Apollo's Prophecy (Book One)

Chapter Four

Hi! Sorry this is a day late. I have appointments on Wednesdays that normally fall around the lunch mark so I forgot to update after that was over. As usual, let me know if there are any mistakes and how you're liking the story so far. Please also vote and share if you enjoy so this can get out there to other fantasy or mythology lovers! - Amy <3

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     "How did this happen?" a middle aged man with a well maintained salt and pepper beard that matched hair snapped, his voice dripping with coldness.

     A young man paced around the white room, his hands over his face. "I don't know! It just happened. I wasn't really thinking!" His blue eyes shone with sincerity.

     A woman the same age watched from behind the first man, her eyes looking at the young man with sadness and sympathy. "You know it is forbidden, brother!" She stared at her brother, waiting for him to speak.

     "Of course I know that. I just couldn't let it happen. I couldn't watch. She just looks... so much like her."

     A man that looked just like the first, but with black hair instead, appeared from the shadows. "I understand that this is difficult for you," his voice laced in sadness, "but she is gone."

     The young man's fists clenched at his side and his jaw did the same. "I know that. I've known that for a very long time, but there's something special about her." He looked at the first man, a hint of fear showing in his expression, and then he sighed. "What do you need me to do, father?"

     The older man's expression faltered, but the coldness was back so quickly most wouldn't have noticed the change. "Hades will need to restore the balance if you don't do it first."

     The man with the black hair looked sadly at his nephew. "You know I don't want to, but your father is right. It's up to you who does it."

     The young man felt defeated and looked at his sister for guidance.

     "I'm sorry, brother. There are rules for a reason. You would have known if you needed to save her. Did you see her future?"

     The man shook his head. "I didn't see anything." The room became silent.

     "This is very strange," his father spoke, not seeming so certain.

     "I agree," the young man spoke, forming an idea in his mind. "Give me a few weeks. Perhaps I will see something soon."

     His father shook his head."That is too long. You can have two days. If nothing changes, you must restore the balance."

     The young man opened his mouth to protest, but knew it would be to no avail. His father always had the last word.

     "If you don't comply I will have Thanatos personally escort her to the underworld," his father spoke before vanishing into thin air.

     The young man's sister smiled sadly at him and then did the same, followed by their uncle.

***

     At first Danika could only hear the soft humming of a machine. Then, she heard a constant beeping and people speaking in the distance. Her eyes felt heavy, but she remained still, not finding the strength to move.

     "What have I gotten myself into," she heard a deep voice say, which made her jolt awake.

     Danika's eyes sprung open, but her body felt slow. Huh, no one's here, she thought when she noticed the empty room. Wait a minute... "Hello?" She tried to call out, but her voice was scratchy. Danika cleared her throat and then tried again. "Hello?" she called.