Fates and Thrones

Shadow

A growl reverberated through the cavern, low and rumbling, shaking the very stones beneath my feet. Dust drifted down in lazy clouds as the figure of the little boy standing beside me blurred, his innocent face warping into something jagged and monstrous. With a snarl, rows of razor-sharp teeth replaced his once-boyish grin. His gaze held an unsettling intelligence, ancient and accusatory. "You filthy Gods," he hissed, every word laced with venom. "You were asked to trust my brothers with one task, one bargain—yet here you are, meddling, as always."

"What are you talking about?" I tightened my grip on the dagger, only to pause. Wait... didn't I just throw this at Aleesia? I raised it to my face, confused. There wasn't a trace of blood. No echoes of the screams I'd heard, either. My pulse raced, every nerve on edge as I searched for answers in the shifting shadows around me.

The creature's laughter echoed, mocking and bitter. "Of course, you had to wake up some of her Godhood. Now she can see premonitions of what's coming." His expression twisted with frustration. "I swore I'd keep both twins alive if you held up your end. But here we are—more godly interference, as usual."

I glanced toward the doorway, where I'd been so sure I had just killed my sister. But Aleesia was there, alive, stepping forward—this time, flanked by two men. One was a few inches taller than her, with shaggy brown hair that obscured his eyes. He lifted his gaze and winked at me, throwing his arm casually around her shoulders. The second man was his complete opposite: clean-cut, with slicked-back hair and a stern expression that softened into a frown as he glanced at the dagger in my hand.

Before I could react, the creature snatched the dagger from me, baring its teeth in a cold, feral grin. "Well, you know us, Lyra—always here to disrupt your little games. I couldn't trust your brothers wouldn't try to devour our dear princesses." The shaggy-haired man tugged Aleesia toward me before letting her go with a smirk. Princesses? I turned to Aleesia; my confusion mirrored in her eyes, and shook my head.

The monster shifted, its boyish form melting away, leaving behind a tall, red-haired woman, fierce and untamed. Though her teeth were hidden now, a primal fear churned within me, warning me I did not want to see them again. "Veyrun," she sneered, her voice cold as winter steel. "You seem to forget who commands my brothers. I'm here by choice, not chains. I wouldn't risk my place on their recklessness."

Veyrun's mischievous smile faded; his head cocked as he considered her words. "Ajita wields the Dagger of Hate. She would've killed her sister if her Godhood hadn't partially awakened," he said, his tone both amused and serious. At this, the other man—Veyrun, if I guessed right—stepped forward, extending a hand in an almost apologetic gesture.

"Lyra, we're here to preserve the balance. Rest assured; we'd never jeopardize your station." He inclined his head with a warm smile that held an edge of respect.

Lyra's gaze softened slightly, though her voice remained sharp. "Solisdr, ever the charmer. You and Veyrun are welcome here but take your pets and leave. I've tolerated enough from my brothers; I won't entertain a circus. Jealousy is an issue I'd rather not grapple with."

My eyes widened as I processed the names, scarcely believing. Veyrun—the God of Mischief, also known as Hermes. And Solisdr, the God of Healing and Music, called Apollo in another pantheon. And here they were, following Aleesia as if she were some divine queen.

Aleesia stood beside me, her cheeks flushed as she cast quick glances at the two gods, her gaze bright yet shy. My mind swirled with questions but now wasn't the time. I wrapped my arms around her, resting my head on her shoulder, and whispered, "I missed you." My cheek brushed against the feathers on the cape she wore. "Did you... solve it?"

She nodded, tightening her grip around herself, eyes still drawn to the men. "Yes—it was the answer to a riddle. They shifted, AJ. Took on forms of Jax and Kgosi, taunting me, telling me I needed to learn to stand on my own." She exhaled, her voice thick with determination. "And they're right. That's what I'll do."

I hugged her tightly, feeling the weight of what she was saying settle over me. "I love you, Aleesia. I'll do anything for you—no matter the cost."