S I X

“Eleena.” Apollo called, which caused Eleena to look at him. 

Eleena sighed and looked at her both sides before stepping out of the house. Apollo has been watching her hesitate in going out of the house and he knows that she’s scared. She has all the right after everything she went through but Apollo is ready to protect her at all cost. 

Eleena walked beside Apollo and they were quiet as they made their way to the shore. She glanced at him and she’s always amazed at how perfect he looks. She never imagined that a man can be this beautiful. Eleena quickly looked ahead when Apollo glanced at her. She felt her cheeks heat as he almost caught her staring at him. 

There was a boat on the shore that she had never seen before. She didn’t pay attention to it anymore, especially when Apollo offered his hand to her. From his big hand, her eyes went to his. She doesn’t sense any danger from him despite knowing his true intention. She was even assured when he told her that he’ll protect her. She wants to think that she trusted him that fast because of his undeniably gorgeous looks but Eleena knows that it’s not that. She just trusts Apollo. 

Eleena took his hand and Apollo guided her to the boat. They silently sailed the calm sea. Eleena couldn’t take her eyes off of the scene in front of her. Deep blue sea that contrasts the bright sky. Eleena turned to Apollo who’s rowing the boat but she felt her face heat because he’s staring at her. She quickly averted her eyes in embarrassment. 

“Can I ask you something?” She asked in a small voice before glancing at him. He still has his attention to her that made her look down. 

“What is it?” Apollo rowed slowly to give his full attention to Eleena. He’s amused at how she’s acting now. It is clear that she’s flustered but in an adorable way. 

“What happened that day? Why was there no one in my school?”

Apollo forze at Eleena’s question. He sensed the worry and fear in his voice and he’s certain that it reflects in her beautiful face. 

“Time stops whenever we visit your world. The minotaur must have been there before anyone could go to your school.” Eleena nodded but the same emotions stayed that bothered Apollo so he stopped rowing. He didn’t move despite being able to get closer to Eleena without rocking the boat. He doesn’t want to add more to her worry.

“What about my parents? Mia? Do they know that I’m gone? I am sure they will be upset when they know that I disappeared.” Eleena’s eyes are getting filled with tears. Apollo gulped the urge to wipe her unshed tears but he’s restless seeing Eleena wretched.

He knows the answer to her questions but despite being a god who has been to numerous battles, Apollo doesn’t have the courage to break Eleena’s heart anymore. He knows she’s in pain for being here, in the world where she doesn’t belong, and telling her the truth will only wreck her more. 

“We need to find out the truth fast so you can go home soon even before your loved ones notice that you’re gone.” Apollo gave Eleena a small warm smile. She sniffled and wiped the side of her eyes before smiling back. Somehow, she felt assured by Apollo’s words. 

They continued sailing and not long after, they reached the familiar green field. Eleena doesn’t know where they are going because all that Apollo told her is that he will introduce her to someone very important. She didn’t ask for more because she’s blindly trusting Apollo. There’s a small part in her that believes Apollo won’t hurt her. 

“Are we going to walk?” Eleena looked at Apollo who’s on her side. He smiled amusingly as he saw Eleena’s disappointed face. 

“What do you think?” He’s still smiling. Eleena’s brows met as she gave him a crooked smile. 

“We’re gonna teleport?” Apollo chuckled at her response while Eleena blushed in embarrassment. 

“Don’t worry, we are not going to teleport.” Eleena couldn’t stop herself from sighing deeply, which caused Apollo to chuckle again. He shook his head before looking ahead.

Apollo took a deep breath before assembling his hands into a hand flute. He put his hands in front of his mouth and blew air on its opening that caused a high-pitched sound but despite that, it is still pleasing to the ears. Eleena looked at Apollo and she smiled as she watched him make music in an instant. She’s still amused at his ability in music and she couldn’t help but to dream of him playing an instrument for her. 

“What are you doing?” Apollo quickly hushed Eleena and just kept looking ahead. Despite her curiosity, she remained quiet and looked ahead too. 

Her eyes squinted when she saw something running towards them. She gasped when she realized that they are wolves. Eleena starts to panic when they see how big they are so she looks at Apollo to ask him to leave but he’s just staring at them. She pulled his arm but Apollo held her hand so she looked at him frantically. 

“Apollo, let’s leave. Don’t fight them. They’re too many.” Eleena whispered and tried to pull Apollo again but she failed because it is as if he’s glued to his spot. 

The wolves started to slow down as they closed their distance to them. Eleena hid behind Apollo’s back due to fear. She’s hoping that Apollo can fight a pack of huge wolves at the same time because all she can do now is tremble in fear. She closed her eyes and just waited for it to end, whether the fight or her life, but nothing came. Eleena slowly opened her eyes and looked up, Apollo's still in front of her and he’s looking at her with an amused smile. 

She doesn’t understand what’s happening so she peeked and her eyes bulged out when she saw the five wolves sitting in front of them. Eleena slowly came out but she still stood close to Apollo. Despite seeing the wolf's calm demeanor, she’s still terrified, especially because they look twice bigger now that they are sitting.  

“They’re not… attacking.” She looked at Apollo and he nodded at her with an assuring smile.

“They are mine.” Eleena’s eyes widened and that's when she understood what just happened. 

‘My reaction was just normal. Right?’ Eleena thought as she shuddered in embarrassment. 

“They will bring us to Mount Olympus.” Apollo looked at Eleena and he was right when he thought that she’ll be excited. He smiled and let her rejoice knowing that she wanted to see their home. 

Apollo signalled the black wolf which is the pack’s alpha to come forward. It stood proudly in front of them and Apollo nodded at him. It is as tall as Eleena so she unconsciously took a step back due to surprise. The alpha looked at her obligingly, which ceases Eleena’s worry. 

“They won’t hurt you. Trust me, Eleena.” Apollo stared at Eleena’s eyes and she instantly knew that he’s saying the truth so she nodded. 

The alpha bowed so Apollo held Eleena’s waist that almost caused her to jump. His touch was so gentle that she almost didn’t feel his hand against her. Apollo effortlessly lifted Eleena and made her sit at the alpha’s back. She squealed when it stood properly and unconsciously gripped its fur tightly. The alpha roared so Eleena quickly removed her hold. She looked at Apollo to ask for help but she pouted when she saw him smirking at her. 

“It’s not funny.” She rolled her eyes at him and tried to balance herself on top of the wolf. 

“I’m sorry.” He stopped smirking and walked towards them. He looked up at her and she stared back at him. 

“It’s okay to hold his fur but not too tight. I will be beside you all the way so don’t worry.” Apollo smiled at her and assured Eleena so she nodded.

“Wear this over your head.” He handed a brown scarf to Eleena and she did what she was told as she realized it is to hide her face. 

When Apollo saw that Eleena is all set, he called the gray wolf that is the second in command. The other three wolves took their place in their front and back as they will serve as their guards. Apollo has a lot of wolves but these are his most trusted ones and aside from them, he also trusts himself that he can protect Eleena. 

They started travelling and it was so comfortable that Eleena fell asleep. The wind that’s blowing in her face caused her to calm despite the messy situation she is in. She laid her head against the nape of the alpha and he didn’t mind it and just walked. The other wolves followed his pace and although they are more open for attack now, Apollo decided to keep it that way because he doesn’t want to wake Eleena. 

When they arrived at the foot of a mountain, Apollo carefully picked up the sleeping Eleena. The wolves started leaving and when Eleena noticed that her soft bed disappeared, she woke up. The first thing she saw was Apollo’s face which caused her to panic and jump out of his hold. It also startled Apollo and stared at Eleena who’s looking everywhere but at him. 

‘Why am I in his arms? I was riding a wolf not Apollo. Wait! It sounds bad! OMG, I am imagining something I wasn’t supposed to.’ Eleena thought before turning her back to Apollo due to embarrassment. 

Her face is as red as an apple and her heart is still pounding. She can’t stop thinking about Apollo carrying her like that. It made her feel like they were a couple.

Apollo shook his head as he watched Eleena. He knows she was surprised waking up like that and although it was not his intention, he still liked her reaction. He was amused. Apollo cleared her throat so Eleena quickly turned to him. She tried her best to act normally but she still cannot look at him in the face. Apollo smiled at the amusing sight.

"Let's go." Eleena's eyes quickly went to the mountain that was in front of them. Her jaw dropped when she saw how high it was. The pack is now gone so they couldn't use them anymore to climb. 

"It's not what you're thinking." Apollo shook his head to Eleena that caused her brows to meet. Finally, she looked him in the eyes but only for a while. 

"Am I that easy to read? Or you're just a god?" She asked in a low voice and Apollo couldn't help but to chuckle at Eleena's remark but she remained serious. 

"I think it's both." Eleena shot her brow up upon hearing Apollo's answer and seeing his proud smile. 

"You're lowkey boasting, Apollo." She clicked her tongue and even shook his head. Apollo's forehead creased as he didn't understand Eleena. 

"What is lowkey, Eleena? Are you insulting me?" Eleena quickly dismissed him by waving her hands. She still remembers that gods do not want to be insulted although she thinks that they should be in some given circumstances. 

"It means kind of. You're kind of boasting by your answer." Apollo nodded and didn't feel any offense at all. He just stared at Eleena and admired how innocent she looked. Eleena got intimidated so she averted her eyes as her cheeks caught fire. 

"Let's go, Eleena." She just nodded and followed Apollo. 

Just by looking at the mountain, Eleena already feels tired. Apollo offered his hand to Eleena and she just stared at it. She hesitated for a while knowing that she still hasn't moved on to him carrying her. He's gonna touch her again and Eleena doesn't feel comfortable with it. It gives her warmth and sparks at the same time. But despite her hesitation, she still accepted his hand and Apollo held it tightly. 

"Close your eyes, Eleena." Instead of following Apollo's order, Eleena just kept staring at him. She's anxious and Apollo's blue eyes give her the comfort she needs. 

Eleena took a deep breath before closing her eyes. Apollo squeezed her hand one more time before he took a step forward. A blinding light suddenly appeared in front of them, just like the one that swallowed them in Eleena's school, and Apollo walked straight to it bringing Eleena with her. As soon as they reached the other end of the light, Apollo informed Eleena to open her eyes. She blinked rapidly to clear her eyesight and she gasped when she saw where she was. 

"This is… beautiful." That's all she can say as her eyes are still glued in the building that's in front of them. 

The home of the gods is more grand than the one that was portrayed in the book. It is sitting at the peak of the mountain and clouds serve as its trees. A home that is as huge as this is noticeable from below but Eleena is wondering why she didn't see it. She stopped pondering about that and just admired the home that she only saw on books and the internet. 

"Let's go inside. Zeus is already waiting for us." Eleena quickly turned to Apollo that made him chuckle. Her shocked expression caused him to chuckle again but Eleena didn't mind it. 

"Zeus? As in Zeus Zeus?" She widened her eyes that caused Apollo to burst out laughing. Eleena slapped his arm but it was nothing to Apollo. He doesn't want to upset Eleena so he tries his best to stop laughing and get serious. 

"I still cannot believe that I am standing on Mount Olympus and now I will meet Zeus." Eleena muttered before she squealed in excitement. She grabbed Apollo's wrists and pulled him inside. He just lets her drag him because it pleases him seeing her happy. 

Apollo instructed Eleena where to turn as she's literally dragging him. Eleena is more than excited to meet the highest ranking god in this world. She wants to know if he deserves the title of being the most famous god because now, she believes it should be for Apollo. 

"This is Pantheon. We should enter properly." Apollo chuckled and removed Eleena's hold to his wrist. She just smiled apologetically. 

Eleena fixed her oversized dress and put her hair in a low ponytail then she tossed her curtain bangs away from her face before clearing her throat. Apollo is just watching her with a small smile on his lips. 

"Are you gonna introduce me or I'm going to introduce myself? Because if that's the case, how? Is it going to be like this? Hi, I'm Eleena and I will end the world? Will it be like that? Won't he struck me with his lightning bolt? Or throw me out of the mountain? Is it even okay for us to meet?" Eleena faced Apollo and her excitement was gone. 

She's now visibly terrified again, like always. Apollo sighed and held Eleena's shoulders. Their eyes met and in an instant, Eleena got carried away by Apollo's blue eyes as if she's getting swayed by a calm sea. 

"You're safe, Eleena. Zeus will not hurt you. He might know what made you special, that is why we are here. But whatever happens, I'll stay by your side." Apollo said calmly and Eleena believed him. She nodded and they went inside the hall. 

It was spacious with eleven seats in a circular form. In between them and in the other end of the room is a throne that's elevated among the others. Eleena knew it was Zeus's throne, the throne he fought for, and he was there as if he was guarding it from an enemy. 

Zeus stood when they arrived. Eleena and Apollo walked towards him and they met halfway. Zeus, with his darker version of Apollo's eyes, stared at Eleena. She felt intimidated so she averted her eyes. Zeus looks almost the same as the portraits in the books and on the internet. An old man with a muscular body and white hair and beard but despite this, he is still good-looking, a qualification for a god. 

"This is--" 

"What a beautiful mortal." Eleena's eyes went to Zeus. She shivered when she saw how he looked at her. She is not that innocent but she hoped that Zeus is not interested in her. The way he looked at her gave her endless goosebumps. 

"May I?" Zeus laid his hand in front of Eleena and due to fear, she gave her hand. Zeus kissed the back of it and Eleena almost took back her hand. His lips against his delicate skin gave her an uncomfortable feeling. 

Apollo just watched them. He balled his hand on his side knowing very well that his father is interested in Eleena. He hates the idea and he badly wanted to rip his lips away from Eleena's hand but he's afraid the consequence will scare her. He cannot bear seeing even a small amount of it in her eyes. 

"You should stay here, Eleena. This is far more comfortable than Apollo's little home." Zeus glanced at Apollo and smirked at him but he just glared back at him while Eleena smiled crookedly. 

"We are here to---"

Once again, Zeus stopped Apollo from talking that annoyed him more. Zeus' eyes remained at Eleena. He already saw hundreds of beauty but Eleena's something he hasn't seen before. It is attractive as it's painted with innocence. Zeus smiled at Eleena and despite the uncomfort he is giving him, she still smiled back. 

"Why don't we chat a little, Eleena? Perhaps, it is better if we do it in my room? I will have it ready in less than a minute." 

Apollo reached his limit. He quickly stood between his father and Eleena and didn't mind glaring at the highest god. Zeus's playful smile disappeared and looked deadly at his son. He knows that Apollo is capable of fighting back and that doesn't matter to Zeus as he desires Eleena more than any mortal or goddess. 

"We will return once you are in your right state of mind." Apollo said in an authoritative manner and held Eleena's hand. He gave his father one last glare before they walked away. 

Zeus didn't follow and just watched them leave. He knows to himself that he'll get what he desires sooner. Meanwhile, Apollo kept dragging Eleena out of their home. He wants to hurt his father for talking that way to Eleena. He just controlled himself knowing how it would scare her.  

"You're hurting me." Eleena said in a small voice and tried to pull away her hand. 

Apollo stopped and looked at her hold on Eleena. He quickly removed it as if he was burned. He didn't notice how grip his hold was and now he's more annoyed that he hurted Eleena. 

'This is all his fault. I should end his life just for glancing at Eleena.' Apollo thought.