We Were Gods: Oleander: Book One

X. This Thing Reads Like a LifeTime Drama

I focused as much energy as I could into hearing him, my eyes wide opened but the colour drained from them as I sought him out. We had a deep connection long ago but now... now he didn't even recognize me for what I truly am. I could feel the numbness as my spirit left my body. I knew I didn't have long before my mortal shell's skin would go green with rot and decay.

My vision was red as my spirit flew throughout the streets in search of my first soul. I could hear the faint beating of a heart but I do not know if it was my own or his. I knew that if I could only reattach his soul to mine then I could use him to properly see my brother and what he was up to but –

My vision fades as a hand presses against my mortal shell. A gasp escapes my lips as I am forced back into my body; everything in me lurches as pain floods my system. I grit my teeth as spirit is reconnected to flesh, a growl rumbling from within me. I could feel the anger distorting my face as my teeth sharpened. I had told my flesheaters to leave me be and there will be hell to pay if they chose to ignore my commands!

"Osiris." My name is said gently but with authority behind it. I recognize the voice at my very core.

"Have you come to stop me?" I whisper, turning sullen eyes on marble skin. Her beauty was enough to take anyone's breath away. She had buckwheat curls pinned against her head; strands adorned in flowers and jewels. Honey eyes met mine and her angelic lips pulled into a smile that held venom behind it's kindness as white teeth poked out.

"Of course not." She whispered, her voice was nearly a song in its gentleness. She was the kind of beautiful that needed absolutely no makeup; the kind of attractiveness that drove mortals mad and caused destruction. From the curve of her perfect hips to the plumpness of her perky bosom she was more than enough woman to ensnare any heart she desired though I knew what kind of jealousy and danger she left in her wake.

She was power hungry and love starved and I fully believe that in another life, in another universe, or any other crossover of religions we would have ruled as the greatest of power couples. We were both willing to do whatever it took to get what we wanted, no matter the cost. Two sides of the same coin, perhaps.

"Then to what do I owe the pleasure of your presence, my Supreme Queen?" I give her a bow and press a tender kiss to the back of her velvet hand. The welcoming scent of lilies and pomegranates permeates my nostrils. I hold her hand a minute longer before allowing it to daintily drop from my grasp. I can almost imagine the reddening of her cheeks; her husband never paid her much attention anymore.

She nervously grabs her hand, her elegant fingers stroking where my lips once were. She does this act thoughtlessly as her rosebud lips fall open. "I wish to give you my favor."

I can feel my body falter from the shock of her words. "I-" I lick my lips to seek out the appropriate response. "I thought Supremes were not allowed to take a side? Or to take up arms?" I raise an impeccably manicured eyebrow. Honey-warm eyes graze my face, taking in each and every cells as she searches my very soul. The moment her eyes find my own I can feel my heart catch.

"We are not supposed to." She admits, her voice tender in its song. She was the undoing of so many mortals and Gods alike but I knew better and didn't desire her like a man would.

"Then what is it you need, my queen?" I dare to reach out a hand and place it against her hand, quilling her fidgeting. She accepts the offering of flesh before I turn her hand over and caress the skin. "How has he been treating you in this life?"

Her jaw tightens and her lips purse as I bring her back to reality with my words. There is a dangerous hint behind her eyes. "He's been fine but one of his little pets are about to return." She removes her hand from mine and crosses her arms over her chest.

"Forgive me for saying this, my dear, but he has never given you the respect you deserve. He has never treated you like you deserve." She holds my gaze for a moment before scoffing though she does not deny my words.

"I have never been one to play by the rules, Osiris, and you know that. I will do what benefits me best, and in doing so the universe will be kept in its balance." She sucks in a calming breath before releasing it. "He loves these mortals far too much." The sentence her eyes say though her lips denies is; he always has. "They no longer deserve our favor nor our protection. I miss the days when they desired and loved us." There's a far off look to her eyes.

"I am pleased to know that at least one of the Supremes can see the truth behind this war." I can feel my lips pull back to reveal a perfectly whitened smile. "I am happy to have your favor, my Queen. I promise to not disappoint you."

"There's more." She states, her eyes finding mine once more. "Being a Supreme I cannot have my name attached to you. We can have no one know that I am on your side, Osiris. I expect you to keep this little meeting between us." Before I can agree she opens her voluptuous lips once more, "I also need you to look for Europa and Heracles." The names are stated with venom and hatred. "I am certain you will know what to do with them."

"Of course." I bow. "And in return-"

"I know what to do." She hisses, eyes narrowed.