Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 19017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 95(@200wpm)___ 76(@250wpm)___ 63(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 95(@200wpm)___ 76(@250wpm)___ 63(@300wpm)
Finally, he approached me, rubbing his hand across his forehead. His eyes were full of confusion when they looked into mine. “So…you’re telling me that you are a god?”
“Not exactly. I’m a demigod,” I corrected. “My father Ares is a god, but my mother is a mortal.”
“And you’re…immortal?”
“Not yet, but I hope to be.” My answers didn’t seem to help poor Lyric’s confusion. His eyes squinted shut as he rubbed his temples so hard they turned red. “Let’s sit down,” I offered. I was afraid he might pass out if he didn’t relax.
Lyric nodded his agreement and I helped him into the SUV. I started the engine and cracked the windows to allow him fresh air. I knew that the only way I could help his understanding was to give him the entire story. I reached across the console, and was grateful when he allowed me to take his hand. He was baffled, but not frightened. I looked into his eyes and started at the beginning.
“My father is unlike most of the gods and goddesses in Olympus. While they see any form of war as horrifyingly unpleasant, Ares thrives on the spirit of battle. His ego and pride are tied up in status and strength. The only other deity to share his beliefs is Athena, and competition has raged between them since the beginning of time.
“Like I told you before, they trained their followers, and hosted fights between their clans. But they wanted more. They each desired larger battalions. Since the other gods didn’t approve of their actions, they would not procreate with either of them, so Ares and Athena turned to the mortal world.
“Athena claims her power is rooted in purity, and she is afraid sacrificing her virginity would lessen her strength, so she has never known a man. Instead, she adopted unwanted or mistreated babies from Earth, taking them as her own. My father has a much different approach.
“He believes his seed is sacred, and has implanted it into countless women over the centuries. He collects the babies when they’re born, stealing them from their mother’s care to begin their life of training.”
“That’s horrible,” Lyric spoke up. “Those poor mothers have no idea what happened to their babies. And how sad for the children too; you guys never had a choice.”
I appreciated his concern, but I told him with a smile, “It isn’t without reward. As children of a god, we are blessed with things only a god could grant; exceptional strength, durability, speed, and immortality.”
He was quiet for several long moments as I stroked his hand. “It all sounds so unfair,” Lyric finally whispered. “Not only for you, but…you’re down here on Earth beating up on these guys with superhuman strength.”
“No,” I answered kindly, understanding his confusion and appreciating his noble heart. “There would be no honor in that. I am trained and conditioned, as any fighter is, but I only have the strength of my human half. I must earn my powers. My father sent me to Earth to prove my dominance over mankind. Only then will I be permitted back into Olympus and granted my godly abilities.” Ares believed that if his child could not win against humans, they were not worthy to be amongst other deities. My father had total control of his children's powers. He only granted them when he wished to do so.
“That’s what you meant when you told Christos you hoped you wouldn’t be here tomorrow,” Lyric gathered, and I nodded. “So…he knows all about you?”
“Oh, yes. Christos and I grew up together.”
“But he’s not a fighter?”
“No. Unfortunately for Ares, not all of his children live up to his battle expectations. When he finds a child unfit for fighting, he will either wipe their memory and send them back to Earth-”
“He just gets rid of them?” Lyric exclaimed indignantly before letting out a long sigh. “Honestly, they’re probably better off. Your dad sounds like a raging dick.”
I took no offense from his words. My father was an intense man with great power. Plus, Lyric was seeing the situation through purely human understanding.
“What happened to the ones he didn’t memory wipe?” Lyric asked.
“My father assigned them to a fighter, as an assistant. Christos was assigned to me. He helps me train, and he keeps me motivated while he manages my career. I owe a lot to him. But he is not just my assistant; he is my very good friend.” He was also my half-brother, but I had so many, the relationship wasn't sacred. Finding friendship instead of animosity between two of Ares’ children is what made us unique.
“He seems nice,” he replied, making me smile. I hoped Lyric and Christos would become good friends as well, since they were both very important in my life. Of course, Lyric was my priority and my greatest blessing. His needs and desires would be held above all else. “Can I ask you a question? It might sound a little…harsh.”