HIGH SCHOOL DIARIES (A Tale Of Love And Deception )

Chapter 52 The sisters

      

Back in Mount Olympus, Irene’s mind was plagued with thoughts of Azriel. She wandered the marble halls of her palace, her heart heavy with the burden of their secret love. Her two sisters, Selene and Thalia, noticed the change in her demeanor. The three sisters were as beautiful as the morning sun, their beauty a reflection of the divine lineage they shared.

Selene, with her silver hair and pale blue eyes, was the epitome of grace and wisdom. Thalia, on the other hand, had a wildness about her, with fiery red hair and emerald eyes that held a spark of mischief. The sisters were close, sharing everything with one another—except for the secret love that Irene harbored for Azriel.

But the sisters had their own troubles. Unbeknownst to Irene, Selene and Thalia were entangled in a dangerous love triangle with Ares, the god of war. Ares, with his rugged looks and powerful presence, was a god who loved chaos, and he found it amusing to play with the affections of the two sisters. He courted them both, fueling their rivalry, knowing that their love for him would only lead to discord.

Thalia, with her passionate nature, was deeply in love with Ares. She would do anything to win his heart, even if it meant betraying her own sister. Selene, on the other hand, loved Ares with a quiet intensity, believing that her love could tame the wild god. The tension between the sisters grew with each passing day, but neither of them would back down.

One evening, as Irene sat alone in the grand hall, Selene approached her. “Irene, you’ve been distant lately,” Selene said, her voice soft with concern. “Is something troubling you?”

Irene looked at her sister, knowing she could not reveal the truth. “It’s nothing,” she lied, forcing a smile. “I’ve just been preoccupied.”

Selene frowned, sensing that there was more to Irene’s words. “You know you can tell me anything,” she said gently. “We’ve always shared everything.”

Irene’s heart ached with the weight of her secret. She longed to confide in her sister, to share the love she felt for Azriel, but she knew that doing so would only put him in greater danger. The gods were selfish, and they would never allow a mortal to be with one of their own.

“I’m just tired,” Irene said, echoing Azriel’s words. “There’s nothing to worry about.”

Selene nodded, though she didn’t look entirely convinced. “If you ever need to talk, I’m here,” she said before leaving Irene alone with her thoughts.

As Selene left, Thalia entered the room, her eyes flashing with anger. “What did she want?” Thalia demanded, her jealousy towards her sister evident.

“Nothing important,” Irene replied, her thoughts still on Azriel. “Just sisterly concern.”

Thalia scoffed. “Concern? More like trying to worm her way into your business. Selene always has to know everything.”

Irene shook her head, not wanting to get caught up in the animosity between her sisters. “I’m not in the mood for this, Thalia,” she said wearily.

Thalia’s expression softened as she looked at Irene. “You’ve been acting strange, Irene. Are you sure everything is okay?”

For a moment, Irene considered telling Thalia the truth, but the thought of her secret being exposed made her hesitate. “I’m fine,” she said instead. “Just tired, that’s all.”

Thalia studied her sister for a moment, then nodded. “Alright,” she said. “But remember, you can always count on me. I’m not like Selene. I won’t judge you.”

Irene smiled faintly, appreciating the sentiment, even if she couldn’t fully trust it. “Thank you, Thalia,” she said, her voice soft.

As Thalia left the room, Irene felt more alone than ever. Her sisters were embroiled in their own drama, and she was left to deal with her forbidden love for Azriel on her own. She knew that their love was dangerous, but she couldn’t bring herself to end it. The thought of living without him was unbearable.

But as much as she loved Azriel, she was also beginning to realize the full extent of the danger they were in. The gods were powerful, and they would not tolerate a mortal in their midst. If they discovered the truth, Azriel would be in grave danger, and there was nothing Irene could do to protect him.

Azriel couldn’t stop thinking about the conversation he had with Irene about Mount Olympus and the power that resided there. The thought of the Torch of Light—the source of all magic, the essence that allowed the gods to create life and maintain their world—kept haunting him. Elysian’s condition was worsening, and the healers in the mortal realm had given up hope. Azriel knew that if he wanted to save Elysian, he would need something more than just mortal remedies.

The Torch of Light could be the answer. If he could obtain its power, perhaps he could save Elysian from his illness. But doing so would mean betraying Irene, the one person who had shown him kindness and love in a world that had been cruel to him. It would also mean going against the gods, risking their wrath.

One night, as Azriel sat by Elysian’s bedside, he watched the boy sleep, his breathing shallow and labored. Elysian’s midnight blue eyes fluttered open, and he looked up at Azriel with a weak smile. “You’re here,” he whispered.

“Of course I am,” Azriel replied, brushing a strand of red hair away from Elysian’s face. “I’ll always be here.”

Elysian’s smile faded as he struggled to sit up. “I don’t have much time left, Azriel,” he said, his voice tinged with sadness. “I can feel it.”

“Don’t say that,” Azriel said, his voice firm. “I’m going to find a way to save you. I promise.”

Elysian shook his head, his expression one of resignation. “You’ve always been too good to me,” he said softly. “But we both know that some things can’t be changed. Death is a part of life.”

Azriel’s heart ached at the words. He knew that Elysian was right, but he couldn’t accept it. He couldn’t lose him, not when there was still a chance to save him. “There’s something I need to do,” Azriel said, his voice low. “Something that might help you. But it’s dangerous.”

Elysian looked at him, his eyes filled with concern. “What are you planning?”

Azriel hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. “I can’t tell you everything,” he said. “But just know that I’m doing it for you. I won’t let you die, Elysian. I love you too much to let that happen.”

Elysian reached out and took Azriel’s hand in his. “I love you too,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. “But please, don’t do anything that could get you hurt. I couldn’t bear it if something happened to you.”

Azriel squeezed Elysian’s hand, his resolve hardening. “I have to do this,” he said. “For you.”

Elysian looked into Azriel’s hazel eyes, searching for any hint of doubt. When he found none, he nodded. “Just promise me you’ll be careful,” he said quietly.

“I promise,” Azriel replied, leaning in to kiss Elysian’s forehead. “Rest now. I’ll be back soon.”

As Elysian closed his eyes and drifted back to sleep, Azriel stood and made his way to the door. He knew what he had to do, but it would require careful planning. He would need to gain Irene’s trust even further, perhaps even find a way to learn the secrets of the gods without arousing suspicion. It wouldn’t be easy, but he had no choice. Elysian’s life depended on it.

With one last glance at the sleeping boy, Azriel left the cottage and began his journey back to Mount Olympus, his mind filled with thoughts of the dangerous path he was about to take.

Irene’s love for Azriel grew stronger with each passing day, and as their bond deepened, she found herself sharing more and more about the secrets of the gods. She told him about the Torch of Light, a powerful artifact that was the source of all magic in their world. It was hidden deep within the heart of Mount Olympus, protected by powerful spells and guarded by the most fearsome of creatures.

“It is said that the Torch of Light was a gift from the Titans,” Irene explained one evening as they walked through a secluded garden in Olympus. “It grants the gods their immortality and allows them to create life. Without it, we would lose our power, and our world would fall into chaos.”

Azriel listened intently, his mind racing with possibilities. If he could get his hands on the Torch, he could use its power to save Elysian. But he knew that stealing it would be nearly impossible. The gods guarded it fiercely, and if he were caught, the punishment would be severe.