Continuation of Chapter 1.
Now, adulthood finds me standing before Akilhi. He is unlike Drax or Marger. His presence is calm yet overwhelming, his gaze piercing. He doesn't need to speak to tell me that he knows me, every thought, every fear.
"You've grown, Lin," Akilhi says, his voice smooth but commanding. "But now, it's time to control the power within you."
My heart beats faster as I close my eyes. I've grown familiar with my abilities, but they still feel raw, untamed. My fingers tingle as I focus, and slowly, the energy flows through me. I concentrate, and in an instant, a pair of wrist blades form around my arms. They feel right—like they've always been part of me, waiting to be brought to life.
Akilhi's eyes flick to the blades, but he says nothing. Instead, he steps closer, his hand brushing against mine. I feel the energy between us, the force that connects everything. "Do not force it, Lin," he murmurs. "Let it flow. Let your power breathe."
I focus on his words, breathing deeply. The blades solidify, their weight familiar now. I open my senses, reaching beyond the physical. Far off in the distance, I feel it—a disturbance, a warning of something dark approaching. My heart quickens, but I don't let fear overtake me. I've trained for this moment, for the time when I would need to use everything I've learned.
Akilhi steps back, watching me. "You have control, Lin. But remember, power must never control you."
I nod, and for the first time, I feel truly in control of my abilities. The wrist blades hum with energy, my senses are sharp, and I can hear danger approaching long before it reaches me. Akilhi's eyes meet mine, and there's something more there—something deeper between us now.
"I will be your guide," Akilhi says, his voice softer now, his gaze lingering. "But from now on, the path you walk is your own."
I look down at the wrist blades, feeling the weight of his words.
A few weeks later, Akilhi confesses something to me that shakes my understanding of him. "I'm not a god," he says, his voice steady but solemn. "I'm not even a powerful being. I'm just a humanoid."
His words catch me off guard, and I freeze. A humanoid? The very species my dad had once described to me as weak and fragile when I was a child? For a moment, I feel like I should be shocked or disappointed, but I'm not. Instead, I stay quiet, letting the revelation sink in.
I don't care.
The truth is, the more time we spend together, the deeper my feelings for him grow. His smile, his laugh, the way we talk for hours about everything and nothing—it fills me with a joy I've never known before. There's something about the way his muscular frame moves, the warmth of his hand when it brushes against mine, and the softness of his lips when he speaks that makes my heart race. Even his eyes—they have this intensity that both calms and excites me. How could I be bothered by what he says now?
Still, a question lingers. How is he so powerful? Where did he get his abilities from? Before I can ask, he opens up more.
"I volunteered for an experiment," he explains. "Helios found a new species. They're liquid, thick like molten metal, but they act like nanotechnology—tiny, adaptable, and different colors. When they bonded with me, everything changed."
His words hang in the air, and I can see the weight of them in his eyes. He's not just telling me a story; he's revealing a part of himself, his vulnerability. I reach out, taking his hand in mine, squeezing it gently to let him know that I'm here, that I understand.
Suddenly, something catches my attention out of the corner of my eye. I turn, and there, in the distance, is my dad—and he's not alone. Standing next to him is a man I've never seen before. Something about him feels... off.
Akilhi notices too. His grip on my hand tightens, and the air between us shifts. "That's not good," he murmurs. The stranger stands tall, his imposing figure showcasing a heavily muscular build. His broad shoulders, defined arms, and powerful stance make him a figure of strength and authority. His skin has a distinct dark grey tone, enhancing the menacing aura around him.
His costume is striking, primarily deep red with golden accents running across his chest in a flame-like pattern that gives the impression of power and intensity. The armor is form-fitting, emphasizing the definition of his torso and muscles, offering both protection and flexibility. His boots, matching the red and gold theme, reach up to his knees, heavily armored and adorned with metal accents to ensure durability and intimidation in battle.
The stranger wears a helmet that covers his entire face, leaving only his eyes visible, which glow with an intense red light. The helmet is angular, with sharp, clean lines, and is colored in red and gold, matching the rest of his armor. The design of the helmet, with its visor-like front, adds an extra layer of intimidation, giving him the appearance of an unyielding war machine.
Around his wrists are large, thick bracelets, serving as both ornamentation and protection. They match the red-and-gold motif of his armor, fitting tightly around his forearms and appearing almost like gauntlets, ready to deflect any attack.
As I stand by Akilhi's side, I lower my voice and lean in slightly. "Who's that guy next to my dad?"
Akilhi keeps his eyes forward but replies softly, "I don't know, Lin Ongro. But let's wait and see what he has to say."
The two men approach, and just as my father opens his mouth to speak, the stranger cuts him off with a voice laced with arrogance.
"My name is Erebus, son of Emperor Pontius. And soon, I will be the next Emperor." He steps closer, his gaze fixed on me.
"That's not going to happen," my father snaps, his voice calm but firm.
Erebus barely acknowledges him, reaching out to grab my left hand. His touch makes my skin crawl as he inspects my hand with a smug smile. "You're beautiful. Fresh, soft, and… hot." His eyes sweep over me, lingering far too long. "Since I was a boy, I've never seen a goddess as stunning as you."
I yank my hand away, glaring at him. "What are you even talking about? What do you want from me?"
Unfazed, he smirks. "Your father and I were discussing the perfect goddess to be my wife once I become Emperor. And then I thought of you, the finest daughter Radnak has ever raised. You're not only beautiful, but also skilled in combat, brave, and wise. So, I've come to offer you this: be my wife, and you'll have everything you could ever want."
I glance at Akilhi, noticing the subtle shift in his demeanor. His usual calm is gone, replaced by tension. His eyes hold a sadness that unnerves me, but I square my shoulders and turn back to Erebus.
"Let's get one thing straight," I say, my voice cold and sharp. "I'm not interested in you, or your empty promises. You've got the wrong goddess." Without waiting for a response, I walk away, pushing the Council building doors open as I leave.
Behind me, I hear Erebus chuckle. "I like her. She's bold, makes her own choices."
"She's not interested," my father retorts, voice clipped. "Move on." I don't have to see him to know he's coming after me. His hurried footsteps catch up in seconds.
"Lin, wait!"
I stop and whip around, my frustration spilling over. "What, Dad?"
His face softens, but there's urgency in his voice. "Please, don't trust Erebus, don't believe anything he says. The Helios species… they deceive. They'll offer you riches, cities, and the stars themselves, but once you accept, they'll show you their true nature. They cannot be trusted. And I'm proud of you for turning him down."
I cross my arms, still fuming. "I'm more upset about embarrassing Akilhi. He means everything to me."
My father blinks, caught off guard. "Wait… you love Akilhi?"
"Of course I do! I'm three thousand years old, Dad! I'm allowed to make my own choices now!"
His eyes soften, and he gives me a nod. "You're right. You're free to love him, but… no sex before marriage."
"I promise."
Just then, Akilhi steps out of the building, walking slowly towards us. His expression is tense, almost as if he's unsure whether to approach.
"Am I welcome here?" he asks, his voice tinged with hesitation.
I smile, the tension easing from my shoulders. "Yes, you are." and I hug him