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Eileithyia places a hand on my now slumped shoulders. I don’t know how to react, it’s just too much. Not long ago, I was relegated to The Between after having my Propensity powers stripped. Then, out of the blue, they returned at unpredictable and inappropriate times, triggered through thought instead of chanting. Now, I find out it is because I am a god?born from the Ruler of all Gods, who doesn’t know I exist. And my mother was a mortal who transformed into a god, so shamed by her wicked secret, she didn’t want me. In fact, she unloved me when she delivered me early to avoid getting caught.
My eyes squeeze shut in resignation. I want to scream with frustration at the sheer magnitude of my new situation. Where am I supposed to go? Where do I fit in? What am I supposed to do now? Before I have a chance to ask Eileithyia all these questions, the burning sensation behind my eyes returns, andthe pressure is building.
Oh no, not now.
There are no modern day light globes in the cave palace, only centuries old torches. I focus my attention there and a strange phenomenon happens when I release the electricity, and it hits the torch. Sparks emerge from the flame, now electrified, and they are furiously seeking an outlet to strike. I glance at a tapestry on the wall and the newly charged flame shoots toward it, setting it on fire in a burning rage. I fall to the ground, exhausted. Eileithyia quickly extinguishes the flame and comes to my aid, wrapping her robes around me.
I look up at her from the ground, tears filling my eyes.
“It’s okay Siriarna. You have a great power, currently in its infancy. You need to learn how to use it effectively. I will help you. You will stay here with me until you are in control,” she says soothingly.
“Why would you do this for me?”
“I have been watching over you since the day you were born. I placed you with Linus and Stefanie because I knew what a wonderful home they would provide you. I sent Eleos to you when you were in the Void. I have protected you for centuries, and I will always be here to help you.”
Eileithyia guides me from the scorched living chamber to a room she says will be mine for the duration of my stay.
Before I fall asleep from both mental and physical exhaustion, I see a small portrait of an infant hanging in the corner of the room. The baby is clutching a seistron. On closer inspection, I see an initial carved into the handle, an “S”.I used to love that rattle.
Chapter22
Siriarna
Early the next morning, I wake to the smell of breakfast.
“You look like you need a good feed. When was the last time you ate?” Eileithyia chastises.
I have to think hard about this question, because I truly can’t really remember. I have been running on adrenaline for so long. Even though semi gods don’t consume food as often as mortals, they still need a consistent food source for optimum strength. My response is a shrug.Do gods need the same nourishment?
Sitting at the marble kitchen bench, I pick up a slice of breakfast pie from the feast laid out in front of me. I hadn’t realised how hungry I was because I devour it in two bites. And my stomach growls in gratitude.Mental note, gods do need to eat!
Eileithyia nods her approval and hands me a plate of fresh fruit. “We will commence training as soon as you have finished eating.”
My body stiffens at the prospect of training. I have not been able to summon my powers at will before. Plus, it has been months since I have willingly used any type of magic.
Eileithyia is waiting for me in the living chamber where thereis no evidence of yesterday’s disaster. She begins speaking as soon as I enter the room. “As a god, you are born with power. When you have total control, you will feel gentle vibrations course through your body—like a constant hum.”
“Eileithyia, if I am a god, why has it taken so long for my powers to surface?”
She takes a deep breath and answers patiently. “Due to your mother’s transition after your conception, it was not clear how your gene heritage would distribute. Under normal circumstances, there is a 50/50 split between parents. I knew for certain your genetic makeup was fifty percent god after Zeus, but the remaining fifty percent from your mother was questionable due to her mortal, then godly status.
“As time passed with no occurrence of any higher power than your Propensity, I assumed you had inherited Psyche’s mortal genes, crowning you a semi god. However, I believe your eighteenth birthday was the significant turning point. Now, follow me, it’s time to begin your lessons—you need to unlock your true power.”
Eileithyia casts a spell and blankets us in a veil of glamour, hiding our journey along the streets from the mortals of the Surface Realm. She explains we are headed to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. It is a treasure of information, showcasing great statues and historical artefacts. There are many galleries, one of which is hidden, and dedicated to the gods when visiting this realm. This is our destination today.
The room houses a large oval table surrounded by chairs, with one corner allocated to a less formal lounging area. Painted frescos cover the walls depicting all gods. The centrepiece showcases Zeus upon a throne with an eagle perched on his shoulder, mortal men and women bowed in worship. I trace my fingers over the artwork and stop at my father. I stare at his features to see if I can find a resemblance. His steel grey eyesdraw me in. They give the impression of a barely contained storm, and I find myself mesmerised by them.
Eileithyia places a hand on my shoulder, “It is time to release your power.”
I try to do as instructed. It’s hit and miss. On occasion, I am able to create a small spark and produce a small flicker in the room’s light bulbs, however, it is fleeting. “I can’t do this, it’s useless,” I say gritting my teeth.
“Of course, you can. Do not fight against it, you must embrace the power. It is your birthright,” she responds.
Isit? I feel the same as I always have. Or do I? I’ve no idea any more.
I take a deep breath and try once again to summon my power. Nothing happens. Not even the spark I was able to produce moments ago, is duplicated. I want to scream. I want to cry. I want to run. So that’s what I do. I bolt out of the museum and dart onto the stone pathway, weaving in and out of passing mortals. I pick up speed and keep moving forward, no idea where I’m headed. The air is thick and hot, and sweat forms across my brow. I slow pace and try to gather my bearings. The run has provided a much-needed clarity, wiping the mental fog from my brain.
By some miracle, I find my way back to Eileithyia’s home. She is waiting for me in the living room, a jug of water and glass positioned on the table in front of her.
