Fate Breakers

Chapter 17

"Father, son of Cronus, King of Olympus, the future which I present is imminent."

Athena had done this before, done this an abundance of times. The last time the Goddess of wisdom was left alone in attendance with the King of Olympus, the last time she had spoken these words, she'd lost someone very dear to her. They all had.

Zeus has not recovered from the last time Athena spoke these words. He stares down on the earth beneath them, his eyes a million places at once. Zeus is unsure of Olympus' fate should Athena speak the truth.

"How is she doing?"

Zeus cringes. "She is belligerent, like my first. She refuses to believe in my existence."

Athena blinks, shocked and unamused. "Have you spoken with her?"

"I have."

"I have... nothing to say to that."

"It is a challenge I will overcome on my own." Zeus looks to his daughter, amusement stirring in his eyes. "How is yours doing?"

Athena inhales, shutting her eyes. "She is... something."

"Not like your last?"

"I see the parallels, she is unmistakably of her blood, but May is just..."

"She isn't Eloise."

"She is no more Eloise than Cadence is Lila."

The name on Athena's tongue sends a pang of hurt through Zeus' chest. Countless times, he has begged Hades to bring her shade to him, so he might speak to her once more. Hades is too good at his job.

The door opens.

"Zeus, son of Cronus, King of Olympus, you have summoned me?" There is a pause. "Hello, Athena."

Athena nods. "Hypnos."

Like Zeus, Hypnos has not chosen a mortal for nearly two thousand years. It was expected of Zeus to choose one eventually. Only Athena expected Hypnos would choose as well.

"Liam Leda." Zeus raises a brow in question, tilting his head.

"I have my reasons," Hypnos answers stiffly.

"Any reason aside from blatant curiosity?"

"Would you ask this same question to Apollo? To Deimos? Phobos? Your own brother?"

Zeus clenched his teeth. Poseidon picking a mortal was concerning, especially knowing the girl he chose is of the same blood as his first. Poseidon has yet to reveal his own reasoning. Deimos and Phobos have interest, but only Deimos has chosen. As for Apollo... that is a conversation for later.

"Reasons aside, more Gods are picking mortals." Athena gives her father a look. "More of our kind is becoming intrigued with mortalkind again."

"Who?"

"Thor, Loki, and the Seven Princes."

"Of Hell?" Hypnos' brows shoot up. "We haven't heard from them since the war."

Zeus glares. "You would recall, wouldn't you?"

Hypnos grows still. "Do not make me get my mother."

Silence.

"I'm leaving," Athena announces, heading to the door.

"Our discussion is not done, daughter."

"I am."

↻

"You walked out on him?"

"Would you get in between Zeus and Nyx?"