Zelus (Perseus Reimagined) (BXB)

Chapter 47

"Before that," he walked closer, where I could see the details of his eyes. They were majestic, unlike any eyes I've ever seen, which makes sense. He is a God, after all. "How are you feeling, Jonathan?"

???

DARKNESS CAVES IN. MY WINGS were the only source of light. The towering trees rustled to the chilly breeze of the night, and wolves howled in the distance. Though, I couldn't find the cloud Ryn provided. Neither high nor low. At this rate, I was beginning to think this was all a set-up and Zeus was not really coming.

My wings prepare to ascend, and suddenly, a gust of wind dances around my wings. I turn to see the cloud levitating before me.

"Wait."

Lightning flashes around the cloud. Looking ahead, a hooded figure reveals itself from the shadows. It looked like a grim reaper from those folklore. Tall as I am with broad shoulders.

"Zelus," it unsheathes his hood. A man with long silver hair, sapphire-blue eyes that glint even when surrounded by darkness, and a sharp jawline that matches Perseus's. "Don't be afraid; it's only me."

"Way to make an entrance," I said, eying his robe.

"It's a called a disguise, mind you," he gazes innocently at his robe. "Though Hades and I would be twins at this moment."

I faked a laugh.

"Anyways, why have you called me?" I ask.

"Before that," he walked closer, where I could see the details of his eyes. They were majestic, unlike any eyes I've ever seen, which makes sense. He is a god, after all. "How are you feeling, Jonathan?"

My heart shot to my throat as I nearly lost my balance. He knows.

"You know?"

"My child, I'm Zeus," he smiles. "You're not of this world, or more like, this time. You're from a time that not even the Gods could identify. All we know is that you were brought here by a wish you've made with Dolus."

"Do you think I could go back?"

He sighs, looking into the distance, slowly shaking his head.

"I'm afraid it's out of my control," he said sadly. "You made a deal with the devil; therefore, you must bear the consequences. I can only offer my support, but I can't make this right. Only you can."

"How?"

"I don't know," from his palm outcomes an orb, revealing the moment when Dolus and I reunited. "He said he would renounce your wish if he had a soul in return. And at this point, you can't take his offer, can't you?"

"A soul for a soul," the Graeae and Dolus mentioned. That's my only way back home, but I couldn't possibly sacrifice anyone to take my place. Stranger or not, no one deserves to start their life again in a foreign place and time.

...

"I want to know," I caught the God's attention. "Where is the real Zelus now?"

"The Gods are protecting him in Olympus," the orb transitions to Mount Olympus.

The floors are made from literal gold, monuments float on clouds, temples are built in the air, and gods and goddesses having the time of their lives. And then there's Zelus, the real Zelus. He looks exactly like me. Every little detail, from the texture of his hair to the shape of his feet. My feet. However, he was merely a soul. He doesn't possess a body.