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A slow smile spread across her face as she discarded her shawl and walked to the edge of the balcony, running her hands along the intricately carved railing. A quick glance at the beach below showed her there was no one else around. With a deep breath, she conjured her earth magic.
It had been dormant for so long that it was difficult for her to summon it at first. But after a moment, she felt long, winding roots spreading from within her, winding around the pillars and beams. Her smile only grew as her branches lengthened, sprouting leaves, twisting and twining as they obediently made their way toward her. A breath of satisfaction loosed in her chest.
This was one thing that was truly and uniquely hers. Her own particular magic. Not the magic of a goddess who lived hundreds of years before. But hers.
Sometimes, Pandora didn’t know who she was without this aching soul shoved within her. If the soul were removed, would anything remain? Was there anything left besides the trauma and the suffering?
Once she was free, would she cease to exist?
She had spent her whole life believing her essence was tethered to that of the goddess from so long ago. That without that goddess, her entire existence would mean nothing.
But this right here, her tree branches, a mark of her earth magic from Gaia, was proof that she was someone beyond these festering wounds inside her.
“I am more than just a vessel for Apollo to toy with,” Pandora whispered to herself. She flexed her fingers, and her branches drew closer until they twisted around her arm, as if welding her to its roots. With a flex of her other arm, her branches did the same on that side. She was one with the roots. A part of the trees.
She closed her eyes, summoning her power, until the branches lifted her above the balcony railing. Then, she was flying, carried by her magic, the strong and sturdy roots clasping her firmly. She knew she would not fall.
This magic, she trusted. More than she trusted herself.
The wind whipped at her hair, rustling her shift, sending cool air against her sweat-slicked skin. It felt glorious, this freeing feeling. Like she could finally breathe after years of suffocating.
The branches brought her to the ground, depositing her gently before they receded into the earth. She couldn’t risk anyone catching her using earth magic. Her heart twisted with grief as she watched them vanish, wishing they would linger for a bit longer.
But the risk was too great.
With a heavy sigh, she climbed down the boulders that lined the outer castle wall and made her way toward the courtyard, using the moon to light her way.
When she found a figure sitting on the courtyard steps, she froze. Alarm raced through her. Who was it? Had they seen her earth magic? Why were they here?
After a moment, her heart thundering in her chest, she realized the figure faced away from her and was hardly moving, save for the rise and fall of his shoulders.
It didn’t take her long to recognize him. It was Sol.
Frowning, Pandora continued her approach, but Sol did not turn. He sat motionless on the steps, his gaze directed toward the sea.
She wasn’t sure why she did it. But she was curious to know why he was out here. So Pandora dropped onto the steps alongside him, watching the ocean as well.
Several silent minutes passed. Sol didn’t acknowledge her presence. He didn’t even look her way.
But that was fine. Pandora was certain if he opened his mouth, he would say something to irritate her. She preferred the silence.
After a long while, Pandora could keep quiet no more. With amusement in her voice, she said, “What, no midnight swim? This seems like the perfect time to shed your clothes and go for a dip.”
It wasn’t until after she said it that she realized it sounded like an invitation. Her face heated, but she didn’t take it back.
If he offered to swim naked with her once again, she would not refuse. The idea was far too alluring.
Sol huffed a short, quiet laugh but kept his eyes forward. “No. The moon is too sacred for that.”
Pandora’s brow furrowed at the grim note in his voice. His expression held not even a hint of a smile or a shadow of the usual smirk he wore. His dark eyes were full of sorrow.
She followed his gaze again, only then realizing he was staring at the moon, not the sea.
“You know it’s just an illusion, right?” she asked. “It isn’t really the moon.”
“It is for me.” Sol sighed. “Besides, someone has to raise it, don’t they? After all, that’s my job with the sun.”
Pandora stared at him. “You raise the sun in Elysium?” She’d always assumed the sun and moon gods only worked in the mortal realm. Then she remembered Sol had never been to the mortal realm.
