The Shadow Summoner | Book Three - PJO Universe

eighteen

ARIANA MAKES A CHOICE

"Chiron?" Ariana called out, entering the Big House.

The girl suspected the centaur would be in the living room and her suspicions were correct.

"Ah, Ariana," Chiron acknowledged, a pleasant smile on his face. "Good to see you. Please, have a seat."

Chiron gestured to a chair in front of him, his kind eyes studying her. Ariana sat down, helping herself to a biscuit from the jar that was sat upon the table.

"What's up?" She asked. "It's like seven in the morning, you know."

Chiron chuckled softly before addressing her question. "Ah, I apologize for calling you so early. It's important that I speak with you right away."

He leaned forward slightly, his expression serious but hopeful. "You see, there have been developments regarding the battle with Nero. And, well, there's no easy way to say this but the Olympians would like to speak to you."

Being the ambassador of the gods, the Olympians always wanted to speak to Ariana. There was no surprise there.

"Like right now? Because I was hoping to get the Aphrodite kids to cut my hair for me."

Chiron nodded, understanding the weight of the situation.

"Yes, it needs to happen now. The Olympians are waiting and we can't make them wait for too long, you know how... impatient they can be."

Despite the urgency, Chiron offered a sympathetic smile. "I realize it may be inconvenient, but trust me, it's best if we get this sorted out now."

Ariana sighed, grabbing another biscuit as she summoned her shadows to warp around her.

The girl gave the centaur a salute as her shadows encased her and deposited her to the main entrance of Olympus.

In a mere instant, Ariana found herself standing at the main entrance of Olympus, the home of the gods. The golden walls gleamed in the sunlight, and the air shimmered with divinity. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead.

As she walked through the divine corridors, Ariana couldn't help feeling a mix of awe and familiarity.

The grandeur of Olympia's architecture, with its golden pillars and intricate designs, still managed to impress her despite her frequent visits.

It was a constant reminder of the immense power and beauty that resided within these halls. Minor gods nodded back to her as they recognised Ariana, their presence adding to the timeless aura of the realm.

Eventually, Ariana found herself at the main area. Taking a deep breath, she walked towards where the council of the gods were.

As Ariana approached the council chamber, she felt the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. She took a deep breath, gathering her nerves before entering the room.

Upon stepping into the chamber, she saw the Olympians, seated in their celestial thrones. The air shimmered with their divine presence, and the atmosphere was charged with power.

Immediately, Ariana's eyes found Apollo's throne and she tried not to feel upset when it was empty.

"Is he alive?" She asked, not caring that she hadn't greeted them first.

The Olympians had already gotten used to her attitude. She'd been their ambassador for a while now.

The gods exchanged knowing glances, realizing that Ariana's concern for Apollo was the reason for her haste. Zeus leaned forward, a serious expression on his face.