    ¡®¡¯This is terrible¡¯¡¯I panted, feeling his heat on my skin.


    Am I not enough?


    Looking back to the skin milk I realized that he was right for one thing. I had to leave. So I wrapped it around the poisoned hand and felt a rather refreshing cold against my skin.


    Wish that could last forever.


    I took a stroll outside to the halls with a torch in hand and I sat on the feet of the statue of Apollo. I could not look up to see that facade of a face people imagined he had. I lay down on the cold marble floor and tried to close my eyes. If Paris was not mortal could that mean¡­


    I knew that if he wasn¡¯t real I could tolerate it. That it was not my fault that everything happened but now?


    ¡®¡¯Was I not enough?¡¯¡¯ my voice broke, feeling the pain growing again. There was no answer of course. What was I expecting? He wouldn¡¯t come now, just like he¡­


    I hated him so much. I just wanted his name to be forgotten.


    My eyes closed slowly as my head felt all drowsy from the poison. Just a few minutes.


    The minutes turned to hours before realizing I returned to my bed, sleeping all heavily with the sunlight hitting my face. But the first person to be in my room was Myrto, accompanied by a hidden woman right behind her, dressed in a dark cloak.


    Myrto did not speak to me she simply gave me a narrow glare. Was she mad at me?


    I was about to speak as the woman revealed her auburn hair from the cloak.


    ¡®¡¯What are you doing here?¡¯¡¯I whispered with panic and as I held her hands she almost backed away.


    What was the matter with everyone?


    ¡®¡¯Paris came yesterday to the brothel¡¯¡¯She explained to me.


    Oh.


    The woman¡¯s brow arched and she shook her head.¡¯¡¯No, it¡¯s not like this.¡¯¡¯


    Seems that I had no energy to hide my emotions.


    ¡®¡¯Believe me, I tried¡¯¡¯Her face flushed.¡¯¡¯He seemed like a wealthy, charming customer.¡¯¡¯


    He also tried to kill you. But maybe some people have fantasies like this.


    Then again, Who was I to judge?


    I backed away from her as she took a deep breath.¡¯¡¯He told me that you have something for me. And he won¡¯t be able to send it.¡¯¡¯


    Oh yes. I almost forgot everything going around and moved on to my table, giving her the sake with herbs and¡­


    The women gagged. ¡®¡¯It¡¯s all wet¡¯¡¯


    I nodded.¡¯¡¯ It¡¯s oil for your body, make sure to rub some of you when Dion arrives.¡¯¡¯


    There was a laughter.¡¯¡¯How do you know that he comes this often?¡¯¡¯


    I could tell her that the time was running out for both of us or that he failed to get rid of me and he would need somewhere to relieve his energy. Unfortunately for her, it will be some difficult nights.


    ¡®¡¯I am prophet¡¯¡¯I whispered, waving my hand to thin air.


    Another laugh. ¡®¡¯Of course, you are¡­¡¯¡¯Her eyes fell to the oils. She didn¡¯t even ask what they were. Was she asking for a quick death?


    I gave her one smaller sack that was a mix of herbs. ¡®¡¯Eat that before you rub the oil. So it won¡¯t affect you.¡¯¡¯


    Her eyes snapped as she took the small sack opened it and sniffed it.


    ¡®¡¯That means¡­¡¯¡¯


    Does she know her herbs? Only natural for a woman in her position, she was probably drugged against her will or¡­Stop thinking like that now.


    ¡®¡¯Thank you.¡¯¡¯Her voice parted and looking at her dry eyes I could understand how tired she was. I stood up and held her hand to walk together out to the kitchen.


    I handed her a few apples and nuts and looked all bright like a beautiful ray of sunshine.


    ¡®¡¯No, wonder these handsome men work for you¡¯¡¯She said, taking a bite from the apple.


    Oh?


    I tilted my head and broke one of the pomegranates in two, taking one seed at a time.


    ¡®¡¯Adamantious looked in shame when he was coming as if he had a love at his house.¡¯¡¯


    Right¡­I did not like where this conversation was going.


    ¡®¡¯I am glad that you made him happy¡­¡¯¡¯I turned to her and saw a soft smile curving on her face. She did try to kill him before, didn''t she? I was with her but¡­


    ¡®¡¯It was funny that every time we were done, he preferred talking about you. ¡®¡¯


    Oh, right. I turned my gaze to the seeds and numbed four of them.


    ¡®¡¯One might love you but the other wants you?¡¯¡¯


    I let out a laugh. He probably wants me dead now. Or maybe both of them do.


    ¡®¡¯You are lucky, some people cannot gain something like this in a lifetime.¡¯¡¯


    Should I be thankful that she was telling me those words? I could not tell. And what was with that smile? Was she envious of me because Adamantious loved me or something else?


    I could not tell and it was killing me.


    ¡®¡¯Also¡­¡¯¡¯She let out a dry cough and revealed under her cloak a piece of fabric. ¡®¡¯ His sister arrived yesterday telling me to give you this.¡¯¡¯


    Thais? What was she doing there? Well, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if she¡­


    ¡®¡¯She was quite pretty¡¯¡¯ The woman admired me and let out her gaze right behind me. ¡®¡¯But the girl who is spying on you right now is even cuter.¡¯¡¯


    There was no need to turn back as I knew if Myrto wanted to be found out by her, she didn¡¯t want to simply spy on me. She just wanted me to feel bad that I lied to her.


    After taking it from her shaking hands, the woman walked away with one more apple in her mouth. Surprising as it was, I could feel Myrto¡¯s gaze right behind the walls.


    ¡®¡¯I have some figs for you¡¯¡¯I smiled at her and she walked inside the kitchen, carrying an old wooden box.


    ¡®¡¯I found what you wanted Oracle.¡¯¡¯ She spoke dry. Why was she so upset?


    ¡®¡¯Thank..¡¯¡¯ I was about to speak but she caught me off by grabbing me by my wounded hand, revealing the poison on my skin.


    Oh, right, I did not tell her.


    ¡®¡¯Myrto, let me explain.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯No,¡¯¡¯She shouted. ¡®¡¯Do not lie, not to me,¡¯¡¯Her face turned all red.¡¯¡¯Was this the reason you are helping Al¡­¡¯¡¯Her words were cut off.


    I let out a small scoff, trying to change the subject.¡¯¡¯If you are certain about him, you have my blessing, you can elope far from here I heard that Athens¡­¡¯¡¯


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    ¡®¡¯I know about your plan.¡¯¡¯She interrupted me and my act dropped as her face was painted in sorrow.


    ¡®¡¯You were spying on me?¡¯¡¯I let out an irritating tone.


    Myrto flinched as I realized that I raised my voice too much. I exhaled heavily and covered my hand with a cloak and my gaze found a reflection in one of the mirrors. No wonder everyone was shocked about my appearance. My color faded, my eyes were dressed with a dark cloak underneath them and my lips were dryer than raisins. If my jaw would be more relaxed I would have been a wonderful corpse.


    ¡®¡¯I am sorry¡¯¡¯I coughed dry and took the box from the table.


    ¡®¡¯Don¡¯t do it¡¯¡¯She begged as I was almost out of the kitchen.


    ¡®¡¯Hello, my dear¡¯¡¯Paris was inside my room with that beaming smile. I wanted to ignore him but his appearance was rather peculiar today. His hair was completely free from any thread and ribbon, his clothing was plain silver, covering every detail of his torso and his scent¡­


    ¡®¡¯Good morning¡¯¡¯I said dryly, trying to ignore him as I opened the box on my desk, revealing the crimson red fabrics.


    ¡®¡¯You seem lost today.¡¯¡¯Paris jumped right next to me as he gasped with fascination of the fabrics.¡¯¡¯A wedding dress?¡¯¡¯He asked me with a wide smile.¡¯¡¯My, oracle you shouldn¡¯t.¡¯¡¯


    I replied with a glare and his eyes snapped open. At that moment, Paris coughed and he tried to crawl back away from me.¡¯¡¯About last night¡­¡¯¡¯


    Oh, he finally spoke up.


    ¡®¡¯I am terribly sorry.¡¯¡¯


    Eh?


    I turned to him in confusion as he took a deep breath.¡¯¡¯I wanted this for a long time and based on your¡­title¡¯¡¯He scolded his head to the right as he sat on one of the pillars. ¡®¡¯I thought that you wouldn¡¯t even think about it¡­but when you did¡¯¡¯ Another deep breath as his brow was shaking.¡¯¡¯I didn¡¯t want you to think that I lured you in.¡¯¡¯¡¯


    I was finally speechless as he spoke those words. I never imagined him to be so sincere and apologetic¡­


    His eyes drew at my table and leaned to me even closer.¡¯¡¯Would you like anything else? I hope..¡¯¡¯His eyes drew down as he showed me a crimson rose at his fingertips, offering it to me.


    A rose from him? Maybe he was serious. I never saw that side of him.


    It almost¡­caught me believing him.


    That¡¯s not Paris. I realized. He looked exactly like him. He sounded like him. But he was not him. Most of the flowers he was offering me contained poison in their core. Roses were not capable of containing that.


    A sort of panic grew in my mind. What was this? Another creature?


    ¡®¡¯Are you alright?¡¯¡¯He moved closer to me with his eyes beaming with care. Not Paris.


    I lied by nodding and turned to the box once more. I did not know this man¡¯s true intentions. Then again, did I know Paris¡¯s? But once again, if he wanted me dead I knew I would already be on river Styx.


    This guy wouldn¡¯t let me breathe. And then I found Alexious watching us in secret. A smile appeared on my face and turned to the imposter.


    ¡®¡¯Oh, Paris¡¯¡¯I held his hands and turned completely red. Whoever he was, he might be related to that stupid man.¡¯¡¯Please help Alexious with his lyre, I remember that you promised him. ¡®¡¯I let out a pout that made my entire body ick.


    He nodded and he turned to Alexious.¡¯¡¯I am coming in a second.¡¯¡¯He spoke. Not a sign. He was definitely not him. Eleven Alexious noticed it.


    When he was finally out, Myrto appeared again with a skeptical look.


    ¡®¡¯Would you fix me?¡¯¡¯I asked her gently.


    A light appeared in her eyes and she nodded fast.


    Sat on the pillar now, she showed me the box that she had given to me and the items it was continuing. Too many gold pieces of jewelry as for pallets of white and red.


    ¡®¡¯If you¡­¡¯¡¯I noticed her hands trembling.¡¯¡¯ Feeling.¡¯¡¯


    She shook her head.¡¯¡¯It¡¯s fine, it¡¯s simple¡­¡¯¡¯She told me to stand up and she took out my clothes. I could feel her eyes gazing at the wound.


    ¡®¡¯How long?¡¯¡¯


    A week. I couldn¡¯t say it to her. Not after all of this. She dressed me and tickled me in gold as it was time for the makeup. A heavy powder on my face, covering me in heavy white. I thought that if the snake was interested in brides, I would trick him by dressing as one. And after that, giving him sleeping poison and then¡­I could kill it with a crescent blade.


    The difficult part of it was how to get rid of that blonde priest. Making an aphrodisiac isn''t easy especially if that man already had the same intention as me before. But there are other ways of being intoxicated by them without eating them. The candles that were used in the brothel also contain another aphrodisiac.


    ¡®¡¯Now still still¡¯¡¯Myrto whispered as she placed red pain on my cheeks and forehead. Then she moved on my lips, holding my chin up.


    When she was done, I could not recognize myself. I could not breathe. I wondered if Myrto felt like that once.


    ¡®¡¯You are beautiful¡¯¡¯Lied Myrto and I embraced a wide smile at her, thanking her and embracing her tight.


    Please don¡¯t do it. She whispered.


    I did not speak as I wanted to sit down and never get up. I wanted to sleep for eternity, to crawl to a cave and¡­


    What was I saying? I could not stop listening to that beautiful melody. I wanted to follow it.


    What melody?


    ¡®¡¯Kni¡­¡¯¡¯ My voice trembles, turning to Myrto who looked all petrified of my appearance.


    ¡®¡¯Knife..¡¯¡¯ I tried to speak as my body felt like walking away.


    But there was no blade around my room until she found it. I bit my lower lips harshly, letting blood and salt fall to my tongue. The music stopped and I could see now that I was right outside of the temple. How could that happen?


    No, calm down Lyssandra, calm down.


    ¡®¡¯Are you alright?¡¯¡¯Asked Myrto and then Paris came right behind her, pushing her away from me. What was wrong with that guy?


    ¡®¡¯What happened?¡¯¡¯He asked with panic and care. That was not him.


    ¡®¡¯I am fine.¡¯¡¯I lied completely and took a turn to see that the sun was already falling.


    I had to hurry. I dressed myself up with a dark cloak and took my sickle with me. Embracing Myrto, Alexious once more felt like a final goodbye. I turned to Leon and Deimaria whose eyes were full of curiosity. I was about to tell them the truth. Yeah, I will destroy an ancient snake that swallows everything and everyone.


    As I walked away, I noticed that Paris was following me too, jumping step by step. Where have I seen this before?


    ¡®¡¯Why are you following me?¡¯¡¯I asked.


    ¡®¡¯Why shouldn¡¯t I?¡¯¡¯He replied back, moving one step closer, his head leaning on my shoulder as with his other hand he was holding a bright torch.


    Even with the fire on his face, beaming all so bright, I could see a few details that were off with him. It almost felt like a perfect copy but I knew it was not him. ¡®¡¯You are a beautiful bride Lyssandra.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I never gave you my name.¡¯¡¯I gasped.


    ¡®¡¯Didn¡¯t you?¡¯¡¯ Paris winced.


    Who was this man?


    ¡®¡¯Who are you?¡¯¡¯I asked and his eyes opened wide.¡¯¡¯A friend.¡¯¡¯He lied and moved his head to the right, letting his locks fall to the ground.


    ¡®¡¯Let¡¯s get moving. ¡¯¡¯ I narrowed it down, and he followed like a dancing puppy. Maybe I had to rule him in, revealing his name. Then again, I prefer all my limbs in touch.


    ¡®¡¯Why should you go there?¡¯¡¯He asked me.¡¯¡¯What if we just¡­run away, go to a different place?¡¯¡¯ His lips and voice were in perfect sync.


    I clenched my arm as I bit my lip.¡¯¡¯You know why.¡¯¡¯My voice turned to a heavy rasp.


    ¡®¡¯Shame¡­¡¯¡¯ His voice shifted. ¡®¡¯And what if I told you, I could heal you with a snap of my fingers?¡¯¡¯


    Not, Paris. Not Paris. Do not trust¡­when did I start trusting Paris?


    ¡®¡¯Go on¡­¡¯¡¯I turned to him, curious.


    The man smiled.¡¯¡¯Well, I can¡¯t heal you precisely but¡­¡¯¡¯He showed himself with an amusing movement.


    Did that mean that Paris¡­No, stop thinking about it, if he would he¡­.would he?


    The man smiled wider and I knew that I had fallen into his trap.


    But two people can play that game.


    ¡®¡¯What else can you do?¡¯¡¯I asked, leaning closer to him. Paris¡¯ eyes opened wide as his beautiful eyes opened wide.


    ¡®¡¯Careful, Lyssandra¡¯¡¯One more breath closer to me as the fire was far away from us. But I took the opportunity to grab the torch, thinking I wanted to hold hands with him. I hated the way he was calling out my name.


    ¡®¡¯If you want a price, I have something that you will¡­¡¯¡¯If I moved any closer I would say farewell to any dignity I had left.


    His hand relaxed. Perfect. I grasped it now tight and threw the torch right at his face.


    Run.


    I began running as fast as I could while listening to the man¡¯s screams echoing in the dark woods.


    ¡®¡¯You filthy woman.¡¯¡¯His rasp echoed to the woods.¡¯¡¯You think he will save you?¡¯¡¯


    Ignore him, Ignore him.


    ¡®¡¯Do you want to learn what he thinks of you? All those things he wants to do with you?¡¯¡¯


    Ignore him. Follow the music. The instruments follow them, nothing else. Follow the melody.


    ¡®¡¯He doesn''t love you, he simply despises you.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Well, he should get in a line¡¯¡¯I shouted back and my heart sank where the music led me to. A dark stoic cave, calling my name.


    No, no, no.


    But whatever was out there was coming closer. And the sound became louder. Whatever the imposter was¡­he wanted me dead and gone too.


    So I walked right into the dark of the cave, hoping that the creature behind me wouldn''t catch me. My sandals were almost ripped off and trying to catch a breath was pointless and I kept running to the dark walls. How dark and close the walls were. Even by touch I could feel the slippery ooze that was dripping from above.


    The running made my condition worse too. My body warmed up and I took the cloak out as well as the gold and weapon down. I could not breathe. There was no air, there was no light.


    I can''t die here, I can¡¯t. My hand tried to reach for a glimpse of hope. And then someone grabbed me by the wrist, pulling me higher.


    ¡®¡¯Oh dear.¡¯¡¯ A feminine old voice called out and a fire bloomed at her face.


    Her long blonde curls fell right down to her waist as a poor excuse of black fabric was trying to cover her face. But it was such an old delicate beauty, how could she hide a face like this? Each small expression she tried to make reminded me of a she-wolf, protecting carefully her young. Her eyes beamed like two crescent moons and then she finally spoke clearly.


    ¡®¡¯Are you lost?¡¯¡¯


    Her mouth did not move.

 FOURTY SIX

    LYSSANDRA


    ¡®¡¯Is something wrong?¡¯¡¯The voice asked.


    What could I say to her? What kind of a lie shall I craft to escape from her?


    There was no need to speak as the strange man¡¯s shouts were coming closer.


    That made the woman take one more look at me with a wedding dress and imagine what it could possibly mean.


    ¡®¡¯Come with me dear¡¯¡¯She whispered and held my hand tight, making me follow her. As deep as we went inside the cave, the further his shouts went. Until there was nothing left.


    The woman did not speak either while we were both running for our supposed lives. After a few minutes though, we were at the bright side of the cave. The stones were created centuries ago in a wide dome, dressed in bright blue stones like stars. At the wet ground there were some old clothes lying around as roots of old trees.


    The woman let me go and she kept walking to a hidden place where there was a strange smell alluring me to go closer.


    ¡®¡¯The soup is almost ready if you are hungry.¡¯¡¯She announced and turned to take another look at me.¡¯¡¯You look hungry.¡¯¡¯


    I did not speak as the woman walked back to her corner.


    ¡®¡¯Speak up girl, I don¡¯t have enough meat for an army¡¯¡¯A harsh laugh.


    ¡®¡¯Thank you, my lady.¡¯¡¯My voice shook and my steps began to approach her. My eye turned around and I could see a big flock of sheep that were wearing bright yellow wool, sleeping tight to an old tree.


    My fingers tried to touch one of their fascinating wool until the woman spoke up.


    ¡®¡¯If it¡¯s gold you are after¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Gold?¡¯¡¯ I gasped and looked at her mixing some vegetables in her flaming pot. Was she talking about their coat? Did that mean¡­But that was a myth. It couldn¡¯t be¡­


    Maybe I  shall take some part of it I could make a good profit. But the woman would probably curse me so I suppose it would be  a failure/


    ¡®¡¯Standing there is no use¡¯¡¯She held a knife and moved her head at my side. Then, she jerked it to the left.¡¯¡¯There is a rabbit there, go fetch it.¡¯¡¯


    Such coldness. But she gave me shelter and helped me. Giving her the prepared rabbit was enough payment.


    Or so I thought. Because the rabbit was not dead. The rabbit was skinned naked, blood falling from its flesh, shaking and crying as its small limbs were tied all together.


    My stomach began to get tied up into a firm knot.


    ¡®¡¯Is something wrong? It¡¯s not dead yet is it?¡¯¡¯ She sounded so encouraged that she wanted the rabbit to stay alive.


    My heart sank with my skin feeling the cold sweat flowing down my spine. Was this some kind of test? To show her that I could do that? Never mind. I grabbed the shaking rabbit in both of my hands and walked back to the woman. She seemed surprised that I did what she asked for. Her fingers played with the knife and she took the rabbit and hung it between two branches near the fire, forcing me to watch it getting cooked and listen to every last of its screams. Everything inside my stomach was about to get out. No, not yet. Keep calm.


    The woman looked even more surprised at that part


    ¡®¡¯Why are you here young bride?¡¯¡¯She asked me while she kept cooking the broth above the trembling animal.


    ¡®¡¯I was running away from my groom¡¯¡¯I lied.


    The woman¡¯s eyes opened wide and let out a pout. That looked strangely familiar.


    There was silence for a while until the soup was ready and the woman placed the soup and parts of the rabbit in two old bowls.


    I was about to dig in and yet the woman decided to speak of how she hunted the rabbit down. How much it tried to escape, the supposed lovely screams it let out.


    ¡®¡¯I managed to catch a  few of the little ones it had near but they died so easily.¡¯¡¯


    Another challenge? The sad story of food wouldn¡¯t stop me from eating. I was already about to die so I did not care enough about the tragic stories of rabbits. My tongue began to turn numb as I stopped smelling a few minutes ago. Well, here it goes. I ate the entire broth with the chewing rabbit as the woman kept looking at me with a narrowed brow.


    ¡®¡¯What¡¯s the matter my lady?¡¯¡¯


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    The woman shook her head and took a better look at me.¡¯¡¯Your face¡­what happened to it?¡¯¡¯


    Well, that was a question that I did not like the answer to.


    ¡®¡¯An accident.¡¯¡¯I lied.


    The woman did not seem to believe it.¡¯¡¯Shame¡¯¡¯ She took a bite of the rabbit by holding it with her fingers.¡¯¡¯You would have been such a beauty without it.¡¯¡¯


    I did not comment on her cruel compliment and tried to avoid any other conversation.


    ¡®¡¯My son would have fallen in love with you.¡¯¡¯


    Oh. My curiosity fell to her.


    ¡®¡¯You are a mother?¡¯¡¯


    She let out an old frown.¡¯¡¯Two children. Twins¡¯¡¯A wide smile.¡¯¡¯One wild girl, oh she might like you too, loves to make friends like you¡­¡¯¡¯


    Wondered how much of what she was saying was true. Based on the way she was living she did not seem the warm motherly type. Then again, I never met my mother or father. How should I know right or wrong? And my parental types were not right-minded either. I can remember the arch priest of Apollo trying to pray my monthly flood away. Or the arch-priest of Ares who thought I would be the right sacrifice. Maybe she was a great mother.


    ¡®¡¯But the other one¡¯¡¯He smile faded.¡¯¡¯He loves too much and gets rather peculiar when people leave him.¡¯¡¯


    Was that the same man who she said that would have fallen for me?


    ¡®¡¯Maybe it was my fault but tell me¡¯¡¯Her hands grasped my wrists.¡¯¡¯What would you have done if you had to choose between one of your children?¡¯¡¯


    Did she have to choose between those twins? Seemed that she chose the girl. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if the boy turned overprotective. Another challenge? What could she want from me? What should I say?


    ¡®¡¯How could I not choose when his eyes looked like his father¡¯s?¡¯¡¯Another shook.


    So that was it?


    I imagined that boy wearing a face that belonged to a cruel man. maybe he hurt her, maybe he left her and punished her. The boy had to wear that face for years until everyone was expecting him to be the same as his father. Until he might become like him. Was that what he would want? Was that his mother¡¯s wishes?


    ¡®¡¯Love him.¡¯¡¯I whispered as an answer.¡¯¡¯What if your daughter had eyes like the father¡¯s?¡¯¡¯


    The woman¡¯s eyes fell to mine and I could tell she was ready to cry. But instead, she formed a smile.


    ¡®¡¯People lie about you, Lyssandra.¡¯¡¯She said and walked far from me.


    My heart dropped from the realization but when I tried to speak there was no voice. Turning back to my bowl, I slowly realized what she did.


    ¡®¡¯How do you¡­¡¯¡¯My throat was closing.


    ¡®¡¯Know your name?¡¯¡¯She laughed and she took out of the tree two pieces of rope.


    ¡®¡¯Who do you think your mother prayed to when she was giving birth?¡¯¡¯


    What?


    ¡®¡¯She had beautiful emerald eyes¡¯¡¯She moved to my side and grasped my hands, tying them together tight with the rope. I could not fight. I could not move.


    ¡®¡¯A shame that you took only her eyes. Everything else is a spitting image of the man who tricked her.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯They..¡¯¡¯ I remembered the priest¡¯s words.


    ¡®¡¯Oh, he promised her the stars and the sun¡¯¡¯She moved at my ankles.¡¯¡¯Until her womb was all round and you were almost out to the light.¡¯¡¯ She lifted her jaw and and looked at the bright light of the cave.''''No wonder she walked away after that.''''


    ¡®¡¯I don¡¯t care.¡¯¡¯I spat at her.¡¯¡¯Who are¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I have seen countless women and thieves come the past few days. I gave them my hospitality, and I gave them challenges¡¯¡¯She closed her eyes as she cupped my face and with her other hand, she grabbed my poisonous arm so tight that made me scream out the last tone of my voice. I could not hold it anymore. All this pain brought me sorrow with tears beginning to fall right on my cheeks.


    ¡®¡¯You were the longest conversation I had in a while.¡¯¡¯Her lips parted with her face leaning to my ear.¡¯¡¯But he told me if I manage to kill you¡­¡¯¡¯


    A music sang to my ears and the woman wiped the tears off my face.


    ¡®¡¯He will give my children their titles and strength back.¡¯¡¯


    I left all my strength. Why did I trust her? Why? Was she working with the snake? Was she feeding people to it? Commanding it to attack people?


    ¡®¡¯What¡­¡¯¡¯I managed to ask her.¡¯¡¯Was it?¡¯¡¯


    Her brow arched. If I would die I just needed to know.


    ¡®¡¯You said.¡¯¡¯I coughed dry, giving all my strength to just talking.¡¯¡¯That you gave challenges¡­And I was the longest conversation¡­¡¯¡¯I let out one more cough, spitting blood to her cloak.¡¯¡¯What did I say and I failed?¡¯¡¯


    She opened her mouth and started laughing hysterically. What was wrong with that woman? It was not long when she let her black veil down, exposing a pair of long black wolf ears.


    ¡®¡¯You, whose mother ran, who never felt the cruelty of a lover¡¯¡¯She whispered back to my ear and her hand slid at my stomach, near my¡­.¡¯¡¯Who will never experience what I experienced¡­¡¯¡¯A long pose and I felt that she was restraining her anger.¡¯¡¯Tried to give me advice.¡¯¡¯


    That was it? I did what she asked. Well, I could only assume how her son felt about her.


    ¡®¡¯I was not lying when I told you that my son would have fallen for you¡¯¡¯She kept whispering and her arms embraced me tight.


    She was insane.And I could feel my head going heavier. I wanted to sleep. I wanted to sleep with the music accompanying me.


    ¡®¡¯This is why you shall die now.¡¯¡¯I looked above and found her holding her knife higher, ready to stab it at my eye.


    ¡®¡¯Leto?¡¯¡¯ A voice broke from behind and as I was about to see who was talking, everything became pitch black.

 FOURTY SEVEN

    APOLLO


    ¡®¡¯Inside Python¡¯s cave. That¡¯s where you will find Leto and her flock of golden sheep.¡¯¡¯


    How should I talk to her? To the woman who left me, to the woman who hated me? Now, I need her help to live a few more days. However, she did help my sister. Maybe she changed. The entire thought of her helping me made me sick to my stomach.


    Finding Hermes all coughing on his knees was not something I expected to see inside the forest. I did give him what he wanted. A day of pretending to be me. I honestly waited for him to be in bliss and started to mock me, but instead, he looked so pathetic.


    ¡®¡¯What happened?¡¯¡¯I asked him, and he kept coughing.


    ¡®¡¯Ashes on my¡­¡¯¡¯He inhaled.¡¯¡¯Throat.¡¯¡¯


    After he cleared up his voice, he stood up and let out a pout. Then, he turned his gaze away from me.


    ¡®¡¯She went to the cave.¡¯¡¯He spat once more and insisted on looking away. Why was he so upset? Why wasn¡¯t he all excited and deceiving like usual?  Why did he give me information without payment?


    The cave.


    That was where I was headed, too.


    I saw her all passed out now in a beautiful crimson chiton, her face powdered all so delicate, and her lips were painted in a mix of red and purple. She was getting even worse.


    But the one who was surprised to see me was Leto, her eyes snapped wide open.


    ¡®¡¯My beautiful boy¡¯¡¯She let the woman down, and her hands embraced me tightly, pulling me closer to her. Such a sudden warmth coming from her. I could listen to her voice weeping, whispering of how glad she was that I was alright.


    ¡®¡¯Let¡­¡¯¡¯I tried to speak, but her eyes fell to mine and cupped my face.¡¯¡¯It will be alright.¡¯¡¯ There was one of her smiles. It almost made me think why was I so mad at her? Maybe it was never her fault.


    ¡®¡¯You look so thin, my child¡¯¡¯


    I nodded. SO many times, I was avoiding her; I had built a wall to stay away from her. But at that moment, I simply wanted to crawl onto her lap. I felt like a little child again.


    ¡®¡¯You look so much like a fox now, I remember you forming into a deer.¡¯¡¯She whispered.


    ¡®¡¯It was a long time ago, Leto.¡¯¡¯I had to keep myself cold and distant, even if that made her upset.


    My eyes returned back to the woman who was tied up. Thankfully, she was long passed out as she would be in shock if she could see the way that I am now. My skin turned brighter and wilder while I began to obtain the legs of a fox. I still had my antlers and tail, but I could feel myself turning weaker, too.


    ¡®¡¯What did you do?¡¯¡¯ I asked her.


    ¡®¡¯The ¡®king¡¯ and I made a deal.¡¯¡¯She announced as she made the woman stand on her own two feet.¡¯¡¯If I take her life, you will be free.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯ My ¡®father¡¯ Would never agree to¡­¡¯¡¯


    But her fingers revealed that underneath her chiton, there was a necklace painted in gold with my ¡®Father¡¯s¡¯ symbol encrypted on it.


    Thai was supposed to be my job, and he offered it to her as if it were nothing. Did he believe that I wouldn¡¯t succeed?


    ¡®¡¯I can do it¡¯¡¯I admitted, but Leto rolled her eyes.


    ¡®¡¯I am sure you can.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I have a plan.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You don¡¯t have time.¡¯¡¯She spat at me and tossed me over as she began ranting beneath her teeth. I held her over to my arms, and I could listen to her slow heart beating like a soft drum.  Her ankles and wrists were too tight , making even her skin turn red.


    ¡®¡¯You can do  it, you know¡¯¡¯Leto spoke over and over again.¡¯¡¯You know nothing¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You lost the opportunity to get to know me.¡¯¡¯I replied dryly. ¡®¡¯When I am telling you I can do it, I can.¡¯¡¯


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    Her brow arched and she nodded.¡¯¡¯Alright. Do it then.¡¯¡¯


    What? I turned down the woman¡¯s almost dead body. The fates were about to take her away, send her to the underworld.


    ¡®¡¯Kill her¡¯¡¯Leto whispered like a command.¡¯¡¯And your father might reconsider all this¡¯¡¯


    My hands slid up to her throat. I never realized how small she was against me. She looked all weak and pathetic. This is what I wanted. Right? Her to be dead and gone, her to cry and plead for mercy¡­was this what I wanted?


    ¡®¡¯I told you¡¯¡¯I cleared my throat.¡¯¡¯I have a plan.¡¯¡¯ But Leto did not seem to believe me.


    ¡®¡¯So I will take her and¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Your sister was right¡¯¡¯sighed Leto.


    And I returned to her confused. But her eyes were honest with me in finding what she meant by her words. I shook my head.¡¯¡¯She is a fool.¡¯¡¯


    Leto narrowed and cupped the woman¡¯s face.¡¯¡¯But you love her, don¡¯t you?¡¯¡¯


    My chest tightens up with the sharp pain returning.


    She was aware of the look. This woman was my mother all, she raised me. And when she grabbed the woman from my arms, I was about to snatch her back. But it was too late as roots covered my limbs and throat, pushing me near the wall. What was that? Why could I not do anything?


    ¡®¡¯Let her be, she is a mere mortal.¡¯¡¯I panted while she kept carrying her away from me. Her steps stopped near the tree, with all the sheep now scattering.


    ¡®¡¯Then, she will be a fine meal for Python, won¡¯t she?¡¯¡¯ Leto asked with a smile, frowning upon her face.


    A sudden terror struck at my chest, making me remember every detail of what happened between me and the snake. What I did to him. What he did to me.


    ¡®¡¯What happened to you?¡¯¡¯I asked her dry.


    Why was she so cruel? And Leto turned to me. Once again, she did not speak. But I could tell. I could tell the answer. It was simply me. My existence hurt her; I wanted her so much that she turned into a cruel old woman.


    ¡®¡¯Leto, please, I am sorry¡¯¡¯I panted, feeling the roots getting all tighter.


    ¡®¡¯You will find another mortal to fall in love with.¡¯¡¯She explained to me, and I could now see that the old tree had a hollow part right at the center, guiding an eternal darkness.


    No, I do not want to fall in love again. I do not want to feel what I do at this moment. And her anger will not stop even in death. I did not want that. I did not want her to die.


    ¡®¡¯Mother, please¡¯¡¯I cried, and she stopped to stare at me back with a soft smile curving on her face.  The roots began to relax around me, letting me go free.


    ¡®¡¯I once said that you looked like your Father¡¯¡¯She remembered, and I was already about to walk closer to her.


    How short my mother was in front of me. She was a shaken woman who found a night of love and was trapped by it for years. For centuries, she was hiding here, trying to get a glimpse of her daughter and son. How lonely she could have been, and how foolish I was not to go near her.


    ¡®¡¯You got your emotions from me.¡¯¡¯


    I tried to smile with her but she spoke first.


    ¡®¡¯So you must understand, what I am doing, I am doing it for you.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Let me handle it mother,¡¯¡¯I whispered at her.¡¯¡¯Your hands do not need to get dirty.¡¯¡¯


    Mother winced with her hand cupping my face.


    ¡®¡¯Unlike this woman right here, you are such¡­¡¯¡¯


    She let out a heavy breath.¡¯¡¯A terrible liar.¡¯¡¯


    After that, Mother tossed the woman¡¯s body into the hole, making her fall. My body broke with my finger taking a few trenches of golden wool, and I was ready to jump into the hole.


    ¡®¡¯Apollo wait.¡¯¡¯ Mother screamed, but it was too late as I was already falling into the dark knight.


    The snake that was hiding inside the cave was sent by the queen of the gods to hunt my mother down. After I was born, the snake did not stop after, me, trying to kill me. He decided to weaken me by destroying my temples, eating my people. And then I was once ready to be devoured by him until I managed to¡­


    Now, Python was crawling to the dark of the cave, awaiting my mother¡¯s feist of thieves and whores and sheep. But maybe, this must end.


    I commanded a bright light near me, just so I could notice the ground was filled with old clothes and bones, either those that belonged to animals or humans. The clothes could be separated into commoners or rich men as the skulls of the mortals were small of children and babies, and others were big enough to belong to old people. Weapons laid down too such as spears, swords, bows, and arrows. But the woman was nowhere to be found.


    I shifted back to the form of Paris, and I began calling the oracle inside the piles of bone and corpses.


    ¡®¡¯Where are you, Oracle?¡¯¡¯I shouted, making a loud echo in the dark, wide cave.


    Sudden panic grew all around my body.


    You love her.


    Nonsense. I did not. I cannot do that. Her existence is destroying me, and she despises me. Her heart is filled with fire and hate.  I cannot¡­


    I want her gone. I need her gone. And all I could imagine her now was all eaten up on Python¡¯s stomach, the acid rotting her skin as he tried to spit her bone, leaving just her skull¡­


    ¡®¡¯No, no¡¯¡¯The thoughts rushed out as I fell to my knees.


    ¡®¡¯Where are you?¡¯¡¯I screamed at the top of my lungs.¡¯¡¯Lys..¡¯¡¯My teeth chattered.¡¯¡¯Oracle where are you?¡¯¡¯

 FOURTY EIGHT

    LYSSANDRA


    I am hungry. So hungry. When was the last time I ate? I could see vultures around the trees, waiting for me to fall. I could not blame them. My body was now all frail, tired from all the running. All skin and bones, and my hunger was too much. And so was his. The snake was breathing right behind me. Faster than any bird, taller than any tree, sharper than any lion, he was following me until the end of the world, killing me slowly, starving me until I perished. When would all this end?


    ¡®¡¯This is the end¡¯¡¯The snake laughed as his mouth opened wide, letting his tongue stick out.


    No, that wasn¡¯t the end. I could not¡­I turned my head to his side, hands opened, with my hand forming a bright citrine bow.


    What is this?


    All my anger, my pride fell in the form of a bright thread of the sun to the snake¡¯s mouth, making him scream. I fell on my own back with the snake now crawling to a cave, taking his last breath. The snake¡¯s body was so tall and fat, the one who had been after me for half a century was finally giving up.


    And I could only watch him die until I realized once again that I was starving.


    What am I saying?


    Inside the cave, I went and I could see now a little boy with a bronze rough skin, on his knees, in front of the snake. I kept walking as I could see the boy¡¯s flaming curls were long to his fragile shoulders while down to his lower back, there was a long gray tail that could belong to a wolf. The snake¡¯s body was letting gold liquid fall out from his scales while the boy was still on his knees.


    ¡®¡¯What happened here?¡¯¡¯ I asked, and the boy turned to my side. His face is a wild beauty with eyes estranged wide open. Even with his face being covered with the skull of a great deer, I could see every detail. His lips were dressed in purple while his hands were holding a piece of the snake, already matched up with purple liquid dripping from it.


    He was eating it. He was eating Python.


    ¡®¡¯Hello¡¯¡¯He smiled widely, letting the meat drop to the ground. He looked to be sixteen or younger. Based on his poor brown chitton, He was not a king or a great, rich man.


    Before speaking again, the boy hopped like a deer on top of me, making me fall down.


    ¡®¡¯You are so pretty.¡¯¡¯He hummed with delight.


    I did not speak as I imagined that I had hit my head.


    ¡®¡¯What are you doing here?¡¯¡¯He asked me.


    Think of a lie.


    ¡®¡¯I was looking for you.¡¯¡¯I said, and he blinked all confused, while his food was dripping right on my face. He moved away from me like a wild animal, and I managed to stand up.


    ¡®¡¯For me?¡¯¡¯ He let out a heavy breath and took one more look around. ¡®¡¯Did the queen send you?¡¯¡¯


    I shook my head. What kind of Queen was he talking about?


    ¡®¡¯My ¡®Father?¡¯ ¡®¡¯One more question as his voice turned gentle for a moment, but I could see his body was trembling.


    Maybe lying again wouldn¡¯t be the right thing to do.  So I hummed a note.


    ¡®¡¯So you just came here to¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I came to see you¡¯¡¯Another small lie.


    ¡®¡¯See me?¡¯¡¯


    I nodded, and he smiled even wider like a joyful fox. I could not help to think how adorable this boy was. A little kid wanting attention.


    ¡®¡¯You came to see me¡­¡¯¡¯He sang again and again.


    My eye returned back to the snake.


    ¡®¡¯He is not dead yet¡¯¡¯He said joyfully and grabbed my entire face with his entire strength. And then I realized. His lips were not moving.


    ¡®¡¯What punishment shall I give him?¡¯¡¯He asked then.


    Punishment? On his own two feet now, the skull wearing boy was jumping around the pile of scales and blood that was coming from the snake.


    ¡®¡¯I can tell Uncle to send him to Tartarus, make a punishment there.¡¯¡¯


    Uncle? How could he have an uncle running Tartarus? Who could that¡­


    Wait¡­ No, he couldn¡¯t be. The boy couldn¡¯t be.


    ¡®¡¯Or kill him and feed him to my Father, he would probably love it.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Who is your Father?¡¯¡¯I asked the boy, and he turned back to me, laughing hysterically. Lying on a rock now, the boy kept humming an enchanting melody, capturing my entire soul and I was following his side.


    ¡®¡¯I can¡¯t tell you¡¯¡¯He sang.


    Sure, he couldn¡¯t, but it felt like I already knew. And the boy gasped as he turned to see the snake again.¡¯¡¯I can make him my child, can¡¯t I?¡¯¡¯


    His child? The boy¡¯s hands snapped wide open, and he began to laugh once more.¡¯¡¯My child, my son, he will do as I please, worship me, and he will be there when I need him.¡¯¡¯The last words let out a painful tone from his lips.


    My hands found the skull, moving at the long antlers, before I was about to pull it off.


    The boy¡¯s lips parted.


    ¡®¡¯It is alright, I won¡¯t say it to anyone¡¯¡¯I promised and winced.¡¯¡¯It will be our little secret.¡¯¡¯


    The boy nodded, and as I finally removed the skull, I could see the tears he was shedding right down to his fat purple cheeks.


    He was hunted for so long. He was starving all alone with one to look at him.


    I could just pity him.


    And when the boy noticed it, he was not pleased. He grasped the skull out of my hand, and the antlers left a cut on my hand.


    ¡®¡¯How dare you¡¯¡¯ The deer boy barked.¡¯¡¯How dare you mock me?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯No, I did not,¡¯¡¯ I admitted, but he was not listening to me.


    ¡®¡¯Are you afraid of me?¡¯¡¯His voice became all heavy and twisted.¡¯¡¯Will you run away?¡¯¡¯


    I shook my head, but my body was trembling like a leaf. Why was I trembling? The boy yelled again, this time he jumped back at me, his weight pushing my body to the ground.


    ¡®¡¯Liar!¡¯¡¯He screamed.¡¯¡¯Your are! You must!¡¯¡¯


    I must?


    ¡®¡¯I am not afraid of you¡¯¡¯I fully admitted.


    The boy¡¯s eyes snapped as he heard those words, and suddenly, his body grew older by the second.


    ¡®¡¯People like you must fear me¡¯¡¯His deep voice whispered to my ear. ¡®¡¯Worship me like the poor little sheep you are.¡¯¡¯His cold fingers found my throat. Trying to speak as pointless with my throat now closing tight. I could not breathe.


    ¡®¡¯You will be afraid of me¡¯¡¯His voice sang.¡¯¡¯But you won¡¯t leave me right?¡¯¡¯His smile grew wide as his sharp teeth were exposed to the sunlight. It felt like an invitation of his, to eat my flesh just like he did to the snake.


    ¡®¡¯You will love me.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I will love you¡¯¡¯I gasped out. The deer boy turned into a charming young man, his face still covered by the skull. But his words captured my stupid little head. He wants me to love him.


    ¡®¡¯But I want you to never leave me.¡¯¡¯


    The man laughed, and his fingers traced around my curls.


    ¡®¡¯Who do you think you are to ask things from me?¡¯¡¯


    What? Why was he so cruel? I could have done everything he asked.


    But I understood. He had the power, and I did not. He would be in control no matter the imbalance of scales. Was this how it would always end? I was so tired of fighting.


    Wake up.


    That voice.


    Oracle, you must wake up, please.


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    The deer boy laughed, suggesting he listened to the voice, too. But the laugh was higher-pitched with more humor and less melody.


    And then, my eye snapped, just for me to end up in more darkness.


    But Paris was there with his face being the only one that shone bright. A smile of relief formed on his face as he noticed that I was still alive, but I could not move. Every strength of mine was almost worn out. I couldn¡¯t even imagine that I still had the power to breathe.


    His fingers drew a sharp knife to the ground, and I could imagine the worst-case scenario.


    ¡®¡¯Do you want to learn what he thinks of you? All those things he wants to do with you¡¯¡¯


    My body shook from the simple thought of the blade hitting my skin, but Paris had other plans with it.


    ¡®¡¯Stay calm¡¯¡¯He whispered with the blade now cutting the tight ropes on my hands and legs. My body was in such pain, I didn¡¯t even realize that my limbs were swollen by the binding of that old crone¡¯s wicked hands.


    Now, free from the binding, I twisted my wrists and took a look at the blonde, panicked beauty that was standing right in front of me.


    ¡®¡¯You are still alive and..¡¯¡¯


    I shut him up fast with my hands cupping both of his cheeks. I just had to see it. I just had to see his eyes. All so drawn with pleading and anger. A small fire burns with hatred towards the person he looks at.


    ¡®¡¯It is you¡¯¡¯I gasped out with my mouth getting drier. My thumbs pushed at his lips, making his mouth open. My skin tingled from his sharp teeth as he tried to stop me.


    ¡®¡¯Ora..cled¡¯¡¯He was muffled.


    It was him.


    ¡®¡¯It¡¯s you¡¯¡¯I moved my hands back so I could cover my mouth. Paris blurred out a few words and grinned at me.¡¯¡¯The one and only,¡¯¡¯He narrowed.¡¯¡¯Sort of¡­¡¯¡¯


    I wanted to hug him so tight that he would explode, I wanted to cry in his arms. But the situation did not give me enough time. And those words that the previous man said¡­


    ¡®¡¯Are you¡­¡¯¡¯I tried to speak but the man already wrapped his hands around my body, pulling me to his shoulders.


    ¡®¡¯Hey, what are you¡­¡¯¡¯


    He did not speak for the rest of the moments we were now walking. Well, he was walking. He was carrying me like an object. My gaze fell to the ground that we were passing, which was decorated with bones and clothes. How many people failed to get out of here? How many victims did the snake and that woman take over the years?


    With the time passing, I noticed that the stones were glimpses of a sky blue light that belonged to a few peculiar stones. And as we kept moving and moving, a bright light appeared right in front of us.


    I was about to turn my head to see, but Paris flew past my body on the bright side of the cave. My body had a leap of faith in him, but my body broke into a pile of water.


    With my lungs filled slowly with the cold liquid I could only now push myself higher. Surprisingly, the water was not deep enough so I could even walk on the cold rocks. Above me, I could see the rocks above us shining like diamonds as the water had the bright light of the horizon. And that could even¡­


    ¡®¡¯It¡¯s relaxation waters.¡¯¡¯ Paris¡¯ voice echoed from above me as he was walking down the rocks slowly. I was confused at the start, before my body began to feel stronger. An energy struck my spine, making my entire body tingle.


    ¡®¡¯Stories say that Apollo created them, hiding them in caves for them to be showered by the stones above and the bright starlight gems.¡¯¡¯


    My curiosity grew as he spoke about that myth. I haven¡¯t heard that one before. Was he really speaking the truth? And if yes, how did he know?


    Paris smirked. ¡®¡¯Of course, there is also a myth where he visited the places with his lovers.¡¯¡¯


    I arched my brow and looked down at my almost ruined and wet wedding garments. I would die today either way, but I prefer to die heroically by poison and not by cold.


    ¡®¡¯Wha..what are you doing?¡¯¡¯Paris stuttered while I was taking my chitton off. Why was he surprised? He has seen my body before hasn¡¯t he? Why is getting flustered now? And a creature like him he had probably seen greater forms.


    ¡®¡¯I don¡¯t want to catch a cold,¡¯¡¯ I admitted and stretched the fabrics and let them dry on the nearest rocks. Looking back at him, I noticed that he was now knee-deep inside the water, and he began to undress himself. I knew he had a great physique, and he never hid it, but this time, my gaze decided to forcibly look into his eyes. If I looked any lower I knew I could give him any nasty ideas.


    My body sank deeper into the water as he followed me. Wondered if this was the creature¡¯s game. Charming people and then helping that woman to send them here, so they could be eaten.


    I heard his voice before, sure of it. He called her. Leto, as the goddess of motherhood and the mother of Artemis and.... She was prideful and uncanny herself.


    Paris¡¯ hand slipped behind my neck, taking my curls away.¡¯¡¯Let me help you¡¯¡¯He whispered.


    I am so sick of this.


    Turning back to see him now was one of the many things I was not prepared for. Especially for what I was about to say.


    ¡®¡¯Who are you?¡¯¡¯I finally asked.


    Paris blinked and smiled.¡¯¡¯Oracle, I am..¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Why are you here?¡¯¡¯My voice rose, creating a loud echo.


    He laughed.¡¯¡¯Oracle, you know why¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Do not. Lie.¡¯¡¯I spat. If the gods were real, then who was this man standing in front of me?


    ¡®¡¯I know that you are not a mortal,¡¯¡¯I spat, and his face drenched out of color. His eyes lost their playfulness just like his smile faded. Was he out of tricks and lies?


    He simply despises you.


    ¡®¡¯Just tell me the truth, stop trying to trick me, I know that you despise me.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Despise you?¡¯¡¯His breath shuddered, and he cupped my face. The look in his eyes was the same, painted the same.


    ¡®¡¯Oracle I..¡¯¡¯ Lips quivering before we both listened to a third sound, crawling near us.


    Python?


    I rushed to my clothes and got out fast from the water fast. Relaxation was nice enough, but I did not want the snake to find me.


    ¡®¡¯I will tell you¡¯¡¯ Paris¡¯ tone echoed behind me.


    Will he?


    We both kept walking as the pain slowly returned, now moving on my chest. But thanks to the stones, the cave was not dark anymore and we could await for Python any moment. I wondered if I could take a few of them and have a fortune after all of this. Maybe I could travel up north. Or visit the old battlefields of what Troy was once.


    Poking a small out was easier than I expected and moved it closer to my face. The color was all vibrant, as if I had a star on my hands. I let my tongue lick it, and I found out that it was salty like the sea.


    ¡®¡¯What is this gem?¡¯¡¯I asked Paris, who was far away from me.


    ¡®¡¯Ouranos¡¯ fluids¡¯¡¯


    I threw the gem down immediately as my lips were now inside my mouth from disgust.


    ¡®¡¯It¡¯s alright, they are not dangerous if you don¡¯t place them in the sea¡¯¡¯ He let out a heavy growl. ¡®¡¯The world doesn¡¯t need another Aphrodite.¡¯¡¯


    His tone was different now that I had revealed his identity. His voice was formal as his gaze was steady, serious. Was that his real expression or another facade?


    And then, the man who was once Paris spoke.


    ¡®¡¯I was sent here by the king, father.¡¯¡¯


    King father, who could he possibly mean? Perseus? No, it couldn¡¯t but¡­All father¡­


    ¡®¡¯Oh.¡¯¡¯ My lips parted, and Paris walked right next to me.


    ¡®¡¯When you¡­killed that man to his temple, he was very upset and he sent me to make sure you will uhm¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Pay?¡¯¡¯ I asked, but it was pretty obvious. One more lesson, a myth, a story for the people to be afraid of the gods.


    Paris did not speak for a while as I kept my thoughts deep inside me. Zeus wanted me punished. Leto tried to hurt me before saying something about her children. But where was he in the picture?


    ¡®¡¯You must understand, whatever he told me to do¡¯¡¯Paris¡¯ hand found mine. So soft and warm, it could truly belong to a celestial being.¡¯¡¯My feelings about you-¡¯¡¯


    I pushed myself away.¡¯¡¯Feelings? You were tricking me.¡¯¡¯


    Paris¡¯ lips twitched as he took a deep breath.


    He despises you.


    ¡®¡¯If you cared for me, you could have healed, right?¡¯¡¯


    For the first time, he had not a single comeback.


    A smile grew on my face. ¡®¡¯You wouldn¡¯t because what? I am mere? I do not fit any of the titles?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Oracle, please¡¯¡¯He pleaded, and suddenly hot air fell on both of our faces. The earth shook, and two green orbs were coming closer and closer with the sound of a crawling.


    ¡®¡¯Run¡¯¡¯barked Paris, holding my hand tight.¡¯¡¯Oracle, run.¡¯¡¯


    I could not listen to him. I could not obey him. because screams ran to my ears as Python walked to our side.


    ¡®¡¯Help me, please help me.¡¯¡¯ Couldn¡¯t he listen to them?


    His hand grabbed even tighter, and he started the leading run. The walls of the cave became brighter with the gemstones around the walls growing less and less. Sooner or later, we would be hunted blind. Even the cave grew tighter.


    ¡®¡¯Paris, I have¡¯¡¯¡¯I managed to catch a breath


    ¡®¡¯We have to find a way out.¡¯He wasn¡¯t even looking at me, trying to see at least if I was alright. But his hands were shaking. Was he afraid of Python?


    I stopped running and pushed my hand away from his wrist.


    The voice kept calling me, asking me to help them. Even in darkness, I could imagine what kind of face he was making. He could frown, he could plead, but I could not follow him.


    ¡®¡¯I have to kill him,¡¯¡¯I muttered.


    ¡®¡¯Oracle, listen to me¡¯¡¯His hands grabbed on my shoulders.¡¯¡¯You can barely walk,¡¯¡¯His voice shook.¡¯¡¯He will use your bones to take your meat out of his teeth. You are not a warrior.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯No, I am not¡¯¡¯I pushed him away and took a few steps back. I was not a hero, trying to save kingdoms and princesses. I was not a warrior leading a glorious battle. I was a stupid woman who thought that I could steal and lie until the end. But if I could kill him, it could make the gods furious once more, taste defeat.


    ¡®¡¯Please, oracle¡¯¡¯He spat, and his fingers moved on my cheek.


    ¡®¡¯Then stop me,¡¯¡¯I whispered. Why aren¡¯t you healing me? Why aren¡¯t you helping me? Punishing me? Stopping me?


    Paris frowned.


    ¡®¡¯Why are you here?¡¯¡¯


    His breath shook with his hand moving away.¡¯¡¯I don¡¯t know¡¯¡¯


    Should I trust him? He wouldn¡¯t heal me, he wouldn¡¯t help me, he despised me. He was ordered to punish me.


    ¡®¡¯Please, protect the others¡¯¡¯I begged him, and my legs started running away once more, back to the light. I could listen to his voice, echoing through the cave, calling me Oracle over and over again.


    He despises you.


    Then why did I know that he was about to cry?

 FOURTY NINE

    LYSSANDRA


    This time, the snake was nowhere to be found. I could search on each corner, or even above, for the sharp stone, but he was not there. My hand reached down to the fallen weapons and took one long bronze spear. If the snake were think to attack me, I must be ready. And my gaze drew somewhere else its attention, right to a bush that had blooming glowing herbs.


    Are those¡­


    I kept walking and walking with my mouth turning drier, my hand getting heavier, and my heart¡­


    And then I thought of what Paris said. The king of the gods is after me, he is furious. Once again, Apollo was nowhere to be found. I shamed him and he is not hunting me down?


    I wonder if I will die and go to the Asphodels if he appears as a punishment for me.


    Keep walking, woman. You still have the strength, keep walking.


    Looking down, I found the stone that I had picked before. That means I was close to the lake. Looking at the stone again, it gave me a thought. Paris did say that they were harmless but what if they could protect me?


    Help me, the voice echoed to the walls.


    Now it was just me, holding an old scourge spear and Ouranos¡¯ semen. Perfect.


    The dream that I saw kept haunting me with the deer boy eating Python. Instead of giving him a quick death, he punished him for eternity. And for what?


    Help me.


    I finally ended up at the lake, where once again there was none to be found. Why did he retreat? He was all hunting us down before. Why was he backing down?


    ¡®¡¯Python¡¯¡¯I whispered, wishing he would appear. Nothing.


    ¡®¡¯Show yourself son of Apollo¡¯¡¯My voice echoed and I clenched my spear even tighter. Once again, no response.


    Where was that stupid snake?


    And then, a thought lured my mind as I looked around. Third time''s a charm.


    ¡®¡¯Python, Son of Gaia, Serpent of Delfi¡¯¡¯One deep breath.¡¯¡¯I am here asking you for your sign.¡¯¡¯


    I did not have to wait for an answer as water fell right above me, and the light almost vanished. Looking up, I found a great Python with scars marked on its scales that were slowly getting healed. He went inside the lake to heal and baited me to come as he was now back all powerful.


    ¡®¡¯Another bride¡¯¡¯His heavy voice sounded all annoyed as if he had had enough of everything.


    ¡®¡¯Go on, plead for mercy, cry.¡¯¡¯


    It took me a while to realize that he was speaking. The serpent was speaking. And he was not eating me. Not yet. Why was he so annoyed?


    I let my spear down and faced him.


    ¡®¡¯I am no bride¡¯¡¯ I admitted.


    Python¡¯s eyes opened curiously. ¡®¡¯What are you then?¡¯¡¯


    What should I tell him? Would he believe me? But his round eyes turned to my arm.


    ¡®¡¯Oh, I see we faced before, haven¡¯t we?¡¯¡¯ He nodded and the thoughts consumed.¡¯¡¯You are that Lyssandra, Leto is blabbering about.¡¯¡¯


    Great, he knows me. I shook my head and showed my hand.¡¯¡¯Are you not going to kill me?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You are already dying and besides.¡¯¡¯His head rested on the rock.


    ¡®¡¯It¡¯s been a while since someone called me by my titles.¡¯¡¯ It felt like the snake was smiling and it gave me a sign of warmth.


    I sat with my legs crossed and waited for him to speak. Maybe I could buy time like this, catch him off guard.


    ¡®¡¯You look strange.¡¯¡¯¡¯ He hummed, letting his tongue out.¡¯¡¯God''s cut your tongue?¡¯¡¯


    I shook my head.¡¯¡¯No, if you are just an actual legend, I can¡¯t believe it.¡¯¡¯My face fixed a wide smile of joy. ¡®¡¯That I am talking with you right now.¡¯¡¯


    Python scoffed.


    ¡®¡¯May ask, how did you end up here? The stories said that you died.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯And others that I became Apollo¡¯s child.¡¯¡¯He continued and took a deep breath.


    ¡®¡¯I was a peaceful snake once, long ago. But when Leto was expecting, the Queen found me, commanding me to find that woman and kill her. I searched the earth and sea, but I could not find any sign of her. Once I told it to the Queen, she ordered me to never stop. Never stop until I find my goal. And so I searched and searched. Centuries passed when I began to rest at Delphi, trying to catch a breath. And that¡¯s where I heard the sound. That beautiful melody of the lyre. It was itching my head, my aching soul, everything. There were dancers and musicians creating a ceremony, so I followed them to see pretty closely what they were doing. When they saw me, I was welcomed with screams and cries. Who could have imagined a snake like me visiting them for the music? And suddenly another string of the lyre appeared. A beautiful antagonizing music that made my chest wrapped tighten.


    My eyes looked above the trees to find a little deer boy playing the lyre gently. Just by the look of this boy, just his simple existence made me go after him.


    That was the moment my hunt would finally begin. And once he was dead, it would be over, and I could actually rest.


    But the hunt took days, weeks, decades. I tried to weaken him by destroying his temples, starving him to death. However, starvation gave him a different kind of strength. Have you ever seen the wrath of a god? You look pretty young so I suppose no. And I hope you never see it. Their hubris boils their skin,  eyes monstrous.


    When he hurt me, I thought that it was finally the end. Maybe death was the answer. That is what I wanted. And yet fate forced me to live as one of his sons? I was a toy for him, and it was a punishment for me. I simply wanted to die. To find a way to leave him. So, I ran far away from him, hiding in a deep cave. But even now that I was far away from him, his voice, his pleadings for help, are echoing in the cave.¡¯¡¯


    Help me.


    ¡®¡¯ He is haunting my soul¡¯¡¯Python wept.¡¯¡¯But he never visited. Sometimes I decided to get out and eat a ship or some foolish mortal, but I did not need to eat a lot. I managed to control my hunger. And then, the woman with her flock of golden sheep appeared. Telling me that my so-called father needs my help. For so many moons, I heard pleading, cries, screams of women and children, men who were just down there for money. Have you ever heard someone¡¯s screams while you were swallowing them down your throat? Their struggles, their fight to get out of your close stomach. Their prayers to their gods for the only salvation were the pain of the acid of my organs, melting their flesh and my mouth, spitting their bones. Because after that, their souls could wonder to this world forever. Because of me. They all met me until she would tell me to stop. Until you would come.¡¯¡¯


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    My heart dropped as I heard those words, and my gaze turned to the spear.


    Because. Of. Me.


    ¡®¡¯I understand, you want me dead¡¯¡¯


    Python shook his head. ¡®¡¯No, Lyssandra, I do not¡¯¡¯Python moved his head around me.


    ¡®¡¯Because you understand me. Perhaps the only one who dies at this moment.¡¯¡¯


    I flinched.¡¯¡¯And what do I understand?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Gods are cruel, they are expecting everything from their servants, they are expecting us to die for them. Their mistakes are often justified. But what happens when you are making mistakes?¡¯¡¯


    You get one of Zeus¡¯ lapdog priests to attack and to punish you. Leto asks you a question and you answer correctly. However, you are the wrong person to answer correctly and her pride got heated. Once again, Zeus sends another creature to punish you, and you¡­


    And before even that, you pray and pray until you realize they will never answer.


    ¡®¡¯If you are not a king or one of their children or a hero, they won¡¯t even notice you. I rambled out, and I felt my strength giving up.


    Python hummed.¡¯¡¯How about we make a deal?¡¯¡¯He hissed at me, and I looked above him.


    ¡®¡¯I actually like you, Lyssandra. So I will let you go and I will lie to  Leto, telling her I ate you.¡¯¡¯


    My gaze widened with hope.. That would mean he won¡¯t kill anyone else. I could lie again and tell them that Python is dead. And that will be it. I could die in peace¡­


    I could¡­I would die. I would be dead, and my goal would be unreachable.


    ¡®¡¯I will let you go after you summon Apollo here.¡¯¡¯


    What? My shoulders fell as I stood on my two feet.


    ¡®¡¯You are an oracle, aren¡¯t you? He will come for you¡¯¡¯


    I shook my head. He wouldn¡¯t. I prayed enough times to know that he wouldn¡¯t come.


    ¡®¡¯Now, now, oracle, ask him, pray to him.¡¯¡¯He moved closer and closer, and I found the chance to grab the spear.


    ¡®¡¯Python listen to me¡¯¡¯My voice shook. ¡®¡¯He won¡¯t come. Apollo will not¡­¡¯¡¯


    Help me.


    ¡®¡¯Oh, but he will, I know that he will.¡¯¡¯His breath let out a rotten smell that could even kill me.


    ¡®¡¯Every time I was losing him, I could lure him out by eating a few of his priests, and then with his bright bow he would appear.¡¯¡¯A laugh. ¡®¡¯Maybe¡¯¡¯His mouth opened wide and moved right to my side.


    Now.


    I dodged his attack by turning right and my entire strength was given to the spear as it fell right to the nose of the snake. Python growled out loud, hitting his head back against the stones. That was my chance to run.


    I jumped right back to the ground away from the rocks and tried to run faster and faster. Sweat showered my body as an arrow of pain fell right to my heart. I began to lose everything. My head became even lighter. But I had to run. I had to buy time.


    And then I fell to the ground. My entire body burned from the pain, and I tried to crawl my way out. However, Python had other plans as his tail wrapped around my foot.


    ¡®¡¯No, no¡¯¡¯I muttered as I was dragged right back. The tail coiled even longer as it began to wrap both of my legs, and when he lifted me higher, my waist and back were completely covered by the hard skin. Thankfully, my hand was still free and I could still hold the stupid bright stone. I tried to hit it again and again, but nothing happened until it fell right to the floor.


    Screaming out of disappointment, Python decided to wrap his tail even tighter.


    ¡®¡¯Now, call Apollo little Oracle. Call him and I will kill him finally myself¡¯¡¯


    I kicked my feet to thin air.¡¯¡¯He will not come.¡¯¡¯I spat.


    ¡®¡¯He will¡¯¡¯Python¡¯s tongue got stuck out again. ¡®¡¯A precious woman like you, he will come.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Why do you want him dead?¡¯¡¯ I asked, but his deep green eyes held the answer. It was a blaze. Dancing flames of hate. My lips parted.


    ¡®¡¯He won¡¯t come¡¯¡¯I spoke this time peacefully. ¡®¡¯Stop waiting for him.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Liar.¡¯¡¯ He hissed, one of the few times I spoke the truth.


    ¡®¡¯He will not, and you have to stop waiting for him. Sto hating him. It consumes you¡¯¡¯I yelled out.¡¯¡¯And your life will only be about him, your goals will be about the man who wronged you.¡¯¡¯ Tears fell from my face. I couldn¡¯t kill him, could I?


    ¡®¡¯I will not forget what he did¡¯¡¯He hisses again.


    ¡®¡¯I am telling you to live¡¯¡¯I kept screaming, listening to the echoes.


    The snake faced me in silence as my entire body was aching.


    ¡®¡¯You are right, Lyssandra¡¯¡¯He whispered, and I felt a second of relief.


    ¡®¡¯I will live the moment he is gone.¡¯¡¯And with that, he moved me closer to his mouth.


    I was a hero or a warrior. I was no prince. I was not even a priestess. I was a stupid girl surrounded by hate. I could never win. I could never kill the snake, and I could never kill any god. I was not even an example.


    I simply waited for my end until someone pushed me away with all of his strength. Opening my eyes now I could see Paris, who was landing me on the ground, his face painted with sorrow.


    ¡®¡¯Oracle¡¯¡¯His lips shook, and they did not move in a way of talking. I wanted to speak. To talk to him. But I had no strength. Why was he here? My mind was too heavy to think about. His gaze stood more as if he was about to cry.


    ¡®¡¯Please, Oracle, stay alive.¡¯¡¯


    Why was he pleading so much? What could I offer to him?


    Python finally screamed, echoing to the entire cave with the upper stones trembling even more.


    ¡®¡¯Who are you?¡¯¡¯He hissed again with all of his strength. But I could listen to his breath turning heavier, his words rattling out. And Paris¡¯ hand was trembling like a leaf. Why was he so afraid?


    ¡®¡¯You are no mortal¡¯¡¯He muttered. ¡®¡¯Where is he?¡¯¡¯His voice was heavier as his body lifted higher, moving at the great upper stones. He could eat us now if he wanted. His scales shine like a million pieces of armor. Eyes flaming with hatred. I couldn¡¯t be surprised.


    He was the serpent that hunted Apollo.


    ¡®¡¯Where is Apoll-¡¯¡¯His words cut off as he moved his neck back.¡¯¡¯What¡­¡¯¡¯ He was losing his balance. And the stunned serpent faced me, who was now showing my stained green hands. Paris looked at them, shocked as Python began to shake.


    If I could not poison him, I could make him sleep. The herbs that I plucked earlier were heavy narcotics that could make an entire army sleep for days by using one petal. Rubbing them to the spear and with one attack.


    I didn¡¯t think that it could work on that snake, but making him furious was a way to increase the flow of blood to the heart, and now¡­.


    He moved his tail around the rock, around the ceiling, with his body making the sharp stones fall to the ground.


    ¡®¡¯Call him oracle¡¯¡¯Python screamed.¡¯¡¯I won¡¯t die until he dies.¡¯¡¯


    Paris grabbed me tighter.


    ¡®¡¯No¡¯¡¯I spoke calmly, pushing Paris away. I had barely a day left to live. I was sure of it. I forced myself to stand on my own as I watched the serpent¡¯s rumbling destroying the cave. He was forcing himself.


    ¡®¡¯Oracle please¡¯¡¯He shouted, and my heart beat fast to those words.


    ¡®¡¯Lyssandra, please¡¯¡¯ His head hit another sharp rock.


    I could finally see the despair in his eyes, tears dripping from his hard armor. And it was simply perfection. A smile curved to my face with a sharp stone finally falling on the snake¡¯s body. Screams echoed again, causing more stones to fall,and they were enough to fall on me.

 FIFTY

    LYSSANDRA


    I was in a temple with the statue of Apollo shadowing me, hiding me away from the bright sun. In front of me, there was a weeping, stupid girl, crying with her long, dark curls falling to the floor. Her scars were still fresh behind her back as thorns were growing on her scalded skin.


    ¡®¡¯I want him dead¡¯¡¯ She spat. ¡®¡¯Dead and gone, I want him¡­¡¯¡¯


    I decided to walk right in front of her and I sank to my knees before I touched her face.


    ¡®¡¯I know.¡¯¡¯I whispered. ¡®¡¯I still want him gone.¡¯¡¯My feet began to bleed.¡¯¡¯But we can¡¯t.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I will succeed, it is his fault, he¡¯¡¯She looked right above me with her ruined eye, having a bulb of a crimson thorned rose.


    ¡®¡¯He abandoned us.¡¯¡¯


    I nodded. ¡®¡¯But we need to stop.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯No, I have to win, we have to win or he-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Forget him.¡¯¡¯I cupped her harsh face, making my hands bleed.¡¯¡¯Do not forgive him. Never forgive them. But if you remember them over and over again, your wrath and guilt, it will kill you.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Let it kill me.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Why do you want to become a goddess girl?¡¯¡¯I asked them with blood falling to the cold floor.


    The girl remained silent. Revenge could have been the answer. Glory, greed. Anything that I could make the name of that god vanish from the place of the earth. Power.


    ¡®¡¯To have power.¡¯¡¯


    I nodded.


    ¡®¡¯To protect¡­¡¯¡¯


    Outside the temple, there were children that were orphaned by raiders and soldiers. Mothers who had nowhere to hide themselves and their children from any evil. Girls who were forced to be born as girls were praying for a different future. They all wished for protection.


    Because none protected me. None managed to save me. I wanted nobody else to suffer like this ever again.


    The flowers and thrones began to retreat.


    ¡®¡¯Do you think we have time?¡¯¡¯The girl asked gently.


    ¡®¡¯Oracle,¡¯¡¯Paris¡¯ pleading forced me to wake up. My eye snapped, and I moved my head up only to hit it on a hard rock. I let out a painful sound, and the man inside the darkness leaned closer to me.


    ¡®¡¯Oh, you are alright¡¯¡¯


    My head kept spinning and I could see that we were trapped together with fallen bright rocks surrounding us. I could barely move with or without the poison while Paris was hitting the rocks with his bare hands. Why was he doing that? Someone like him, I thought he could destroy the rocks easily.


    ¡®¡¯We¡­¡¯¡¯ A voice echoed with the sound of a tongue following. ¡®¡¯All die here. Maybe,¡¯¡¯


    Python whispered.¡¯¡¯Apollo will come to save you.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯If you can move, let us out¡¯¡¯Paris shouted.¡¯¡¯She is dying.¡¯¡¯His voice shook.


    But it was pointless. Even if I could get out, there was nothing that could prevent me from dying.


    Python stopped responding. I wondered if he finally died or simply stopped talking. But Paris kept hitting the rocks.


    ¡®¡¯I thought that you were God¡¯¡¯My brow arched, and I was in shock when I heard my voice coming out of my mouth. Heavy, while it was almost closed as if someone was choking me.


    Paris stood silent.


    ¡®¡¯If you care about me dying, you can heal me.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯I am not the god of healing.¡¯¡¯ He muttered.


    ¡®¡¯Well, then call Apollo¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯It¡¯s not that easy, Oracle, ''¡¯ laughed Paris.


    My anger grew toward him. Why was he here then if you could do nothing?


    ¡®¡¯Why not? Tell me why you are useless?¡¯¡¯ I bared my teeth on my lips.


    ¡®¡¯I cannot help you¡¯¡¯He screamed, eyes facing me.


    What?


    ¡®¡¯Oracle¡¯¡¯two eyes filled with water.¡¯¡¯I was sent to hurt you to punish you. I can only do that. The mere thought of you being alive it should have disgusted me.¡¯¡¯


    He despises you. Do you want to know what he thinks of you?


    ¡®¡¯My dreams were about you in despair, bleeding on your knees and begging for my forgiveness¡¯¡¯


    Gods are cruel.


    ¡®¡¯And then¡¯¡¯His lips trembled with the light of the stones brightening his wounded face.


    ¡®¡¯Every time I came to your temple and looked at your face, I¡­¡¯¡¯


    He bit his tongue.¡¯¡¯I was not meant to save you. Even the thought of saving you makes my skin burn¡¯¡¯


    What was he talking about? I could not understand what he was about to tell me.


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    But the man crawled close to me, and I knew once again. I will die.


    If  I had to, I would have asked him at least a few questions.


    ¡®¡¯So you are a god¡¯¡¯I sighed. He nodded.


    ¡®¡¯How are the others like? How is¡­¡¯¡¯


    His eyes arched wide. But he knew what I wanted to find didn¡¯t he? And finally, Paris spoke ¡®¡¯He is what the legends describe him.¡¯¡¯Eye looking up at the stones, which are inside all this darkness, they could shape an entire sky.


    ¡®¡¯But he was lonely at times and love could not¡­he found love in a twisting way.¡¯¡¯


    Oh.


    ¡®¡¯Leto said that¡­¡¯¡¯I took one deep breath.¡¯¡¯That he didn¡¯t have his strength and title?¡¯¡¯


    Paris narrowed. ¡®¡¯A lot of things happened.¡¯¡¯


    My gaze widened, and a smile formed on his face.¡¯¡¯Next question?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Is that your real face?¡¯¡¯I asked him with a wide smile.


    And his lips were now pressed on a thin line, and turning his face away from me.


    ¡®¡¯I uh¡­¡¯¡¯


    So no. Not even god could have been as pretty as him. I wondered what his true face could have been painted in gold or stars across his body.


    ¡®¡¯Can I see? As my death wish?¡¯¡¯I let out a giggle, and Paris¡¯ face turned red.¡¯¡¯Oracle no.¡¯¡¯ He chuckled, and I think that the air around us was suffocating my thoughts.


    ¡®¡¯May I ask a question?¡¯¡¯His voice was so gentle. I nodded slowly.


    ¡®¡¯How did you find out that I was¡­¡¯¡¯


    Telling him that his voice and mouth were not in sync anymore could make him not understand. Maybe that is how he sees everyone.


    ¡®¡¯Last day, a man pretending to be you came and was completely different, so I thought that something had gone wrong¡¯¡¯


    Paris blinked.¡¯¡¯Wait, you knew that it was not me?¡¯¡¯


    I moved my head up and down. He leaned even closer now with curiosity draining on his¡­why is everything turning darker?


    ¡®¡¯Since when?¡¯¡¯He asked heavily.


    Why was everything losing its color?


    ¡®¡¯From the moment he appeared.¡¯¡¯I admitted.¡¯¡¯I knew it was not you.¡¯¡¯


    Paris held his breath before laughing loudly, causing his echoes to fill the tight cave.


    ¡®¡¯You are not deceived by¡­¡¯¡¯ He sounded so happy that I managed to tell the difference between him and his impostor.


    ¡®¡¯So, was it you who gave him ashes on his throat?¡¯¡¯His curiosity grew.


    Him? So the impostor was surely a man. And it seems that they knew each other.


    I nodded, and he kept laughing.


    Should I tell him? Should I say that I can listen to someone playing a beautiful lyre?


    ¡®¡¯I am assuming that you and he are not close?¡¯¡¯I asked him.


    ¡®¡¯Centuries ago, you could call us brothers, but now it¡¯s all so complicated.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Brothers?¡¯¡¯ My voice became thin, and the music grew strong


    ¡®¡¯One of the plenty¡¯¡¯He chuckled.¡¯¡¯ My father loved too many women, and most of them gifted him with children.¡¯¡¯


    Loved was a strong word. I could imagine Paris having plenty of kids growing up with him, playing around the fields and pulling pranks. Then again, I did not know if gods ever acted like kids. The deer boy was being hunted by Python for centuries, starving all alone in the world. Crying for help.


    ¡®¡¯What if we met at different times?¡¯¡¯I asked, and my cheeks flared red and I was deeply hoping that he would not see it. ¡®¡¯If you ever met me in a forest?¡¯¡¯


    With a humming sound, I could feel his head resting down to my shoulder.


    He announced. ¡®¡¯I was out there to relax and play music. But instead of that, I found someone¡¯s dark green dress with the ends had fallen hemlock while next to the dress there was a sack filled with herbs and poison. As I kept walking to the forest, I was profoundly reminded of a crystal lake where a beautiful woman was bathing herself. Her raven curls were dipped down to the water as her warrior shaped body was being showered by the threads of the sun. I was captured by her grace, and I could only think of ways to make her mine. When the sun would fall, the woman would move back to the forest with the stars now visiting her luscious hair. There was a campfire where dryads and nymphs were dancing all around while music played from satyrs. And beside the fire, I covered my clay mask with my face and would find her. She would be captivated by the dancing and the melody where she would only follow me. The lyre and flutes will make her follow me as I walk back to a bush.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Was this woman spelled?¡¯¡¯I asked him.


    ¡®¡¯No, because this woman was far too smart and powerful for even the gods to manage to catch a spell on her. The cunningness and curiosity of that woman drew her to the flames, but she knew the limits of her power. And yet, the stubbornness of that woman allowed her to dance the night blaze, making me even¡­¡¯¡¯


    His words were cut out.


    ¡®¡¯So, I still had my brains?¡¯¡¯I sighed with a wide smile.¡¯¡¯Good, but I want to add a few more things.¡¯¡¯


    I heard his gasping, telling me to go ahead.


    ¡®¡¯I want to be a true prophet, someone who gives hope to the people. I want people to never harm me again.¡¯¡¯ I took one more deep breath. ¡®¡¯But I would follow the fire, just for a moment, what that creature would show me¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯It is time¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Those stones,¡¯¡¯ I said as I remembered the shimmering blue stones that belonged to Ouranus.¡¯¡¯Do you think that can be sold.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Yes but¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯After I die, please send a few stones to the others. Tell them that I tried. They will know what to do¡­¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯What are you-¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Please protect them. If you can¡¯t protect me, help them get safe place somewhere. I want Leon and Deimaria to live until adulthood in peace. Myrto and Alexious to get married, Thais to get to the first ship for a journey, and Adamantious.¡¯¡¯


    Find love for him. Find someone who could actually care for him. I was so selfish in my life, I would rather live and see everyone suffer with me. If I were dead, everyone would be at peace.


    ¡®¡¯No¡¯¡¯Paris mouthed.


    ¡®¡¯What?¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯You won¡¯t die, no, I will find a way-¡¯¡¯He let out a scream.


    ¡®¡¯Paris, I won¡¯t get any better.


    ¡®¡¯You don¡¯t know that.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Paris, I cannot see¡¯¡¯I shouted in all pain. Everything was in a pitch of nothingness for an hour. I could not see right for years but now, it was all so terrible to not even see the vivid figures around the darkness.


    I could not see, I could not feel my limbs, and my heartbeat was almost gone.


    ¡®¡¯Oracle, no, do not.¡¯¡¯


    I don¡¯t want to die. I don¡¯t want to die.


    ¡®¡¯I will¡­.I will call help.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Please, promise me this¡¯¡¯My head turned even lighter.


    ¡®¡¯Why are you doing this?¡¯¡¯He shouted. ¡®¡¯Why are you trusting me? I was meant to hurt you.¡¯¡¯


    His voice became distant. He despises you, he wants you to suffer. But would he want the others to suffer too? Was this one of his plans?


    ¡®¡¯Because you are my friend¡¯¡¯I panted.¡¯¡¯And I think that I am one of yours too.¡¯¡¯


    ¡®¡¯Oracle, do not.¡¯¡¯


    Do not leave. I wanted to say. I cannot die alone, I wanted to scream. But I was already driven to the darkness.