A Realisation
Heaven
My skin prickles with something I can’t even explain as I stare at the goblet of wine in my hands.
“You don’t need to doubt the drink. You already checked it was safe to drink,” Jayce says quietly from where he’s sitting on the sofa. I look up at him, unable to get the picture of Theo leaving the room with those two women moments earlier, his hands on their lower backs, out of my mind.
I know there is no foul play here because duel etiquette is honoured by all but the trickster god. And Helios, as arrogant and petty as he is, is what you would class as fair and good.
Nodding, I force myself to take a sip. I stare down at it, unable to focus on how it tastes.
“You ok, Heaven?” Ahren asks, frowning slightly.
I nod as I plaster a smile on my face and walk over to the entrance, and stare out into the sun.
“So, how come you haven’t gone to have some fun? Are you really a good boy or…?” Allie asks Ahren suspiciously.
“Depends on what you call a good boy.” Ahren chuckles.
Is it really safe to trust them, even if we know Helios won’t try to harm us? I ask, remembering the way those women ran their hands down Theo’s abs.
“The Eidara won’t hurt anyone. They are vessels born to serve and devote. They do not have emotions or a real soul,” Ahren says as he stretches out his legs.
My heart skips a beat. How do you know about them?
Ahren looks at me and grins. “There are certain books in our possession that exist but aren’t for you girls,” he teases.
I frown, irritation rippling through me, although I know it’s unreasonable to feel so angry at him for something so simple. Why? Is it only for the likes of men because you all can’t think beyond your dicks? I write, my eyes icy.
All three of their eyes snap from my written words to me.
“No, I just meant you’re young… what…” Ahren tilts his head, trailing off, and I simply glare at him.
We’re here to save Sienna! Not to mess around! I write, my eyes flashing.
“Yeah, I know. I’m with you on that,” Ahren replies.
I shake my head and turn away, not wanting to talk to him anymore. He’s so annoying!
So is Theo; they’re all idiots!
My heart thumps violently as I stare out into the golden light that shines over the garden.
I’m not clueless. Yes, I am worried about Sienna. With every passing moment that we wait in this palace, I’ll be on edge, but I also know it’s not the reason for my anger. I didn’t care when Ares and Carter left.
I simply rolled my eyes and thought, What idiots.
It’s him. He’s the reason I’m feeling like this.
But why?
Wait. Do I… like him?
My stomach twists, and I almost shudder.
Goddess, please no.
What do I even like about him? His witty attitude is more annoying than anything.
Or is it simply because he’s stupidly handsome and has a very good body?
No – it’s just a fucked-up crush! Or something!
I have a boyfriend! Even if I want to dump him, that’s beside the point. There is no way I’m crushing on Theo.
I’m fighting to keep my heart rate steady. My moment of clarification has shaken me. There’s something about opening up to him that just feels a bit easier. Is it because he has his own secrets? I’m not sure, but whatever it is, it’s made me tell him things I’d never voice to another.
This is just something weird. He is not my type. He’s annoying, infuriating, never shuts up and is a complete idiot! Then why do I feel sick knowing he’s in there with other women?
“I’ve taken a look around; it’s pretty much just us and the staff,” Renji says, making me turn.
He had slipped off earlier, saying he was going to do a once-over of the place.
“He will honour it,” Ahren says with confidence.
“And I hope he will honour this duel and put an end to the centuries-old grudge,” Jayce says, frowning slightly.
“I hope so. I’m sure we’ll win,” Renji says with a smile as he sits down beside Allie and sighs heavily. “So, how long are we going to be here waiting?”
“He has three days to answer, and then we’ll both put forward our conditions. Only after that will a date be set,” Jayce explains emotionlessly.
“I feel like he’ll ask for something extremely risky or big,” Allie says.
“Then, we don’t give him a chance to win,” Renji replies.
“The five of you need to have a battle strategy in place,” Ahren says. “Although I have seen the five of you work together, it is pretty epic.”
“It sure is.” Renji smiles.
“We should get some rest,” Ahren says. “If it makes everyone more comfortable, I think one of us should keep watch, in case a messenger shows up or something.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Jayce says.
“I guess at least there are beds,” Allie says. “I have a feeling this is going to drag out… I wonder if they have clothes. I’ve been wearing these for way too long…”
“These are an extension of ourselves, regardless of what you change into. You’ll find you can’t wash these, as upon your will they will disappear until you need them.” Ahren smirks, making Allie frown as she sniffs herself.
“Gross, then I’ll wash them while I’m wearing them. I can’t smell anything, but I know they’re dirty.”
Let’s go find some clothes, I write, just wanting to get away from everything.
I can feel Ahren watching me as I lead the way down the hall, and Allie follows me. My eyes flick to the doorway Theo had gone through and feel another wave of irritation.
I am not ruining my mood over an idiot.
This is a palace; they will most likely have incredible baths, I write. Allie nods.
“Good, I need it.”
It’s late at night, and there’s no reply from Helios yet.
As we predicted, he will drag this out to its fullest extent.
We had found the huge baths, and Allie and I had a good soak before I changed into a dress, keeping Sienna’s amulet close.
If you look out across the lands, you can see that far up above us is the palace of Helios, bathed in golden light despite it being night.
Sienna… do you know we’re here?
How long has it been for her? For us, it’s felt so long.
I’ve avoided the others – mainly because of Theo.
I don’t know what to make of how I feel.
He said we’re friends; I don’t know if I can be friends with someone I- I like.
Urgh, it’s hard to even think about! I don’t like not knowing what to do.
I am in control.
I am control.
Gosh, I hate this. What do I do now?
Nothing. I can’t and won’t do anything.
I get up from the huge bed; I’m alone in one of the many rooms. It’s dimly lit with glittering lights, and there’s a huge open balcony, a pillared archway covered with sheer curtains. There are no windows, but the weather is perfect, so you don’t need anything to keep the cold out.
Jayce said he’d take the first shift, and I’ve cast a spell in case anyone else enters. Hopefully, we’ll be alerted. Or that’s the plan anyway. The thing is, there are gods and immortals here. I’m not sure how well my magic works on them.
It’s a beautiful place. Well, this view is. I rest my head against the pillar and wrap my arms around myself. I don’t like this feeling. Even when Holden pissed me off, I didn’t let it get to me. It’s probably the nerves; I don’t like waiting.
There’s a knock on the open door, and I turn to see someone move the curtains aside, my heart skipping a beat when I realise it’s Theo.
What do you want? Don’t you know you should wait for an answer before entering? I write.
He cocks a brow, shrugging. “Not like there’s a door.” He smirks cockily, and I just want to smack him. “I knew you’d be awake; it’s bloody boring, init.”
He walks uninvited into my bedroom and right past me to the balcony, resting his forearms on the low balcony wall and looks back at me.
I’m surprised you’re bored. Weren’t those women entertainment enough? I write haughtily, making sure to keep all hints of my irritation inside.
He snickers. “I get bored fast.” He doesn’t elaborate on it, but why should he? We’re just new friends or whatever. I don’t even want to be his friend anymore.
A lot will be riding on you and your brothers from here on out, so you should get as much rest as possible, I write with a toss of my hair. I’m tired, too. I want to go to bed.
“You’re ice-cold tonight.” Theo looks me over. “Even the extra layers of clothes didn’t heat you up.”
Amusing, I write, hoping he saw the sarcasm in my expression. He grins.
“Alright, now I’m curious why you’re so pissed.”
Ok, I do not need him digging, so I do what I’m best at, hide how I feel.
I’m thinking of what’s to come, I write, looking back towards the floating palace far above.
“Don’t stress it. There’s one thing you should know about us, Westwood men: we will never let anyone hurt our women, and that means her.
Sienna and Jayce might be in a shitty place right now, and I might not have the power of prophecies like you, Blondie, but I know they’ll figure their shit out someday. ”
I think so, too, I admit, then write, I think your brothers will need to protect your mate. From you.
“Oh yeah? Well, lucky for her, I won’t be seeking her out.”
I look at him curiously. Why? I ask.
His smile fades slightly. “This life isn’t for love.” He winks at me before he stands tall and stretches, rolling his neck. “Well, I’ll let you get to bed, I’ll go annoy Ares.”
Poor guy, you’re always picking on him, I write.
“He owes me, remember?” He smirks.
I smile slightly before I watch him leave. I look out again and take a deep breath. It’s just a phase; this is going to blow over. I have more to focus on than a silly crush just because I’ve been exposed to his irritating eight-pack.
In a few weeks, I’ll be mortified that I even, for a second, thought about Theo Westwood.
Sienna
Every day here is a punishment; one more day that I miss everyone.
But this is my reality now, and although I will never be the queen Helios wants me to be, I haven’t sat around wallowing in self-pity.
I have been here for months with time to spare, and I’ve spent it learning how to control my power and turn it into something deadly.
I might not be on Earth to help them, but I plan to do what I can from here. Helios is powerful, and despite tricking me, he did honour his promise, and Dad is alive and happy. He showed me a snippet of Dad a few days after I got here. It’s the only thing that has given me a little peace.
And I know he has also given more to the Solaris Bloodline than many other gods have done, asking for nothing but to be remembered in return.
For the last few days, I’ve felt restless, unable to sleep, tossing and turning in sheets that feel heavy despite being weightless.
I sense his powerful presence behind me and turn to look at him.
He reigns in his aura when he’s around me, so I can at least look at him for a little longer than before.
He steps closer, and I turn away; I am his wife only by title. He was the only one who gave his consent on our wedding day. During that ceremony, I refused to even speak one word.
“I have news for you, my fiery queen,” he begins.
“I’m not interested,” I counter.
He chuckles, with that same mirthless laugh that is laced with power and something terrifyingly dominating. “I think you would be. Do you know who has stepped into my kingdom?”
I stiffen. What is he going on about? “Who?” I ask.
“The Deimos King and his brothers.”
The words crash through the air, and for a moment, time stands still.
My pulse skips; my throat tightens. Jayce. My Jayce.
Stop it.
I close my eyes, trying to steady the storm clawing at my chest. He’s here. He’s really here. And he’s put himself in danger because of me.
“Why?” I manage to ask, my voice a whisper, barely keeping the panic from breaking through.
Helios doesn’t look at me right away. The light around him flares and dims, pulsing with his anger. “He has demanded a duel,” he says finally, his tone sharp enough to cut. “I imagine he wants you back.”
My stomach twists. “Decline it,” I say before I can stop myself. “He doesn’t know what he’s doing.”
He turns to me, eyes gleaming like molten gold. “I have honour, my fiery queen. I will accept. But when he loses, his price will be great. Be it one or five, they cannot defeat me.”
“Yet you lost to Andronikos,” I whisper, my words trembling, but steady enough to sting.
The air tightens. The heat between us surges, pressing down on my skin like fire. He moves, and in an instant, his hand grips my arm, forcing me to face him. The sunlight bends around us, his power simmering beneath the surface of his skin.
“I have given you everything,” he growls. “Respect. Power. Worship. And still, in every moment you think of him.”
My heart is hammering, but I don’t flinch. “Because I am not yours,” I answer quietly. “You can cage me in gold, drown me in luxury, but you will never have what I won’t give. When you walk into that duel, it’s him I’ll be cheering for. Not you.”
His jaw flexes, his fury a living thing. “I am your husband and your King,” he says, each word echoing like thunder. “You belong to me. Remember that.”
A bitter smile curls at my lips. “But this heart does not.”
The light around him flares, blindingly bright, the chamber trembling with his rage. “You came here to protect him, and I honoured that,” he spits. “But now he comes for me. That mercy ends here. I will kill him, and when I do, I will offer you his head. Let’s see what you can do.”
I lift my chin, my magic pulsing beneath my skin. “He won’t die,” I promise, my voice breaking but fierce. “But if he does, then I swear on the sun itself, I will die with him.”
Silence falls. The air burns with our auras searing and heavy. His eyes, blazing liquid gold, search mine for something, but all he finds is defiance. I am not the same girl he brought to this world.
And for the first time, I see a slight change in his eyes.
He closes the gap between us and takes hold of my chin tightly as he looks me in the eye.
“Then I will light your pyre myself.” He lets go roughly, my head snapping to the side before he turns and leaves.
My chest heaves as emotions course through me; my chaos is ready to unleash hell.
Jayce… Why? I grip the balcony tightly.
Why did you come?