Divinity

"I didn't despise him with a burning passion."

Izek

His wrinkled, worn fingers wrap around a dark blue box.

   “What is it?” I ask, craning my neck to get a better view.

   “I want you to give this to your fiancée tonight.” A slow grin spreads across Zeus’ face as he cracks open the box.

   A ring.

   I stare at it, my mouth gaping.

   The stone set in the centre of the ring reflects the light of a thousand moons, ringed with tiny blue sapphires. An intricate white gold chain forms the ring. It’s incredible.

   “Hermes?” Zeus’ smooth voice breaks my reverie. “It’s exquisite, isn’t it?”

   I nod slowly, wrapping my fingers around the delicate ring.

   “Best diamond we could find. Thousands of dollars.” He says, puffing up his chest.

   “I don’t know if I should take it.” I say, blinking rapidly, as if, somehow, the ring will disappear and I launch back into a world of normalcy. If only.

   “Nonsense!” Zeus says, waving his hand. “This was hand made for the two of you. It’s the least we could do.”

   I swallow thickly. “Thankyou.” I wheeze.

   He smiles proudly. “The day is yours.” He says. “And so is Diana. Don’t waste either on them.”

   I slip the ring box into my pocket and wave him goodbye.

I find Kai outside the Greek Temples, leaning against a pillar, a flirty smile plastered across her face, her skirt hitched slightly higher that it usually is.

   It’s crazy how opposite and alike she is to Diana.

   By her side is Tyche. Despite being a goddess, Tyche was represented by a guy. Jake was the kind of guy who wore a Snapback and actually tried to look good.

   Either way, he was decently nice and I didn’t despise him with a burning passion. 

   I walk up to them, checking my pocket for the ring.

   “Hey,” Kai smiles. “Izek, Jake, Jake, Izek.” She introduces us.

   I greet him a handshake-to-hug-manoeuvre-that-doesn’t-really-have-a-name.

   “So you’re Hermes?” Jake asks, fixing the position of his hat. “Kai wouldn’t shut up about you.”

   I notice a slight hint of jealousy in his voice. Does he like Kai? “Not surprised.” I smirk.

   Kai quirks her eyebrow at me. “There are just so many things to complain about, and Jake’s such a great listener.” She explains jokingly.

   He latches onto the compliment, grinning eagerly. His smile drops when he checks the time. “Got to go, guys, but good luck on tonight.” He waves goodbye and walks off.

   I draw an anxious breath. The first instalment of 28 engagement parties honouring our agreement was tonight. And I’d have to give Kai the ring. What the hell was I doing?

   “You okay?” Kai asks after a long pause of dread.

   I shake my head, mentally imagining my past reverie catching alight. “Fine. Hey, do you want to take a walk?”

“Truth.” Her fingers curl around mine, sending a spark of warmth rushing through my entire body.

   “Boring.” I frown. “Fine, if you were immortal for a day, what would you do?”