Focus

Wiping off sweat from her forehead, Alessia sheath's her sword. She has been practicing wielding it and putting her power into it. Zagreus hasn't returned to the underworld in a few days. It's not that she is concerned or worried about him.

Alessia is more frustrated and stuck in this palace, unable to do anything besides practice. Her nerves are on edge.

As she walks towards her chambers, Alessia hears a commotion from the throne room. Curious, she heads toward the source of the disturbance.

As she enters the room, she sees a group of men and women armed with swords and shields. They are gathered around Zagreus and another beautiful man.

Zagreus looks up, his striking blue eyes meeting hers. He excuses himself from the group and heads her way.

Alessia can feel her heartbeat quicken as Zagreus approaches her, his eyes locked onto hers. She tries to ignore the feeling of her stomach churning, reminding herself that she is a warrior and should not succumb to her emotions.

"What's going on?" she asks, trying to hide the tremble in her voice.

Zagreus looks at her momentarily before responding, "That is Apollo. He's a god of music and healing. He's offered to help us in our fight against Cronus."

Alessia nods, her eyes still fixed on Apollo's perfectly sculpted features. She can sense his power radiating from him and cannot help but feel drawn to him.

Zagreus notices her staring and clears his throat, returning her attention to him. "Alessia, I need to speak with you in private."

Alessia nods, following him to a secluded corner of the throne room.

"Listen, Alessia. I don't want you to be a part of this fight anymore. I plan on sending you and Rose to another realm with tight protection."

Alessia's eyes widen in shock. "What? No, I can fight. I can help you defeat Cronus."

Zagreus places a hand on her shoulder. "I know you can, but I can't risk losing you. You are important to me, Alessia. I can't bear the thought of anything happening to you."

Alessia feels a flush rise as she looks up at Zagreus. She can see the concern on his face, and she knows he's doing this to protect her. But she can't sit back and do nothing while he fights Cronus!

"Zagreus, I appreciate your concern. You were ready to send me into the afterlife a few weeks ago. I felt hated. Now I'm important to you, or is it that I have Mania's power, and you don't want to lose her again?" Alessia crosses her arms.

His face twist to anger. Zagreus closes the distance between them and pulls Alessia's arm closer to him.

"You know that's not true, Alessia," he growls, his eyes flashing dangerously. "Mania was the love of my life, and I failed to protect her." Alessia tries to pull away, but he tightens his grip. "Zagreus, let go," she demands.

But he doesn't release her. Instead, he pulls her closer until their faces are only inches apart. "I won't let that happen again," he says, his voice low and threatening.

Alessia's heart is pounding in her chest. She can feel the heat of his body against hers, and she can't deny the attraction she feels toward him.

"I won't be treated like a child," she says, trying to keep her voice calm. "I will fight for what I believe in, even if it means risking my life."

Zagreus releases her arm, stepping back, his face still filled with anger. "Fine," he says through gritted teeth. "But if anything happens to you, it's on your head."

Alessia nods, not wanting to cause any further conflict. She turns on her heel and leaves the throne room, her mind racing with conflicting emotions.

As she walks down the hall towards her chambers, she can't help but feel frustrated with Zagreus' overprotectiveness. She understands he cares for her, but she can't just sit idly by while he fights Cronus.

She needs to prove herself to him, to show that she can fight alongside him. And maybe, maybe he'll see her as more than just a warrior, but as a woman worth loving.

Determined, Alessia heads to the training grounds to continue honing her skills, ready to prove herself to Zagreus and the rest of the gods. She spends hours training, pushing herself to the limit, until finally, she collapses in exhaustion.

As she gasps for air, a shadow looms over her. Alessia looks up to see Apollo standing over her, a small smile on his lips.

"Quite impressive," he says, extending his hand to help her. "I can see why Zagreus values you so highly."

Alessia takes his hand and stands up, feeling a rush of excitement at his words. "Thank you," she says, trying to hide the blush spreading across her cheeks.

Apollo's smile widens, his eyes lingering on her face momentarily before he speaks again. "Let me formally introduce myself. I am Apollo. Listen, Alessia. I know Zagreus wants to protect you, but I also know that you are more than capable of fighting alongside us. I can help train you and hone your skills."

Alessia feels a surge of gratitude towards Apollo.

"I appreciate that. It's nice to meet you, Apollo. Zagreus told me about how you plan on helping out bringing down Cronus."

Apollo nods, his gaze fixed on Alessia. "Yes, I believe that with the gathering of other Gods and Goddesses, we can turn the tide before a war starts."

Alessia can't help but feel drawn to Apollo's confidence and power. She knows he could be a valuable ally in the fight against the dark creatures and Cronus.

"Thank you, Apollo. I would be honored to train under you," she says, her voice full of determination.

Apollo smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Excellent. I have a feeling that together, we can accomplish great things."

As they continue to talk, Alessia feels a spark of excitement. She knows she still has a lot to learn, but with Apollo's guidance, she feels more confident.

And maybe, she'll prove to Zagreus that she is worthy of fighting by his side and perhaps even earn his love and affection.