Lucien

Her body is aching, and her muscles are working overtime.

Alessia closes her eyes and lets out a deep sigh, feeling the tension slowly leaving her body as the warm water envelops her. The sound of the water splashing gently against the tub's sides is the only thing she hears, and the flickering candlelight is the only thing she sees.

Zagreus seems to be acting differently than when she woke up from that dream. He seems more distant and a bit harsh when training is time.

She can't help but wonder what has brought about this change in Zagreus. Was it something she did? Or was it something outside of their little world that was affecting him?

As she lets her thoughts wander, her hands explore her body. She starts with her neck, kneading the muscles there with her fingers. Then she moves down to her shoulders, chest, abdomen, and finally, to the apex of her thighs.

Alessia's mind begins to fill with images of Zagreus, his hard body pressing against hers, his hands exploring her like she is now. She can feel her desire building within her, and shaking her head, she stands up.

"I can't think of such things! Get a grip Alessia, a Titan God is on the verge of returning." She slaps her face and steps out of the tub.

Alessia wraps a towel around her body and looks at herself in the mirror.

She knows she is attractive but has never slept or been with a man. Why is she having such thoughts?

This must be because Mania and Alessia share a bond, making her feel attracted to Zagreus.

Nodding her head, she leaves the bathroom and starts to get dressed.

A knock on the door startles her.

"Come in"

The door opens, and in steps Zagreus.

Alessia lets out a scream as he is covered in black blood.

Zagreus looks at Alessia with a grave expression. His eyes darkened with worry. He closes the door behind him and approaches her slowly, the black blood still dripping from his body.

"Alessia, we have a problem," he says, his voice strained.

"Donn has been kidnapped."

Alessia's heart skips a beat. She looks up at Zagreus, her eyes locking onto his.

"What do we do, and what happened?" she asks, trying to keep her voice steady.

"We have to find him. And fast," Zagreus replies, his jaw set in determination.

"He was investigating the attack that hurt you in the human realm. I sensed something was off, and the mortal realm seemed to be being polluted with this dark power. I fought dark creatures. They are not demons but far worse. They shouldn't even be in the human realm. Something is happening."

Alessia nods, her mind racing with possibilities. "Do you have any leads on where he might be?"

Zagreus shakes his head. "Not yet, but I can sense his energy. We'll have to search every corner of the mortal realm, and we may need to go to the Heavenly realm if we have to."

Alessia takes a deep breath, knowing this won't be easy. "I'll go with you."

Zagreus looks at her, his eyes softening for a moment. "Are you sure? It could be dangerous."

"I'm sure," she replies firmly.

Zagreus nods, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Alright then. Get ready, and we'll head out."

Alessia quickly gets dressed, grabbing her weapons and accessories. As they leave, she can feel her heart beating faster with each step they take.

Alessia can sense dark energy looming over everything as they enter the human realm. It's unlike anything she felt. It's more profound and dark, and if she checked out the local news, she would bet chaos would erupt worldwide. They move through the city, their senses heightened as they scan the area for signs of Donn or the dark creatures that Zagreus had fought before. People around them seem oblivious to the danger, going about their daily lives as usual. Seeing such ignorance is unsettling, but Alessia knows it's for the best.

Suddenly, Zagreus stops in his tracks, his eyes darkening with anger. Alessia follows his gaze and sees a group of cloaked figures in the distance, their faces obscured by the darkness.

"That's them," Zagreus says, his voice low and dangerous.

Without another word, he charges toward the group, his sword glinting in the moonlight. Alessia follows closely behind, her weapons at the ready.

As they get closer, Alessia can see that the cloaked figures are not human. Their skin is a sickly shade of green, their eyes glowing red in the darkness. They hiss and snarl at them.

Zagreus slashes them at the speed of light, making it hard for Alessia to see what's happening.

She looks towards the grass and sees Donn on the ground, bloody.

Alessia rushes towards him and falls to her knees. He blinks up at her and smiles.

"You guys didn't have to come. I was handling them just fine!" Donn smiles and coughs.

Alessia eyes glisten with tears. She can feel herself choking on her words.

"What happens, Donn?"

He sits up slowly and pulls a single rose out of his pocket.

"They were after my wife, Rose. She is a flower nymph. She turned herself into this rose, and I tried to get her to safety, but these goons gave me some trouble. I was taking a rest before you and Zagreus showed up." Donn winks at Alessia.

Alessia feels relief but admires Donn's will to protect Rose. She helps him to his feet, and he dusts off his pants.

"I'm going to give you Rose. Please protect her. I'm going to help Zagreus fight." Donn takes out his sword and the blood that is on him. Alessia realize it wasn't his blood.

Alessia watches Donn charge off into the fight. She retreats to a safer distance. She can't engage in a battle while protecting Rose. Alessia holds the rose tightly, feeling its petals brush against her skin. She can sense Rose's energy within it and knows she must protect her at all costs. As she watches the battle unfold, her heart aches with worry for Zagreus and Donn.

Suddenly, she feels a presence behind her. She turns around, her hand gripping her weapon tightly.

"Who's there?" she calls out, echoing through the darkness.

A figure steps out from the shadows, his tall frame looming over her. He wears a dark cloak, his face obscured by the hood.

"Alessia," he says in a low voice.

Alessia doesn't recognize the voice. "Who are you?"

The figure steps closer, his eyes fixed on the rose in Alessia's hand. "I sensed something... unusual. And I see that my hunch was right."

Alessia narrows her eyes. "What do you want?"

The figure chuckles softly. "I want what you have, my dear, and now I want something else."

Alessia grips the rose tighter. "I won't let you have her."

The figure steps closer, his hand outstretched. "You don't have a choice, Alessia."

Alessia takes a step back, her heart beating faster. She knows this figure is not to be trusted, but she also knows she can't fight him while protecting Rose.

Just then, Zagreus and Donn appear, their weapons at the ready.

"Don't even think about it," Zagreus growls, his eyes flashing with anger.

The figure laughs in response, his hood falling back and revealing a handsome face with striking blue eyes. "Well, well. Look what the cat dragged in. The infamous Zagreus and Donn."

Donn raises his weapon, a snarl on his face. "Who are you, and what do you want with us?"

The figure smiles slyly. "My name is Lucien. And as for what I want, it's quite simple. I want the power inside that rose, and I have confirmed the information about Alessia. I want both Alessia and the rose."

Zagreus takes a step forward, his sword glinting in the moonlight. "You'll have to go through us first."

Lucien laughs again. "I was hoping you'd say that." He snaps his fingers, and suddenly, a group of shadowy figures appears behind him.

Alessia, Zagreus, and Donn draw their weapons, ready to fight.

But as the fight begins, Alessia can't shake off the feeling that Lucien wants more than just the power of the rose. She can feel his eyes on her, his gaze burning into her skin. And as she fights, she realizes that Lucien is toying with them, as if he knows something they don't.

Finally, after what feels like hours, the group of dark creatures retreats, defeated. Lucien looks at them, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "I must say, you put up quite a fight."

Lucien snaps his fingers and leaves as quickly as he appears, leaving a message behind.

"I'll be back for you, Alessia."