No PoV:
The wind howled through the landscape, a fierce and relentless force slicing through the air like a cannon fire. It easily uprooted shrubbery, twisting branches as if they were mere twigs and sending loose debris spiralling through the sky. Meanwhile, the sea roared with unprecedented fury, its waves rising like colossal giants that pounded the shoreline with thunderous blows, each crash echoing like the drumbeats of a distant storm. The ground trembled beneath this assault, vibrating in response to the tumultuous display as if the very earth was quaking in fear of the chaos unleashed around it.
Amidst the chaos of the raging storm, a solitary mountain towered into the darkened sky, its jagged peaks resembling a formidable fist raised defiantly against the tempestuous heavens. The winds howled fiercely around it, lashing rain against its rugged surface, yet the mountain remained steadfast and unyielding, a timeless sentinel standing firm in the face of nature's fury. Its rocky cliffs, carved by centuries of erosion, gleamed with moisture, creating a stark contrast against the ominous clouds swirling overhead. Despite the turmoil surrounding it, the mountain exuded an aura of calm resilience, as if it were a guardian of the land, impervious to the elements that sought to uproot its dominion.
A magnificent fortress crafted from glimmering obsidian stone loomed atop the rugged mountain's towering summit. Its surface absorbed light like an endless abyss, creating a striking contrast against the pale sky.
Within the foreboding confines of the obsidian black fortress, a singular room stood out as a beacon of warmth and solace. Its hearth, alive with a gentle flicker, cast a soft, golden light that painted dancing shadows across the walls. In rich, earthy brown tones, these walls exuded a comforting embrace, inviting all who entered to linger a while longer. Underfoot, the cool oak wood floor provided a striking contrast, its polished surface echoing the warm hues around it. The crackling of the fire resonated throughout the space, lending an inviting ambience to this tranquil sanctuary within the otherwise stark fortress.
At the far end of the warmly inviting room lay a magnificent bed, lavishly adorned with the softest silks and plush fabrics. Its opulent layers shimmered under the gentle light, creating a scene so indulgent that even the wealthiest of royals would find themselves green with envy.
Nestled among the sumptuous layers of luxurious bedding lay a woman of striking beauty. Her skin glowed with a rich, warm caramel hue that exuded vitality. Her features were sharp and regal, embodying an almost ethereal elegance, yet a nurturing warmth in her expression suggested a deep maternal grace. Cascading around her shoulders were long, flowing locks of mud-brown hair, each strand reflecting the soft light like strands of silk. Her eyes, a captivating shade of moss green, shimmered with depth and wisdom, drawing anyone who gazed into them into a sense of calm and reassurance. The most noticeable aspect of her appearance was the pronounced swell of her belly, a radiant emblem of her pregnancy.
If you drew near, you would notice the delicate sheen of sweat that glistened on her skin, catching the light like tiny droplets of dew. The subtle tension betrayed her, evident in how her brow gently furrowed, and the corners of her eyes tightened, hinting at the underlying distress she worked hard to conceal.
At the base of the woman lay two yearning lionesses, their coats glinting with a rich, golden hue. Their eyes, filled with concern, flickered anxiously toward their mistress, each pained moan and groan she emitted echoing their silent distress.
With a final, heart-wrenching moan of pain that echoed against the walls, the woman released a brilliant ray of golden light that flooded the room, momentarily blinding everyone present. As the light began to dim, dancing like fireflies, a breathless silence enveloped the space.
When the brilliant hue finally faded, revealing the reality within the room, the swell of the woman's belly had vanished as if it had never existed. In its place, nestled delicately in her arms, was a newborn babe swaddled in soft, ethereal fabric that shimmered faintly in the afterglow.
The child had an almost otherworldly presence, with skin that glowed a warm, sun-kissed brown, reminiscent of seasoned surfers basking on golden shores or beachgoers who had spent the summer under the fierce sun. A curly mop of black hair crowned the child's head, its rich hue shimmering faintly with undertones of dark blue, like the depths of the ocean as daylight fades.
However, it was the child's eyes that were truly captivating. Each iris seemed alive, swirling with hues that ebbed and flowed, mirroring the tumultuous sea. One moment, they sparkled with calm serenity, and the next, they flared with wild intensity as if reflecting an internal tempest.
Outside, the storm was inextricably linked to the child's emotional state; the wind howled and raged when the child was agitated, only to soften to a gentle whisper when calmness enveloped them as if nature itself was responding to the silent signals of this extraordinary being.
The new mother bent down, her gentle voice a soothing melody as she cooed softly to her precious child, enveloping him in her warmth. With tender care, she cradled him close, easing his restlessness and wrapping him in the soft cocoon of her love. Her thumb glided delicately along the curve of his cheek, tracing gentle patterns that mirrored the ebbing storm outside. As the rain diminished to a whisper and the winds calmed, a serene peace settled over them, creating a tranquil sanctuary in their little world.
As the mother and child nestled closer together, drifting into the serene embrace of Hypnos, a sudden jolt interrupted their tranquillity. The heavy door to the room swung open with a creak, shattering the stillness and jolting them from their peaceful descent into slumber.
As the door creaked open, a man stepped into the room, commanding attention with his tall and lanky frame. He was so tall that his head nearly brushed the ceiling, making him appear even more imposing. His skin was an ethereal pale white, almost luminescent under the soft glow of the room's light. Despite his slender appearance, a subtle yet undeniable strength emanated from his limbs, hinting at a hidden resilience beneath the surface.
His hair cascaded down in loose, curly tendrils, the inky black strands catching the light and framing his angular face beautifully. Each curl seemed to dance with movement, drawing attention to the defined contours of his cheekbones and the strong line of his jaw. But it was his eyes that truly captivated anyone who dared to meet his gaze. Deep and intense, they resembled molten gold, shimmering with flecks of amber and honey that shifted like liquid under the slightest change in light. They held a depth of emotion and mystery, promising both allure and danger, making it impossible to look away.
The mother instinctively curled protectively around her infant, her posture reminiscent of a lioness shielding her cub from danger as the man approached. His movements were deliberate and calm, but subtle tension lingered in the air. As he settled onto the edge of the bed, he glanced down at the babe and the mother with a penetrating gaze that seemed to envelop them both, a mix of authority and sorrow evident in his eyes.
The mother's spirit, once fierce with the protective fire of motherhood, flickered under his scrutiny, her resolve weakening. With a tender urgency, she leaned closer to her son and whispered softly into his tiny ear, "Stay strong, my son, for one day the world will know the might of Poseidon, second-born son of Kronos and Rhea…" Her voice was a fragile thread, laced with hope and despair.
After planting a gentle kiss on his cheek, she hesitated before handing him over to his father. The man remained unnervingly still, perched on the edge of the bed, his brow furrowed, and expression steeped in guilt and self-loathing. The weight of his emotions hung heavy in the air, creating a profound silence that enveloped the room.
The man sprang to his feet, cradling the infant gently in his arms, his heart racing as he stepped decisively out of the room. With each stride, he turned his back on the anguished cries of the mother, her tears flowing freely, a stark reminder of the pain he was trying to escape.
The trek from the cosy warmth of the chamber to the expansive garden of the fortress seemed to stretch on for ages. The air was thick with anticipation, and the stone walls loomed around them, casting deep shadows that danced in the dim light. In his arms, the tiny babe, with wide, curious eyes, surveyed the formidable, shadowy depths of the great fortress.
As the man and child finally crossed the threshold into the garden, a palpable change overcame him. His previously slumped shoulders straightened, rising like a drawn bowstring, tension radiating from his posture. He scanned the lush expanse of greenery, his eyes shifting cautiously from one vibrant leaf to another, absorbing every detail of this verdant sanctuary. The air was fragrant with the scent of blooming flowers and the earthy aroma of damp soil, but the man remained on high alert as if the garden itself held some lurking danger within its vibrant depths.
The man's cautious gaze drifted over the landscape until it landed on a peculiar patch of grass. It seemed to dip inward, creating a slight indentation that resembled a sinkhole. Suddenly, with otherworldly grace, a woman emerged from the depths of the earth, her figure rising from the vibrant green blades like a spectre from a dream.
The woman bore an uncanny resemblance to the child's mother, so striking that it rendered the little one momentarily speechless. The babe, who had been cooing joyfully moments before, now looked up in astonishment at her presence. A tentative sound escaped its lips, a soft questing noise filled with curiosity. However, it was swiftly quelled as the woman's piercing gaze landed firmly on the child, her sharp eyes radiating a potent mix of authority and intensity that silenced the questioning babble instantly.
While the boy's mother radiated softness and warmth, enveloping those around her in a comforting embrace, this woman exuded a chilling, calculating demeanour. Her striking beauty, marred by an unsettling intensity, made her refined features seem almost grotesque in their perfection. Her eyes, instead of shimmering like serene moss-green pools, resembled caustic baths of acid, revealing a depth of calculation and unyielding resolve that sent shivers down the spine.
The woman's eyes swiftly left the babe and came down harshly upon the man holding him. "You know what you must do, so why is it still here." The woman's voice was stern, lacking any sympathy.
The man's hand, which was not occupied with cradling the child, tightened into a fist, his knuckles whitening as he struggled to maintain his composure. A fleeting grimace flitted across his face, a brief crack in his stoic facade that the woman almost missed. As he spoke, his voice was laced with a deep-seated self-loathing and barely masked fury, each word heavy with the weight of past failures. "This is the fifth time," he sighed, the corners of his mouth twitching downward. "Three daughters and two sons, and every single one has ended in the same way. I need to understand if what I'm doing is right if there's something I'm missing." The desperation in his tone hung in the air, resonating with the struggles that lingered in the shadows of their shared history.
The woman's stern demeanour melted away for a fleeting moment, revealing a flicker of warmth in her gaze as she looked at the father and son, reminiscent of a nurturing figure. However, that softness was short-lived. With purposeful strides, she approached the man, her intent clear as she deftly reached out and took the child from his arms. With practised grace, she cradled the little one against her chest, her movements fluid and reassuring, a testament to her experience.
With a gentle grace, her free hand ascended to tenderly cradle the child's chin, her fingers barely making contact with the soft, delicate skin. As she did so, a rich, dark green energy began to emanate from her palm, swirling like a gentle mist before cascading over the baby's skin, illuminating him with a subtle, otherworldly glow. A flicker of sorrow crossed the woman's features, her eyes shimmering with emotion as she swiftly yet safely returned the infant to his father's awaiting arms, each movement imbued with both care and a hint of lingering sadness.
"I regret to say, my child, that Ananke's threads bind him even more tightly than they do his siblings. If given the chance to mature, I'm confident his strength would ultimately rival yours." Her tone was heavy with sorrow, yet there was an undercurrent of resolve.
Despite his mother's words, the man retained a touch of defiance. He deliberately avoided looking at his son to prevent witnessing his resolve weaken further.
The woman gently rested her hand on her son's shoulder, her fingers trembling slightly as she locked her gaze onto his. Her eyes, filled with worry and unwavering love, spoke volumes in the heavy silence that enveloped them. "What we are asking of you is a heavy burden," she said softly, her voice tinged with emotion. "I don't know if I would possess the strength to endure such a trial. Yet, we both know it is the right choice. Consider your siblings, the love of your wife, and the possibility that your future child might live free from the insidious grip of Ournanos' poison." Her words hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the stakes.
The man pivoted sharply, shaking off his mother's desperate grip as his shoulder slipped from her hold. Anger etched itself across his face, storm clouds swirling in his eyes. His voice boomed with fierce conviction, reverberating through the air like thunder. "That is what you said about Hades and Hera, and even Demeter and Hestia before them. Yet, here we are, and nothing changes—the children only grow stronger." He fixed his piercing gaze into his mother's, a blend of defiance and sorrow flickering in his expression. "I know what I must do. It's time for you to leave." His stance was taut, every muscle in his body coiled like a serpent ready to strike.
The woman stood on the edge of the clearing; her brow furrowed in frustration as if she were on the verge of unleashing a torrent of words upon her son. Just as quickly, a scoffing sound escaped her lips, and with a dramatic swish of her skirts, she vanished into the dense foliage. In her wake, the air was scented with the rich aroma of damp earth and the crisp, invigorating scent of pine, creating a fleeting impression of her presence and irritation.
With his mother gone, the man stood in the dim light, looking down at his son, his heart heavy with turmoil. Tears carved silent trails down his cheeks, glistening in the faint glow around them. His son, wide-eyed and bewildered, stared up at him, his small face a canvas of innocent confusion. The boy's head tilted to one side, reminiscent of a curious puppy, and his chubby arms reached up, grasping at his father's unruly curls in a desperate attempt to connect.
The man let out a deep, broken chuckle—a sound that seemed to emerge from the depths of his grief. He gently traced his fingertips along his son's soft cheek, the warmth of his touch a poignant reminder of their bond. His voice trembled as he spoke, each word a fragile whisper that carried the weight of his sorrow. "Poseidon... My son... I'm..." The man fought against the rising tide of emotion, swallowing a sob before finally allowing a stoic façade to settle upon his face, shielded yet shattered inside.
"What use is an eternity if it's spent like this?" The man spoke, his voice thick with bitterness, each word cutting through the heavy air like a jagged knife. A molten golden glow emanated from his skin as he spoke, shimmering and swirling like liquid sunlight. This radiant aura enveloped the small child, who sat frozen in place, eyes wide and glistening with confusion, a flicker of fear darting behind them as the world seemed to hold its breath. The child vanished instantly, swallowed by the light with a startling flash that left only silence.
With the child gone, the man crumpled to his knees, the weight of despair crashing down upon him. Raw emotions spilt from him like an open wound reflected in the steady patter of rain that besieged the earth, mingling with his invisible tears. It felt as though the world was weeping alongside him, each droplet a testament to his sorrow...