Ares

Chapter Twenty-eight- Love trials part2

Elara

The weight of the first trial hung heavily on my heart as I stumbled back to my room. My mind was still reeling from the illusion of Ares with that goddess, the doubt she had planted in my heart taking root. I felt utterly alone in the vastness of Olympus, the echo of my footsteps ringing hollow against the cold stone walls.

As I entered my room, the door shut behind me with a soft click, sealing me in a silence that felt suffocating. I collapsed onto the bed, the cool sheets contrasting with the heat of my emotions. I couldn't hold it in any longer; the tears came rushing forth, hot and unrelenting.

"Ares!" I cried out, the sound muffled by the pillow. "Where are you? I need you!"

But my voice was met with nothing but the quiet of the room. The rules of the trials weighed heavily on us both; he wasn't allowed to come to me, to comfort me. The thought twisted my heart further. I curled into myself, sobs racking my body as the loneliness threatened to swallow me whole.

I don't know how long I lay there, lost in my sorrow, but eventually, exhaustion took over, and I fell into a fitful sleep, my dreams clouded with shadows of doubt and fear.

When I awoke, the light filtering through the windows of my room felt different-more vibrant, more alive. I sat up slowly, stretching the stiffness from my limbs. The remnants of last night's sorrow still clung to me, but there was a new sense of determination brewing beneath the surface.

Before I could dwell on my thoughts, there was a soft knock on the door.

"Enter," I called, wiping my cheeks hastily with the back of my hand.

The door swung open, revealing Artemis, her presence commanding yet calming. She carried a tray laden with food-fruits, bread, and a steaming mug of tea.

"Good morning, Elara," she said, a warm smile breaking across her face. "I brought you breakfast. You've been doing remarkably well, you know."

"Thanks," I managed, taking a seat at the small table in my room. As I started to eat, the flavors ignited my senses. "What do you mean?"

"Not many can face the first trial and come out unscathed," Artemis said, her eyes shining with sincerity. "Even some of the strongest Olympians have crumbled under the illusions of doubt. You've proven yourself, and that says a lot about your heart."

I looked up at her, a flicker of pride igniting within me. "I just... I don't want to fail. I can't let Ares down."

Artemis nodded, her expression turning serious. "Love is a powerful force, Elara. But it is not without its challenges. You'll face another trial today, one that may test you physically as well as emotionally."

"Physically?" I echoed, a knot forming in my stomach.

"Yes," she said, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "The second trial will require you to confront your fears in a more tangible way. You must show strength, both in body and spirit. Remember, you are not alone in this. Ares is with you in spirit, even if you can't see him."

I took a deep breath, feeling a bit more grounded. I had faced one trial, and I would face this one too. I would not let my fears dictate my fate.

After finishing my meal, I changed into a comfortable outfit that would allow me to move freely. Just as I felt ready, Demeter entered the room, her warm smile immediately putting me at ease.

"It's time, Elara," she said gently. "The second trial awaits."

As Demeter led me through the corridors of Olympus, I felt a strange mix of excitement and dread. We reached a vast arena, an expansive open space surrounded by towering marble columns. The air buzzed with energy, the gods and goddesses seated on thrones high above, watching with keen interest.