New Place to Begin

The End

Olympus was...about what Yunjin expected.

Giant pillars and massive temples littered everywhere, beautiful marble architecture, and an overwhelming air of superiority. After the mundane elevator ride up from the bottom of the Empire State Building, it took some adjustment.

Walking down the huge path towards the throne room of Mount Olympus, where Zeus and the other Olympians awaited, Yunjin fought to control her nerves. She'd been summoned, but she had no clue as to why.

She was mostly concerned that it had to do with her role during the Battle of New York. After all, no matter how the conflict had ended, Yunjin had still inadvertently helped her father in attempting to invade Olympus and seize power.

While it wasn't really her decision, she doubted the Olympians would see it that way.

Still, she took a deep breath and steeled herself for whatever awaited.

Truly, her thoughts were focused mainly on Chaewon. She would accept whatever punishment she was given, but she was still worried.

What if she never saw Chaewon again? She wasn't sure she'd be able to bear it.

Her pessimistic thoughts were interrupted as she finally reached the entrance to the throne room. The doorway was as grand as everything else in Olympus, surrounded on either side by massive marble columns and adorned with magical torches that burned a beautiful golden light. It resembled a giant version of the Zeus cabin back at Camp Half Blood.

Taking another deep breath, she banished whatever fear was on her face before marching into the massive chamber.

She would not let them know she was afraid.

"Huh Yunjin," came a booming voice from the front of the room. Yunjin looked up to find Zeus staring down at her, his face twisted into a stone-cold scowl.

Chaewon had warned her of the sheer power she'd felt radiating from the man, but Yunjin hadn't been truly prepared. She felt like withering under his imposing gaze.

She forced herself to maintain an even expression, bowing respectfully while giving the man a slight nod. She glanced around, noting the other Olympians surrounding her. The throne room was arranged in the same layout as the cabins back at camp, resembling a U-shape. Each throne was massive, easily ten feet taller than Yunjin, and the gods towered over her small form. Their gazes were so intense, it was as if they could see right through her.

Notably, both Hades and Ares were absent. Hades was likely still hiding in the Underworld after his attack, regaining his strength and smarting from his defeat.

Ares, though...

Yunjin had no doubt that the gods had creative punishments for those who betrayed them.

"We have called you here today to discuss your actions in the Battle of New York." Zeus' voice pulled her from her thoughts, and she turned to face the man once again.

She fought to keep her face neutral. "What would you like to discuss?" she asked, clenching her jaw.

Yunjin wouldn't be surprised if the gods blamed her, punished her for her actions, but she could still feel the effects of the charm as though it was yesterday. She could almost hear that horrible voice echoing in her head. It overwhelmed her consciousness, creeping its way into every corner of her brain. As soon as that charm had been weaved into her mind, she was a slave to Hades' every whim. There was no resisting, no fighting against it.

It was unbearable.

But Chaewon had been able to break through. Perhaps it was a combination of her injuries, Hades' distraction, and everything going on, but Yunjin had managed to break free because of Chaewon.