𝐆𝐎𝐃𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 ᵉ*ᵗᵐ

20 ┃ 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬

━ ⭑─⭒━

━ ⭒─⭑━

You stared blankly up at him, your breath caught in your throat. It felt as though time itself had stopped, the world around you falling away until there was nothing but the god standing before you.

Your eyes refused to blink, terrified that if you did, he might disappear—that this might all be some cruel trick of the mind, a fleeting dream ready to dissolve into the shadows of the courtyard.

Apollo chuckled softly, the sound light and warm, like the chiming of bells in a gentle breeze. His lips curved into a boyish smile, the kind that carried an effortless charm, and yet there was something unshakably ancient in his gaze—a depth that made your chest tighten.

"Are you going to keep staring at me like that?" His golden eyes sparkled with amusement, their light so vivid it felt as though the stars themselves had been captured within them.

You wanted to respond, to say something, but the words caught in your throat. All you could do was stare, your heart pounding as he stepped closer, his presence overwhelming yet strangely soothing. The faint glow that surrounded him brightened as he moved, as if the very air bowed to his radiance.

Even though it was night, he seemed to carry the essence of daylight with him, his golden aura casting faint, warm light over the cool blues of the evening.

Then, to your utter disbelief, he crouched before you. Even in this lowered position, his form towered over you, his broad shoulders and long limbs giving him an almost giant-like presence, much like Hermes.

But where Hermes' energy was sharp and quick, Apollo's was steady and calm, like the sun at its zenith. His crown of laurel leaves gleamed faintly, their delicate edges catching the moonlight, and the soft rose of his cheeks seemed to glow against his pale, flawless skin.

"Much better. I'd hate to think I frightened you, little muse."

The words sent a shiver through you, the term of endearment catching you off guard. You felt your lips part, a small, breathless sound escaping, but you still couldn't find your voice.

Apollo smiled again at your silence, tilting his head slightly as he studied you. His hair, golden and shimmering as it fell in soft waves around his face, and you couldn't help but notice how the faintest movement seemed to catch the light as though the strands themselves were alive. His expression was warm, unhurried, and his presence—though immense—carried no malice. Only kindness. Only care.

"I've always watched over you, you know," he said, his voice impossibly soft, as though he were sharing a secret meant only for you.

Your heart stuttered at his words, the weight of them pressing against your chest. "W-Watched over me?" you managed finally, your voice barely more than a whisper. Your gaze flickered uncertainly, confusion clouding your features. "Why?"