Through the grand Halls of Ares Mansion was the dinning room, the room wasn't often used by Ares and his household but yet every detail of the room was well kept and Meticulously Cleaned on a daily basis
At the center of dinning room was a grand table with a total of 10 seats all neatly and elegantly arranged round the table
The room's golden hue was complemented by intricate black designs, which adorned the walls and added an air of sophistication. Fancy candles cast a warm glow from the table's center, while crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, refracting light and adding to the room's opulence.
In the corners, vases that whispered tales of ancient history stood atop slender pillars, surrounded by groups of candles that hung from the walls like golden lanterns. The table itself was draped in a golden tablecloth, embroidered with delicate black designs that shimmered in the soft light.
Before each seat, a exquisite set of golden and white plates was presented, accompanied by a pair of golden Cutlery each meticulously wrapped in a black and white cloth, adding a touch of elegance to the table setting.
Santaliel entered the dining room, Orly trailing beside him as usual like a protective shield, followed by his siblings. They took their seats in order of their hierarchy, leaving the two head seat vacant for Ares.
In the first row, Santaliel's eldest brother, Arleous, the god of the wind and fire, took his seat on the right-hand side. His scruffy, reddish-brown hair accentuated the sharp features of his face, and his golden orbs maintained a calm, serene gaze as he settled in as the firstborn of Ares.
The second child of Ares, the goddess of islands, Arliana, took her seat opposite her big brother Arleous , her vibrant red hair flowed effortlessly down her back with delicate strands framing her face ,adorned with flowers of different designs and her golden orbs shone brightly, radiating warmth as she maintained a gentle smile on her face dressed in her white corset gown, embroidered elegantly with green and Black that compliment her figure . Although Arliana and Arleous shared the same mother, their features, while similar, were complemented by distinct personalities that set them apart from each other.
The next to be seated was Eris the goddess of Jealousy and Envy, as the third child of Ares. She took her seat next to Arleous,her violet corset gown accentuating her slender yet curvaceous figure. Her black, silky hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night, framing her exquisite features. Across from her, her younger brother Carlyx, the god of fate and time, took his seat. His white hair flowed down his back like a river of snow, and his red orbs shone brightly, radiating an otherworldly beauty. He wore a flowing blue garb that complemented his ethereal appearance.
The next to be seated was the goddess of Magic and Essence, Carmilia. She took her seat next to Eris, her golden wavy long hair flowed with essence emitting from it, her white corset gown compliment her the curves of her body, her skin fair and radiating elegance. Across from her, the youngest child of Ares, Cupid, the god of love, took his seat. His wings, as elegant and beautiful as ever, shimmered in the light, and his golden hair framed his captivating face. Clad in his signature white garb, Cupid exuded an aura of charm and grace.
Santaliel took his seat next to Cupid, while the seat opposite him remained empty. Although he's older than Cupid and meant to be seated where Cupid was seated but he was personally assigned to seat next to the head seat by Ares.
The seven children of Ares, born from different mothers, were now seated. Their collective presence was mesmerizing, filling the room with an awkward tension and silence.
" Hello big brother" Arliana greeted her brother breaking the silence in the room with a warm smile on her face, " I see you're in good spirits"
Arleous nodded, his expression unreadable. "You're in good spirits as well."
"What a weird way to greet each other." Cupid snickered, and Arliana giggles as she playfully rolled her eyes at him while Arleous remained stoic.
" Hope you're injuries gotten from our previous encounter are healed brother" Eris spoke up, her voice laced with sarcasm, drawing the attention of her siblings towards Santaliel
" Don't worry sister, I can't be injured while playing with you" Santaliel smirks
" Then you won't mind playing more with me" Eris shot back her eyes narrowed
" Sure, I would love to, but I wonder what Father will have to say about that" Santaliel said
" Your just a coward hiding behind Father" Eris scoffs
" Now don't be so mean to our little brother Eris dear" Arliana intervened "Father might be fond of him doesn't mean he's a coward"
" Mind your business sister" Eris snapped
"Oh my Eris dear, being so frowny will make you get alot of wrinkles" Arliana Mock making Santaliel and Cupid to let out a chuckle
" We're family, Stop getting on each other's nerves" Carmilia spoke up her blue eyes radiating an ethereal beauty
" Shut it Carmilia" Eris shot at her
"Enough of the chatter, let's not forget why we're here and it seems like she's late again," Arleous finally spoke, his voice firm, "Father is being Negligent with his discipline towards her"
" Don't be such a grouch brother," Santaliel said
Arleous's expression turned venomous," You have no right to talk,seeing how useless and different you are from the rest of us, you have no place here" Arleous said malice etched in his voice
"Ouch brother" Santaliel smirked
" I'm glad to see you all having fun" Ares said as he walked into the dinning room, his intimidating aura as terrifying as usual. He walked in with a woman,her arms crossed around his,her chestnut coloured hair was elegantly and neatly arranged, her body adorned with jewelries and ornaments and her red garb complimented her body, she was the epitome of beauty. She was the legitimate wife of Ares and the mother of Arleous and Arliana , the goddess of Purity, Himera.
All seven stood up and bowed in unison
" Greetings Father and Her Ladyship"
Ares opened the seat next to Arleous and Arliana and gestured for his wife to sit while he sat next to Santaliel and the empty seat opposite him.
" Father aren't you supposed to seat Closer to your eldest child instead of her Ladyship" Arleous asked
"It's just a seat anyways,where I seat doesn't matter, we're here to have dinner" Ares said
' but it does matter Father, why are you so obsessed with that excuse of a god' Arleous thought to himself as he remained quiet,unable to question his father's choices
"You all are looking healthy as usual.." Ares said as His gaze fell on the empty seat beside him. "Looks like your twin is late again, Cupid."
" Apologies Father, I should educate her better " Cupid responded
Ares waved his hand at him brushing off his concerns " don't worry about it son" , Ares snapped his hands and a lady with delicate white wings and golden wavy hair that flowed down to her thighs appeared on the empty seat asleep, she slowly opened her eyes revealing her bright blue orbs that radiated her beautiful face dressed in a revealing white garb that adorned her curvaceous body
"Where am I " She said disoriented
" Sleepy mouse, have you forgotten about the dinner we're all supposed to have " Ares smiled to the sleeping lady and as she heard her Father's voice she quickly opened her eyes
" Daddy!, Please don't be Mad" She said as she flew towards Ares with her hair flowing in an elegant manner, embracing him tightly while looking at him with sad eyes
" Insolence" Arleous spoke out and Ares raised his hand stopping him from making any more comments
"As long as you keep being good, I won't be mad" Ares smiled
" Ofcourse Daddy" She smiled, if she had a tail she would have probably being wagging it really fast
' we're twins and yet I dare not talk to Father so freely, Santaliel and Curly are really lucky,I wanna be Father's favorite too' Cupid thought to himself
Curly, the goddess of lust took her seat
" I see you still dress like a whore sister" Eris sneered at Curly
" I see you still have mommy issues" Curly snaps back and Eris frowned and Carmilia giggles underneath her breath
With a clap of Ares hands, different maids dressed in a white garb and Golden Bangles came into the room, some carrying golden meal trays covered elegantly, and some carrying jars
The maids arranged the meal trays on the grand table, setting two glass cups before each person. They placed individual trays in front of each sibling, revealing an array of delicacies, expertly cooked and tailored to each person's unique preferences. Alongside the trays, they positioned jars containing wine. With graceful precision, the maids poured the wine into each person's cup.
With their tasks complete, the maids bowed in perfect synchrony and withdrew from the dining room.
Ares lifted his cup, and the others followed suit, raising their glasses in unison. With a collective nod, they savored the fine wine, then began to indulge in the exquisite feast before them. The room was filled with the soft clinking of glasses as the family dined with elegant refinement.
"So, Santaliel dear, I heard from your father that you'll be taking the next celestial exam," Himera asked, drawing everyone's attention to Santaliel.
" Yes your Ladyship"Santaliel responds
"I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to come to me if you need any help," Himera offered with a smile.
"Of course, Your Ladyship," Santaliel responded.
Eris let's out a held back laugh " Aren't you tired of disgracing yourself and this family"
" Well sister I do believe my matters are none of your concern" Santaliel said
Arleous snarled, "As a matter of fact, it is. Your failures reflect on our family. I advise you to sit this out. You're an embarrassment, relying on a demonic beast to open our family's gate for you."
" That's enough son" Ares intervened
" Why Father,why are you so fond of him, he does nothing but disgraces you, you sit next to him every year we have this family dinner when you're supposed to sit next to me.."Arleous said
" Calm down brother, Father can sit wherever he wants" Arliana cuts him off trying to calm him
"Stay out of this sister" He shot back his stoic expression had been overcome with a look of rage
" You've been warned Arleous" Ares said
" No Father , I want answers, with everything I do for you to acknowledge me, you don't seem to care, you only care about this useless vessel and this immoral goddess," Arleous said
"Ouch brother " Curly smirks
"He can't even protect himself from me" Arleous said as he released a huge amount of his fire Aura, Making the air in the room dense and unbreathable, everyone uses their celestial force to shield themselves so it doesn't affect them but Santaliel becomes unable to breathe as he's unable to use celestial Force
" Master " Orly calls out with worry as she sees her Master on the verge of getting eliminated
" See father, he's worth nothing compared to me, even his pet can't save him" Arleous gloated
" I said enough" Ares yells cancelling out Arleous Aura with his, and a round ring made of lightning appears on Arleous neck and strikes him
Arleous grunts in pain
" You've gone and done it now big brother Arleous" Curly chuckles
" Dear don't get so angry,he's just a child" Himera says trying to save her son from Ares wrath but Ares ignores her pleas. Carlyx Continues to remain quiet
" Father please spare him,he meant no harm" Santaliel pleaded as he caught his breath.
Ares released the ring and warned, "I will hear no more insults towards your brother. You've all been warned."
' how stupid of big brother to anger Father ' Cupid thought to himself
" In your eyes brother, I may be useless but just watch, I'll pass the celestial exam and show you just how powerful I can be" Santaliel Challenged and Eris scoffed, while Arleous remained silent, still reeling from the pain.
" Goodluck Brother, I'll be rooting for you" Arliana encourages with a smile
"Now we're going to sit quietly and enjoy this dinner, am I understood" Ares declared
" Yes Father" they all responded in unison and proceeds to savor the exquisite delicacies before them, but the atmosphere remained thick with tension, the air heavy with unspoken words and unresolved conflicts.