Acacia

Chapter 11

Under the watchful eyes of Athenian soldiers who patrolled the city's bustling streets, Anna and Sebastian felt the weight of the world pressing down on them as they moved with stealth towards the harbor. The clanging of armor and the calls of the guards echoed in the alleyways, a constant reminder of the oppressive forces they were escaping-if even for a moment. The two exchanged nervous glances, hearts racing in anticipation of what lay ahead, as they navigated through the shadows, avoiding detection. The shimmering waters of the port sparkled under the moonlight, a stark contrast to the dark turmoil of their lives above.

As they reached the secluded docks, Sebastian paused, the light reflecting off his features in a way that made Anna's heart skip a beat. Yet, something was different about him—subtle shifts in his demeanor hinted at a deeper, hidden truth. With a sudden surge of confidence, Sebastian revealed himself in a moment of sheer vulnerability: he was Marc Antony. Anna's shock rippled through her, her mind racing to comprehend the enormity of the revelation.

"Surprised?" He chuckled.

As the truth shattered her perceptions of both Sebastian and their relationship, she felt the weight of the ocean's depths calling her closer. Waves crashed against the docks, licking her ankles and slowly raising higher and higher until it reached her hips. Before she could fully process the implications of his confession, Marc raised his hands, summoning an otherworldly aura that enveloped them both. His voice, now resonating with a powerful timbre, wove enchantments around Anna, clutching her heart with an irresistible lure. The air thickened with magic, and in seconds, she found herself succumbing to a spell that seemed both beautiful and sinister.

The scene around them faded, replaced by the ethereal realm beneath the waves that Marc commanded. Anna's heart thudded in her chest as her surroundings transformed into a sprawling underwater dungeon, illuminated by bioluminescent corals and shadowy silhouettes of marine life. The air was heavy with salt and mystery, a tangled web of emotions swirling within her. As the realization struck, she understood that her life above was forever altered, as she was now trapped in the dominion of a god.

In this submerged prison, where time appeared to hold no dominion, Anna wrestled with her mixed emotions. The overwhelming beauty of the underwater world both captivated and terrified her, leaving her questioning whether she was a prisoner or a guest of the sea's enchanting depths. Marc floated nearby, his expression a mix of remorse and resolve, as he struggled to reconcile the affection he had for her with the power and responsibilities that came with being her kidnapper.

How can he float in the waves and not drown? She thought to herself.

Despite the enchantment that had taken hold of her, Anna felt a flicker of rebellion ignite within her. Memories of her life in Athens, filled with love, laughter, and companionship, began to push against the magical haze that clouded her thoughts. "What have you done?" she asked, her voice echoing within the crystal walls of the dungeon as her gaze pierced through the man's defenses. His response, a mixture of longing and inevitability, hinted at the dangers he had faced to protect her from the chaos above.

While Marc explained his precarious feelings towards her, Anna's resolve only grew stronger. She questioned the morality of his choices and the ethics of imprisoning her, even if it was for questionable intentions. The air crackled with tension as Anna faced the deceiver, and Marc met her gaze with a vulnerability that contradicted his divine nature. Deep inside, the man grappled with the realization that he had not just taken a mortal woman but had captured a fierce spirit unyielding to fate.

"Since our first meeting in Athens we've been destined." His eyes blazed with a fire unknown to her. Crazed by the thought he'd been holding within him for so long his eyes were wide with excitement, his pupils dilated with lust and knowing he had captured his Persephone in his own realm. "Since our first meeting we've been chained by the rules of Gaia's realm. But now, now we are free!"