Ares

Chapter twenty-three: Kiss of Fate

Ares

The air in Olympus always felt different-charged with a sense of purpose that I rarely found in the human realm. I materialized in my usual spot, a grand marble hall where gods gathered for discussions and decisions. I didn't come here often, but today was different. I needed to speak with Aphrodite.

She stood by a balcony, her presence radiating warmth and charm, as always. I hesitated for a moment before stepping forward. "Aphrodite," I called, trying to sound as composed as a god ought to.

She turned, a teasing smile on her lips. "Ares! What brings you to my domain? Come to seek love advice?"

I rolled my eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. "Actually, I need to talk about Elara."

Her expression shifted instantly, interest piquing. "Elara, the mortal you've been spending your days with? Tell me everything."

I took a deep breath, my heart racing at the thought of her. "She kissed me yesterday. And again this morning."

Aphrodite raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk dancing on her lips. "Oh, is that so? And how did that make you feel?"

"Good," I admitted, though it felt trivial to say. "But it's more than that. There's something about her, something that pulls me in. I don't know if she's aware of how much she means to me, but... it's like she's changed everything."

Aphrodite watched me intently, her expression softening. "You're falling for her, Ares. But you have to let her fall for you on her own terms. You know that."

I nodded, my chest tightening at the truth of her words. "I'm trying. But this trial-"

"Forget the trial for a moment," she interrupted, her voice sharp but her eyes gentle. "What you feel is real. You've been given a gift, Ares. You can't let fear dictate your actions."

"But what if I-"

"Ares," she cut me off again, raising a hand. "You did it."

The words struck me dumb. "What do you mean?"

"You made her fall in love with you." Aphrodite's voice was confident, almost teasing. "You just told me you've had two kisses. You've unlocked her heart without even realizing it."

I stood there, dumbfounded, the weight of her words washing over me. Elara loved me. Somehow, I had managed to breach the walls she built around her heart. The realization was both exhilarating and terrifying. "I-"

Before I could say anything more, Aphrodite laughed softly and stepped away, leaving me standing alone in the hall, the enormity of her statement echoing in my mind. I had done it; I had made her fall in love with me, and all on her own terms.

With renewed purpose, I returned to the mortal realm, the world swirling around me as I thought of Elara. What would she say? Would she even realize what had happened between us? The questions raced through my mind, filling me with a mix of anxiety and excitement.

When I arrived, I found myself standing in front of the café where Elara worked. It was busy, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air, but all I could focus on was her.

I leaned against the wall, watching her as she moved through the crowd, her chestnut hair catching the light, her smile brightening even the dullest of days. She didn't see me yet, and I took a moment to appreciate the way she made the mundane feel magical.

Just as she finished her shift, she spotted me. A radiant smile broke across her face, and before I could process anything else, she was rushing toward me. My heart raced, anticipation bubbling inside me.

"Elara," I breathed, my voice barely more than a whisper.

She didn't say a word; instead, she closed the distance between us and threw her arms around my neck, pulling me down as she pressed her lips to mine. It was a kiss filled with warmth, urgency, and something deeper-a connection that transcended the ordinary.

I froze for a split second, shock washing over me, but then instinct took over. I wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her closer, deepening the kiss. Her lips were soft against mine, sending electric currents through my body. This was not just a kiss; it was a declaration of everything I felt but had been too afraid to admit.

When we finally pulled apart, both of us breathless, I couldn't help but let out a small laugh, caught up in the euphoria of the moment. Her cheeks flushed a delightful shade of pink, and the way she looked at me-like I was her world-made my heart swell with emotion.

"You have no idea how much I missed you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I think I have a pretty good idea," I replied, trying to keep my tone light despite the depth of my feelings.

As we stood there, in the bustling world around us, I felt a sense of certainty that had eluded me for so long. Elara was more than just a mortal; she was my anchor, my heart's desire. And I would do whatever it took to protect her and our blossoming love, even if it meant facing the unknown trials that lay ahead.

In that moment, with her arms still around me, I realized that this was what I had always wanted-a chance to be vulnerable, to share my life with someone who saw beyond the god I was and cherished the man I was becoming. And with Elara by my side, I knew I could face anything.