The police officers moved swiftly to deliver justice, their voices rigid and firm as they rushed to grasp control of the scene. Daniel sat on the floor, a man of repentance stuck with his hands behind his back, but his expression was not that of desperation. Instead, there was a quiet resignation, a fairytale hope that Marcus's words planted within his heart. The business card, tucked hidden in his pocket, seemed to give off a faint warmth, evidence of the promise between them. Marcus stood near the door, the bouquet of lilies and carnations cradled in his arms. He watched as the officers led Daniel out, their movements careful but determined.
Gabriela stood behind the counter, her hands still trembling, but her breathing had steadied. She glanced at Marcus, her eyes filled with gratitude and a lingering fear.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the hum of the shop.
Marcus nodded, his expression softening. "You did well," he said. "Take care of yourself, Gabriela."
She managed a small smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I will."
As the officers escorted Daniel into the waiting police car, Marcus stepped outside, the cool afternoon air brushing against his face. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting distorted shadows on the sidewalk. He took a deep breath the air surrounding him with the faint scent of the flowers in his arms mingling with the crispness of the day.
He called Sarah as he drove back to her house letting her know that he had been caught up in something and he would be a little late.
Marcus gathered his belongings and walked up the stairs to her door knocking with a faint strength before waiting for Sarah to open the door.
Peeking out the door she smiled before stepping outside her apartment and turning around to lock her door.
Marcus extended his hand out as he walked with her down the stairs of her apartment.
After they reached the bottom of the flight of stairs Sarah turned to Marcus.
"What happened in there?" she asked, her voice low.
Marcus sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly as they walked. "A man who lost his way," he said. "But he's found it again, I think."
Sarah nodded, though her brow remained furrowed. "And the card? What did you do?"
Marcus glanced at her, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I gave him a choice," he said. "Sometimes, that's all someone needs."
Sarah didn't press further, though her curiosity lingered. She had seen the threads of fate woven through the shop, the delicate balance Marcus maintained between the divine and mortal worlds. But this; this was different. This was Marcus using his power not to maintain balance, but to change it. To give someone a chance they might not have had otherwise.
They walked in silence for a while, the city bustling around them. The faint hum of traffic, the chatter of pedestrians, the occasional bark of a dog—it all blended into the background, a symphony of life that Marcus had come to cherish.
"Marcus," Sarah said suddenly, breaking the silence. "Do you ever wonder if we're doing the right thing?"
He looked at her, his expression thoughtful. "Every day," he admitted. "But I think that's the point. We're not here to have all the answers. We're here to try."
Sarah smiled, though it was tinged with sadness. "Sometimes, trying feels like it's not enough."
Marcus stopped walking, turning to face her fully. "It's enough," he said, his voice firm. "You're enough, Sarah. What you're doing, what we're doing, it makes a difference."
She looked at him, her eyes searching for something she couldn't quite name. "I hope you're right," she said softly.
Marcus reached out, his hand brushing hers. "I am," he said. "And I'll keep reminding you until you believe it."
The evening air was warm, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers and the distant hum of the city. Marcus and Sarah walked side by side, the tension of the day slowly melting away as they approached their destination. The restaurant, Ambrosia, was nestled in a quiet corner of the city, its exterior unassuming but exuding an air of quiet elegance. Soft golden light spilled from its windows, and the faint sound of laughter and clinking glasses drifted out into the night.
Sarah glanced at Marcus, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "So, a god of food, huh? I didn't even know that was a thing."
Marcus chuckled, his hands tucked into the pockets of pants. "Ambrosia's been around for a while. He's not as flashy as some of the other gods, but he's got a knack for creating dishes that… well, you'll see."
Sarah raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "You're being awfully mysterious about this."
"It's more fun that way," Marcus replied, his tone light but teasing. He held the door open for her, and Sarah stepped inside, her breath catching as she took in the restaurant's interior.
The space was warm and inviting, with soft lighting that cast a golden glow over the polished wooden tables and plush leather chairs. The walls were adorned with intricate murals depicting scenes from Greek mythology. Images of gods feasting, mortals offering gifts, and the occasional whimsical touch of a satyr playing a flute. The air was filled with the rich, tantalizing aroma of herbs, spices, and something indefinitely divine.
A tall, broad-shouldered man with a neatly trimmed beard and a chef's apron approached them, his smile wide and welcoming. "Marcus! It's been too long," he said, his voice deep and resonant. He clasped Marcus's hand in a firm handshake before turning to Sarah. "And you must be Sarah. Marcus has told me so much about you."
Sarah blinked, surprised. "He has?"
Ambrosia laughed, a rich, hearty sound that filled the room. "Oh, yes. He's been singing your praises for weeks. Come, come, I've prepared a special table for you."
He led them to a cozy corner table near the back of the restaurant, where a single candle flickered in the center, casting a soft, intimate light. The table was set with fine China and silverware, and a small vase of fresh flowers added a touch of elegance.
"I'll let you settle in," Ambrosia said, his eyes twinkling. "The first course will be out shortly. Enjoy."
As he walked away, Sarah turned to Marcus, her expression a mix of amusement and curiosity. "You've been talking about me?"
Marcus shrugged, though there was a faint blush on his cheeks. "Only good things, I promise."
Sarah laughed, the sound light and melodic. "I'll hold you to that."
The first course arrived, a delicate plate of grilled octopus, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt and fresh herbs. The presentation was artful, the colors vibrant and inviting. Sarah took a bite, her eyes widening in surprise.
"This is… incredible," she said, her voice filled with awe. "I've never tasted anything like it."
Marcus smiled, watching her reaction with obvious satisfaction. "Ambrosia has a way of making food that speaks to the soul. It's not just about taste. it's about memory, emotion, connection."
Sarah nodded, savoring each bite. The flavors were complex, layered, and yet perfectly balanced. It was as if the dish had been crafted not just to satisfy hunger, but to evoke something deeper: a homely sense of comfort, of belonging.
As the meal progressed, each course was more exquisite than the last. A salad of heirloom tomatoes and burrata, drizzled with balsamic reduction. A rich, velvety soup made from roasted vegetables and infused with a hint of saffron. A main course of perfectly seared lamb, tender and flavorful, served with a side of creamy polenta and roasted root vegetables.
Throughout the meal, Marcus and Sarah talked about the café, about their lessons, about the strange and wonderful world of gods and mortals. But they also talked about simpler things. Icebreakers like favorite books, childhood memories, dreams for the future. The conversation flowed easily, the kind of effortless connection that comes from truly understanding someone.
At one point, Sarah leaned back in her chair, her glass of wine in hand, and smiled at Marcus. "You know, for a god, you're surprisingly… normal."
Marcus raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. "Normal? I'll have you know I'm anything but normal."
Sarah laughed, shaking her head. "You know what I mean. You're not what I expected when I first walked into the café. You're… kind. Thoughtful. You care about people in a way that feels real, not just because it's your job or your duty."
Marcus was silent for a moment, his expression softening. "Thank you," he said quietly. "That means a lot."
For dessert, Ambrosia himself brought out a plate of baklava, the layers of phyllo dough glistening with honey and sprinkled with crushed pistachios. The aroma was intoxicating, sweet and nutty, with a hint of citrus.
"A little something special," Ambrosia said, his eyes twinkling. "I infused it with a touch of divinity enough to make it unforgettable."
A sly smile filled his face as he saw her pick up her fork.
Sarah took a bite, her eyes closing as the flavors exploded on her tongue. It was sweet, but not cloying, with a perfect balance of textures crispy, chewy, and creamy all at once. But there was something else, too a warmth that spread through her chest, a feeling of contentment and joy that she couldn't quite explain.
"This is… amazing," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ambrosia grinned, clearly pleased. "I'm glad you like it. Enjoy the rest of your evening."
As he walked away, Sarah turned to Marcus, her expression thoughtful. "Is this what it's like for you? When you use your divinity to help people?"
Marcus nodded, his gaze distant. "In a way. It isn't always so direct... But when it works, when they feel the divinity, that moment helps in a way that isn't intrusive like the sensation you felt… It is more along the lines of if they suddenly found an answer to a question they couldn't figure out themselves."
Sarah reached across the table, her hand brushing his. "I was just curious so, I'm sorry if it made you uncomfortable."
Marcus looked at her, his eyes filled with a quiet gratitude. "Thank you, Sarah. It didn't, I just had to think for a moment."
After dinner, they stepped outside into the cool night air. The city was quiet, the streets bathed in the soft glow of streetlights. They walked in comfortable silence, their hands brushing occasionally, neither of them quite ready to let go of the moment.
As they reached a small park, Sarah stopped, looking up at the sky. The stars were bright, their light piercing through the haze of the city. "It's beautiful," she said softly.
Marcus stood beside her, his hands by his side. "It is," he agreed, though his gaze was on her, not the stars.
Sarah turned to him, her expression thoughtful. "Do you ever miss it? Being up there, among the gods?"
Marcus was silent for a long moment, his eyes searching hers. "Sometimes," he admitted. "But not as much as I thought I would. This… this feels right. Being here, with you."
Sarah smiled, her heart swelling with a warmth she couldn't quite name. "I'm glad."
They stood there for a while, the world around them fading into the background. For a moment, it was just the two of them, the stars above, and the quiet promise of something more.