chapter 5 (Zeus's orders)

                                    

                                          
Nikolas (Hermes)
Days had passed since Ariana and Lia had arrived in Greece, and I had been shadowing them from a distance, never letting them out of my sight. They had settled into their routines—visiting ancient sites, poring over books in the library, and wandering through the museums with a sense of awe and curiosity. Each day, I watched them, careful to remain unseen, my presence nothing more than a whisper in the wind.
Ariana was everything we had expected—curious, driven, and unknowingly connected to a destiny far greater than she could imagine. But Lia... Lia was the complication. She was always by Ariana's side, her presence a constant reminder of the life they had shared, the bond they had forged through hardship and survival. Lia was sharp, suspicious of anything that seemed out of the ordinary, and fiercely protective of Ariana.
I couldn't deny the admiration I felt for their friendship, the way they complemented each other's strengths and weaknesses. But I also couldn't ignore the growing concern that Lia might become a problem. Zeus had been explicit—Ariana was the one who mattered, the one whose destiny could shape the future of both mortals and gods. Lia, on the other hand, was a distraction, a potential obstacle to the path Ariana needed to follow.
It was with a heavy heart and a mind full of conflicting thoughts that I returned to Olympus after several days of observation. The grand hall of the gods was as imposing as ever, the air thick with the scent of incense and the soft glow of divine light. Zeus sat upon his throne, his expression stern and expectant. Athena and Hera were already there, their mortal guises shed, their true forms radiating power and grace.
"Hermes," Zeus greeted me with a nod as I approached. "What news do you bring?"
I bowed my head in respect before speaking. "Ariana and Lia have been in Greece for several days now. They have visited the library, the museum, and several ancient sites. Ariana is inquisitive, constantly searching for answers, and she has shown a strong connection to the ruins and artifacts of the past."
Zeus listened intently, his gaze sharp and unyielding. "And the other one? The girl who accompanies her?"
"Lia," I said, my voice steady even as I felt a twinge of unease. "She is always by Ariana's side. She is protective, cautious, and... suspicious. She has been watching everything with a keen eye, questioning anything that seems out of place."
Zeus's eyes narrowed, a shadow passing over his face. "She is a distraction," he said, his voice cold and final. "Ariana's destiny is too important to be hindered by the presence of this Lia. She must be removed."
I felt a cold chill settle in my chest at his words. "Removed, my lord?"
Zeus's gaze bore into mine, unyielding and absolute. "Yes. Lia stands in the way of what must be done. She is not part of the prophecy, not part of the destiny that has been set in motion. She knows too much already, and she will only continue to interfere. It is clear that Ariana's path will be hindered as long as this girl remains by her side. The time has come to remove her from the equation."
Athena and Hera exchanged glances, their expressions betraying their skepticism. Athena, ever the voice of reason, was the first to speak. "My lord, are you certain this is necessary? Lia may be close to Ariana, but she is also loyal and protective. Removing her could cause more harm than good, especially if Ariana senses that something is amiss."
"Indeed," Hera added, her voice smooth yet cautious. "Lia's presence could be a stabilizing force for Ariana, something that grounds her as she navigates the challenges ahead. To remove her might destabilize Ariana, making her more vulnerable."
I nodded in agreement, my thoughts echoing those of Athena and Hera. "Ariana and Lia share a bond that is not easily broken. They have been through much together, and Lia's presence has been a source of strength for Ariana. Removing her could lead to unforeseen consequences."