The silver-haired god moved through the café like a storm contained in human form, each step causing the slightest tremor in the cups hanging above the espresso machine. He chose a seat two stools away from Sarah, though his eyes never left Marcus.
"You always did have a peculiar sense of humor, brother," he said, nodding at the Zeus blend Marcus was preparing. "Though I suspect Father would be less amused by how far you've fallen. Serving mortals?" His lip curled slightly. "You were meant to rule them."
Sarah sat perfectly still, her coffee cup creating a small barrier between herself and the divine visitor. Marcus noticed how she regulated her breathing, instinctively adapting to the charged atmosphere. Most mortals would have felt an overwhelming urge to flee by now, but she remained, observing, understanding.
"I prefer to think of it as rising to a different calling, Apollo," Marcus replied, deliberately using his brother's name, letting its power ripple through the café. The morning light shifted, taking on a golden hue. "Not everything needs to be about power and worship."
Sarah's eyes widened at the name, her gaze darting between the two divine beings. Marcus could almost see the pieces clicking into place in her mind – the myths, the legends, all of them suddenly taking on new meaning.
Apollo's attention finally shifted to Sarah, his expression shifting from disdain to curiosity. "Interesting company you're keeping, brother. She sees more than she should." He leaned slightly toward her, his presence intensifying. "Tell me, little mortal, what do you see when you look at us?"
Before Marcus could intervene, Sarah set her cup down with deliberate calm. "I see someone who misses being needed," she said, looking directly at Apollo, "and someone who's found a better way to be necessary." She gestured to Marcus and his café.
The lights flickered, and for a moment, Apollo's human disguise wavered, revealing a glimpse of radiant divine fury. But then, unexpectedly, he laughed – a sound like distant music.
"Now I understand," he said, turning back to Marcus. "She's not just a seer, is she? She's a Truthspeaker." His expression grew serious. "You know what that means, brother. The others will sense her eventually. And not all of them share your... appreciation for mortals."
Marcus set Apollo's coffee before him, the brew emanating a faint golden glow that only immortal eyes (and apparently Sarah) could see. "Why are you really here, Apollo?"
"Change is coming," Apollo said, lifting the cup to his lips. "The old ways are stirring. Some of our siblings believe it's time to remind mortals why they once feared and worshipped us." He paused, letting the words sink in. "They know you're here, Marcus. They've known for a while. But now they're asking questions about why you chose this particular location, at this particular time." His eyes flickered to Sarah again. "I thought you should know."
Marcus felt a familiar weight settle in his chest – the burden of divine knowledge mixed with mortal concern. He'd chosen this hiding place carefully, positioned between ley lines that helped mask his divine presence. But he'd never expected to encounter someone like Sarah, whose very existence could draw attention to his sanctuary.
"Thank you for the warning," Marcus said carefully, "but my path remains my own."
Apollo stood, straightening his already perfect suit. "Does it?" He reached into his pocket and placed a business card on the counter – pure white with an address written in golden ink that seemed to shift and change. "When you realize you can't protect her alone, you know where to find me." He turned to Sarah, inclining his head slightly. "It was illuminating to meet you, Truthspeaker. Try not to die too quickly – you make my brother far more interesting."
With that, he strode toward the door, pausing for just a moment before exiting. "The coffee was adequate, by the way. Though it needs more... divinity."
As the door closed behind him, the café's atmosphere gradually returned to normal, though the morning light seemed reluctant to release its golden tinge. Sarah released a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.
"So," she said, her voice remarkably steady, "I'm guessing you're not just any god hiding in a café. And I'm apparently something called a Truthspeaker, which I'm pretty sure isn't covered by my health insurance." She looked at Marcus with a mix of trust and trepidation. "Want to tell me what I've walked into?"
Marcus picked up Apollo's business card, watching the address swirl into new configurations before settling again. "That," he said quietly, "is a very long story. And one that might change everything you think you know about reality." He hesitated, then added, "You can still walk away. Go back to a normal life. Pretend this was all a strange dream."
Sarah's response was to pull out her phone and type something quickly. "There," she said, showing him her screen. "I've cleared my schedule for the day. And I just ordered breakfast delivery for two from the diner down the street." She smiled, though Marcus could see the slight tremor in her hands. "I think it's time for that long story. Starting with who you really are."