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Ophion was relieved that everything was back to normal. Mostly.
The chaos that had descended on the Realm while Gaia and Tartarus were busy getting intimate was now under strict surveillance. The God and Goddess were finally putting their minds to good use and Ophion was mostly left in peace.
But only mostly.
“You are avoiding the question again, Ophion,” Minka said, glaring at him from across the desk.
“Yes, Great Advisor.” Veruschka crossed her arms over her ample chest. “Are we boring you?”
Lorraine nodded in agreement. “Why is Hell allowed to reign alongside our grandmother?”
Three identical looks of indignation were sent his way, and he wished he could throw something at them. He wished that the child of Ananke’s human vessel was born already, because he was getting sick of the mortal emotions wreaking havoc on the Realm. He wanted peace and quiet.
Is that too much to ask?
“Why does it matter who rules in Chaos and Chronos’ stead?”
“He is unbearable!” Lorraine exclaimed.
“Can you not see that?” Veruschka challenged.
“We know you are not blind, Ophion,” Minka added.
The Nesoi triplets. How could Tartarus tolerate them for any length of time?
“Tartarus is older than even I am. He has aeons of wisdom at his disposal.”
“So does Aether,” Veruschka started.
Minka nodded. “And Erebus.”
“Not to mention, Eros!” Lorraine chimed in.
Ophion suppressed a sigh. “Was this the reason for your appointment, Goddesses? If you can’t set aside your personal grudges until Chaos and Chronos return, we will be forced to do something.”
Minka pouted. “Like what?”
“I am sure Gaia will think of something. Maybe you will be banned from going to your beloved islands.”
They gasped, now blinking at him with equally shocked expressions.
“You would really do that?” Veruschka asked, tears brimming her eyes.
“We are taking extreme measures as it is. You know how—” Don’t say mad, he reminded himself. “Emotional everyone is. Until this bridge between our world and the mortal realms is back to normal, we must do what we can to ensure it does not rule us.” He gave them a pointed look.
Lorraine burst into tears. “Do you know how he hurt us?”
Proving my point.
“Ladies, if that is all, please excuse me.” He glanced at the parchment on his desk. “I imagine I will have identical conversations with whoever’s scheduled next.”
“Thank you for your time, Ophion,” Minka sighed, getting up and curtsying. “Come on, sisters. We have done what we could.”
He watched the triplets leave. They reminded him of Thesis. He did not want to be reminded of Thesis. Ever since this whole fiasco started, she hasn’t strayed from his mind for long.
He scratched his head, ignoring the sound of his scales scraping together. He had to focus on the matters at hand. The Realm might be sedated for the time being, but everyone was still too volatile for his liking. Sullen Deities were not a preferred alternative to hysterical ones. He had to tiptoe around everyone! He did not like the way it made him feel.
He got up from his chair and walked to the big bay window behind his desk, gazing out at the Realm. His office was at a vantage point, on a hill behind the Palace, with a view of the seven levels of the spiritual world. The sky had its trademark gold-and-platinum aura, but there were tinges of red and yellow scattered throughout.
Lower vibrational colours, he thought grimly. Soon-to-be permanent fixtures if we’re not careful.
“Ophion.”
He couldn’t stop the shiver that went down his spine. A couple of weeks ago, he wouldn’t have been able to discern between this voice and those of the other Goddesses’, but due to everything going to Hell, he no longer had that luxury. He would recognise her anywhere.
Turning slowly, his breath caught in his throat. Human reaction, he reminded himself, not your own. “Thesis, what a surprise.”
She stood behind the chair that Minka had vacated moments ago, her hands resting on its back. Her light brown eyes were fixed on Ophion. He wondered if it was his imagination or if she truly was looking at him in longing.
“I saw the Triplets leave. Did they give you a hard time?”
He ignored the rush that went through his body, knowing that she’d been watching the comings and goings around his office. “Not really,” he answered, laughing softly, a rare sound. “Compared to the others, they were mild.”
She grinned. “That is good to know.” She stepped around the chair and took a seat.
The smile left his face.
She was heavily pregnant, a reminder that he should not be entertaining his thoughts.
She is not mine. Never will be.
“Were you in the neighbourhood?” he asked dumbly, sitting down, too. He was happy that the desk blocked most of his body. If only he could stop his hands from fidgeting.
“I find myself enjoying the Palace lately.” She seemed nervous. “I worry when I’m too far away.”
He frowned. “Is it your mother?”
“No. Tartarus appears to be making her happy. When Gaia’s happy, everyone else is, too.” She shook her head. “At least, that is how it seems.”
He’d never been concerned about anyone, so the emotion caught him by surprise. “Is it Athos? Is he not treating you well?”
Thesis blushed and dropped her gaze to her hands. “He’s wonderful.”
“Good.” Envy replaced concern almost immediately, and he had to stop from scowling.
Control yourself, Ophion. There is no hope here. Once the bridge closes, this will be but a feeling of the past.
He decided to change the subject. “When are you due?”
“Any day now. The problem is that I am so petite, and he is so big...” She trailed off, gesturing to her enormous belly. “His offspring tend to be big, as well. Even the triplets are taller than I am.”
The corners of his mouth twitched. “His offspring?”
“I meant ours, of course.”
“Of course. Do you know whether it is a boy or a girl yet?”
“A boy,” she answered. “Athos is happy about that. Us women tend to drive him mad.”
“Has it been decided which role the boy will fulfil?”
“He will be assisting Athos with planetary shifts below the water, like the creation of new mountain ranges and such.”
“So, in essence, he will be assisting you both.”
“That’s right. I keep forgetting that I am Creation itself.”
“Well, not the original Creation,” he teased, “but close enough.”
“You should smile more,” she told him suddenly. “It sits well on your face, Ophion.”
He didn’t expect the compliment. His shock was no doubt evident. He cleared his throat to snap out of it, to regain control, but he was finding it more difficult with every passing moment.
“I don’t often have reason to, Goddess.”
“And now that you do?”
He could not break eye contact. “I find it makes me feel weak.”
“Weak?” Thesis frowned.
“If one has always been serious and sombre, then it is challenging getting used to... other ways of being.”
“Serious and sombre? That is what everyone says about you,” she said with a soft laugh.
“I’m glad.”
“Why?”
He took a deep breath. “We all have our roles to play. I have been the serious one, like Aphrodite is the hussy and Uranus is synonymous with Heaven. If that is what everyone believes, then I will be what they believe me to be.”
“But not who you are?”
“Coincidentally, who I am is the very same.”
“I do not think so.” She shook her head, causing her dark blonde locks to ripple over her shoulders. “Ophion, have you been in love?”
“Once,” he answered, swallowing.
“Then how can you call yourself serious?”
“Because I know it is not for me.”
“Why do you exclude yourself from the gift of love?”
“I do not think I was Created to love.” With a hand that was shaking slightly, he pointed to his scaly appearance. “If that were the case, I would not have been given this outer shell. I would have had a similar exterior to the rest of the Gods. I would be handsome.”
She jumped to her feet. “Love is not only about what is on the outside.”
He was horrified to see that she was leaving. “Goddess, have I said something to offend you?” he asked, rising to rush to her side.
“You have not.” She reached up to touch the side of his face with a smile. “But I’ve wasted much of your time. You have a busy day ahead. The Deities are lining up.”
Her touch was warm, making him dizzy. No one has ever touched him so tenderly. He did not have any defences against it; none against her.
“They can wait,” he said, hoping he was hiding the need burning behind his words.
“Ophion, you have become very dear to me.”
“You are to me, too, Thesis.”
She stood on tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “We must have dinner together tonight.”
“Yes,” he breathed.
She smiled brightly, her eyes twinkling. “I will wait for you in the Palace, then. See you at dusk.”
His red gaze followed her out. Only when she was gone did he remember to breathe. He made his way back to his desk unsteadily, trying to get his bearings. His skin burned where she’d touched him with her hand and mouth. “Amazing,” he murmured.
Get back to work, Ophion. And reality.
Straightening in the chair, he shouted: “Next!”
* * * * *
Tartarus had a spring in his step while he crossed the courtyard, heading away from the Temple.
Gaia had suggested that they play a game, which he loved as much as any wager. She’d said: “I am going to declare my wildest fantasy to someone in the Realm. You will not be allowed back in my chambers until you learn what it is.”
She might have thought that she was making it difficult, but he knew there was only one Goddess Gaia would have entrusted with her fantasy, and that was Aphrodite. He’d been right.
Oh yes, he thought happily. His cheeks were still warm at the thought of what she wanted to do. Gaia will not be alone tonight.
His heart clenched and he cursed Ananke’s hold on it. She haunted him. Every moment he spent with Gaia, he knew that Ananke was there, too. Gaia seemed to have made peace with her husband’s situation, but Tartarus could not forget his soul mate. He only hoped that his longing for his true love didn’t show. The last thing he wanted was to hurt Gaia, who’s been so good to him over the last couple of weeks.
And she was good for him. Where Ananke made him feel like they were in their own world, Gaia grounded him.
I’m in love with two women. Heaven help us.
The sun was setting in the Realm: the sky was streaked with purple, pink and gold. He was happy to see the eerie red and yellow had dissipated, for the most part. He knew Ophion was worried about those colours, and with good reason. Mortal emotions should not best the Gods.
He was about to take the winding trail that led to Gaia’s villa when he heard clashing behind him. He sighed, turning around. He couldn’t wait for Chaos and Chronos to return: contrary to popular belief, he did not enjoy leading a bunch of spoiled Deities.
And spoiled they are, he thought with a groan, watching the scene unfold in front of him.
The source of unrest was the rulers of Battle, who were combating in the courtyard in front of the holy Temple—and not in jest. Tartarus suspected it had started with the Goddess of Violence and God of War, Bia and Ares, since they had publicly challenged one another in recent days.
“For the love of All That’s Holy,” Tartarus muttered, rushing back.
Zeus was attempting to get the two off each other. Kratos, Zelos and Nike stood beside him with looks of wonder on their faces. Naturally, the Gods of Zeal and Strength would be enjoying the spectacle, which would guarantee the Goddess of Victory a happy outcome, no matter who prevailed.
“Oh, Ares,” Bia laughed. Her black hair was cropped short, framing her face. She wore a similar outfit to Tartarus and, though her figure was decidedly female, she was physically strong. “You are out of your league, brother. I created that which causes you to thrive.”
“But I perfected it,” Ares countered, jabbing his sword her way. He was taller than her, but she neatly dodged his attack, which angered him. He was being a typical God: proud and unwilling to admit that he was wrong. He banged his sword on his golden breastplate, his matching laurel shimmering in his hair. “You should surrender, sister, before you get hurt.”
Tartarus reached their side as Zeus was summoning one of his thunderbolts. “What is the meaning of this?” Hell demanded.
“You know how Ares gets.” Bia didn’t have any weapons, but she didn’t need them. She packed a punch: one blow of her hands equalled fifty strikes of the God of War’s sword. “He bragged about how strong and cunning he is. This is a lesson in humility.”
“This is not a wise course of action,” Tartarus said, struggling to keep his voice level, “or have you not been paying attention these last few weeks?”
“You are not our true leader, Hell,” Ares spat.
“I am for the time being!” Tartarus’ voice echoed from the surrounding buildings, causing most to take a step back.
Ares was too incensed to be deterred. “I will allow Bia a sparring partner. You may join us, brother, but I will still win.”
“I am willing if you are, Hell.” Bia said happily.
Tartarus shook his head. “Do you realise what this means for the Realm?” He pointed to the darkening sky. “Do you not see which other colours have joined us here?”
“Whose fault is that?” Ares countered. “You brought this to our doorstep!”
Tartarus lunged forward, seeing red, and was inwardly relieved when Zeus grabbed his arm, stopping him in his tracks.
“Stand down, War,” Zeus told Ares. “None of this will help you when you are called before a court.”
“And who is going to call me? Him?” Ares jerked a finger in Tartarus’ direction.
“I am second tier.” His amber gaze drifted over them, one at a time, and he was happy that they flinched in response. “We laid down the laws which govern us until Chaos and Chronos return. By disobeying us, you disobey them. I can assure you, Ares, that you do not want the wrath of our Great Mother. She has brought you into existence and she can take you out of it.”
None of them could refute that.
“As things stand, you will appear before Zeus for judgement tomorrow.” Tartarus watched the Lawgiver nod in agreement. He turned to Bia. “You will also be in court to await your judgement. Until then, I forbid you to seek each other out.”
Both Bia and Ares felt the force of Tartarus’ words, binding them to his will, and took a step in opposite directions.
“Goodnight,” Tartarus told them silently. He watched them leave the courtyard, drifting farther apart, before he turned to the other three. “You have done nothing but spur them on. This is your nature, so it is not punishable. But I forbid you to see your sibling Bia, Ares, or each other until this matter has been resolved.”
Nike looked at her brothers with frightened eyes. “But Tartarus, you cannot do that!”
“Do you not see how you contributed? I will not let it happen again to other unsuspecting Deities. You are excused.”
They, too, disappeared into the night.
Zeus put a hand on Hell’s shoulder. “You are doing well in Chronos’ absence, brother.”
“Do you think that was unfair?”
“No.” Zeus’ silver hair glinted in the moonlight. “You need not worry, brother. I am the Law: I would not have allowed you to give them options if they were not in accordance. You must sit in on the judgment tomorrow.”
Tartarus nodded. “It would be an honour.”
“Get a good night’s rest.”
He watched Zeus walk away with interest. Ever since he’d been given this temporary post, he has learned more about everyone. He was as surprised as them by how much they had in common. He’d been a lone God for too long.
He retraced his steps to Gaia’s villa, but not with as much fire as he did previously. She was waiting in the bedroom, posing on the big bed in a sheer silk robe, and he wished he could wipe the fight from his brain to give her the focus and devotion she deserved.
She correctly interpreted the look on his face and sat up. “What’s happened?”
“It seems I will not be able to make your wildest fantasy come true tonight, even though the very thought of it makes me hot and ready for you.”
“Tartarus, what is going on?”
“I need to see Ophion. Ananke must be Awakened immediately.”
* * * * *
Ophion entered the Great Palace, feeling nervous. He hadn’t known what to wear tonight, which was ridiculous. He’d always been able to dress himself without conscious thought. Why should it be different, simply because he was dining with Thesis?
After much deliberation, he’d chosen a short cream-coloured toga with gold patterns on the edges. He wasn’t wearing his customary breastplate—he was going to dinner, not war—and his golden sandals glittered in the lighting of the foyer. The green of his scales was complemented by his attire, which was the only reason he’d chosen it. He figured he may as well put the reasons why they shouldn’t entertain the notion of being together on full display.
He lingered in the entryway. She’d told him to meet her here but hadn’t specified which room. Soon, his doubts were given a voice: She wanted to watch you come all this way, only to be rejected.
He didn’t want to believe that someone so kind could be so cruel. But how could he be sure?
He was about to turn around and run away when Aphrodite rounded the corner. Whenever she moved, she appeared to glide. The sensuous tilting of her hips alluded to her area of expertise, and the translucent blue gown she wore floated lazily around her curves. Her golden hair cascaded down to her waist. Once she noticed him, she slowed, a small grin on her mouth.
“My, my, is it not Ophion, our Advisor? The God of the hour?” she purred, coming to a standstill in front of him.
“Evening, Goddess,” he greeted. Up until now, they’ve never had much reason to converse.
“I will let you make your own deductions about my presence here. So shortly before your arrival, too.” She raised an eyebrow while her hand lifted to the left side of his chest. “Feel your heart racing. I am thrilled to know you are not the only one who is lost.”
He wanted to say that he was confused, but she didn’t give him time to respond.
“She is in the main dining hall,” she murmured, dropping her hand and swaying past him. Over her shoulder, she warned: “Do not keep her waiting, Ophion.”
His brain was foggy. With a start, he realised that Aphrodite had used her powers on him. Odd, he thought as he slowly made his way to the dining hall. She’s never had a reason to...
Everything made sense as he crossed the threshold into the large room. His eyes settled on Thesis, who was already seated, his mind grasping at the impossible.
Could it be? She called the Goddess of Love here to ask for advice about me?!
Ophion’s mind was at war with his heart. He couldn’t make himself move.
Unlikely. Thesis asked her about Athos. Then again, wouldn’t Hera have been a more suitable confidant?
“Will you stand there the entire night?” Thesis was fighting a smile. “You might find it difficult to eat from all the way over there.”
“Forgive me,” he said hastily, taking the seat opposite her. There were only two places set at the huge table, so he assumed this was where he would be eating. “I feel a bit breathless and out of place.”
Thesis’ face went a sweet shade of crimson. “Aphrodite,” she muttered quietly. Then, aloud: “Can I pour you a glass of ambrosia? Mead?”
Getting drunk would not be good for him at this stage, not with the way his heart was beating. “Maybe after I’ve had something to eat, but I would appreciate a glass of water.”
She beamed at him while she poured. “How was the rest of your day?”
He took a couple of tentative sips. “Not much changed after you left. I cannot believe that everyone is losing themselves.”
“We need Chaos and Chronos back.”
“Uranus, too.”
“Can he leave after the Birth?”
Ophion shook his head. “It would not be advised. He must raise the child to ensure the best version of Heaven will manifest on Earth.” He gulped down the remainder of his glass. “I truly cannot wait for that day.”
“It would be a relief.” She laughed softly. “At least, until Gaia creates the next Earth-like planet.”
He let out strained laughter. “Do not jest, Goddess. I can hardly bear the thought.”
“I don’t know what we would have done without you, Ophion. I think the reason everything has mostly gone smoothly is because of you.”
He warmed at the unexpected praise. “And the times it went wrong?”
“I would like to blame Ananke, but it would not be fair.” She sighed. “I should probably blame Earth.”
“By doing that, you are blaming Chaos, for would we have anything if not for her?”
“I am aware. But if I blame anyone, one can assume that I don’t want to be here, either. It all goes hand in hand, doesn’t it?”
He nodded, looking at her intently. “Do you want to be here?”
“Yes,” she answered softly. “Right here, with you.”
He would’ve blushed if he were capable. “How can that be, Goddess?”
“I don’t know.” She pushed her hair behind her ears. “I simply feel a tremendous amount of love and respect for you, Ophion. Working with you this past month, you have allowed me to see who you really are.”
He toyed with his utensils. “I am not sure why.”
“You and Tartarus are close because you have something in common: you both thought yourselves unworthy of love. But look how happy he is now that he is with my mother.”
“I never had the opportunity.”
She frowned, confused. “You told me you have been in love before.”
“I told you I’ve been in love once. I still am.”
They stared at each other in silence. Ophion took the time to admire her. She was beautiful, the perfect blend of Uranus and Gaia, with an ample dose of her mother’s compassion. He briefly wondered if Athos appreciated these qualities as much as he did.
When the silence stretched for too long, he cleared his throat. “My apologies. I did not mean to make you uncomfortable.”
“You didn’t,” she whispered.
“Then why have you not said anything?”
She blinked back the tears that had formed in her eyes. “Ophion, I am married and with child.”
She does not want you. Why would she?
He nodded, getting to his feet. “Then I should go.”
“No, wait!”
Even though he’d started striding out of the room, she caught up to him. She grabbed his elbow and swung him around, looking at him with pleading eyes.
“No, Thesis. It’s already bad enough that I allowed myself to fall in love with a Goddess who is not mine.”
“Ophion, I am yours, but I can’t be right now. Not in that—”
“Because you do not desire me, and I did not expect you would.”
“Will you stop making assumptions?” she exclaimed. “I do desire you, but I am with child. Now is not the time for me to start an affair with the Great Advisor, or anyone else for that matter. The Gods love differently, yes, and I know no one would judge me if I did. But my child isn’t yours. I respect my husband enough not to betray him while I carry a piece of him inside of me.”
Ophion felt like his head was going to explode. He took hold of the part of her rant that made sense to him. “I know you won’t. It is one of the reasons I love you.”
She smiled up at him. “What are the other reasons?”
“Your kindness,” he replied, self-conscious, while he pushed back a lock of hair that had escaped from behind her ear. “Your ability to make me laugh. I have never laughed before.”
“Ophion, will you do something for me?” When he nodded, she stepped closer to him. “Will you please kiss me?”
You shouldn’t be doing this, he thought, taking her face in his hands and leaning down to place a kiss on her plump mouth. She is going to reject you, Ophion, like she should.
Instead, her mouth melted on his as she embraced him. She kissed his doubts away.
“What in Heaven’s name is going on here?”
Ophion stepped away from her and spun on his heel. Gaia and Tartarus hovered in the doorway, staring at him with wide eyes. He cleared his throat, trying to get himself under control, but he was having a hard time.
Thesis stepped in. “What is it, mother?”
“Are you not supposed to be with your husband?”
“I’m staying in the Palace for the time being. Athos understands.”
Tartarus grinned at Ophion. “You fell in love!”
“Do not congratulate them, Hell,” Gaia said crossly.
“Why not? Don’t you think I am worthy of your daughter?”
“Ophion, don’t be silly!” Gaia threw her hands in the air. “Do you really think now is the best time? While the whole Realm is going to shit?!”
Tartarus rested a hand on the back of Gaia’s neck, presumably to massage her tension away. “Calm, my love.”
Thesis took Ophion’s hand in hers. “Stay out of it. It has nothing to do with anyone.”
Ophion felt a little breathless at her touch, but he regained his strength and authority. “Has something happened?”
“I’m the reason we are here,” Tartarus nodded. “We have to Awaken Ananke.”
“What? Why?”
“Ares and Bia were fighting earlier, while others watched. Relished. You know what this means.” Hell peered at Ophion. “I forbade them from seeing each other until their judgement, but I’m not comfortable with what will come after that. Will they try something again? Worse, will they get others involved? We need to close the portal or, at the very least, diminish its influence.”
“Uranus would still be on the other side. He would have to raise the child alone, without the woman he loves.”
“Uranus will understand, eventually. He will long for her, yes, but it’s better to let one suffer for a short time than to stand idly by while everything in the Realm collapses for eternity.”
Ophion inclined his head. “You make a wise leader, brother.” He glanced at Thesis, taking strength from the admiration in her light brown gaze. He would not disappoint her. “Let’s not waste another moment.”