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BLAINE
Blaine returned to his private shrine, his thoughts consumed by the events of the past two days. The taste of her from their recent intimate encounter lingered on his lips, and her scent clung to his clothes. As he entered the dimly lit cella, the shadows cast against the plain, gray-painted walls seemed to reflect his uncertainty. He was driven to gain and wield power, and he struggled to reconcile his feelings for Erin with the potential threat she posed to his authority in the city.
Seeking guidance from Zeus, Blaine lit a stick of frankincense and myrrh incense, its scent invoking a sense of spiritual connection. He sat on the low altar of carved oak and meditated, opening himself to receive a message from the god.
The atmosphere in the shrine shifted subtly as the divine presence of Zeus manifested. The thirty-four Doric-style limestone columns, and the murals of the twelve labors of Heracles, seemed to vibrate with divine energy. The air within the shrine grew colder, and an electric charge made the hairs on the back of Blaine’s neck stand on end. He remained patient and focused as he awaited a sign.
The air shimmered, and an ethereal vision emerged before him. He saw Erin, bathed in a halo of light, standing at the center of a storm. Lightning flashed around her, but her gaze remained steady and strong, as if she held the power of the tempest within her grasp.
As Blaine observed the vision, the city around Erin seemed to come to life, as if her presence were regenerative, not just chaotic. He realized that Erin’s power might rival his own, and as the Mayorship was held by the most powerful devotee in the region, she might challenge him.
He considered Erin’s claims that Dionysos took physical form with her, even holding a dialogue. This was not the case for other devotees. Was it because she was the god’s only devotee, or perhaps an sign of how powerful she’d become by his hand?
“Erin, you hold such power,” Blaine whispered, his voice barely audible in the sacred space. “But can I embrace the chaos you bring, or must I restore order at all costs?”
As Zeus didn’t speak directly, Blaine knew he must interpret the message through the vision. As he paced the shrine, the weight of his decision bore down upon him. He considered the consequences of each choice for the city, his personal life, and his devotion to Zeus.
“Zeus Panhellenios, guide me,” Blaine murmured, seeking additional signs or clarity from the god to aid his decision. “Can I truly accept and embrace the change Erin offers, or will it cost me everything I’ve worked for?”
Finally, Blaine reached a decision, understanding that he must face the consequences of his choice. He weighed what he feared he might have to give up—his title as Mayor, his position of power—against what he might gain by embracing Erin’s chaotic influence and the regenerative potential she held.
“Thank you, Zeus Soter,” he whispered, bowing before the larger-than-life, pure-white marble statue of Zeus at the center of the shrine. “I reaffirm my devotion to you and promise to honor your guidance. Grant me the wisdom to find a balance between the chaos and the order, between my heart and my duty.”
With renewed purpose, Blaine rose and left the shrine, ready to take action and face the challenges ahead. As he stepped into the unknown future, he prepared to navigate the complexities of his relationship with Erin and its impact on the city.
CHAPTER40
ERIN
As they approached the city hall, Erin steeled herself for the confrontation that awaited her. She felt a mixture of defiance and anxiety, knowing that the council members would undoubtedly be hostile toward her and her temple. She also couldn’t help but wonder if Blaine would be present, and if so, how their encounter earlier would impact the dynamic between them.
The grand facade of the city hall loomed before them, its imposing stone structure and tall pillars a stark reminder of the power and authority it represented. Erin’s heart raced as they climbed the steps, the sound of Maria’s heels clicking on the stone like a metronome, keeping time with Erin’s quickening pulse.
Maria led Erin through the halls of the city hall, their footsteps echoing through the marble corridors. They reached a set of ornate double doors, behind which the council chamber lay. Erin took a deep breath, filling her lungs with the scent of polished wood and the faint aroma of leather from the many books that lined the walls of the adjacent library.
Maria pushed open the doors, revealing the council chamber with its high ceiling and large, imposing table at which the council members sat.
Erin took a deep breath and followed Maria into the council chamber. As Erin stepped into the room, she was determined to stand her ground, regardless of the pressure she faced. She squared her shoulders, lifted her chin, and prepared herself for the battle that lay ahead.
It was a grand room, its high ceiling adorned with intricate molding and its walls lined with imposing portraits of past council members. The scent of polished wood and leather filled the room as the large, curved table at the center dominated the space. The council members were already seated, their stern faces looking down at Erin with a mixture of curiosity and disdain.
As she scanned the faces of the council members, Erin recognized Daniel, the brawny and bald devotee of Ares. She’d seen some others around the table at Maria’s company, Pythia, where Erin had worked before Maria fired her. A few of them were familiar with the news, but she didn’t know any of them personally. Notably, there were three empty chairs, one at the head of the table, which she assumed was reserved for Blaine.
Maria cleared her throat, her voice echoing in the chamber. “I present to you Erin Bevin, the devotee of Dionysos and priestess of the new Temple of Dionysos, as requested.”
The council members exchanged glances before the chairman, an elderly man with a shock of white hair and piercing blue eyes, spoke up. “Thank you, Maria. If you could both take a seat, we’ll get started,” the white-haired man said, gesturing to the seat closest to the door. Erin hesitated for a moment before taking her place. Her gaze locked onto the empty seat that she believed belonged to Blaine.
Maria nodded and took a seat. Erin couldn’t help but feel a twinge of unease as she sat down at the council table. Her stomach churned with a mixture of apprehension and defiance, and her heart raced, pounding in her ears as she mentally prepared herself for the confrontation.
The chairman continued, his tone cold and formal. “Erin, you have caused quite a stir in our city with your unauthorized establishment. Additionally, you neglected to present yourself as a devotee upon your arrival in the city. We’ve brought you here today to discuss the implications of your actions and what consequences may follow.”
Erin met the chairman’s gaze, her eyes filled with determination. “I understand your concerns, but I’ve done nothing wrong. I’ve created a place where people can come together and celebrate life, just as the gods intended.”
A murmur rippled through the council members, and Erin could sense their skepticism. The chairman leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled together as he considered her words.
“Your intentions may be noble, especially as a devotee of your particular deity’s persuasion, but you understand we cannot allow chaos and disorder to run rampant in our city. The council decides what is best for this city, not untested neophytes. The Temple of Dionysos has already attracted a questionable crowd, and we fear the consequences it may have on our community.”
Erin bristled at the insinuation, but she forced herself to remain calm. “The people who come to the temple are seeking an outlet, a way to express themselves and find joy in a world that often seems devoid of it. My temple is not a threat to your order; it’s a necessary balance.”
