Zelus (Perseus Reimagined) (BXB)

Chapter 25

"Say, are you up for some seafood?"

???

PARADISE, EVERYBODY HAS THEIR OWN interpretation of it. It could be scenery, a piece of art, or a loved one, but for me, I never really knew what my paradise was. Perhaps, it's a little bit of everything. A beautiful scenery where the hymns of nature murmur as the arms of our loved one surrounds us, basking at the moment and recognizing the world's treasure.

Seagulls were arcing and wheeling in the dawn sky, screeching sometimes and even landing next to me, curious of the wings on my back. Far out the sea was the thin, silver line of the horizon where the sun begins to rise from its slumber, glittering the waters as it welcomes a new day. I rest over one of the largest rocks in the cove, the slapping waves beneath me barely awake, slow and effortlessly as they reach the shores, whisking the stones before receding.

The sea hiss as it washes over the shore, scattering the sands and pebbles in their way, pulling some with them as they return to the tides. The cycle repeats, forming a beautiful melody beyond soothing to the heart. Poseidon made the ocean its own ruler, conjuring dozens of symphonies, regardless of whether the song was finished. The wind serves by its side, and together, they harmonize.

I recalled Alex taking me to the beach during summer break. Our parents agreed only because they thought we were heading out to the library to prepare for the upcoming semester. Technically, we didn't lie because we were indeed going to the library, but we weren't entering the building. Instead, we're going to the beach behind the library.

It's summer break which only makes sense for the place to be crowded, but Alex reeled me over towards the west side of the beach, walking further from the crowd until we're on our own, and only nature surrounding us. I've read stories of couples fleeing to quieter beach spots to perform some specific, quote-unquote, activities. One of which they'll die of embarrassment shall anyone catch them.

We did none of those because this adventure was before he and I became a couple. I mean, even if we were a couple, we wouldn't have done those. Or would we?

No, we won't. Not in public, at least.

We played a lot that day. There was volleyball—to which I suck—frisbee, shell hunting, surfing, and of course, eating, lots of eating. I'm surprised he and I stayed skinny from all the junk we've consumed throughout our time.

"I thought I'd find you here," my attention returns as I turn to my side where Perseus is standing by the shores, the waves inches away from reaching his feet. He waves, and I return the gesture before climbing down the rock and making my way toward him.

"Have you been spying on me?" I gave him a smirk as I made it to shore, standing next to him, the metallic sand firm under us.

"Maybe a little," he admits, gazing off into the magnificent view ahead of us. "I have always been curious about where you'd go when there's no class. I'd see you journeying to the Gold Vine forest, the castle garden, outside the city, and here, the beach."

"What can I say? I'm not one to stay put," I laugh, hoping he would too. He didn't. "Anyways, why are you here?"

"I just wanted to see you, that's all," he confesses, giving me one of his soft smiles that I'm starting to really like. "And to invite you to the palace tomorrow night."