Echoes of Olympus; The Return of the Forgotten Gods

Chapter 3

- A Little Less Lonely - Victor Ray -

Cause I long to see you face to face
I don't understand
Why we could never be
Just a brief romance Is all I'll ever need

Avaia's POV

As we trudged through the dimly lit streets, the soft glow of street lamps cast long shadows along the cobblestone pavement. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and distant whispers of conversations, Dorian led the way, his tall frame cutting through the night like a beacon of kindness. His emerald eyes gleamed with warmth, and his short black hair framed his face in a way that exuded gentleness.

"So, Avaia," Dorian began, his voice as soothing as a summer breeze. "How was your day?"

I shrugged, my tone laced with sarcasm. "Oh, you know, same old, same old. Dodging the Operators, avoiding trouble, the usual."

Dorian chuckled, his laughter like a soft melody in the night. "Always the realist, aren't you, Avaia?"

Beside him, Seraphina grinned, her addictive grey eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, come on, Avaia," she teased. "Where's your sense of adventure?"

I rolled my eyes, unable to suppress a smirk. "Adventure? In this village? Please, Seraphina, the only adventure we're likely to find is a run-in with the Operators."

Seraphina laughed, her laughter echoing in the darkness like the tinkling of wind chimes. "Oh, Avaia, you never fail to disappoint."

I shot her a playful glare, but deep down, I couldn't help but admire her quick wit and infectious charm. She was one of the most beautiful girls I had ever seen, with long black-silver hair that shimmered in the moonlight like strands of silk.

"And what about you, Dorian?" I asked, turning my attention back to our gentle giant of a friend. "Any exciting plans for the evening?"

Dorian shrugged, his expression serene. "Not really. Just looking forward to getting home and relaxing."

I smirked, unable to resist a tease. "Ah, the life of a protector. Always so thrilling."

Dorian chuckled, his laughter like a warm embrace. "I'll have you know, Avaia, protecting you two from trouble is a full-time job."

Seraphina nudged me with her elbow, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Looks like you've got your work cut out for you, Avaia."

I scoffed, but deep down, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of warmth in my chest. Dorian may not realize it, but his kindness and friendship meant more to me than he could ever know.

As we continued our journey home, my mind drifted away from the conversation, lost in a maze of my own thoughts. The rhythmic sound of our footsteps echoed softly against the silent streets, a steady beat that seemed to pull me deeper into my contemplation.

I found myself questioning the origins of this peculiar feeling that had taken root within me, this inexplicable attraction to Dorian. When had it begun? Was it a sudden revelation, like a bolt of lightning in a clear sky, or had it crept in slowly, like the first tendrils of dawn breaking through the darkness?

I sifted through memories like grains of sand slipping through my fingers, searching for the elusive moment when my heart had first betrayed me. Was it the kindness in his eyes, like pools of emerald reflecting the warmth of his soul? Or perhaps it was the gentle timbre of his voice, a soothing melody that seemed to chase away the shadows that lingered in my mind.

But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't pinpoint the exact moment when my feelings had shifted, when Dorian had ceased to be just a friend and had become something more. It was as if love had tiptoed into my heart under the cover of darkness, leaving no trace of its arrival.