Once Upon a Story [ INCONSISTENT UPDATES ]

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭:928

SYBILLA

I never planned to involve myself with the gods. As long as I keep worshiping and giving offerings, I'll never be noticed among the other ants beneath their feet. That's what I foolishly thought.

But I grew older and the river's call grew stronger. My quiet voice became melodious and I realized I wasn't the normal girl I wanted to be. When I went to my mother, she explained everything. I still remember her sombre expression. She knew the day would come.

"What about your brother?"

"Adopted. A blessing for him."

You see, my great-grandmother was the child of Zeus, the king of Olympus. She was the daughter of an Olympian and a water nymph. My mother possesses half the strength my grandmother had. Her father was human. In theory, I should've been ever weaker than her.

In theory... The gods love to mess with us in their free time. Even their bastard children can't get enough of us little mortals.

My father is the child of war and beauty. His ichor is like a stallion in my veins, itching for a reason to explode. Meanwhile, my mother's blood quietly tries to keep it in check.

"I don't enjoy conflict, but I do like a good spar," I explained. Apollo nodded attentively, trying to decipher me through my story. "I am serene for the most part but... There are times when the river calls for blood. Those days, I'm nearly defenceless in its hold."

I hold my arms around my legs huddled to my chest. "Hunting usually helps. These days, it hasn't."

Now, Philippos is dead.

"He attacked your honour as a woman," Apollo pointed out. "If not for your mercy, he would be begging me for Hades to take him away."

A smile cracked my still lips. "Thank you."

I regret killing Philippos, but I couldn't let him go tattle to his friends or my brother. Had it been the disrespect, I would've kept my silence. But my blood was a secret I would take to the grave, even if it meant sending others to theirs early.

"What about your siren voice?"

"A blessing from one mother to another," I said. "My mother helped a siren during a voyage at sea. Apparently, Poseidon has a few illegitimate children of his own."

It took him some time to process what I'd told him. I, myself, had trouble believing all these events had happened. But there was something I wanted to know. "How did you find me that night?"

"I was looking for you. Well, something or someone, that happened to be you." He told me he'd felt this inexplicable emptiness for some time. His heart was void of life. Even playing his lyre brought disdain. Amidst the mess of his emotions, he went to Troy thinking a night in a familiar place would settle his unease.

That's when his heart started beating erratically. He was overwhelmed by the force coming from it. As he descended into the city, a tugging sensation led him to the king's palace and he followed it to me.

"I had never felt anything like it before." I saw the glow in his eyes as he reminisced. "You were the life my lyre was longing for."

He reached for my hand but stopped short. He kept it aside, pretending he never sought me. I timidly sat closer and held his hand. His shock was palpable, and the excitement that bubbled within him was touching.

"I've gained favour in your eyes?" he whispered.

"Oh, gods, no. I hate you," I quipped back. I'm sure he saw how sincere I was with the smile on my face and the tears in my eyes. He reached over and cupped my cheek, eyes shining. "I hate you so much," I strained out, throat tight.

"Never stop," he urged. "Hate me in this life and the next. Anything to remember me."

"You are a fool."

His thumb brushed the corner of my lips. "Better to be a fool than live with a broken heart."

"You're in love?"

Instead of answering, he placed our bound hands on his chest. There was no steady beat, only a wild gallop. Even his skin was feverishly hot.

"You may not love me, but I am too far gone, Sybilla." His breaths panted as his heart didn't relent from its rapid tempo. Flustered, I reached my hand back. But the cold air had me seeking his warmth again. It was pleasant and spread through me like a wave. The heat only became stronger as he kissed the mark on my hand. The sun, shimmering in gold, shone bright as he lay his lips on my skin. And his, glimmering like ocean waves sparkled as he enjoyed my cool touch.

"Sybilla, please let me seek you again," he murmured.

"Do as you wish." If he wanted to see me, I couldn't stop him. Our bond would drive him mad with desire. "But listen when I tell you this: the day you threaten my honour is the day I end your existence. The underworld will have no soul to claim when I'm done with you."

For a moment, he was hurt. Then came his content followed by joy. His soulmate wouldn't forget him.

"I will never dishonour you. I swear it." He boldly kissed my temple, disappearing when I opened my eyes. All that remained was a light breeze. As the seconds ticked by, pressure built up and spilled over. I cried; confused and saddened.

"Why, gods why? Apollo..."

Why couldn't you hate me too?