WINIFRED
"Must you leave? Don't go without me," Darryl pleaded, pouting.
"Obviously I don't want to go without you. Unfortunately, those who aren't authorized may not go in. I would rather you alive than dead or worse, chained to a god. You're much safer here. I can't let any of those whores steal you from me."
"Isn't that blasphemy?" Nathan asked, chuckling.
"With all disrespect, fuck the gods."
"I think I am beginning to understand your profanities. They're fascinating. Please teach me more. I too would like to fuck the gods."
"That…doesn't mean what you think it means."
"And I think that is enough profanities. You are supposed to be the adult here, Lord Silver."
"Please pardon my less-than-stellar manners, Lady Freya. I got caught up in the moment. Now we really must be on our way. Do not worry," he said, taking my hand in his. "We will return before you know it."
Before we disappeared, I caught the blush that slowly filled her cheeks. Rolling my eyes, I thought of only one word to describe him.
"Flirt."
We appeared on a platform. It was surrounded by several pillars and exposed arches from where I could see clouds. The 'building' we teleported into was empty, save for the giant statue of a boy closing his eyes behind us. I couldn't really tell if he was closing his eyes because of how old and cracked the statue was.
Nathan snapped his fingers and I felt something change, even if I couldn't see it.
"Where are we?"
"A Temple. This is supposed to lead us to where we want to go."
"Supposed to?" I inquired, raising my brow. The infuriating bastard just smirked and walked off the platform. I was left with no other choice but to go with him, just hoping he knew what he was doing. Nathan usually did but it didn't mean he was any less annoying.
"In the past, this was an easy way to access the Pantheon since this is the temple of my patron god. However, a lot has changed in the years I was trapped in the tomb. I will be trying the method I know but if it doesn't work, well..."
"If I die a useless death, just know my soul will haunt you through the reincarnation cycle. Be more sensible, Nathan."
"Yes, ma'am."
I stood back and watched, hoping that he wouldn't make a foolish mistake.
FERDINARD
There was fanfare in the palace as my father and brother got ready to leave the palace for the Pantheon. My father was less concerned about any other matter, leaving it all to me. Since I was also going without his knowledge, the matter with Lord Silver would just have to wait.
The sacred tomb we were only allowed to visit every five years was opened for this day. We gathered by the gate while they got to walk in. I truly wished I was the one by my father's side, knowing I was the most qualified. It was astounding what birthright got those who weren't intellectually gifted.
A telling flaw of the class system, really.
"What is that expression on your face, your highness?"
Circe stood near like she always did. I was glad to have her by my side again. It was only a pity I couldn't take her with me.
"What sort of expression do you think I have?"
"Envy. Or is it Jealousy?"
"We both know he doesn't deserve it. I will make sure he doesn't come back alive."
Circe paused and looked at my face.
"You can't seriously be planning to kill your brother, can you, your highness?"
"There are a lot more things I am capable of, Circe. If I must resort to drastic methods, then I will."
"What...is happening to you, your highness?"
Truthfully, it was a question I couldn't answer. I knew I was most likely going down a dangerous path because of how desperate I was but I had no other choices for now. My brother was likely to survive the Pantheon. If he came back, my father could make him the king. I couldn't afford that.
"I know I said I could risk my life for you but I will not allow you to go down this route, your highness. You could become worse than him at this rate."
"I know what I'm doing, Circe."
The door of the tomb closed shut. From the top of the cross that marked the peak of the tomb, a pillar of light emerged. The mark on my hand burned as the light appeared and kept tingling until the pillar of light disappeared. We knew they had departed seeing that light so that meant we could all return. Since they were gone, it was my sign to leave as well.
"Ferdinard, son, come have tea with your mother."
"Mother! I really can't. I have a lot of work to do today. Perhaps another time."
"Are you avoiding me, Ferdinard? It has become so difficult to get a hold of you. Perhaps there are...other things holding your attention," she said, looking at Circe. I knew what mother was thinking but she was really just pushing all the blame onto Circe. It was unacceptable.
"Mother, I do adore and respect you but today isn't the day for tea," I said, kissing the back of her hand. I politely bowed and walked back to my quarters with Circe.
"Do you remember the plan, Circe?"
"Yes, your highness. Please...be careful."
"I will do my best."
NATHAN
There had to be a sort of acceptance to enter the Pantheon. Since my patron god was hiding cowardly in the body of a girl, I decided to try just going in. We could access the Pantheon through his last remaining temple so that was where I teleported us to. Unfortunately, it didn't look like she had that much faith in me.
As I tried to remember the incantation for the spell I needed, I heard something beside me. It was Winifred's little grunt as she pulled at her hair with her hands. I immediately rushed to help her but then saw her eyes slowly turning yellow.
{Nathan. You didn't listen to me.}
"Yon. This is incredibly vile, I'm sure you understand her."
{Do not worry. She gave me permission to do so. I will open the gate for you}
I nodded and watched them. I didn't know how it was possible for her to channel the power of a god with that small body but it was really possible. The list of things she could do was endless and it had me very curious.
They whispered the incantations and with their hands, tore open a path in space. For some reason, I had a sense of deja vu, like I had watched something like this happen before. I didn't know why and kept wondering when something like this had ever happened to me.
I came to a grim realization. There was a huge part of my memories missing.
They finally tore open a hole we could safely tunnel through. As her eyes slowly went back to their original state, Yon had some parting words for me.
{Tell Oriel that I will return for my throne and my body}
I was sure he wasn't in any position to give any threats but I wasn't going to say that. I just took Winifred's hands and walked through the portal.